ABSTRACT
Objective: To determine the efficacy and safety of thalidomide in treatment of idiopathic prurigo nodularis
Methods: A total of 12 patients were enrolled in the study. Patients of child bearing potential and those with active systemic disease were excluded. All the patients had the histopathological confirmation of diagnosis. Patients were given 100mg/day of thalidomide for a period of three months. Follow up visit was every one month and therapy was stopped at three months. Patients were again evaluated for relapse two months after stopping the treatment
Results: 7 [58.3 percent] patients had successful response to the treatment. 3 [25 percent] patients had a partial response and 2 [16.7 percent] had unsuccessful treatment
Conclusion: Thalidomide is safe and effective treatment option for idiopathic recalcitrant prurigo nodulari
ABSTRACT
To determine the familial frequency of vitiligo and its association with autoimmune disorders. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Dermatology, Mayo Hospital, Lahore. Hundred patients of vitiligo of any age and either sex, diagnosed on the basis of history and clinical examination were enrolled from the outpatient department. Patients were evaluated for familial frequency of vitiligo and its association with other autoimmune diseases by means of a specially designed proforma. Total number of vitiligo patients was 100. Family history of vitiligo was seen in 22% of cases. Associated autoimmune disorders were seen in 23% of cases and were mainly diabetes mellitus, autoimmune thyroid disease, alopecia areata and eczemas. This study reveals that generalized vitiligo is associated with other autoimmune disorders, showing similar genetic basis. Therefore it is important to evaluate as well as investigate, where necessary, vitiligo patients for other autoimmune disorders