RESUMEN
Objectives: To evaluate the demographics, therapeutic protocols, risk factors and co-morbidities of psoriasis in one hospital in Jordan's public military health sector
Methods: Our study included 350 adult patients, of both genders, aged 19-75 years, diagnosed with psoriasis by dermatologists. The demographics, therapeutic protocols, risk factors and co-morbidities were assessed. Psoriasis was classified as severe, moderate, and mild forms depending on the psoriasis area severity index [PASI] score, which was used to assess the severity of psoriatic lesions based on area coverage and plaque appearance, a PASI <5 is a mild psoriasis, a PASI <10 is a moderate, and a PASI>10 is a severe psoriasis. We collected information on skin disorders and infections, chronic diseases, pregnancy, stress, obesity, smoking status and drug use [beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, anti-malarial, NSAIDs, lithium, interferon's tetracycline's and penicillin.]. The study was approved by the ethics and research review board committee of the Royal Medical Services. The patients' information was used for the study during a period of 4 years from Jan 2012 to Jan 2016 at Prince Rashid Military Hospital, Irbid, Jordan
Results: Psoriasis was more prevalent in men and most prevalent in the age group 68-75 years. The prevalence in both genders increased with increasing age. 94.9% of patients were treated with topical corticosteroids and 12.9% of patients had systemic treatment. Psoriatic patients experienced increased co-morbidities of diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia. Patients with previous skin disorders [OR, 3.1 [95% CI, 2.9-3.8]] and skin infection [OR, 1.7 [95% CI, 1.5-1.8]], during the last year, had the highest risk of having psoriasis. Other risk factors include Smoking, obesity, stress, depression and skin trauma
Conclusion: The number of Jordanian psoriatic patients presenting to public health military sector hospitals is more in males than in females and the number increased markedly in patients aged 68-75 years
RESUMEN
Objective: To determine the stability of parathyroid hormone in patients with chronic kidney disease both in serum and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid [EDTA] plasma tested at room temperature
Methods: This is a prospective study conducted at Princess Iman Centre for Research and Laboratory Sciences, King Hussein Medical Center Jordan. A total of 94 patients were included with age range between 10 years and 65 years, of which 42.5% male and 57.5% were female. From each patient 5 ml EDTA acid and 10 ml gel separator [with clot activator] tubes were collected and analyzed in a time period between 1/7/2015 and 1/11/2015. The plasma and sera were analyzed for intact parathyroid hormone within 6 hours of collection [baseline] and after 48 hours stored at room temperature, using immulite 2000 intact parathyroid hormone assay. Mean parathyroid hormone value, median, and differences for sera and EDTA samples at baseline and after 48 hours of collection were calculated and evaluated using Microsoft excel sheet
Results: Serum samples analysed after 48 hours from the collection time showed significant difference in their mean concentration value from the baseline mean value. Regarding EDTA acid plasma samples, their analysis after 48 hours showed a little decrease in parathyroid hormone concentration from the baseline value, which was not significantly different. The percentage of difference between baseline mean value and 48 hours mean value was 7.91% for EDTA acid plasma samples and 11.1% for serum samples
Conclusion: The study showed that the parathyroid hormone was more stable in EDTA acid plasma sample than serum at baseline and after 48 hours of collection at room temperature. Serum samples gave inaccurate and false low results. Therefore, plasma measurement for parathyroid hormone analysis is preferred and advised. However, reference range for PTH concentration in plasma should be established if it is needed to be adopted for routine clinical use