Clinical characteristics and associations of palmoplantar pustulosis: an observational study

Abstract Background: Palmoplantar pustulosis is a chronic and relapsing disease of the palms and soles, which is characterized by scattered clusters of pinhead-sized, sterile pustules. Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine demographic features, co-morbidities, and relation of palmoplantar pustulosis with psoriasis. Methods: A total of 48 patients (M/F: 15/33) were enrolled in the present study. A detailed history regarding age of onset, palmoplantar pustulosis duration, number of recurrences, personal and family history of psoriasis, accompanying arthritis, sternoclavicular tenderness, dental fillings, smoking status, and autoimmune disease was obtained; thorough dermatological examination was carried out. Patch testing results and laboratory investigations for thyroid autoimmunity were recorded. Results: Thirty-five of 48 patients (72.9%) were current smokers. Twenty of the 48 patients (41.7%) had dental fillings. There was not any significant correlation between palmoplantar pustulosis duration and dental filling duration (p = 0.170). Psoriasis was not detected in any patients either in history or in dermatological examination. Nail involvement and joint complaints were observed in seven of 48 patients (14%) and in nine of 48 patients (18%), respectively. Autoimmune thyroiditis was observed in four of 48 patients (12%). Patients with patch testing positivity (12.5% of patients, M/F: 1/5) had no considerable association for history of external contact with these materials. Study limitations: Retrospective analysis. Conclusion: Palmoplantar pustulosis appears to be a distinct entity from psoriasis. Routine thyroid functions test could be analyzed, but patch testing is not required in patients with palmoplantar pustulosis. Also, patients with palmoplantar pustulosis must be evaluated for musculoskeletal symptoms and signs.

The role of GNLY gene polymorphisms in psoriasis pathogenesis

Abstract BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disorder that involves complex pathogenic interactions between the innate and adaptive immune systems. The most accepted mechanism in the etiopathogenesis of psoriasis is the induction of inflammation with keratinocyte hyperproliferation. Granulysin (GNLY) is a cytolytic antimicrobial peptide (AMP) that is secreted together with granzyme and perforin from the granules of human cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells. It has been immunohistochemically proven that the expression of granulysin is increased in lesions of psoriasis. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between psoriasis disease and granulysin gene polymorphisms. METHODS: GNLY rs7908 and rs10180391 polymorphisms were studied by PCR-RFLP in 100 psoriasis patients under treatment in the Dermatology Polyclinic of Bulent Ecevit University. In addition, 100 healthy individuals with similar age and sex distribution were used as a control group. RESULTS: In the control group, GNLY rs7908 CC genotype was significantly higher than in psoriasis patients (P= 0.031; OR= 0.305; Cl= 0.305 (0.121 - 0.773). In our study, the genotype distributions in patients and control groups were GNLY rs7908 (SNP) GG (51%, 37%), GC (41%, 44%), CC (8%, 19%); GNLY rs10180391 (SNP) from the CC (41%, 44%), CT (42%, % 41), TT (17%, 15%). STUDY LIMITATIONS: The study only included Turkish patients. CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that GNLY rs7908 CC genotype and C allele had a protective effect against psoriasis and decreased the disease severity (according to PASI score), whereas rs10180391 SNP did not show any effective role in psoriasis pathogenesis.

Use of active metabolites of vitamin D orally for the treatment of psoriasis

SUMMARY Objective: The objective of this study was to analyse the existing bibliographic production on clinical trials related to the use of vitamin D for oral treatment of psoriasis. Method: A literature review of clinical trials related to the use of vitamin D for oral treatment of psoriasis, published in the LILACS, Scielo, Medline, PubMed and Cochrane Library from 1986 to 2013. The search included the following terms: "Psoriasis and oral Vitamin D"; "psoríase e vitamina D oral". Results: After analysing the titles and summaries, 10 articles met the eligibility criteria. Discussion: According to the literature, most tests were made in moderate psoriasis with doses ranging from 0.25 to 2μg, demonstrating improvement with this treatment modality. Some studies suggest the use of high doses, but the biggest concern is hypercalciuria as a side effect. Conclusion: The use of active metabolites of vitamin D orally for the treatment of psoriasis showed efficacy and safety.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a produção bibliográfica existente sobre os ensaios clínicos relacionados ao uso da vitamina D para tratamento por via oral da psoríase. MÉTODOS: Revisão de literatura de ensaios clínicos relacionados ao uso de vitamina D para tratamento por via oral da psoríase publicados no Lilacs, SciELO, MedLine, PubMed e Biblioteca Cochrane no período de 1986 a 2013. A pesquisa incluiu os seguintes termos: "Psoriasis and oral Vitamin D"; "psoríase e vitamina D oral". RESULTADOS: Depois de analisar os títulos e resumos, dez artigos preencheram os critérios de elegibilidade. DISCUSSÃO: Segundo a literatura, a maioria dos ensaios foi realizada na psoríase moderada, com dose que varia de 0,25 a 2 μg, demonstrando melhora com esta modalidade terapêutica. Alguns estudos sugerem o uso de doses elevadas, porém a maior preocupação é a hipercalciúria como efeito colateral. CONCLUSÃO: O uso de metabólitos ativos de vitamina D por via oral para o tratamento da psoríase demonstrou eficácia e segurança com relação aos efeitos colaterais.

The potential role of Th17 lymphocytes in patients with psoriasis

Abstract: Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disorder, characterized by increased keratinocyte proliferation due to abnormal differentiation of basal keratinocytes. The etiology of the disease is unclear, and according to the survey results, it is hypothesized that a combination of genetic and environmental factors prompts an abnormal immune response in patients with psoriasis. CD4+ Th cells play a multifaceted role in both immune defense and pathogenesis of certain diseases such as psoriasis. Nonetheless, the exact contribution of different subpopulations of Th cells in psoriasis is still not clear. Objective: The aim of present study was to determine the mRNA expression level of RORC as potential inducer of Th17 cell differentiation and expression pattern of Th17-signature cytokines (IL-17A and IL-22). Methods: Twenty patients with psoriasis and twenty-one healthy subjects were included in the study. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were separated and expression of three genes were determined by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR). Plasma levels of IL-17 and IL-22 were also evaluated by ELISA. Results: RORC, IL-17A and IL-22 gene expression was significantly higher in patients with psoriasis compared with healthy controls (P<0.05). In addition, a marked increase in plasma IL-17A and IL-22 levels was observed in patient group compared to controls (P<0.001). Study limitations: small number of patients. Conclusion: These data suggest that Th17 response may contribute to the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Clinical features of von Zumbusch type of generalized pustular psoriasis in children: a retrospective study of 26 patients in southwestern China

Abstract Background: Von Zumbusch type of generalized pustular psoriasis is a rare variant of psoriasis in children. It can occur in patients with or without psoriasis vulgaris. Objective: The aim of the study was to discuss the precipitating factors, clinical manifestations, laboratory data and therapy of von Zumbusch type of generalized pustular psoriasis in children from southwestern China and to improve the diagnosis and treatment level. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted for inpatients aged 14 years old or less with von Zumbusch type of generalized pustular psoriasis in our department from 2005 to 2014. Results: A total of 26 patients were included, of whom four (15.38%) had previous history of psoriasis vulgaris and one (3.85%) had previous history of psoriasis arthropathica. Mean onset age was 6.90 years. Gender distribution was equivalent. Incidence of the disease in summer and autumn was higher than that in winter and spring. Nineteen (73.08%) cases were triggered by infection, two (7.69%) cases were caused by sudden discontinuation of systemic use of corticosteroid. Twenty-four (92.31%) cases had concomitant fever. The initial lesion manifested as non-follicular sterile pustules on erythema. Sixteen patients responded well to acitretin, 11 to Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TwHF), two to cyclosporine, and one to methotrexate. Study limitations: This study is a retrospective one and the number of cases is small. CONCLUSION: Von Zumbusch type of generalized pustular psoriasis is a rare disease in children, infection is the most common precipitating factor, acitretin is the first-line therapy, traditional Chinese medicine TwHF also can be used.

The role of intradermal proliferation of T-cells in the pathogenesis of psoriasis

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a common immune-mediated chronic inflammatory disease of the skin and joints, affecting 1-3% of the population. It is generally accepted that the pathogenesis of psoriasis involves accumulation of effector T-cells within lymph nodes and their subsequent migration into the skin through the blood system. Here we provide evidence that psoriatic plaque itself may serve as a source of inflammatory T-cells. OBJECTIVE: We examined the intradermal proliferation of T-cells and the number of effector/memory (CD45RO+) T-cells in the skin of psoriatic patients at different periods of the disease. METHODS: Skin samples were obtained from 41 patients with progressive psoriatic lesions; 18 of these patients also donated skin specimens during the remission of the disease. The control group consisted of 16 healthy subjects. Ki-67 immunohistochemical staining was applied to detect proliferating cells, CD3ε served as a T-cell marker, and CD45RA and CD45RO antibodies were utilized to discriminate between naive and effector/memory T-cells, respectively. RESULTS: Progressive psoriatic lesions demonstrated Ki67 staining both in keratinocytes and in the CD3ε+ cells of dermal infiltrate. Median count of CD45RO+ cells per microscopic field was 15 in healthy controls, 59 in patients in remission and 208 in progressive psoriatic plaques. The observed differences demonstrated high level of statistical significance. STUDY LIMITATIONS: Limited number of analyzed patients. CONCLUSION: Progressive phase of psoriasis is characterized by intradermal proliferation of T-cells. Spots of regressed psoriatic lesions contain high number of CD45RO+ cells, which are likely to render an immunological memory.

Diabetes mellitus and the skin

Abstract: Several dermatoses are routinely associated with diabetes mellitus, especially in patients with chronic disease. This relationship can be easily proven in some skin disorders, but it is not so clear in others. Dermatoses such necrobiosis lipoidica, granuloma annulare, acanthosis nigricans and others are discussed in this text, with an emphasis on proven link with the diabetes or not, disease identification and treatment strategy used to control those dermatoses and diabetes.

Generalized pustular psoriasis induced by systemic steroid dose reduction

Abstract: Generalized pustular psoriasis, or psoriasis of von Zumbusch, is an acute and severe clinical form of psoriasis, which usually occurs in patients with psoriasis undergoing aggravating factors. In this work, we report the case of a female patient, 70 years old, who developed generalized pustular psoriasis symptoms while reducing the dose of oral corticosteroids, improperly introduced for the treatment of alleged acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis. The differential diagnosis of generalized pustular psoriasis should be made with other pustular dermatoses, such as subcorneal pustulosis, IgA pemphigus and especially with acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis. Personal history of psoriasis and histopathological findings with psoriasiform changes and subcorneal pustule favored the diagnosis. She was treated with acitretin 30 mg / day, progressing to complete regression of the lesions.

Adenosine: an endogenous mediator in the pathogenesis of psoriasis

Abstract: It is known that inflammatory and immune responses protect us from the invasion of micro-organisms and eliminate "wastes" from the injured sites, but they may also be responsible for significant tissue damage. Adenosine, as a purine nucleoside, which is produced in inflamed or injured sites, fulfills its role in limiting tissue damage. Although, it may have a pleiotropic effect, which signals it with a proinflammatory state in certain situations, it can be considered a potent anti-inflammatory mediator. The effects of adenosine, which acts through its receptors on T cell, on mast cell and macrophages, on endothelial cells, on neutrophils and dendritic cells, as they indicate TNF-alpha and cytokines, show that this mediator has a central role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. The way it acts in psoriasis will be reviewed in this study.

Glomerulonefritis difusa aguda postestreptocócica-psoriasis guttata. A propósito de un caso clínico / A case of acute diffuse poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis: guttate psoriasis

La glomerulonefritis asociada a la infección por estreptococo beta hemolítico del grupo A es la más conocida y es la causa más común de síndrome nefrítico en la edad pediátrica. La psoriasis es una enfermedad cutánea hereditaria eritematodescamativa poco frecuente, representa el 4,1% de las dermatosis que ocurren en niños menores de 16 años. Se presenta el caso de un adolescente de 12 años donde la infección por estreptococo beta hemolítico del grupo A de las vías respiratorias altas ocasionó glomerulonefritis difusa aguda, con expresión concomitante de psoriasis guttata. Se revisan los mecanismos inmunes en ambas patologías.

Glomerulonephritis associated with group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection is the best known and most common cause of nephritic syndrome in children. Psoriasis is often an erythematous hereditary skin disease. It represents 4.1% of the dermatoses children under 16 years. The study presents the case of a 12 year old patient where Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal acute upper respiratory infection caused diffuse glomerulonephritis, with concomitant expression of guttate psoriasis. A review of immune mechanisms of both diseases is added.

Psoriasis in autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type I: A possible complication or a non-endocrine minor component.

Introduction: Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type I (APS I) is an autosomal recessive systemic autoimmune disorder, affecting primarily endocrine glands, in which chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis is an early and prominent manifestation. We describe the rare occurrence of unstable psoriasis (with onset of pustular lesions) in a case of APS I without mucocutaneous candidiasis. A patient presenting with unstable psoriasis (with onset of pustular lesions) was detected to have persistent hypocalcemia which led to the diagnosis of hypoparathyroidism. Subsequently he was found to have hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism, primary adrenal insuffi ciency (compensated), and coeliac disease, thus confi rming the diagnosis of APS I. Psoriasis is very rarely reported in APS I, possibly due to the protective effect of antibodies to Th17 cytokines, which are responsible for the occurrence of candidiasis in this syndrome. However, psoriasis could occur in APS I patients without mucocutaneous candidiasis, who lack these antibodies. In our patient, possible factors aggravating psoriasis include hypocalcemia due to hypoparathyroidism as well as coeliac disease via anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies. However, defi ning psoriasis as a possible minor component of APS I would require further studies of the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene functions.

Manifestaciones dermatológicas asociadas a la infección por VIH/SIDA / Dermatologic manifestations associated with HIV/AIDS

The ongoing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection epidemic coupled with more efficacious and available treatments has led to a larger number of patients living with HIV or AIDS. As a result, skin manifestations related to HIV/AIDS or its therapy have become increasingly more common and are reported to occur in as many as 95% of patients. Herein, we review the most common HIV/AIDS related cutaneous pathologies and classify them into inflammatory, HAART-associated, neoplastic, and infectious manifestations. Cutaneous manifestations should be promptly recognized and treated by physicians and health care personnel in order to provide optimal care.

La epidemia del virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) sumado al mayor acceso a terapias antiretrovirales (TARV) han llevado a un aumento del número y la sobrevida de pacientes que viven con esta infección crónica. Se estima que hasta 95% de los pacientes con infección por VIH/SIDA presentarán alguna manifestación cutánea, por lo cual, debemos conocerlas. En la presente revisión se estudiarán las manifestaciones cutáneas de la infección por el VIH/SIDA clasificadas como: manifestaciones inflamatorias, manifestaciones asociadas a la TARV, manifestaciones neoplásicas y manifestaciones infecciosas asociadas a infección por VIH/SIDA (bacterianas, virales, fúngicas y parasitarias). Estas manifestaciones deben ser reconocidas por los médicos y el personal de salud a cargo del tratamiento y control de los pacientes con esta patología crónica.

Psoríase e suas manifestações bucais / Psoriasis and its oral manifestations

O presente estudo teve por objetivo investigar a rela‡Æo entre psor¡ase e algumas manifesta‡ães bucais consideradas comuns, principalmente a l¡ngua geogr fica. Foi realizado um estudo epidemiol¢gico, caracterizado como uma pesquisa transversal observacional anal¡tica. Foram examinados clinicamente 39 pacientes, subdivididos em dois grupos, sendo os portadores de l¡ngua geogr fica (Grupo 1) e psor¡ase (Grupo 2). Os resultados foram analisados por meio de an lise estat¡stica descritiva. A partir da amostra analisada, p“de-se concluir que uma rela‡Æo entre a l¡ngua geogr fica e o aparecimento da psor¡ase ‚ incerta. Por outro lado, observou-se que a prevalˆncia da l¡ngua geogr fica em pacientes com psor¡ase foi consideravelmente maior que numa popula‡Æo normal

This epidemiological study has investigated the association of psoriasis to common oral conditions, especially geographic tongue. Thirty-nine patients were examined in this crosssectional analytical observational research. The patients were divided into two groups: patients presenting geographic tongue (Group 1) and patients affected by psoriasis (Group 2). The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. An unclear association between geographic tongue and the occurrence of psoriasis was observed in this study. However, the prevalence of geographic tongue in patients with psoriasis was significantly higher than its frequency in a normal population

Psoriasis rupioides: una variante inusual de psoriasis / soriasis: an unusual variant of psoriasis

La psoriasis es una enfermedad cutánea inflamatoria crónica, recidivante, que afecta al 2% de la población. Se clasifica de acuerdo a su apariencia morfológica. Existen formas raras excesivamente hiperqueratósicas, entre ellas la variante rupioides, de la cual se han reportado pocos casos en la literatura. Presentamos un caso clínico de psoriasis rupiodes diseminada con buena respuesta al tratamiento sistémico con acitretin

Psoriasis is a relapsing chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting about 2% of population. It is classified according morphological appearance. There are exceedingly rare hyperkeratotic forms, including rupioid variant, which few cases have been reported in the literature. A case of widespread rupioid psoriasis with good response to systemic treatment with acitretin is presented.

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: characteristics and risk factors among adult patients in Egypt

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are common, chronic, immune mediated disease of the skin and joints. Interaction between genes and environment are important in disease causation. The aim of the present study was to determine the socioemographic and clinical characters of adult patients with psoriasis and those with psoriatic arthritis, to define psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis etiological risk factors, and to define the relationship between psoriasis severity and these items. This study was conducted at Dermatology Clinic, Al-Hussein University Hospital. A case-control study design was chosen to perform this research. The study was conducted on 100 adult patients with psoriasis and an equal number of free adults as controls. Criteria for diagnosis of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis were used. A comprehensive questionnaire was used to survey the studied groups. Body surface area of the affected patients was used as a marker of disease severity. The study showed that 44.0% of the cases had psoriasis age of onset; 22-45 years. Stress was the most common etiological risk factor, 67.0%. While, the most important risk factors were family history of psoriasis, recurrent pharyngitis, smoking >/=20 cigarettes/ day and higher level of education, odds ratio [OR]=7.58, 5.94, 2.78 and 2.69, respectively. Also, 32.0% of the patients had psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis comes after psoriasis and had mild severity in 65.6% and 68.7% of the cases, respectively. The most important etiological risk factors were severe psoriasis, smoking >/= 20 cigarettes/day and early onset of psoriasis, OR=9.64, 3.06 and 2.72, respectively. The epidemiology of psoriasis is not well defined in Egypt. The heredity and environmental factors are the most important risk factors. Also, psoriatic arthritis is an important associated disease. The fact that it has no cure has important implications for how it should be viewed, prevented and treated. We recommend that more research should be carried out to understand the true epidemiological features of the disease in Egypt and its impacts on quality of life of the patients

Psoríase eritrodérmica com regressão após profilaxia com isoniazida e terapia antidepressiva: relato de caso / Erythrodermic psoriasis with regression after prophylaxis with isoniazid and antidepressant therapy: case report

Mulher idosa apresentou psoríase em placas do tipo grave, com tendência eritrodérmica, e foi submetida a tratamento de acordo com o algoritmo consensual (fototerapia, acitretina, ciclosporina). Resultados clínicos insuficientes, recorrência e agravamento do quadro laboratorial orientaram no sentido da introdução de terapia biológica. A avaliação preliminar revelou PPD de 30mm. A resolução completa das lesões se verificou quando realizada profilaxia antituberculose e administrado antidepressivo.

An 83 year old woman, exhibiting severe psoriasis, was treated conventionally (phototherapy, acitretin, and cyclosporine). After poor clinical results and significant changes in laboratory procedures, those treatments were suspended. She was then being prepared to be submitted to biological treatment, when preliminary results disclosed a 30mm PPD. Complete improvement occurred [only] after introducing prophylactic therapy for tuberculosis and anti-depressive medication.

Psoríase e obesidade: revisão de literatura e recomendações no manejo: [revisão] / Psoriasis and obesity: literature review and recommendations for management: [review]

Estudos recentes demonstram uma relação entre obesidade e inflamação crônica, confirmada através da associação de níveis elevados de fator de necrose tumoral alfa (TNF-±), interleucina seis (IL-6) e proteína C reativa, com aumento do índice de massa corporal (IMC). O estado inflamatório, nos indivíduos obesos, poderia contribuir para o desenvolvimento ou agravamento da psoríase. Fenômenos análogos já foram descritos, em outras doenças inflamatórias crônicas, como a artrite reumatóide e doença de Chrõn. Estudos epidemiológicos mostram uma prevalência elevada de comorbidades cardiovasculares, secundárias às alterações metabólicas, associadas à psoríase e obesidade. Permanecem ainda não elucidados alguns aspectos desta associação, como: o impacto da obesidade (nas formas clínicas da dermatose, na associação com comorbidades e na resposta ao tratamento).

Recent studies have found a relationship between obesity and chronic inflammation, confirmed by the association of high levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-_), interleukin six (IL-6,) and reactive C-protein with an increase in body mass index (BMI). In obese individuals, this inflammatory condition could contribute to the development or aggravation of psoriasis. Analogous phenomena have already been described in other inflammatory chronic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. Epidemiological studies have identified a high prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities, secondary to the metabolic alterations associated with psoriasis and obesity. A few aspects of this association remain unclear, such as the impact of obesity in the clinical forms of dermatoses, in the response to treatment, and its relationship with comorbidities.