Clinical characterization, physical frailty, and depression in elderly patients with psoriasis from a reference center in Brazil: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background: There are few studies dedicated to the characterization of the geriatric population with psoriasis, which has particularities in terms of clinical manifestations and therapeutic limitations. As psoriasis is a chronic disease, presenting a higher prevalence with age, the increase in life expectancy in Brazil demands knowledge about the behavior of the disease among the elderly. Objectives: To characterize elderly people with psoriasis from a tertiary service, from the clinical-epidemiological point of view, presence of comorbidities, physical frailty, and affective impact, and to compare these aspects with adults with psoriasis and elderly people without the disease. Methods: Cross-sectional study of 64 elderly patients with psoriasis, 64 adults with psoriasis, and 64 elderly patients without the disease. Clinical-demographic aspects, the Beck depression scale, and Skindex-16 were evaluated. Indicators of physical frailty were evaluated in elderly patients: handgrip, sit-to-stand test, fatigue, and weight loss >5%. Results: In the elderly, the mean age (SD) of psoriasis onset was 44 (10) years, men represented 47% of the sample, the prevalence of arthritis was 22%, and ungual involvement occurred in 72%. Topical corticosteroids were used more often among elderly people with psoriasis (100%) than among adults with the disease (86%), with no difference among other systemic treatments. Diabetes mellitus occurred in 30% of the elderly. Hypertension (59%), dyslipidemia (52%), depression (34%), and fatigue (59%) were more prevalent among the elderly with psoriasis than among the healthy controls.

Intestinal microbiome characterization of adult Brazilian men with psoriasis compared to omnivore and vegetarian controls

Abstract Background Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with systemic inflammation and comorbidities. Changes in the composition of the intestinal microbiome are involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases and metabolic syndrome. Characterizing the intestinal microbiome of patients with psoriasis may be relevant for the understanding of its clinical course and comorbidity prevention. Objective To characterize the intestinal microbiome of men with psoriasis compared to omnivore and vegetarian controls (without psoriasis). Method Cross-sectional study of 42 adult males: 21 omnivores with psoriasis; and controls: 14 omnivores and 7 vegetarian individuals. The characterization of the intestinal microbiome was performed by metagenomic analysis. Serum levels of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LPB) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were evaluated. Results The groups differed from each other regarding nutritional aspects and microbiome; individuals with psoriasis had a higher consumption of protein and lower consumption of fibers. Levels of LPB, CRP, and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio were higher in the group with psoriasis than in the vegetarian group (p < 0.05). The genera Prevotella, Mogibacterium, Dorea, Bifidobacterium and Coprococcus, differed in the group with psoriasis compared to vegetarians; the genera Mogibacterium, Collinsella and Desulfovibrio differed from omnivores. A microbiome pattern linked to psoriasis (plsPSO) was identified, which was associated with higher LPB levels (rho = 0.39; p = 0.02), and lower dietary fiber intake (rho = −0.71; p < 0.01). Study limitations Only adult men were evaluated. Conclusion A difference was identified in the intestinal microbiome of adult men with psoriasis when compared to healthy omnivores and vegetarian controls. The identified microbiome pattern was correlated with dietary fiber intake and serum levels of LPB.

Histological changes in facial melasma after treatment with triple combination cream with or without oral tranexamic acid and/or microneedling: A randomised clinical trial

Background: Melasma is an acquired dyschromia with several histologic alterations in the epidermis, basement membrane and upper dermis. The treatment of melasma is challenging due to the irregular response and chronicity of the disease. To date, there are no curative strategies, largely due to the limited understanding of the intrinsic effects of each treatment. Objectives: The objective of the study was to evaluate the histological changes promoted by triple combination cream, with or without complementary treatment with microneedling and oral tranexamic acid, in the treatment of melasma. Methods: A factorial, randomised, controlled and evaluator-blinded clinical trial was performed involving 64 women with facial melasma, divided in four groups, who underwent 60 days of treatment with triple combination cream alone (control group) or combined with two monthly microneedling sessions (microneedling group), TA 250 mg twice daily (tranexamic acid group), or both tranexamic acid group and microneedling group. The participants underwent biopsy of the area with melasma at inclusion (D1) and D60. The primary outcomes were the variation (D1 × D60) between the variables: Thickness of the epidermis and stratum corneum, stratum corneum compaction and solar elastosis; melanin density in the epidermis and upper dermis; proportion between the extension of the nonintact and intact basement membrane zone; mast cell count in the upper dermis; melanocyte count in the basal layer, pendulum melanocyte count and melanocyte area; immunostaining density of vascular endothelial growth factor; stem cell factor and keratinocyte growth factor. Results: One participant in the TG discontinued tranexamic acid due persistent headache; and herpes simplex occurred in three patients after microneedling. The groups showed a 24% (CI95%: 17–35%; P < 0.01) reduction in epidermal melanin density. There was no change in dermal melanin density or the area of melanocytes after treatment. There was an overall 25% (CI95%: 7–42%; P < 0.01) reduction in the number of pendulum melanocytes, especially in the microneedling and tranexamic acid group, that presented a 41% (CI95%: 7–73%; P < 0.01) reduction. The extension of the nonintact basal membrane relative to the intact basal membrane decreased after treatment, especially in microneedling group and microneedling and tranexamic acid group. There was an increase of 13% (CI95%: 5–21%; P = 0.02) in epidermal thickness and 6% (CI95%: 0–22%; P = 0.04) thinning of the stratum corneum in the groups. All groups showed stratum corneum compaction. Solar elastosis improved only in the microneedling group and microneedling and tranexamic acid group. Vascular endothelial growth factor immunostaining increased 14% (CI95%: 4–24%; P = 0.03) in the groups; and stem cell factor increased only in microneedling group. There was no change in the number of mast cells, CD34 and keratinocyte growth factor immunostaining. Limitations: The site of biopsy may not represent all of the facial melasma and the immunohistochemical sensitivity of the cytokines does not have a stoichiometric relationship with proteins. Conclusion: A greater thickness of the epidermis is associated with melasma bleaching. Dermal melanin seems to have no impact on melasma prognosis. Damage to the skin barrier and stimulus of angiogenesis should be avoided in the treatment of melasma. Microneedling complements the topical treatment of melasma by improving patterns of skin photoaging. Oral tranexamic acid complements the topical treatment of melasma by inhibiting the stem cell factor.

Pigmented eccrine poroma in an atypical location

Abstract Eccrine poroma is the term that includes benign neoplasms of the terminal duct of the eccrine sweat glands, which may clinically and dermoscopically resemble other melanoma and non-melanoma skin tumors. They are often located on the extremities (especially palms and soles), presenting as normochromic or erythematous papules and nodules, measuring up to 2 cm. Pigmented variants are uncommon, accounting for less than 20% of cases. This report describes a 37-year-old man who developed a large pigmented eccrine poroma on his right shoulder, causing diagnostic difficulty. Histopathological examination revealed a nodular neoplasm consisting of small, monomorphic, cuboidal cells, with ample, eosinophilic cytoplasm and well-defined borders, in addition to conspicuous intercellular bridges, with melanin deposits diffusely distributed inside them. The absence of cytological atypia, cellular pleomorphism, increased mitotic activity, and necrosis foci corroborated the diagnostic exclusion of porocarcinoma, which can develop from eccrine poroma.

Fibroblast morphology, growth rate and gene expression in facial melasma

Abstract Background: In addition to melanocytic hyperfunction, changes are observed in the upper dermis of melasma, and fibroblasts play a central role in collagen synthesis and pigmentation induction. Objective: To explore the morphology, growth rate, and gene expression profile of fibroblasts from the skin with melasma in comparison to fibroblasts from the adjacent healthy skin. Methods: Ten women with facial melasma were biopsied (lesion and adjacent healthy skin), and the fragments were processed for fibroblast culture. Samples from five participants were seeded to evaluate growth (days 2, 5 and 8) and senescence (SA-β-gal) curves. The samples from the other participants were submitted to real-time PCR to comparatively evaluation of the expression of 39 genes. Results: Cultured fibroblasts from melasma skin were morphologically less fusiform in appearance and on average a 34% (95% CI 4%-63%) greater proportion of cells labeled with SA-β-gal than the fibroblasts from the adjacent skin. The cell growth rate was lower for the melasma samples after eight days (p < 0.01). The WNT3A, EDN3, ESR2, PTG2, MMP1, and SOD2 genes were up-regulated, whereas the COL4A1, CSF2, DKK3, COL7A1, TIMP4, CCL2, and CDH11 genes were down-regulated in melasma skin fibroblasts when compared to the ones from adjacent healthy skin. Study limitations: Small sample size; absence of functional tests. Conclusions: Fibroblasts from the skin with melasma showed a lower growth rate, less fusiform morphology and greater accumulation of SA-β-gal than those from adjacent photo exposed skin. Moreover, their gene expression profile comprised factors that may contribute to upper dermis damage and sustained melanogenesis.

Histiocitoma fibroso maligno no tornozelo: relato de caso / Malignant fibrous histiocytoma in ankle: case report

Histiocitoma fibroso maligno (MFH) ou sarcoma pleomórfico indiferenciado (UPS) é um sarcoma moderadamente agressivo, capaz de invadir estruturas adjacentes. Trata-se de neoplasia mesenquimal que predomina em homens entre a sexta e sétima décadas de vida. Localiza-se, principalmente, nos membros inferiores, podendo acometer cabeça e pescoço, tronco e retroperitônio, com tendência à recorrência e à metástase local. O presente relato tem como objetivo apresentar um caso de MFH no tornozelo de uma mulher de 49 anos, com invasão óssea adjacente, que evoluiu com amputação transtibial. São abordados aspectos clínicos, radiológicos, histopatológicos e terapêuticos, salientando-se a importância do diagnóstico precoce.

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) or undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) is a sarcoma capable of invading adjacent structures. It is a mesenchymal neoplasia that predominates in men between the sixth and seventh decades of life. It is located mainly in the lower limbs and may affect the head and neck, trunk, and retroperitoneum, presenting a tendency to recurrence and local metastasis. This report aims to present a case of MFH in the ankle of a 49-year-old woman with an adjacent bone invasion, which evolved with transtibial amputation. Clinical, radiological, histopathological, and therapeutic aspects were addressed, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis

Case for diagnosis. Noninfectious suppurative panniculitis induced by mesotherapy with deoxycholate

Abstract A 28-year-old white female patient presented with multiple erythematous-to-violaceous, painful, suppurative nodules on the buttocks and thighs that appeared after two weeks of mesotherapy with deoxycholate, caffeine, sunflower liposomes, and sinetrol for localized fat. She was treated for atypical mycobacteriosis, but with no satisfactory response after antibiotic therapy. Bacterial, mycobacterial, and fungal culture were all negative. Histopathologic examination of the biopsy showed noninfectious suppurative panniculitis. It resolved after treatment with methotrexate, prednisone, and hydroxychloroquine. This report highlights the rarity of this complication, the importance of its early recognition, and differentiation with atypical fast growing mycobacterioses.

Development and validation of a multidimensional questionnaire for evaluating quality of life in melasma (HRQ-melasma)

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Melasma has a major impact on quality of life. MELASQoL is the only validated specific psychometric instrument to evaluate melasma QoL. OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a multidimensional questionnaire for evaluating quality of life related to facial melasma. METHODS: Cross-sectional study performed in 2 institutions (public and private) from Brazil. Two focus groups were carried out: 5 board-certified dermatologists and 10 melasma patients, indicating the dimensions and significant units of melasma QoL. The preliminary questionnaire with 49 itens was applied to 154 facial melasma patients. Item reduction was performed by Rasch analysis. Parallel evaluations of clinical (MASI), demographic, and QoL aspects (MELASQoL, DLQI) were performed. The dimensional structure was assessed by confirmatory factor analysis. Temporal stability was tested in a subgroup of 42 individuals within 7-14 days. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age of the 154 interviewed subjects was 39±8 years, and 87% were females. The median (p25-p75) DLQI and MELASQoL were: 2 (1-6) and 30 (17-44). HRQ-Melasma consisted of 19 items distributed in 4 dimensions: Physical/Appearance, Social/Professional, Psychological, and Treatment. Cronbach's alpha for HRQ-Melasma was 0.96, and >0.74 for each dimension. There was high correlation between HRQ-Melasma and DLQI and MELASQoL (rho=0.80 and 0.83), but modest with MASI (rho=0.35). Dimensional structure of HRQ-Melasma was stated by confirmatory factor analysis coefficients. Test-retest analysis disclosed an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.91 (p<0.01). STUDY LIMITATIONS: Single-center study. CONCLUSIONS: A specific instrument to evaluate QoL in melasma with multidimensional characteristics was developed and validated, with appropriate psychometric performance.

Psychometrican analysis and dimensional structure of the Brazilian version of melasma quality of life scale (MELASQoL-BP)

Abstract: Background: Although asymptomatic, melasma inflicts significant impact on quality of life. MELASQoL is the main instrument used to assess quality of life associated with melasma, it has been validated in several languages, but its latent dimensional structure and psychometric properties haven´t been fully explored. Objectives: To evaluate psychometric characteristics, information and dimensional structure of the Brazilian version of MELASQoL. Methods: Survey with patients with facial melasma through socio-demographic questionnaire, DLQI-BRA, MASI and MELASQoL-BP, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency of MELASQoL and latent dimensions (Cronbach's alpha). The informativeness of the model and items were investigated by the Rasch model (ordinal data). Results: We evaluated 154 patients, 134 (87%) were female, mean age (± SD) of 39 (± 8) years, the onset of melasma at 27 (± 8) years, median (p25-p75) of MASI scores , DLQI and MELASQoL 8 (5-15) 2 (1-6) and 30 (17-44). The correlation (rho) of MELASQoL with DLQI and MASI were: 0.70 and 0.36. Exploratory factor analysis identified two latent dimensions: Q1-Q3 and Q4-Q10, which had significantly more adjusted factor structure than the one-dimensional model: Χ2 / gl = 2.03, CFI = 0.95, AGFI = 0.94, RMSEA = 0.08. Cronbach's coefficient for the one-dimensional model and the factors were: 0.95, 0.92 and 0.93. Rasch analysis demonstrated that the use of seven alternatives per item resulted in no increase in the model informativeness. Conclusions: MELASQoL-BP showed good psychometric performance and a latent structure of two dimensions. We also identified an oversizing of item alternatives to characterize the aggregate information to each dimension.

Melasma: a clinical and epidemiological review

Melasma is a chronic acquired hypermelanosis of the skin, characterized by irregular brown macules symmetrically distributed on sun-exposed areas of the body, particularly on the face. It is a common cause of demand for dermatological care that affects mainly women (especially during the menacme), and more pigmented phenotypes (Fitzpatrick skin types III-V). Due to its frequent facial involvement, the disease has an impact on the quality of life of patients. Its pathogeny is not yet completely understood, although there are some known triggering factors such as sun exposure, pregnancy, sexual hormones, inflammatory processes of the skin, use of cosmetics, steroids, and photosensitizing drugs. There is also a clear genetic predisposition, since over 40% of patients reported having relatives affected with the disease. In this manuscript, the authors discuss the main clinical and epidemiological aspects of melasma.

Psoriasis: correlation between severity index (PASI) and systemic treatment / Psoriase: correlacao entre gravidade clinica (PASI) e qualidade de vida (DLQI) em pacientes avaliados antes e depois de tratamento sistemico

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin that affects patients of all ages andboth genders. The impact of the disease on quality of life is greater among patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. OBJECTIVE: to establish a correlation between the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) and theDermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) based on a quality of life questionnaire adapted to the Brazilian contextfor patients with plaque psoriasis before and after systemic treatment. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study of psoriasis patients who did not undergo treatment or who manifested clinical activity of the disease. Patients were evaluated according to the PASI and the quality of life questionnaire adapted to theBrazilian context before and 60 days after systemic treatment. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients participated in thestudy. Twenty-six were men, with a mean age of 46 years. There was no correlation between the PASI and thequality of life questionnaire adapted to the Brazilian context, but there was a correlation between the PASI andsome items of the quality of life questionnaire adapted to the Brazilian context, such as jobs involving public contact. CONCLUSION: The non-correlation between the PASI and the quality of life questionnaire adapted to the Brazilian context in this work may be associated with a history of chronic disease, which implies greater acceptance of the illness, or may be related to the low income and social status of the patients studied. The correlationobserved among patients with careers involving public contact suggests that some professions are more impacted by the disease. It may be necessary to adapt the quality of life questionnaire to patients with a low income andcultural and social limitations. The small sample size (n=35 patients) and the short follow-up period of 60 dayswere some of the limitations of this work. .

FUNDAMENTOS: Psoríase é doença inflamatória crônica da pele que afeta pacientes de todas as idades eambos os gêneros. O impacto negativo na qualidade de vida é mais importante naqueles pacientes com psoríasemoderada a grave. OBJETIVO: Correlacionar o índice de gravidade e extensão da psoríase e o índice de qualidadede vida, segundo questionário de qualidade de vida adaptado ao Brasil, em pacientes de psoríase em placas antes e depois de tratamento sistêmico. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal, descritivo, de pacientes de psoríase, virgens detratamento ou em atividade clinica, submetidos a avaliação do índice de gravidade e extensão da psoríase e aoquestionário de qualidade de vida adaptado ao Brasil antes e após 60 dias de tratamento com medicação sistêmica. RESULTADOS: Trinta e cinco pacientes foram estudados, 26 homens, com idade média de 46 anos. Não houvecorrelação entre índice de gravidade e extensão da psoríase e questionário de qualidade de vida adaptado aoBrasil. Mas, houve correlação entre índice de gravidade e extensão da psoríase e itens do questionário de qualidade de vida adaptado ao Brasil, tal como "atividade profissional com público". CONCLUSÃO: A não correlação entre índice de gravidade e extensão da psoríase e questionário de qualidade de vida adaptado ao Brasil nessainvestigação pode estar relacionada com história crônica de psoríase, o que implicaria em melhor aceitação dadoença ao longo do tempo ou às condições sociais e de baixa renda dos pacientes estudados. A correlação observada entre aqueles com atividade pública sugere que algumas profissões podem sofrer maior impacto da enfermidade. ...

Time needed to schedule dermatological consultations in Brazil / Tempo para agendamento de consultas dermatologicas no Brasil

BACKGROUND: It is not clear what the population's demand for dermatologists is, nor how many professionals are needed in order to provide adequate care in this area of expertise. Knowledge of the flow of patients at dermatological clinics throughout the country allows for the formation of expansion and distribution policies regarding professionals, and provides backing for the decision to increase medical residency places. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the time it takes to schedule a private dermatological consultation in Brazil, and other factors concerning consultations. METHODS: Survey with a random sample of 14% of Brazilian dermatologists, simulating the scheduling of emergency clinical and cosmetic consultations, and botulinum toxin procedures. Also, details relating to cost and professionals, were studied. Data were adjusted for each region of the country. RESULTS: A total of 873 dermatologists were evaluated. Full SBD members represented 85%, and 66% were women. The median time to schedule a consultation ranged from 6 (out-of-pocket payment) to 7 (medical insurance) consecutive working days. Times varied depending on the region. A multivariate analysis showed that out-of-pocket consultations and procedures were scheduled sooner than with medical insurance, regardless of whether they were clinical or cosmetic. CONCLUSION: The characteristics of dermatologists are varied throughout regions of the country. Private ...

FUNDAMENTOS: Não é clara a demanda populacional dermatológica, assim como a proporção de profissionais adequada para a cobertura de saúde na especialidade. O conhecimento da realidade de fluxo de atendimentos nos consultórios dermatológicos do País permite a formação de políticas de expansão e distribuição de profissionais, além de subsidiar a decisão de ampliação das vagas de residência médica. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar o tempo para agendamento de consulta dermatológica privada no Brasil e características ligadas à consulta. MÉTODOS: Inquérito populacional com amostra probabilística de 14% dos consultórios dermatológicos brasileiros, simulando o agendamento de consulta clínica de urgência, cosmiátrica e aplicação de toxina botulínica. Avaliaram-se também aspectos ligados ao custo e ao profissional. Dados foram ajustados para cada região do País. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 873 dermatologistas brasileiros. Sócios titulares da SBD foram 85% e mulheres, 66%. O tempo mediano para agendamento de consulta variou de 6 (particulares) a 7 (convênios) dias úteis consecutivos, esse valores variaram entre as regiões do País. A análise multivariada demonstrou que atendimentos e procedimentos particulares foram agendados mais rapidamente que os de convênios, independentemente, se clínico ...

Techniques of digital image analysis for histological quantification of melanin / Técnicas de análise de imagem digital para quantificação histológica da melanina

Morphometric analysis of tissue melanin may quantitatively contribute to research on pigmentation disorders. The authors present three methods for image analysis, which allow for identification of melanin-equivalent pixels in the epidermis using Fontana-Masson stain and, therefore, for the calculation of its percentage in the different epidermal layers. Moreover, they discuss the main elements related to the analysis and the need for rigorous standardization of the process.

A análise morfométrica da melanina tecidual pode subsidiar quantitativamente a pesquisa em discromias. Os autores demonstram três técnicas de análise de imagem digital que permitem a identificação dos pixels equivalentes à melanina na epiderme pela coloração de Fontana-Masson, possibilitando o cálculo da sua porcentagem nas diferentes camadas da epiderme, e discutem os principais elementos relacionados à análise e a necessidade de rigorosa padronização do processo.

Psoríase associada à infecção pelo HIV/aids / Psoriasis associated with HIV / AIDS

Psoríase é enfermidade inflamatória crônica, de alta prevalência e mediada por fenômenos imunes. A ocorrência da psoríase associada à infecção pelo HIV é relatada com frequência maior do que na população geral.A psoríase pré-existente pode se tornar mais grave ou se tornar mais resistente à terapêutica na medida em que agrava a depleção imune no paciente infectado pelo HIV.A psoríase pode se manifestar desde o início como quadro grave e atípico em paciente infectado pelo HIV. A psoríase grave e rapidamente evolutiva pode ser a manifestação clínica sugestiva de infecção pelo HIV subjacente e insuspeita.O tratamento antirretroviral e a consequente recuperação imune contribuem para melhoria clínica da psoríase associada à infecção pelo HIV.

Associação entre acrocórdons e resistência à insulina / Association between skin tags and insulin resistance

FUNDAMENTOS: Acrocórdons são lesões dermatológicas comuns na população e estão associados ao diabetes mellitus, à obesidade, à resistência insulínica e à aterosclerose. A identificação precoce de pacientes com resistência insulínica pode ter papel preventivo primário. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a associação entre presença de acrocórdons cervicais ou axilares e resistência insulínica. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com pacientes dermatológicos adultos atendidos em hospital universitário. Casos foram definidos como portadores de mais de cinco acrocórdons cervicais e/ou axilares. A resistência insulínica foi estimada pelo índice HOMA-IR. Resultados foram ajustados pelas demais covariáveis de risco para resistência insulínica conhecidos, a partir de regressão logística múltipla. RESULTADOS: Avaliaram-se 98 casos e 103 controles, que não diferiram entre si quanto à idade ou ao gênero. Acrocórdons se associaram diretamente aos valores de HOMA-IR (Odds Ratio = 1,4), hipertrigliceridemia e índice de massa corpórea, independentemente do ajuste por diabetes mellitus, idade, fototipo, gênero, história de diabetes mellitus familiar e relação cintura/quadril. Níveis qualitativamente elevados de HOMA-IR (> 3,8) também evidenciaram associação significativa (Índice de probabilidade = 7,5). CONCLUSÕES: Presença de múltiplos acrocórdons se associou à resistência insulínica, independentemente dos demais fatores de risco.

BACKGROUND: Skin tags are dermatological lesions commonly found in the general population and have been associated with diabetes mellitus, obesity, insulin resistance and atherosclerosis. Early detection of patients with insulin resistance may play an important preventive role. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between skin tags in the neck or axillary regions and insulin resistance. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving adult patients receiving care at a university teaching hospital. Cases were defined as patients with > 5 skin tags in the neck region and/or axillae. Insulin resistance was estimated using the HOMA-IR index. Results were adjusted for the other known covariates of risk for insulin resistance using a multiple logistic regression model. RESULTS: Ninety-eight cases and 103 controls were evaluated. There was no difference between the groups with respect to age or gender. Skin tags were directly associated with HOMA-IR values (odds ratio = 1.4), hypertriglyceridemia and body mass index, irrespective of adjustment for diabetes mellitus, age, skin phototype, gender, family history of diabetes mellitus or hip/waist ratio. Qualitatively elevated HOMA-IR levels (>3.8) were also significantly associated (odds ratio = 7.5). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of multiple skin tags was strongly associated with insulin resistance irrespective of other risk factors.

Fisiopatologia do melasma: [revisão] / Physiopathology of melasma: [review]

Melasma é uma dermatose comum que cursa com alteração da cor da pele normal, resultante da hiperatividade melanocítica focal epidérmica de clones de melanócitos hiperfuncionantes, com consequente hiperpigmentação melânica induzida, principalmente, pela radiação ultravioleta. Clinicamente, caracteriza-se por manchas acastanhadas, localizadas preferencialmente na face, embora possa acometer também região cervical, torácica anterior e membros superiores.Mulheres em período fértil e de fototipos intermediários representam as populações mais acometidas. Grande parte de sua fisiopatogenia permanece desconhecida, havendo relação com fatores genéticos, hormonais, uso de medicamentos, cosméticos, endocrinopatias e fotoexposição. Os autores discutem os principais elementos relacionados à pigmentação da pele e ao desenvolvimento do melasma.

Melasma is a common dermatosis that involves changes in normal skin pigmentation, resulting from the hyperactivity of epidermal melanocytes. The consequent hyperpigmentation is mostly induced by ultraviolet radiation. Clinically, melasma is characterized by light to dark brown macules that usually occur on the face, although they can also affect the cervical and anterior thoracic regions and upper members.Fertile age women and those with intermediate skin phototypes are most likely to develop melasma. Most of its physiopathogenics is not yet fully understood, but there is a relation with genetic and hormonal factors, drugs and cosmetics use, endocrinopathies and sun exposure. The authors discuss the main aspects associated with skin pigmentation and the development of melasma.

Imuno-histoquímica para o diagnóstico precoce de vitiligo / Immunohistochemistry for early diagnosis of vitiligo

O vitiligo é uma doença de pele freqüente que acomete 1% da população e é caracterizada por máculas despigmentadas conseqüentes à perda progressiva e localizada dos melanócitos da epiderme. Na maioria dos pacientes, o diagnóstico é feito por exame clínico. A biópsia da pele é realizada quando há necessidade de diagnóstico diferencial com doenças hipocromiantes. O diagnóstico histopatológico de vitiligo é difícil nos preparados corados por hematoxilina e eosina (HE). Há poucos estudos sobre a melhoria da qualidade diagnóstica no vitiligo. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a utilidade dos marcadores imuno-histoquímicos proteína S-100, human melanoma black-45 (HMB-45) e Melan-A para o diagnóstico precoce em casos clinicamente suspeitos ou duvidosos de vitiligo. Material e métodos: Lâminas histológicas de biópsias de pele sã e lesada de 10 pacientes com suspeita clínica de vitiligo coradas pelos métodos de HE, proteína S-100, HMB-45 e Melan-A. Utilizou-se contracoloração com Giemsa como modificação técnica para diferenciar a melanina da imunomarcação. RESULTADOS: Seis casos, com manifestação clínica recente, apresentaram infiltrado linfocitário, do tipo dermatite de interface, na pele lesada na HE. As colorações por S-100, HMB-45 e Melan-A marcaram os melanócitos da camada basal da pele sã, e a proteína S-100 evidenciou as células de Langerhans. Na pele lesada, os melanócitos estavam ausentes ou diminuídos quando comparados com a pele normal. A proteína S-100 demonstrou maior número de células de Langerhans, o que é característico das lesões de vitiligo. CONCLUSÃO: A imuno-histoquímica pode ser utilizada como método auxiliar no diagnóstico dos casos duvidosos de vitiligo.

Vitiligo is a frequent skin disease that affects 1% of the population. It presents depigmented macules resulting from a gradual loss of melanocytes in the epidermis. In most cases, the diagnosis is made by clinical examination. Skin biopsies are performed when it is necessary to compare it with other hypomelanosis. Histopathological diagnosis of vitiligo is often difficult in hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) stained sections. There are a few studies on the improvement of diagnostic quality in vitiligo. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of immunohistochemical markers, such as S-100 protein, human melanoma black-45 (HMB-45) and Melan-A, in the early diagnosis of clinically suspected or doubtful cases of vitiligo. Materials and methods: Histological sections of biopsies from healthy and affected skin areas from 10 patients clinically suspected of vitiligo. The samples were stained with H&E, S-100 protein, HMB-45 and Melan-A methods. Counterstaining with Giemsa was applied as a technical modification to differentiate melanin from immunolabelling. RESULTS: Six cases with recent clinical manifestation showed lymphocyte infiltrates, such as interface dermatitis, in the affected skin in the H&E staining technique. S-100 protein, HMB-45 and Melan-A staining marked the basal layer melanocytes of the healthy skin and S-100 protein antigen evidenced Langerhans cells. Melanocytes were absent or less frequent in affected skin areas in comparison with normal skin. S-100 protein showed a larger number of Langerhans cells, what is a common feature of vitiligo lesions. Conclusion: Immunohistochemistry may be used as an auxiliary technique for the diagnosis of suspected vitiligo cases.

Estudo comparativo morfofuncional de melanócitos em lesões de melasma / Morphological and functional comparative study of melanocytes in melasma lesions

FUNDAMENTOS - Melasma é hipermelanose comum caracterizada por máculas acastanhadas em áreas fotoexpostas, cuja fisiopatogenia não é totalmente esclarecida. OBJETIVOS - Caracterizar e comparar morfologica e funcionalmente os melanócitos da epiderme sã com os da pele afetada por melasma. MÉTODOS - Avaliaram-se 12 pacientes portadores de melasma facial, sendo realizadas biópsias da pele lesada e pele sã adjacente. Os cortes foram corados por hematoxilina-eosina, Fontana-Masson, marcados pelo Melan-A e submetidos à microscopia eletrônica. A quantificação epidérmica de melanina e melanócitos foi estimada a partir de análise citomorfométrica digital. RESULTADOS - Todas as pacientes eram mulheres com média de idade 41,3±2,8 anos. Ao Fontana-Masson evidenciou-se importante aumento da melanina epidérmica na pele lesada em relação à pele sã. A marcação pelo Melan-A demonstrou melanócitos maiores com dendritos proeminentes na pele lesada. Observou-se maior densidade de melanina epidérmica na pele lesada, e a análise digital do número de melanócitos da epiderme não demonstrou diferença significativa entre pele lesada e sã. À microscopia eletrônica, observaram-se número aumentado de melanossomas maduros nos ceratinócitos e melanócitos com organelas citoplasmáticas proeminentes na pele lesada. CONCLUSÕES - Melanogênese aumentada na epiderme com melasma em relação à epiderme normal adjacente.

BACKGROUND - Melasma is a common hypermelanosis characterized by symmetric brownish macules on photoexposed areas, most frequently on the face of women. Its pathophysiology is still unknown. OBJECTIVES - To morphologically and functionally characterize and compare melanocytes of normal skin and of melasma. METHODS - Twelve patients with facial melasma were assessed and biopsies of lesions and adjacent healthy skin were performed. The slices were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Fontana-Masson, immunohistochemically marked for Melan-A and evaluated by electronic microscopy. Quantification of epidermal melanin and melanocytes was estimated by digital cytomorphometric analysis. RESULTS - All patients were female, mean age of 41.3±2.8 years. The Fontana-Masson staining showed an important increase in epidermal melanin as compared to normal skin. The Melan-A staining demonstrated larger and intensely marked melanocytes and more prominent dendrites in the damaged skin. Greater epidermal melanin density was observed in melasma lesions and the digital analysis of number of epidermal melanocytes did not show a significant difference between damaged and normal skin. Electronic microscopy analysis revealed an increased number of mature melanosomes in keratinocytes and melanocytes, with marked cytoplasmic organelles in melasma skin. CONCLUSIONS - Melanogenesis is increased on melasma epidermis as compared to adjacent normal skin.

Associação entre doença arterial coronariana e as pregas lobular diagonal e anterotragal em homens / Association between coronary artery disease and the diagonal earlobe and preauricular creases in men

FUNDAMENTOS: Diversas alterações dermatológicas foram associadas à doença arterial coronariana, representando achados de fácil constatação que podem contribuir na estratificação não invasiva do risco cardíaco. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar comparativamente a prevalência de certos achados dermatológicos em pacientes com ou sem doença arterial coronariana. MÉTODOS: Estudo caso/controle envolvendo pacientes do sexo masculino submetidos à cineangiocoronariografia. Foram considerados aqueles casos com obstrução de mais de 50 por cento em pelo menos uma coronária. Avaliou-se a presença da prega lobular diagonal, prega anterotragal, alopecia e presença de pêlos no tórax nos dois grupos. Os resultados foram ajustados para os fatores de risco: tabagismo, hipertensão, diabetes, idade, dislipidemia e índice de massa corporal. RESULTADOS: Analisaram-se 110 pacientes (80 casos e 30 controles). A prevalência da prega lobular diagonal nos casos (60,0 por cento) foi maior do que no grupo controle (30,0 por cento) (p<0,05). Alopecia androgenética e distribuição de pêlos no tórax não demonstraram associação positiva com coronariopatia neste estudo. O Odds Ratio (IC 95 por cento), da prega lobular diagonal foi de 3,1 (1,2-8,3) e para prega anterotragal foi de 5,5 (1,9-16,3). A verificação simultânea da prega lobular diagonal e prega anterotragal representou valor preditivo positivo de 90 por cento. CONCLUSÕES: Detectou-se associação positiva entre a presença da prega lobular diagonal bilateral e prega anterotragal bilateral com doença arterial coronariana, sendo que a presença simultânea das duas pregas apresenta alta preditividade para doença arterial coronariana.