Características de la población residente en áreas de trasmisión de leishmaniasis en el Perú, 2010 - 2022 / Characteristics of the population residing in areas of leishmaniasis transmission in Peru, 2010 - 2022

RESUMEN Introducción. La leishmaniasis es una enfermedad zoonótica endémica con amplia distribución en Perú. Objetivo. Identificar los escenarios de transmisión de leishmaniasis y la población que reside en estos, e identificar las características de las poblaciones afectadas durante el periodo 2010 a 2022. Métodos. Estudio descriptivo, transversal, ecológico con unidad de análisis el nivel distrital. Se utilizó datos de fuentes secundarias de acceso público. Resultados. En el periodo de estudio se reportaron 85 117 casos, 7 374 007(22,08%) habitantes residían en 543 distritos con transmisión continua, 11 467 420 (34,33%) habitantes que residían en 454 distritos con reporte esporádico de casos y 14 558 983(43,59%) residían en 893 distritos libres de trasmisión. El 98,16% de los casos ocurrieron en distritos con trasmisión continua, el 1,84%, en distritos con reporte esporádico de casos. La incidencia acumulada media anual fue 3,48 casos/10 000 habitantes. 18 departamentos reportaban trasmisión continua, Madre de Dios (42,45 casos/10 000 habitantes) y Cusco (15,78 casos/10 000 habitantes) tuvieron las tasas más altas. Las poblaciones de mayor riesgo son: hombres, adolescentes y jóvenes; residentes de distritos: de selva, del quintil de mayor pobreza monetaria, del quintil con mayor porcentaje con al menos 1 NBI, y del quintil de menor índice de desarrollo humano. Conclusión. La leishmaniasis tiene amplia distribución en Perú, 56,41% de la población habita en distritos que reportan casos. Existen grupos poblacionales con mayor riesgo absoluto, los cuales pueden ser blanco de intervenciones diferenciadas de prevención y control.

ABSTRACT Introduction. Leishmaniasis is an endemic zoonotic disease widely distributed in Peru. Objectives. Identify transmission scenarios and the population residing in them and identify the characteristics of the affected populations during the period 2010-2022. Methods. Descriptive, cross-sectional, ecological study with district as analysis units. Publicly accessible secondary data sources were used. Results. During the study period, 85,117 cases were reported; 7,374,007 (22.08%) inhabitants live in 543 districts with continuous transmission; 1,146,7420 (34.33%) inhabitants reside in 454 districts with sporadic reports of cases; and 1,455,8983 (43.59%) reside in 893 transmission-free districts. 98.16% of the cases occurred in districts with continuous transmission; 1.84% occurred in districts with sporadic case reports. The mean annual incidence rate was 3.48 cases/10,000 inhabitants. 18 departments report continuous transmission; Madre de Dios (42.45 cases/10,000 inhabitants) and Cusco (15.78 cases/10,000 inhabitants) report the highest rates. The populations with higher absolute risk are men, adolescents, and young people; residents: from jungle districts; from the quintile with the highest monetary poverty; from the quintile with the highest percentage with at least 1 NBI; and from the quintile with the lowest human development index. Conclusion. Leishmaniasis is widely distributed in Peru, with 56.41% of the population living in districts reporting cases. There are population groups with a higher absolute risk, which can be the target of differentiated prevention and control interventions.

Expresión transcripcional de receptores tipo Toll y citoquinas proinflamatorias en macrófagos infectados con Leishmania braziliensis nativa / Transcriptional expression of Toll-like receptors and proinflammatory cytokines in macrophages infected with native Leishmania braziliensis

RESUMEN Introducción. El receptor de tipo Toll (TLR) que interactúe con el promastigote de Leishmania spp. determina la vía de activación celular. Objetivo. Identificar la expresión transcripcional de TLR-3, TLR-4, TLR-9, IL-12 y TNF-α en macrófagos infectados con una cepa nativa de L. braziliensis (Lbn). Métodos. La identificación de Lbn se hizo empleando qPCR para secuencias del DNA del cinetoplasto. Los macrófagos peritoneales de ratones fueron infectados con promastigotes y se midieron la producción de óxido nítrico (ON). Se cuantificaron los niveles transcripcionales para TLRs y citoquinas empleando qRT-PCR. Resultados. Lbn presentó 96% de homología con L. braziliensis. En los infectados con promastigotes se observó elevada producción de ON a las 2 h; significativa expresión transcripcional especialmente de TLR-3 y TLR-9 que se correspondió con la expresión para citoquinas. Conclusión. Lbn activó fuertemente a los macrófagos mediante los TLRs endosomales lo cual puede ser aplicado en el diseño de agonistas para tratar la enfermedad.

ABSTRACT Introduction. The Toll-like receptor (TLR) interacting with the promastigote of Leishmania spp. determines the cellular activation pathway. Objective. To determine the transcriptional expression of TLR-3, TLR-4, TLR-9, IL-12 and TNF-α in macrophages infected with a native strain of L. braziliensis (Lbn). Materials and Methods. Identification of Lbn was performed by qPCR for kinetoplast DNA sequences. Mouse peritoneal macrophages were infected with promastigotes (MI) and nitric oxide (NO) production was measured; transcript levels for TLRs and cytokines were quantified by qRT-PCR. Results. Lbn showed 96% homology to L. braziliensis. High ON production was observed in IMs at 2 h; significant transcriptional expression especially of TLR-3 and TLR-9, which corresponded with expression for cytokines. Conclusions. Lbn strongly activated macrophages via endosomal TLRs, which can be applied in the design of agonists to treat the disease.

Fístula enterocutánea: un enfoque desde las generalidades y el estado nutricional / Enterocutaneous fistula: An approach based on generalities and nutritional status

Introducción. Una fístula es una conexión anormal entre dos superficies epitelizadas. Cerca del 80 % de las fístulas entero-cutáneas son de origen iatrogénico secundarias a cirugía, y un menor porcentaje se relacionan con traumatismos, malignidad, enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal o isquemia. La morbilidad y las complicaciones asociadas pueden ser significativas, como la desnutrición, en la que intervienen múltiples factores. Métodos. Se realizó una búsqueda de la literatura en las bases de datos de PubMed, Google Scholar y SciELO, utilizando las palabras claves descritas y se seleccionaron los artículos más relevantes de los últimos años. Resultados. La clasificación de las fístulas se basa en su anatomía, su gasto o secreción diaria y su localización. Existe una tríada clásica de las complicaciones: sepsis, desnutrición y anomalías electrolíticas. El control del gasto de la fístula, el drenaje adecuado de las colecciones y la terapia antibiótica son claves en el manejo precoz de estos pacientes. Los estudios recientes hacen hincapié en que la sepsis asociada con la desnutrición son las principales causas de mortalidad. Conclusiones. Esta condición representa una de las complicaciones de más difícil y prolongado tratamiento en cirugía abdominal y colorrectal, y se relaciona con importantes tasas de morbilidad, mortalidad y altos costos para el sistema de salud. Es necesario un tratamiento multidisciplinario basado en la reanimación con líquidos, el control de la sepsis, el soporte nutricional y el cuidado de la herida, entre otros factores.

Introduction. A fistula is an abnormal connection between two epithelialized surfaces. About 80% of enterocutaneous fistulas are of iatrogenic origin secondary to surgery, and a smaller percentage are related to trauma, malignancy, inflammatory bowel disease or ischemia. The associated morbidity and complications can be significant, such as malnutrition, in which multiple factors intervene. Methods. A literature search was carried out in the PubMed, Google Scholar and SciELO databases using the keywords described and the most relevant articles from recent years were selected. Results. The classification of fistulas is based on their anatomy, their daily secretion output, and their location. There is a classic triad of complications: sepsis, malnutrition and electrolyte abnormalities. Control of fistula output, adequate drainage of the collections and antibiotic therapy are key to the early management of these patients. Recent studies emphasize that sepsis associated with malnutrition are the main causes of mortality. Conclusions. This condition represents one of the most difficult and prolonged complications to treat in abdominal and colorectal surgery, and is related to significant rates of morbidity, mortality and high costs for the health system. Multidisciplinary treatment based on fluid resuscitation, sepsis control, nutritional support, and wound care, among other factors, is necessary.

Enfermedad de Rosai-Dorfman cutánea, reporte de un caso / Cutaneous Rosai-Dorfman disease, a case report

RESUMEN La enfermedad de Rosai-Dorfman cutánea (ERDC) es una rara proliferación reactiva de histiocitos, que cursa con lesiones cutáneas sin compromiso generalizado. Las manifestaciones clínicas cutáneas son diversas y la variante clínica "tipo tumoración" es la forma más infrecuente. Se describe el caso de un paciente con ERDC que se presentó con esta forma inusual.

ABSTRACT Cutaneous Rosai-Dorfman disease (CRDD) is a rare reactive histiocytic proliferation, which presents with skin lesions without systemic involvement. The clinical cutaneous manifestations are diverse and the "tumor-like" clinical variant is the most infrequent. We describe the case of a patient with CRDD who presented with this unusual form.

IL-1β and IL-17 in cutaneous lupus erythematous skin biopsies: could immunohistochemicals indicate a tendency towards systemic involvement?

Abstract Background: Only a fraction of patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) will eventually progress toward systemic disease (SLE). Objective: To find inflammatory biomarkers which could predict the progression of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) into systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) using immunohistochemical (IHC) assays. Methods: Immunohistochemical markers for cytotoxic, inflammatory, and anti-inflammatory responses and morphometric methods were applied to routine paraffin sections of skin biopsies, taken from lesions of 59 patients with discoid lupus, subacute lupus, and lupus tumidus. For the diagnosis of SLE, patients were classified by both the American College of Rheumatology (ACR-82) and the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC-12) systems. Results: Skin samples from CLE/SLE +patients presented higher expression of IL-1β (ARC-82: p = 0.024; SLICC-12: p = 0.0143) and a significantly higher number of cells marked with granzyme B and perforin (ARC: p = 0.0097; SLICC-12: p = 0.0148). Biopsies from CLE/SLE- individuals had higher expression of IL-17 (ARC-82: p = 0.0003; SLICC-12: p = 0.0351) and presented a positive correlation between the density of granzyme A+and FoxP3+ cells (ARC-82: p = 0.0257; SLICC-12: p = 0.0285) and CD8+ cells (ARC-82: p = 0.0075; SLICC-12: p = 0.0102), as well as between granulysin-positive and CD8+ cells (ARC-82: p = 0.0024; SLICC-12: p = 0.0116). Study limitations: Patients were evaluated at a specific point in their evolution and according to the presence or not of systemic disease. The authors cannot predict how many more, from each group, would have evolved towards SLE in the following years. Conclusions: In this cohort, immunohistochemical findings suggested that patients with a tendency to systemic disease will show strong reactivity for IL-1β, while those with purely cutaneous involvement will tend to express IL-17 more intensely.

Decrease of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium sized pleomorphic T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder

Abstract Background: Primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium-sized pleomorphic T-Cell lymphoproliferative disorder (PC-SMTLD) has been considered as a controversial dermatological disease that has been included in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma group, presenting most commonly as a solitary nodule and/or plaque with a specific and characteristic head and neck predilection. Due to the considerable overlap between PC-SMTLD and pseudolymphoma (PL), the differential diagnosis is often challenging. Methylation of DNA at position 5 of cytosine, and the subsequent reduction in intracellular 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) levels, is a key epigenetic event in several cancers, including systemic lymphomas. However, it has rarely been studied in cutaneous lymphomas. Objectives: The authors aimed to explore the role of differential 5-hmC immunostaining as a useful marker to distinguish PC-SMTLD from PL. Methods: Retrospective case series study with immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence analysis of 5-hmC was performed in PL and PC-SMTLD. Results: Significant decrease of 5-hmC nuclear staining was observed in PC-SMTLD when compared with PL (p<0.0001). By semi-quantitative grade integration, there were statistical differences in the final 5-hmC scores in the two study groups. The IF co-staining of 5-hmC with CD4 revealed a decrease of 5-hmC in CD4+ lymphocytes of PC-SMTLD. Study limitations: The small clinical sample size of the study. Conclusions: The immunorreactivity of 5-hmC in CD4+ lymphocytes was highly suggestive of a benign process as PL. Furthermore, the decrease of 5-hmC nuclear staining in PC-SMTLD indicated its lymphoproliferative status and helped to make the differential diagnosis with PL. © 2023 Sociedade Brasileira de Dermatologia. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Risk of progression of early-stage mycosis fungoides, 10-year experience

Abstract Background Mycosis fungoides is the most frequent form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. It is characterized by a chronic, slow, and progressive course, and is associated with mortality rates that depend on several factors, such as clinical staging. A median survival time of up to 13 months is found in patients with advanced stages that require more aggressive treatments, with greater toxicity and higher costs. In Latin America, few prognostic studies of the disease are available. Objective To determine the rate of progression from early stages (IA, IB, IIA) to more advanced stages (> IIB) in patients older than 18 years with mycosis fungoides treated at two medical centers in Colombia between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2019. Methods Retrospective cohort study with a longitudinal design. Results 112 patients diagnosed with early mycosis fungoides were included. 56.2% were male (n = 63), with a median age of 53 years (IQR 43‒67). The most frequent clinical variant was classic (67.9%; n = 76), followed by folliculotropic (16%; n = 18), and hypopigmented (10.7%; n = 12). The most common first-line treatment was NB-UVB phototherapy (27.7%; n = 31), followed by PUVA phototherapy (25.8%; n = 29%), and topical corticosteroids (25%; n = 28). The global rate of disease progression was 8% (n = 9), with an overall mortality of 12.5% (n = 14). Study limitations Its retrospective design and the lack of molecular studies for case characterization. Conclusions Early mycosis fungoides is a disease with a good prognosis in most patients, with a progression rate of 8% (n = 9).

A randomized clinical trial of transdermal (gel) versus oral estrogen for endometrial preparation in frozen embryo transfer cycle

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare endometrial thickness with the use of transdermal estrogen (gel) versus oral estrogen (pills) for endometrial preparation in the frozen embryo transfer cycle and serum estrogen concentrations during the preparation cycle, side effects, and chemical and clinical pregnancy rates. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized controlled trial of women undergoing endometrial preparation for cryopreserved blastocyst transfer. A total of 88 women were randomized, of which 82 completed the study protocol. Of this group, 44 received 6 mg/day of estradiol valerate orally (pills group) and 38 received 4.5 mg/day of estradiol hemihydrate transdermally (gel group). Endometrial thickness was measured using transvaginal ultrasound between the 7 and 10th day of the cycle. Serum estradiol concentrations were measured on the day of initiating the cycle, on control transvaginal ultrasounds, and on the day of embryo transfer. Side effects were documented at each study visit. p<0.05 were adopted as statistically significant. The groups were compared using Student's t-test for continuous variables and chi-square or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. RESULTS: There were no significant group differences (p>0.05) in endometrial thickness, biochemical and clinical pregnancy rates, miscarriage rate, blood estradiol concentrations, duration of estradiol administration, or cycle cancellation rates. CONCLUSION: Endometrial preparation with transdermal estrogen yielded similar reproductive outcomes to oral estrogen with fewer side effects.

Spatial analysis of American cutaneous leishmaniasis in the state of Amazonas

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To evaluate, using spatial analysis, the occurrence of American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ACL) and analyze its association with the municipal human development index (MHDI) and deforestation in the state of Amazonas, Brazil, from 2016 to 2020. METHODS This ecological study, carried out from January 2016 to December 2020, included the 62 municipalities of the state of Amazonas. The incidence rate of ACL was determined in space and time. Using Multiple Linear Regression by Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Spatial Autoregressive Regression (SAR) models, the relationship between incidence rates and Human Development Index (HDI) and deforestation was analyzed., The high- and low-risk clusters were identified by employing the Getis-Ord Gi* statistic. RESULTS A total of 7,499 cases of ACL were registered in all 62 municipalities in the state. Most cases were in male (n=5,924; 79.24%), with the greatest frequency in the population aged from 20 to 39 years (n=3,356; 44.7%). The incidence rate in the state of Amazonas was 7.34 cases per 100,000 inhabitants-year, with the municipalities of Rio Preto da Eva and Presidente Figueiredo showing the highest rates (1,377.5 and 817.5 cases per 100,000 population-year, respectively). The ACL cases were clustered into specific areas related to those municipalities with the highest incidence rates. The SAR model revealed a positive relationship between ACL and deforestation. CONCLUSIONS The occurrence of ACL was evident in a variety of patterns in the state of Amazonas; the high incidence rates and persistence of this disease in this state were linked to deforestation. The temporal distribution showed variations in the incidence rates during each year. Our results can help optimize the measures needed to prevent and control this disease in the state.

Paracoccidioidomicosis crónica multifocal con compromiso perioral y laríngeo en un paciente inmunocompetente: reporte de un caso / Chronic multifocal paracoccidioidomycosis with perioral and laryngeal involvement in an immunocompetent patient: case report

Introducción: la paracoccidioidomicosis es una micosis endémica en áreas tropicales de Suramérica y Centroamérica. 50 % de los pacientes tiene afectación de las membranas mucosas, y la mucosa laríngea se afecta en 22 %-43 % de los casos. Caso clínico: se presenta un caso ilustrativo de un paciente con paracoccidioidomicosis y afectación de la mucosa oral y laríngea con curso clínico sugestivo de tuberculosis diseminada. Discusión: el compromiso mucoso se presenta en 50 % pacientes con paracoccidioidomicosis, mientras que la afectación laríngea se da en 22 %-43 % de los pacientes. En la mayoría de los casos, las lesiones laríngeas se observan como masas granulomatosas con una superficie hemorrágica y se asocian con disfonía, por lo que son difíciles de diferenciar de una tuberculosis laríngea. Conclusión: la afectación laríngea en pacientes con paracoccidioidomicosis es frecuente y tiene curso clínico similar al de la tuberculosis, e implica un reto diagnóstico.

Introduction: Paracoccidioidomycosis is a mycosis endemic in tropical areas of South America and Central America. 50% of patients have mucous membrane in-volvement and the laryngeal mucosa is affected in 22-43% of cases. Case report: We present an illustrative case of a patient with Paracoccidioidomycosis with in-volvement of the oral and laryngeal mucosa with a clinical course suggestive of disseminated tuberculosis. Discussion: Mucosal involvement occurs in half of the patients with Paracoccidioidomycosis, while laryngeal involvement occurs in 22-43% of patients. In most cases, laryngeal lesions are observed as granulomatous masses with a hemorrhagic surface and are associated with dysphonia, making them difficult to differentiate from laryngeal tuberculosis. Conclusion: Laryngeal invol-vement in patients with Paracoccidioidomycosis is frequent and has a clinical course similar to that of tuberculosis, implying a diagnostic challenge.

Elective parotidectomy and neck dissection are not beneficial in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head

Abstract Objective Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (cSCC), a tumor with a significantly increasing incidence, is mostly diagnosed in the head region, where tumors have a worse prognosis and a higher risk of metastases. The presence of metastases reduces specific five-year survival from 99% to 50%. As the risk of occult metastases does not exceed 10%, elective dissection of the tributary parotid and neck lymph nodes is not recommended. Methods We retrospectively analyzed a group of 12 patients with cSCC of the head after elective dissections of regional (parotid and cervical) nodes by means of superficial parotidectomy and selective neck dissection. Results We diagnosed occult metastases neither in the cervical nor parotid nodes in any patient. None were diagnosed as a regional recurrence during the follow-up period. Conclucion Our negative opinion on elective parotidectomy and neck dissection in cSCC of the head is in agreement with the majority of published studies. These elective procedures are not indicated even for tumors showing the presence of known (clinical and histological) risk factors for lymphogenic spread, as their positive predictive value is too low. Elective parotidectomy is individually considered as safe deep surgical margin. If elective parotidectomy is planned it should include only the superficial lobe. Completion parotidectomy and elective neck dissection are done in rare cases of histologically confirmed parotid metastasis in the parotid specimen. Preoperatively diagnosed parotid metastases without neck involvement are sent for total parotidectomy and elective selective neck dissection. Cases of clinically evident neck metastasis with no parotid involvement, are referred for comprehensive neck dissection and elective superficial parotidectomy. The treatment of concurrent parotid and cervical metastases includes total conservative parotidectomy and comprehensive neck dissection. Level of evidence How common is the problem? Step 4 (Case-series) Is this diagnostic or monitoring test accurate? (Diagnosis) Step 4 (poor or non-independent reference standard) What will happen if we do not add a therapy? (Prognosis) Step 4 (Case-series) Does this intervention help? (Treatment Benefits) Step 4 (Case-series) What are the COMMON harms? (Treatment Harms) Step 4 (Case-series) What are the RARE harms? (Treatment Harms) Step 4 (Case-series) Is this (early detection) test worthwhile? (Screening) Step 4 (Case-series)

Characterisation of an area of coexistent visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis transmission in the State of Piauí, Brazil

BACKGROUND In Brazil, transmission of visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis has expanded geographically over the last decades, with both clinical forms occurring simultaneously in the same area. OBJECTIVES This study characterised the clinical, spatial, and temporal distribution, and performed entomological surveillance and natural infection analysis of a leishmaniasis-endemic area. METHODS In order to characterise the risk of leishmaniasis transmission in Altos, Piauí, we described the clinical and socio-demographic variables and the spatial and temporal distribution of cases of American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL) and American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) cases and identified potential phlebotomine vectors. FINDINGS The urban area concentrated almost 54% of ACL and 86.8% of AVL cases. The temporal and spatial distribution of AVL and ACL cases in Altos show a reduction in the number of risk areas, but the presence of permanent disease transmission foci is observed especially in the urban area. 3,808 phlebotomine specimens were captured, with Lutzomyia longipalpis as the most frequent species (98.45%). Of the 35 females assessed for natural infection, one specimen of Lu. longipalpis tested positive for the presence of Leishmania infantum and Leishmania braziliensis DNA. MAIN CONCLUSION Our results indicate the presence of risk areas for ACL and AVL in the municipality of Altos and highlight the importance of entomological surveillance to further understand a possible role of Lu. longipalpis in ACL transmission.

Viable Leishmania parasites in the absence of an in vitro IFN-γ response in asymptomatic carriers

ABSTRACT Asymptomatic infection (the absence or inapparent signs and symptoms) has been observed in many endemic areas of leishmaniasis, however, little is known about the parasitological and immunological factors associated with this type of infection. This study aimed to identify the in vitro expression of IFN-γ in asymptomatic carriers of viable Leishmania parasites. Asymptomatic infection was identified using the Montenegro skin test in an at-risk population from Yucatan, Mexico. Parasite viability was evinced in the blood by 7SL RNA transcripts amplification. The expression of mRNA IFN-γ was analyzed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with soluble Leishmania antigen, using RT-qPCR. Parasite viability was observed in 33.3 % (5/15) of asymptomatic subjects. No differences were found in the expression of IFN-γ between asymptomatic and healthy subjects, and no correlation was found between the presence of viable parasites and the expression of IFN-γ. This study demonstrates the persistence of Leishmania parasites in the absence of an in vitro IFN-γ response in asymptomatic carriers from Mexico.

Utilization of dapsone and hemoglobin in the epithelial skin regeneration therapy of cutaneous loxoscelism: A case report and integrative literature review

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Loxosceles spp are arthropods found worldwide. Its bite may produce cutaneous loxoscelism (necrotic or edematous) or cutaneous-visceral loxoscelism. Depending on their severity and location, cutaneous forms are managed with local cold application and systemic administration of antihistamines, corticosteroids, antibiotics, polymorphonuclear inhibitors, and analgesics. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to report a case of cutaneous loxoscelism and to identify the main dermatological manifestations associated with the Loxosceles spp bite. DESIGN AND SETTING: This case report and literature review was conducted in a Mexican university. METHODS: A detailed report on the medical management of a patient with cutaneous loxoscelism treated at the emergency department of a public hospital was published. Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched to identify articles reporting cutaneous loxoscelism. The following keywords were used during the database search: "loxoscelism" OR "spider bite," OR "loxosceles" OR "loxosceles species" OR "loxosceles venom" OR "loxoscelism case report" AND "cutaneous" OR "dermonecrotic arachnidism." RESULTS: A 62-year-old female patient with cutaneous loxoscelism was treated with systemic dapsone and local heparin spray. Eighteen studies with 22 clinical cases were included in this systematic review. Of the 22 patients, 12 (54.5%) were men. L. rufescens was the predominant spider species. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of dapsone and heparin for the management of cutaneous loxoscelism demonstrated success in this case, with no sequelae observed. In general, the literature review indicated favorable outcomes in patients treated with antimicrobials and corticosteroids, with continuous healing of skin lesions. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO ID CRD42023422424 (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023422424).

Fístula colecisto-cutánea espontánea: a propósito de dos casos / Spontaneous cholecysto-cutaneous fistula: about two cases

Resumen La fístula colecisto-cutáneas (FCC) es una rara com plicación de la patología biliar no tratada, habiendo menos de 100 casos documentados en la literatura. La mayoría son secundarias a infección bacteriana, aunque también fue descripta en el adenocarcinoma de vesícula y posterior a traumatismo. Su presentación clínica es variable, pudiendo presentar afección sistémica, y su sitio más frecuente de drenaje externo es en hipocon drio derecho. Debido a la baja incidencia de esta afección, y a la variedad de formas de presentación, su manejo no tiene hasta el momento bases estandarizadas. Presentamos dos casos de pacientes que consulta ron por guardia de urgencias en el Hospital Nacional de Clínicas por presentar fistula colecisto-cutánea. El tratamiento de ambos fue quirúrgico.

Abstract Cholecysto-cutaneous fistula (CCF) is a rare com plication of untreated biliary pathology, with fewer than 100 cases documented in the literature. Most are secondary to bacterial infection, although it has also been described in gallbladder adenocarcinoma and post trauma. Its clinical presentation is variable, being able to present systemic affection, and its most frequent exter nal drainage site is in the right hypochondrium. Due to the low incidence of this pathology, and the variety of forms of presentation, its management does not have, to date, standardized bases. We present two cases of patients who consulted in the emergency room at the Hospital Nacional de Clínicas for presenting cholecysto-cutaneous fistula. The treat ment of both was surgical.

Sensibilidad ante 2 concentraciones de extractos alergénicos de ácaros / Sensibility considering 2 concentrations of mite allergenic extracts i: en

Introducción: Los extractos alergénicos Valergen® (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Blomia tropicalis y Dermatophagoides siboney), desarrollados en el Centro Nacional de Biopreparados para usarlos en pruebas cutáneas de pacientes con alergia, han demostrado altas sensibilidad y especificidad. Objetivo: Determinar la sensibilidad ante 2 concentraciones diferentes de extractos alergénicos de ácaros mediante pruebas cutáneas por punción. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal de 230 pacientes de 5 a 49 años de edad, atendidos en el Policlínico Docente Ernesto Guevara de la Serna de Niquero, provincia de Granma, durante el 2022. Las variables analizadas fueron respuestas positivas según la edad, tipo de extractos alergénicos, sensibilización según enfermedades alérgicas, así como reacción adversa local. Resultados: En ambas concentraciones, la de 20 000 UB/ml y la de 2000 UB/ml, predominaron el grupo etario de 5 a 13 años (47,0 %), las respuestas positivas (27,8 y 25,7 % para cada dilución) y el extracto alergénico Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (con 93,9 y 89,1 %, respectivamente). La rinitis fue la enfermedad alérgica con mayor sensibilización (29,1 % en la primera concentración y 28,3 % en la segunda). Los efectos adversos locales se presentaron solo en la de 20 000 UB/ml (3,9 %), con un diámetro promedio del habón de 15,9 mm (IC 95 %: 15,4 - 16,4 mm) para la reacción superior. Conclusiones: Los extractos alergénicos de ácaros con una concentración de 2000 UB/ml resultaron igualmente sensibles y seguros que la dilución establecida de 20 000 UB/ml, la cual es reconocida a escala nacional por su calidad como medio diagnóstico.

Introduction: The Valergen® allergenic extracts (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Blomia tropicalis and Dermatophagoides siboney), developed in the National Center for Biopreparations to use them in cutaneous tests to the patients with allergy, have demonstrated a high sensibility and specificity. Objective: To determine the sensibility considering 2 different concentrations of mite allergenic extracts by means of needle cutaneous tests. Methods: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study of 230 patients aged 5 to 49 was carried out. They were assisted in Ernesto Guevara de la Serna Teaching Polyclinic in Niquero, Granma province, during 2022. The analyzed variables were positive responses according to age, type of allergenic extracts, sensitization according to allergic diseases, as well as local adverse reaction. Results: In both concentrations, 20 000 UB/ml and 2000 UB/ml, there was a prevalence of the 5 to 13 age group (47.0%), the positive responses (27.8 and 25.7% for each dilution) and the Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergenic extract (93.9 and 89.1%, respectively). Rhinitis was the allergic disease with more sensitization (29.1 in the first concentration and 28.3% in the second one). The local adverse events were just presented in that of 20 000 UB/ml (3.9%) with an average wheal diameter of 15.9 mm (IC 95%: 15.4 - 16.4 mm) for the higher reaction. Conclusions: Mite allergenic extracts with a concentration of 2000 UB/ml were equally sensitive and safe than the established dilution of 20 000 UB/ml, which is recognized on a national scale by its quality as diagnosis method.

Um raro caso de vasculite leucocitoclástica induzida por oxacilina / A rare case of oxacillin-induced leukocytoclastic vasculitis

A vasculite leucocitoclástica é uma patologia cujos mecanismos estão associados ao processo de inflamação vascular. Estima-se que até 24% dos casos de vasculite estão relacionados ao uso de fármacos, sendo os antimicrobianos beta-lactâmicos um dos grupos farmacológicos comumente associados a este desfecho adverso. A oxacilina, uma penicilina semissintética, possui um anel beta-lactâmico que confere atividade biológica e está associada com maior frequência a relatos de vasculite leucocitoclástica. No entanto, casos semelhantes relacionados a esse antimicrobiano são raros, sendo identificados apenas três casos na literatura. Diante desse contexto, relatamos um quarto caso de vasculite leucocitoclástica em um homem de 56 anos, em tratamento com oxacilina, que desenvolveu a vasculite no 3º dia de uso do antimicrobiano. Além da suspensão da oxacilina, ele foi tratado com 125 mg/dia de metilprednisolona endovenosa por sete dias, seguido de 20 mg/dia de prednisona oral por quatro dias, resultan-do em remissão satisfatória das lesões cutâneas e ausência de novos desfechos adversos. Este caso corrobora a possível relação causal entre o uso de oxacilina e o desenvolvimento da vasculite leucocitoclástica, apesar de sua ocorrência ser rara. A resposta favorável às intervenções terapêuticas, incluindo a suspensão da oxacilina e o uso de corticosteroides, destaca a eficácia dessas abordagens no tratamento dessa complicação (AU).

Leukocytoclastic vasculitis is a pathology whose mechanisms are associated with the process of vascular inflammation. It is estimated that up to 24% of the cases of vasculitis are drug-related, with beta-lactam antimicrobials be-ing one of the pharmacological groups commonly associated with this adverse outcome. Oxacillin, a semisynthetic penicillin, has a beta-lactam ring that confers biological activity and is most frequently associated with reports of leukocytoclastic vasculitis. However, similar cases related to this antimicrobial are rare, with only three cases identified in the literature. Against this background, we report a fourth case of leukocytoclastic vasculitis in a 56-year-old man, on oxacillin treatment, who developed the vasculitis on the 3rd day of antimicrobial use. In addition to oxacillin suspension, he was treated with 125 mg/day of intravenous methylprednisolone for seven days, followed by 20 mg/day of oral prednisone for four days, resulting in satisfactory remission of the skin lesions and no new adverse outcomes. This case provides further evidence supporting the potential causal relationship between the use of oxacillin and the development of leukocytoclastic vasculitis, albeit a rare occurrence. The positive response to therapeutic interventions, such as oxacillin suspension and corticosteroid treatment, underscores the effectiveness of these approaches in addressing this complication (AU),

Uso da laserterapia de baixa potência no tratamento cutâneo da leishmaniose: um estudo quase-experimental / The use of low-level laser therapy in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis: a quasi-experimental study

OBJETIVO: Analisar os efeitos do laser de baixa potência na intervenção às lesões decorrentes da Leishmaniose Cutânea. MÉTODO: Trata-se de um estudo quase-experimental, duplo-cego e randomizado realizado em um centro de referência do Norte de Minas Gerais. Foram alocados aleatoriamente 07 pacientes que foram submetidos ao tratamento endovenoso e curativos locais da leishmaniose cutânea, a saber: 03 no grupo controle, onde fizeram uso do tratamento convencional, e 04 no grupo experimental, que foram submetidos a aplicação da laserterapia de baixa potência, além da terapêutica habitual. Foi avaliado como desfecho primário a redução do tamanho das lesões, por meio da adaptação da ferramenta Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing. A análise dos dados foi conduzida por meio de uma estatística comparativa pareada com teste T. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos controle e experimental. CONCLUSÃO: A laserterapia de baixa potência não parece favorecer a cicatrização das lesões por leishmaniose cutânea.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of low-level laser therapy in treating lesions resulting from cutaneous leishmaniasis. METHODS: This is a double-blind, randomized, quasi-experimental study conducted at a reference center in the northern region of Minas Gerais. Seven patients were randomly assigned to receive intravenous and local wound care for cutaneous leishmaniasis. Specifically, three patients were assigned to the control group and received conventional treatment, while four patients were assigned to the experimental group and received low-level laser therapy plus standard therapeutic measures. The primary outcome measure was the reduction in lesion size as assessed by the adapted Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing. Paired comparison statistics using the t-test were used for data analysis. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed between the control and experimental groups. CONCLUSION: Low-level laser therapy does not appear to improve the healing of cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions.

Carcinoma basocelular de la piel cabelluda tratado con HeberFERON. Seguimiento clínico, ecográfico e histopatológico

Fundamento: El carcinoma basocelular es infrecuente en la piel cabelluda. Es un tumor de invasión local y crecimiento lento, puede ser agresivo, destruir tejidos vecinos, causar ulceración e invadir en profundidad cartílago y hueso. Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados de la aplicación del HeberFERON y el seguimiento con ecografía cutánea en pacientes con carcinoma basocelular en la piel cabelluda. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y longitudinal en una serie de casos con diagnóstico de carcinoma basocelular de la piel cabelluda en el Policlínico Centro de la ciudad Sancti Spíritus, durante el período de 10 de julio del 2018 a 29 de julio del 2022. Se incluyeron 6 casos. Las variables estudiadas fueron la respuesta al tratamiento mediante la clínica, la ecografía cutánea e histopatología y presencia de eventos adversos. Resultados: Predominó el sexo masculino, subtipo histológico sólido, subtipo clínico nódulo ulcerativo, tamaño del tumor mayor de 30 mm y tiempo de evolución de más de 12 meses; la respuesta al tratamiento en la mayoría de los casos fue parcial. Los eventos adversos fueron dolor y ardor en el sitio de inyección, fiebre, edema y eritema perilesional. Conclusiones: El HeberFERON resultó de utilidad en los pacientes con carcinoma basocelular del cuero cabelludo ya que redujo el tumor en unos casos y en otros lo eliminó. La ecografía permitió la evaluación en tiempo real de la neoplasia; los eventos adversos más frecuentes fueron la fiebre y el dolor en el sitio de inyección, a pesar de ello ningún paciente abandonó el tratamiento.

Background: Basal cell carcinoma is uncommon in the scalp. It is a slow-growing locally invasive tumor, it can be aggressive in destroying neighboring tissues, cause ulceration and invade deep into the cartilage and bone. Objective: To evaluate the results of HeberFERON application and follow-up with cutaneous echographical in patients with scalp basal cell carcinoma. Methodology: An observational, descriptive and longitudinal study was conducted in a series of cases diagnosed with scalp basal cell carcinoma at the Center Polyclinic in Sancti Spíritus city during the period from July 10, 2018 to July 29, 2022. Six clinical cases were included. The studied variables were the answer to the treatment by clinical, cutaneous echographical and histopathology and the presence of adverse events. Results: Male sex predominated, solid histologic subtype, clinical subtype ulcerative nodule, tumor size greater than 30 mm and evolution time of over 12 months; the treatment response in most cases was partial; adverse events were pain and burning at the injection site, fever, edema and perilesional erythema. Conclusion: It was observed that in patients with scalp basal cell carcinoma, the HeberFERON treatment reduced in some cases and eliminated the tumor in others. Echography allowed real-time evaluation of the neoplasm, fever and pain at the injection site were the most frequent adverse events. In spite of this, none of the patients abandoned the therapy.

Use of sirolimus as an adjuvant therapy for kidney transplant recipients with high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas: a prospective non-randomized controlled study / Uso do sirolimo como terapia adjuvante para receptores de transplante renal com carcinoma espinocelular cutâneo de alto risco: um estudo prospectivo controlado não randomizado

ABSTRACT Introduction: Previous research demonstrated benefits of late conversion to mTOR inhibitors against cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCC) in kidney transplant recipients (KTR), despite of poor tolerability. This study investigated whether stepwise conversion to sirolimus monotherapy without an attack dose modified the course of disease with improved tolerability. Methods: This prospective exploratory study included non-sensitized KTR with more than 12-months post-transplant, on continuous use of calcineurin inhibitors (CNI)-based therapy, and with poor-prognosis cSCC lesions. Incidence densities of high-risk cSCC over 3-years after conversion to sirolimus-monotherapy were compared to a non-randomized group with high-risk cSCC but unsuitable/not willing for conversion. Results: Forty-four patients were included (83% male, mean age 60 ± 9.7years, 62% with skin type II, mean time after transplantation 9 ± 5.7years). There were 25 patients converted to SRL and 19 individuals kept on CNI. There was a tendency of decreasing density of incidence of all cSCC in the SRL group and increasing in the CNI group (1.49 to 1.00 lesions/patient-year and 1.74 to 2.08 lesions/patient-year, p = 0.141). The density incidence of moderately differentiated decreased significantly in the SRL group while increasing significantly in the CNI group (0.31 to 0.11 lesions/patient-year and 0.25 to 0.62 lesions/patient-year, p = 0.001). In the SRL group, there were no sirolimus discontinuations, no acute rejection episodes, and no de novo DSA formation. Renal function remained stable. Conclusions: This study suggests that sirolimus monotherapy may be useful as adjuvant therapy of high-risk cSCC in kidney transplant recipients. The conversion strategy used was well tolerated and safe regarding key mid-term transplant outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução: Pesquisas anteriores demonstraram benefícios da conversão tardia para inibidores de mTOR contra carcinomas espinocelulares cutâneos (CECs) em receptores de transplante renal (RTR), apesar da baixa tolerabilidade. Este estudo investigou se a conversão gradual para monoterapia com sirolimo sem dose de ataque modificou o curso da doença com melhor tolerabilidade. Métodos: Esse estudo prospectivo exploratório incluiu RTR não sensibilizados com mais de 12 meses pós-transplante, uso contínuo de terapia imunossupressora baseado em inibidor de calcineurina (CNI) associado a micofenolato de sódio ou azatioprina, com lesões de CECs de mau prognóstico. Comparou-se densidades de incidência de CECs de alto risco durante 3 anos após conversão para monoterapia com sirolimo à um grupo não randomizado com CECs classificados conforme os mesmos critérios de gravidade do grupo sirolimo, mas inadequado/não disposto à conversão. Resultados: Foram incluídos 44 pacientes (83% homens, idade média 60 ± 9,7 anos, 62% com fototipo de pele II, tempo médio pós-transplante 9 ± 5,7 anos). 25 pacientes foram convertidos para SRL e 19 indivíduos mantidos em CNI. Foi observado tendência de diminuição da densidade de incidência de todos CECs no grupo SRL e de aumento no grupo CNI (1,49 a 1,00 lesões/paciente-ano; 1,74 a 2,08 lesões/paciente-ano; p = 0,141). A densidade de incidência de lesões moderadamente diferenciadas diminuiu significativamente no grupo SRL enquanto aumentou significativamente no grupo CNI (0,31 a 0,11 lesões/paciente-ano; 0,25 a 0,62 lesões/paciente-ano; p = 0,001). No grupo SRL não houve descontinuação do sirolimo, nenhum episódio de rejeição aguda e nenhuma formação de DSA de novo. Função renal permaneceu estável. Conclusões: Esse estudo sugere que a monoterapia com sirolimo pode ser útil como terapia adjuvante de CECs de alto risco em RTR. A estratégia de conversão usada foi bem tolerada e segura em relação aos principais desfechos do transplante a médio prazo.