Relação entre aspectos psicossomáticos e psoríase / Relationship between psychosomatic aspects and psoriasis / Relación entre aspectos psicosomáticos y psoriasis

Psoríase é uma dermatose de caráter inflamatório ligado a diversas composições do ser, sendo estas a genética, o sistema imune, o ambiente e o estado mental do paciente, apresentando evidências de ser um quadro clínico multifacetado. A composição da medicina psicossomática empenha-se na relação mental e emocional e do corpo, sendo importante mostrar a relação desta com a psoríase. Por isso, busca-se avaliar as evidências disponíveis na literatura sobre a relação entre a psoríase e os aspectos psicossomáticos. Foi realizado uma a revisão de literatura, por meio de seleção de artigos das base de dados Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (PubMed/Medline), biblioteca virtual em saúde Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciElo), UpToDate e Google acadêmico. A busca por artigos científicos resultou em 20 artigos selecionados. Foi possível concluir, que há estudos fundamentados correlacionando a medicina psicossomática e a psoríase, além de que diversos fatores que afetam a homeostase corporal, provocam alterações nervosas, e consequentemente afetam as células da pele. Além disso, foi encontrado evidências que a estigmatização que os pacientes sofrem influenciam no aumento da gravidade da doença, sendo necessário a realização de um tratamento psico cognitivo-comportamental juntamente com o tratamento dos sinais e sintomas gerais da doença. Desta forma, o presente trabalho pôde olhar para a patologia com um olhar ampliado relacionado ao aspecto mental e emocional o que promove melhor compreensão e as consequências disto são a maior capacidade de intervenção sobre a psoríase.

Psoriasis is an inflammatory dermatosis linked to several compositions of the being, which are genetics, the immune system, the environment and the patient's mental state, that is, it shows evidence of being a multifaceted clinical picture. Since the composition of psychosomatic medicine is committed to the relationship between the mental, emotional, and body, it is important to show its relationship with psoriasis. Therefore, we sought to evaluate the available evidence in the literature on the relationship between psoriasis and psychosomatic aspects. A literature review was conducted by selecting articles from the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (PubMed/Medline), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciElo), UpToDate and Google Scholar databases. The search for scientific articles resulted in 20 selected articles. It was possible to conclude that there are well-founded studies correlating psychosomatic medicine and psoriasis, and that several factors that affect the body's homeostasis cause nervous alterations, and consequently affect the skin cells. Moreover, it was found evidence that the stigmatization that patients suffer influences the increase of the severity of the disease, being necessary the realization of a psycho cognitive-behavioral treatment along with the treatment of the general signs and symptoms of the disease. Thus, the present work could look at the pathology with a broader view related to the mental and emotional aspect, which promotes better understanding and the consequences of this are a greater ability to intervene on psoriasis.

La psoriasis es una dermatosis inflamatoria vinculada a varias composiciones del ser, que son la genética, el sistema inmunitario, el medio ambiente y el estado mental del paciente, es decir, muestra evidencias de ser un cuadro clínico multifacético. Dado que la composición de la medicina psicosomática está comprometida con la relación entre lo mental, lo emocional y el cuerpo, es importante mostrar su relación con la psoriasis. Por lo tanto, se buscó evaluar la evidencia disponible en la literatura sobre la relación entre la psoriasis y los aspectos psicosomáticos. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica seleccionando artículos de las bases de datos Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (PubMed/Medline), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciElo), UpToDate y Google Scholar. La búsqueda de artículos científicos dio como resultado 20 artículos seleccionados. Se pudo concluir que existen estudios bien fundamentados que correlacionan la medicina psicosomática y la psoriasis, y que diversos factores que afectan a la homeostasis del organismo provocan alteraciones nerviosas y, en consecuencia, afectan a las células de la piel. Además, se encontraron evidencias de que la estigmatización que sufren los pacientes influye en el aumento de la gravedad de la enfermedad, siendo necesaria la realización de un tratamiento psico cognitivo- conductual junto con el tratamiento de los signos y síntomas generales de la enfermedad. Así, el presente trabajo pudo contemplar la patología con una visión más amplia relacionada con el aspecto mental y emocional, lo que favorece una mejor comprensión y las consecuencias de ello son una mayor capacidad de intervención sobre la psoriasis.

Chinese Medicine as Supporting Therapy for Psoriasis: Past, Present, and Future / 中国结合医学杂志

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease and an important health concern. Western medicine and therapies are the main treatment strategies for psoriasis vulgaris (PV); however, the overall prognosis of patients with PV is still poor. Therefore, PV prevention is especially crucial. Chinese medicine (CM) has a long history of treating psoriasis, and it has unique wisdom in different cognitive angles and treatment modes from modern medicine. In this review, we first summarized the herbs and ancient CM formulas that have therapeutic effects on PV. Second, the research status and obstacles to the current development of CM in modern medicine were reviewed. Finally, the future of CM in the context of precision medicine and integrated medicine was discussed. After a detailed reading of the abundant literature, we believe that CM, through thousands of years of continuous development and clinical practice, has achieved high effectiveness and safety for PV treatment, despite its surrounding controversy. Moreover, precise analyses and systematic research methods have provided new approaches for the modernization of CM in the future. The treatment of PV with CM is worth popularizing, and we hope it can benefit more patients.

Effect of moxibustion on plaque psoriasis complicated with obesity / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical efficacy of moxibustion combined with coptis chinensis ointment sealing on plaque psoriasis complicated with obesity.@*METHODS@#A total of 52 patients of plaque psoriasis complicated with obesity were randomized into an observation group (26 cases) and a control group (26 cases, 2 cases dropped off). Coptis chinensis ointment sealing was adopted in the control group. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, moxibustion was applied at ashi point (area of local target lesions), Zhongwan (CV 12) and bilateral Zusanli (ST 36), Fenglong (ST 40), Quchi (LI 11), Tianshu (ST 25), Shangjuxu (ST 37) in the observation group. The treatment was given 30 min each time, once a day for 4 weeks in both groups. The psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score, obesity related indexes (body mass, waist circumference, body mass index [BMI]), triglyceride, cholesterol, uric acid and plasma glucose were compared before and after treatment, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the PASI scores were decreased compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.01), and the PASI score in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05); the body mass, waist circumference, BMI, triglyceride, cholesterol, uric acid and plasma glucose were decreased compared with those before treatment in the observation group (P<0.01, P<0.05), the triglyceride and cholesterol in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 53.8% (14/26) in the observation group, which was superior to 20.8% (5/24) in the control group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Moxibustion combined with coptis chinensis ointment sealing can effectively improve the clinical symptoms in patients of plaque psoriasis complicated with obesity.

Prevalence of sensitization to Malassezia spp. in adults with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis and its correlation with disease severity / Prevalência da sensibilização a Malassezia spp. em pacientes adultos portadores de dermatite atópica e psoríase e sua correlação com a gravidade das doenças

Fundamentals: Atopic Dermatitis (AD) and Psoriasis (PS) share clinical and physiopathological similarities. Objective: Determine the prevalence of sensitization to Malassezia spp. in adults with AD and PS and its correlation with disease severity. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from January 2016 to August 2017 with adults. Malassezia spp.-specific IgE dosages were measured, and skin scrapings for fungal culture performed. Parametric or nonparametric tests were used for analysis. Results: Median age of the 20 participants with AD was 29 years old, and the mean SCO-RAD was 45.35 ± 18.32. Malassezia spp.- specific IgE median dosage was 0.63 kU/l. M. furfur and M. sympodialis were isolated. Spearman's nonparametric correlation analysis showed no correlation between sensitization to Malassezia spp. and disease severity. The median age of the 36 participants with PS was 61 years old, the median body surface area affected was 22%, and Malassezia spp.-specific IgE median dosage was 0.00 kU/l. M. furfur and Malassezia spp. were identified. Study limitations: Assessing the sensitization to Malasseziaspp. was difficult due to the reduced number of participants in the study. Furthermore, there was no uniformity in the location to collect skin scrapings. The use of topical medication was not suspended before collecting skin specimens for mycological examination, therefore interfer-ing with fungal isolation. Conclusion: Sensitization to Malassezia spp. was only detected in the AD sample. Malassezia spp.-specific IgE test did not prove to be a marker for disease severity in our AD sample (AU)

Fundamentos: Dermatite atópica (DA) e psoríase apresentam similaridades clínicas e fisiopatológicas. Objetivos: Avaliar a frequência da sensibilização a Malasseziaspp. em adultos portadores de DA e psoríase e correlacionar à gra-vidade dos quadros clínicos. Métodos: De janeiro de 2016 a agosto de 2017, conduziu-se um estudo observacional em indivíduos adultos onde foram realizadas dosagem de IgE específica anti-Malassezia spp. e raspados das lesões para cultura micológica. Testes paramétricos ou não paramétricos foram utilizados para análise. Resultados: Nos 20 portadores de DA, a mediana da idade foi 29 anos. O valor médio do Scoring Atopic Dermatitis foi 45,35 ± 18,32. A mediana de IgE específica anti-Malasseziaspp. foi 0,63 kU/l. M. furfur e M. sympodialis foram isolados. A análise de correlação não-paramétrica de Spearman não mostrou correlação entre a sensibilização à Malassezia spp. e a gra-vidade. Nos 36 pacientes com psoríase, foram obtidas as seguintes medianas: idade 61 anos, comprometimento de superfície corpórea 22% e IgE específica anti-Malassezia spp. 0,00 kU/l. Houve identificação de M. furfur e Malasse-zia spp. Limitações do estudo: O número reduzido de participantes dificultou a avaliação da sensibilização por IgE a Malasseziaspp. Não houve uniformidade nos locais de coleta dos raspados cutâneos. Medicamentos tópicos não foram suspensos anteriormente ao exame micológico, prejudicando o isolamento dos fungos. Conclusões: Sensibili-zação a Malassezia spp. apenas ocorreu nos portadores de DA. O teste de IgE específica anti-Malassezia spp. não se mostrou um marcador de gravidade para a DA neste grupo (AU)

Effect of moxibustion on skin lesions and immune inflammatory response in psoriasis mice / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of moxibustion on skin lesions and immune inflammatory response in psoriasis mice, and to explore the possible mechanism of moxibustion for psoriasis.@*METHODS@#A total of 32 male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a moxibustion group and a medication group, 8 mice in each group. Psoriasis model was induced by applying 5% imiquimod cream on the back for 7 days in the model group, the moxibustion group and the medication group. At the same time of model establishment, the moxibustion group was treated with suspension moxibustion on skin lesions on the back, 20 min each time, once a day; the medication group was treated with 1 mg/kg methotrexate tablet solution by gavage, once a day. Both groups were intervened for 7 days. The daily changes of skin lesions were observed, and the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score was evaluated; the histopathological changes of skin lesions were observed by HE staining; the positive expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and T lymphocyte surface marker CD3 were detected by immunohistochemistry; the expression level of serum interleukin (IL) -17A was detected by ELISA, and the relative expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA in skin lesions were detected by real-time PCR.@*RESULTS@#The increased and hypertrophy scale, dry skin, red and swollen epidermis and obvious infiltration were observed in the model group, and each score and total score of PASI were higher than those in the normal group (P<0.01). The scale score, infiltration score, and total score of PASI in the moxibustion group were lower than those in the model group (P<0.01); the infiltration score and total score of PASI in the medication group were lower than those in the model group (P<0.01, P<0.05). The inflammatory cell infiltration in the model group was obvious, and the thickness of epidermal layer was increased compared with that in the normal group (P<0.01); the inflammatory cell infiltration and Munro micro abscess were decreased in the moxibustion group and the medication group, and the thickness of epidermal layer was decreased compared with that in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, the positive cell number of PCNA and T was increased (P<0.01), and the body mass was decreased, and the spleen index was increased (P<0.01), and the expression of serum IL-17A and the relative expression of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA in the skin lesions was increased in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the positive cell number of PCNA and T was reduced (P<0.01), and the spleen index and the relative expression of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA were reduced (P<0.01) in the moxibustion group and the medication group; the body mass of mice in the moxibustion group was higher than that in the model group (P<0.01); the content of serum IL-17A in the medication group was lower than that in the model group (P<0.01); the relative expression of TNF-α, IL-1β mRNA in the moxibustion group was higher than that in the medication group (P<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#Moxibustion could effectively improve the scale and infiltration of skin lesions in psoriasis mice. Its mechanism may be related to inhibiting inflammatory response and regulating immunity.

Centro de Histoterapia Placentaria "Dr. Carlos Manuel Miyares Cao", 35 años de entrega a la Ciencia Cubana / "Dr. Carlos Miyares Cao" Placental Histotherapy Center, 35 years of dedication to Cuban Science

Introducción: La fundación del Centro de Histoterapia Placentaria, el 25 de abril de 1986, como resultado de la repercusión internacional por el nuevo método cubano del tratamiento del vitiligo con un medicamento obtenido de la placenta humana, descubierto por el doctor Carlos Manuel Miyares Cao, favoreció el desarrollo de las Ciencias Médicas en Cuba. Institución de prestigio, que arribó este 2021 a su Aniversario 35, y que ha obtenido un gran impacto en la salud y calidad de vida de personas con enfermedades dermatológicas como vitiligo, psoriasis y alopecia. Objetivo: Conocedores de la importancia de salvaguardar los hitos históricos como elementos imprescindibles en la trayectoria científico-social de una institución, nos propusimos exponer los componentes fundamentales que conforman este Centro de Histoterapia Placentaria e incentivar a las nuevas generaciones para continuar la labor investigativa que realiza este y la necesidad de preservar su historia. Material y Métodos: Se realizó una investigación histórico-bibliográfica de los documentos compilados que se conservan en la Biblioteca del Centro para poder fundamentar este artículo. Desarrollo: Se incluyen los aspectos esenciales que avalan la historia del Centro y la imbricación científico-social-humana en este del Dr. Carlos Manuel Miyares Cao. Conclusiones: Históricamente ofrecer toda la trayectoria de este Centro de Histoterapia Placentaria y su significación e importancia para la Ciencia Cubana, así como transmitir a especialistas, médicos y, en general, trabajadores de la salud, su destacada labor en la recuperación de graves enfermedades que aquejan a la población mundial(AU)

Introduction: As a result of the international repercussion of a new Cuban method for treating vitiligo with a drug obtained from human placenta, discovered by Dr. Carlos Manuel Miyares Cao, the Placental Histotherapy Center was founded on April 25, 1986 to support the development of Medical Sciences in Cuba. This prestigious institution, which arrived to its 35th Anniversary this year, has made a significant impact on the health and quality of life of people with dermatological diseases such as vitiligo, psoriasis and alopecia. Objective: Knowing the importance of safeguarding historical milestones as essential elements in the scientific and social trajectory of an institution, we intend to present the fundamental components that make up the Placental Histotherapy Center as well as to encourage new generations to continue the research work carried out in this center and the need to preserve its history. Material and Methods: A historical and bibliographical investigation of the documents preserved in the Library of the Center was carried out to base this article. Development: The essential aspects that support the history of the Center as well as the scientific, social and human involvement of Dr. Carlos Manuel Miyares Cao in this process are included. Conclusions: Our objective is to offer the entire trajectory of the Placental Histotherapy Center and its significance and importance for Cuban Science from a historical perspective as well as to inform specialists, doctors, and health workers in general about its outstanding work related to the recovery from serious diseases that afflict the world's population(AU)

Phototherapy

Abstract Of all the therapeutic options available in Dermatology, few of them have the history, effectiveness, and safety of phototherapy. Heliotherapy, NB-UVB, PUVA, and UVA1 are currently the most common types of phototherapy used. Although psoriasis is the most frequent indication, it is used for atopic dermatitis, vitiligo, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, and cutaneous sclerosis, among others. Before indicating phototherapy, a complete patient assessment should be performed. Possible contraindications should be actively searched for and it is essential to assess whether the patient can come to the treatment center at least twice a week. One of the main method limitations is the difficulty that patients have to attend the sessions. This therapy usually occurs in association with other treatments: topical or systemic medications. Maintaining the regular monitoring of the patient is essential to identify and treat possible adverse effects. Phototherapy is recognized for its benefits and should be considered whenever possible.

Out-of-pocket costs for patients with psoriasis in an outpatient dermatology referral service

Abstract Background: Psoriasis is a chronic disease that derives great costs to the health care system. In Colombia, due to deficiencies in this system, patients are more likely to incur in out-of-pocket expenses; money that has never been quantified in this country. Objectives: To quantify out-of-pocket expenses and to analyze their relation to patients' clinical and labor characteristics in a cohort of psoriatic patients. Methods: A single-center, cross-sectional study was performed, evaluating psoriasis patients. Results: A total of 100 psoriasis patients were analyzed. We identified that patients with higher dermatology life quality index and in phototherapy treatment were the ones that had higher out-of-pocket costs (p = 0.006 and 0.005, respectively). We found no correlation between out-of-pocket costs and occupational status, psoriasis area severity index or other types of treatment. The largest amount of money was used to buy medications and bus transportation with a maximum up to 440.50 and 528.60 USD, respectively. Among the 100 participants the total expense was 11131.90 USD in a 6-month period. Study limitations: Lack of measurement of the labor productivity and labor absenteeism secondary to sick leave. Conclusion: Out-of-pocket costs are similar with what was shown in previous studies. We found statistically significant differences for the DLQI in comparison with out-of-pocket expenses, regardless of the PASI level. Phototherapy treatment also had statistically significant differences in relationship with out-of-pocket expenses, when compared to other treatments, because it requires higher expenses in transportation, copayments, and alimentation during appointment assistance.

Evolución clínica en pacientes tratados con Esencias Florales de Bach y costo del tratamiento / Clinical Evolution and Cost of Treatment in Patients Treated with Bach Flower Essences

Introducción: La Medicina Natural y Tradicional constituye hoy en día una necesidad, no como opción terapéutica, sino por su valor intrínseco, al tratar al paciente de forma holística, además de su inocuidad y bajo costo. Objetivo: Evaluar la evolución clínica en pacientes tratados con Esencias florales de Bach y costo del tratamiento. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de evaluación de la evolución de pacientes con diagnóstico clínico de Psoriasis, Vitíligo y Liquen plano, los cuales fueron tratados con Esencias florales de Bach en el período de marzo del 2016 a marzo del 2018, en Consulta Multidisciplinaria Dermatología- Medicina Natural Tradicional- Psicología, del Policlínico Docente Héroes del Moncada; del municipio de Cárdenas, Matanzas. Los datos fueron recopilados y procesados en el software Excel, atendiendo a variables demográficas, se tuvieron en cuenta los criterios de inclusión, exclusión y consentimiento informado de pacientes vírgenes de tratamiento convencional. Las esencias florales utilizadas fueron: Crab Apple, Willow, Verbain, Impatiems, Walnut, Cherry Plum, Sweet Chestnut, Chicory, Clematis, Beech, Star of Bethlehem, While Chestnut y Larch de forma oral y tópica. Resultados: En el sexo femenino predominó el Vitíligo y Psoriasis. La ansiedad estuvo presente en 17 pacientes, en cuanto a la evolución, 14 pacientes asintomáticos y 14 mejorados. El costo de las Esencias florales oral fue gratuito y el tópico muy bajo. Conclusiones: La evolución clínica fue favorable y el costo del tratamiento muy bajo, lo cual demostró la efectividad de la terapia floral en la muestra(AU)

Introduction: Natural and traditional medicine is nowadays a necessity, not as a therapeutic option, but because of its intrinsic value, since it allows to treat the patient holistically, in addition to its innocuousness and low cost. Objective: To assess the clinical evolution and cost of treatment in patients treated with Bach flower essences. Methods: A study was carried out to assess the evolution of patients with a clinical diagnosis of psoriasis, vitiligo and lichen planus, who were treated with Bach flower essences in the period from March 2016 to March 2018, at a multidisciplinary consultation of dermatology, traditional natural medicine and psychology from Héroes del Moncada Teaching Polyclinic in Cárdenas Municipality, Matanzas Province. The data were collected and processed in the EXCEL software, taking into account demographic variables, together with inclusion and exclusion criteria, as well as informed consent of patients who had not received any conventional treatment. The flower essences used, orally and topically, were crab apple, willow, verbain, impatiens, walnut, cherry plum, sweet chestnut, chicory, clematis, beech, star of Bethlehem, white chestnut and larch. Results: The female sex predominated in cases of vitiligo and psoriasis. Anxiety was present in seventeen patients. Regarding evolution, fourteen patients were asymptomatic and the same amount achieved improvement. The cost of the oral flower essences was free and that of the topical ones was very low. Conclusions: Clinical evolution was favorable and the cost of treatment was very low, which demonstrated the effectiveness of flower therapy in the sample studied(AU)

Ambulatório conjunto de dermatologia e reumatologia para tratamento de psoríase e artrite psoriásica: experiência de um hospital terciário do sul do Brasil / Combined dermatology and rheumatology outpatient clinic for the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: a Southern Brazilian experience

Introdução: Diversas diretrizes enfatizam as vantagens do manejo multidisciplinar no cuidado ao paciente com psoríase (PSO) e artrite psoriásica (PSA). O diagnóstico precoce de PSA se relaciona com melhores desfechos em 5 anos. No entanto, o diagnóstico precoce de PSA ainda é um desafio. Métodos: Estudo transversal retrospectivo de pacientes com diagnóstico prévio ou suspeito de PSO e/ou PSA atendidos em ambulatório conjunto de dermatologia e reumatologia do sul do Brasil de janeiro de 2013 a janeiro de 2017. Resultados: Entre os 55 pacientes previamente diagnosticados com PSO, 30,9% (n = 17) foram diagnosticados com PSA. Alterações do tratamento foram feitas em 58,5% (n = 48) dos pacientes, principalmente devido ao mau controle da pele e das articulações. Os imunobiológicos foram a classe de medicamentos mais comumente iniciada, correspondendo a 35,4% (n = 17) das modificações terapêuticas. O metotrexato foi o segundo medicamento mais comumente iniciado (18,8%, n = 9) ou com modificação da dose ou via de administração (20,8%, n = 10), totalizando 39,6% (n = 19) de modificações terapêuticas. Houve um aumento na proporção de pacientes em uso de tratamento sistêmico (79,3%, n = 65). Conclusão: Este estudo reforça a importância da abordagem multidisciplinar no diagnóstico precoce da PSA e demonstra que a abordagem conjunta entre dermatologia e reumatologia é possível de ser realizada no Brasil, com resultados semelhantes aos reportados na literatura internacional. (AU)

Introduction: Several guidelines emphasize the advantages of multidisciplinary management of patients with psoriasis (PSO) or psoriatic arthritis (PSA). Early diagnosis of PSA is associated with better outcomes in 5 years. However, early diagnosis of PSA remains a challenge. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study of patients with previous or suspected diagnosis of PSO and/or PSA treated at a combined dermatology and rheumatology outpatient clinic in southern Brazil from January 2013 to January 2017. Results: Of 55 patients previously diagnosed with PSO, 30.9% (n = 17) were diagnosed with PSA. Changes in treatment were made in 58.5% (n = 48) of patients, mainly due to poor control of cutaneous and articular symptoms. Immunobiological agents were the most commonly prescribed class of drugs, corresponding to 35.4% (n = 17) of changes in medical therapy. Methotrexate was the second most commonly prescribed drug (18.8%; n = 9) and the second drug to undergo most changes in dose or route of administration (20.8%; n = 10), accounting for 39.6% (n = 19) of changes in medical therapy. There was an increase in the number of patients undergoing systemic therapies (79.3%; n = 65). Conclusions: This study reinforces the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the early diagnosis of PSA and demonstrates that a collaborative approach between dermatology and rheumatology is feasible in Brazil, with outcomes similar to those reported in the international literature. (AU)

Recomendaciones de expertos para el tratamiento biológico en pacientes con psoriasis / Expert recommendations for biological treatment in patients with psoriasis

Resumen En los últimos años, la introducción de diversos medicamentos biológicos para el tratamiento de la psoriasis ha aumentado considerablemente el arsenal terapéutico del médico, con lo cual se ha logrado un fuerte impacto positivo en el control de la enfermedad. Con el fin de proveer de las mejores recomendaciones para el uso de estos biológicos en los pacientes afectados de psoriasis, el grupo mexicano de expertos en psoriasis PSOMEX ha formulado recomendaciones para mejorar la comprensión y el posicionamiento terapéutico de este tipo de medicamentos.

Abstract In recent years, the introduction of a series of biological drugs for the treatment of psoriasis has considerably increased the therapeutic armamentarium of doctors, and thus a strongly positive impact on the control of this condition has been achieved. With the purpose to provide the best recommendations for the use of these biological agents in patients with psoriasis, the Mexican group of psoriasis experts, PSOMEX, has developed recommendations in order to improve the understanding and therapeutic positioning of this type of medications.

Acupuntura y auto hemoterapia en puntos de acupuntura en pacientes con Psoriasis. Presentación de casos / Acupuncture and auto hemotherapy at acupuncture points in patients with Psoriasis. Presentation of cases

Introducción: la psoriasis consiste en trastorno de la proliferación celular epidérmica, caracterizada clínicamente, por una excesiva descamación cutánea y la presencia de lesiones en forma de placas hiperqueratosicas y pruriginosas localizadas en el tronco, las articulaciones y el cuero cabelludo. Presentación de casos: caso 1: paciente femenina de 62 años de edad de procedencia urbana que acude a la consulta de dermatología, presentando proliferación celular epidérmica, con excesiva descamación cutánea y placas hiperqueratosica, pruriginosas localizadas en todo el cuerpo, incluyendo el cuero cabelludo. Caso 2: paciente femenina de 26 años de edad, procedencia rural que acude a la consulta de dermatología de su área de salud, paciente que desde el embarazo comenzó con una lesión eritomatoescamosa en abdomen y luego se generalizo, acompañado de prurito y que a pesar del tratamiento tópico no mejoraba. Discusión: Seguimiento de las pacientes por psoriasis vulgar. Se indicó tratamiento con acupuntura y auto hemoterapia en puntos seleccionados de acupuntura, en varios ciclos programados. Conclusiones: se logró evolución altamente satisfactoria con desaparición progresiva de las lesiones en la piel, debido a la respuesta clínica obtenida.

Introduction: psoriasis consists of a disorder of epidermal cell proliferation, clinically characterized by excessive skin peeling and the presence of lesions in the form of hyperkeratosic and pruritic plaques located on the trunk, joints and scalp. Presentation of cases: case 1: 62-year-old female patient of urban origin who comes to the dermatology consultation, presenting epidermal cell proliferation, with excessive skin desquamation and hyperkeratosic, pruritic plaques located throughout the body, including the scalp. Case 2: 26-year-old female patient, rural origin who comes to the dermatology consultation of her health area, patient who, since pregnancy, began with an erythematous squamous lesion in the abdomen and then generalized, accompanied by itching and which, despite topical treatment, did not improve. Discussion: Follow-up of patients with vulgar psoriasis. Treatment with acupuncture and auto hemotherapy was indicated at selected acupuncture points, in several programmed cycles. Conclusions: highly satisfactory evolution was achieved with progressive disappearance of the skin lesions, due to the clinical response obtained.

Effectiveness of short-term physical agents treatment on macroscopic morphology in patients with plaque psoriasis / Efectividad del tratamiento a corto plazo de los agentes físicos en la morfología macroscópica de las placas de psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that presents skin rashes which can arise through plaques. The aim of this work was to compare the effectiveness of short-term physical agents treatment on macroscopic morphology (area and erythema) in patients with plaque psoriasis. This prospective randomized experimental study included fourteen subjects, medically diagnosed with psoriasis, with more than one plaque in the skin and voluntarily without topical treatment. All subjects completed the study that consisted of 12 treatment sessions divided in control (C), artificial balneotherapy (AB), phototherapy (PT) or balneophototherapy (BPT) groups. After session 12, there was a significant reduction of the plaque area by all treatments when compared to C group and BPT was the most effective one. However, only AB and PT presented a reduction of erythema. Regarding severity, 9 patients changed to a lower category on the PASI test, and 5 of them maintained a mild psoriasis, but lowered their score. Finally, 13 of 14 subjects improved their quality of life. The physical agents used reduced the severity of psoriasis and improved quality of life of patients after 12 sessions of treatment during a onemonth period. The BPT was the more effective in controlling psoriasis by diminishing its area and PT by attenuating the erythema.

La Psoriasis es una enfermedad inflamatoria crónica que presenta irritación cutánea que puede derivar a placas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue comparar la efectividad del tratamiento a corto plazo con agentes físicos en la morfología macroscópica (área y eritema) en pacientes con placas de psoriasis. Estudio experimental, prospectivo, randomizado. Catorce sujetos participaron con diagnóstico médico de psoriasis, con más de una placa en la piel y sin tener tratamiento tópico de forma voluntaria. Todos los sujetos completaron el estudio, el cual consistió de 12 sesiones de tratamiento dividido en grupo control (C), BA, FT y BFA. Posterior a la sesión 12, se observó una reducción significativa en toda el área de las placas que recibieron tratamiento al compararlas al grupo C y el grupo BFA fue el más efectivo. Sin embargo, solo los grupos BA y FT presentaron una reducción del eritema. Respecto a la severidad, 9 pacientes cambiaron de la baja categoría en el test de PASI y 5 de ellos se mantuvieron en el nivel medio, pero disminuyeron su puntaje. Finalmente, 13 de 14 sujetos mejoraron su calidad de vida. Los agentes físicos usados redujeron la severidad de la psoriasis y mejoraron la calidad de vida de los pacientes después de 12 sesiones de tratamiento durante el período de un mes. La BFA fue la más efectiva en controlar la psoriasis por la disminución en el área y la FT por la atenuación del eritema.

Diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines for plaque psoriasis - Brazilian Society of Dermatology

Abstract: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects 1.3% of the Brazilian population. The most common clinical manifestations are erythematous, scaling lesions that affect both genders and can occur on any anatomical site, preferentially involving the knees, elbows, scalp and genitals. Besides the impact on the quality of life, the systemic nature of the disease makes psoriasis an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, especially in young patients with severe disease. By an initiative of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology, dermatologists with renowned clinical experience in the management of psoriasis were invited to form a work group that, in a partnership with the Brazilian Medical Association, dedicated themselves to create the Plaque Psoriasis Diagnostic and Treatment Guidelines. The relevant issues for the diagnosis (evaluation of severity and comorbidities) and treatment of plaque psoriasis were defined. The issues generated a search strategy in the Medline-PubMed database up to July 2018. Subsequently, the answers to the questions of the recommendations were devised, and each reference selected presented the respective level of recommendation and strength of scientific evidence. The final recommendations for making up the final text were worded by the coordinators.

What do Cochrane systematic reviews say about interventions for treating psoriasis?

ABSTRACT CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by abnormal and increased growth of the cells that produce keratin and abnormal functioning of the immune system. We aimed to summarize the evidence available regarding interventions for patients with psoriasis. DESIGN AND SETTING: Review of systematic reviews, developed in the Discipline of Evidence-Based Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted to identify Cochrane systematic reviews that fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Two authors screened titles and abstracts that had been retrieved through the search strategy. The results from all the Cochrane systematic reviews that were included were summarized and presented in a narrative synthesis. RESULTS: We included six Cochrane systematic reviews assessing interventions for treating psoriasis. The findings from high-quality evidence were that (a) etanercept reduced the psoriasis severity index, compared with placebo and (b) steroids plus vitamin D, compared with vitamin D alone, improved the skin clearance rate, as assessed by investigators, but was associated with a higher proportion of participants who dropped out due to adverse events. For all other comparisons, the quality of the evidence ranged from moderate to very low. CONCLUSION: This review included six Cochrane systematic reviews that provided evidence ranging in quality from unknown to high, regarding management of psoriasis. Further randomized controlled trials are imperative to reduce the uncertainties relating to several treatments that are already used in clinical practice.

The efficacy and safety of phototherapy in geriatric patients: a retrospective study

Abstract: Background: While phototherapy is a well-established treatment for many dermatoses, data from the literature regarding its use in elderly patients are quite limited. Objective: In this study, we aimed to determine the phototherapy indications in geriatric patients and to evaluate the effectiveness and reliability of phototherapy in this group. Methods: This study included 95 patients of 65 years of age and older who were treated in our phototherapy unit between 2006 and 2015. The data for this study were collected retrospectively from patient follow-up forms in the phototherapy unit. Results: Phototherapy was administered to 28 (29.5%) patients for mycosis fungoides, 25 (26.3%) patients foplaque type psoriasis, 12 (12.6%) patients for palmoplantar psoriasis, 12 (12.6%) patients for generalized pruritus, and 18 (19%) for other dermatoses. Of the patients, 64.2% had received a narrowband UVB (NB-UVB), 21.1% oral psoralen UVA (PUVA), and 14.7% local PUVA treatment. A complete response was achieved in 76.9-85.7% of the mycosis fungoides and in 73.71-100% of the psoriasis vulgaris patients treated with NB-UVB and PUVA, respectively. All the patients with generalized pruritus were treated with NB-UVB, and 80% of these patients achieved significant improvement. The erythema rate was found to be 0.43% per session for NB-UVB treatment and 0.46% per session for PUVA treatment as a side effect. Study limitations: The limitations of our study are that it was retrospective and the remission durations of the patients are not known. Conclusion: This study showed that phototherapy is effective and reliable in the elderly population with proper dose increases and close follow-up.

n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation in psoriasis: a review

Psoriasis is an immune mediated chronic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology and characterized by epidermal hyperplasia and inappropriate immune activation, which affects the skin and joints as well.The immunopathogenesis of psoriasis involves changes in the innate and acquired (T lymphocytes) immune system. The cells of the innate immune system when activated produce growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines that act on cells of the acquired immune system and vice versa, being characterized as atype 1 immune response disease. Fish oil n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, mainly eicosapentaenoic (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acids (DHA), reduce symptoms in many inflammatory skin diseases. The mechanism of action of fish oil in the treatment of psoriasis is widely based on the alteration of epidermal and blood cell membrane lipid composition. In the present study, we performed a review of the several studies, which analyzed the action of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in patients with psoriasis. Taken together, the majority of the studies showed that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, mainly from marine origin, have beneficial effects and can be utilized as adjuvant therapy in psoriasis treatment. Both oral and intravenous administration of fish oil n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids had positive effects. However, further studies are warranted to answer many intriguing questions, for instance, the ideal quantity of fish oil to be utilized, the effect on different forms and severity of psoriasis and last, but not least, the consequences of using fish oil n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on the cardiovascular features of patients with psoriasis.