What lessons can we learn? Clinical and epidemiological retrospective analysis of 267 patients with urticaria in a Brazilian tertiary center

Abstract Background: There are few epidemiological studies of urticaria, published in the indexed literature (PubMed/Medline). Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the epidemiological and clinical data among patients with urticaria/angioedema attending a reference clinic in Brazil. Methods: Two hundred sixty-seven patients were evaluated retrospectively considering demographic data, time course of the disease, triggering symptoms, the presence of angioedema, complementary laboratory tests including total blood count, reactive-C protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, IgE serum levels, and other, as necessary. Results: The most commonly diagnosed type of urticaria was chronic spontaneous urticaria (56.93%). Angioedema was associated with chronic urticaria in 108 patients (40.08%). Study limitations: Unicentered and retrospective. Conclusion: Some relevant findings in this study are the observation of a female prevalence of cases (4-females: 1-man), a result more elevated than demonstrated in previous studies in Europe and Asia, the median age was 43-years old and the delay of time between the diagnosis of urticaria and the admission for treatment in a specialized center was approximately 2-years. Other multicenter studies can better establish these differences in Brazilian patients.

Evaluation of serum levels of C-reactive protein, D-Dimer and Autologous Serum Skin Test in patients with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria in a Brazilian tertiary center: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background: The pathophysiology of urticaria is still poorly understood. Recent studies demonstrate that the activation of coagulation is correlated with the clinical activity of Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria. Coagulation and inflammation are strongly linked. Objectives: To correlate the severity and activity of Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria with the levels of D-dimer, C-reactive protein, and autologous serum test in patients with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria. Methods: The study included 55 patients diagnosed with chronic spontaneous urticaria. D-dimer levels were measured using enzyme-linked fluorescent assay and C-reactive protein levels were measured using the nephelometric method; autologous serum testing was performed on patients who discontinued antihistamine therapy. The severity of the disease was assessed using the urticaria activity score. Results: patients with severe, spontaneous, and difficult-to-control chronic urticaria had elevated serum levels of D-dimer, as well as a positive autologous serum test. Little correlation was demonstrated between the severity of chronic spontaneous urticaria and the levels of C-reactive protein. Conclusion: The authors concluded that patients with severe Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria showed signs of activated fibrinolysis. Most patients with high clinical scores had high D-dimer values. Patients with positive results for the autologous serum test also had more severe Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria and needed more drugs to control the disease. Finally, little correlation was found between C-reactive protein levels and disease severity. Study limitations: The main limitation was the small sample of patients. In the present patients, it was demonstrated that serum D-dimer levels and the autologous serum test can act as predictive markers of severity and activity of Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria.

Keep it simple. A ten-year experience in reconstructions after Mohs micrographic surgery

Abstract Background: Mohs micrographic surgery is worldwide used for treating skin cancers. After obtaining tumor-free margins, choosing the most appropriate type of closure can be challenging. Objectives: Our aim was to associate type of surgical reconstructions after Mohs micrographic surgery with the characteristics of the tumors as histological subtype, anatomical localization and especially number of surgical stages to achieve complete excision of the tumour. Methods: Transversal, retrospective analyses of medical records. Compilation of data such as gender, age, tumor location, histological subtype, number of stages to achieve clear margins and type of repair used. Results: A total of 975 of facial and extra-facial cases were analyzed. Linear closure was the most common repair by far (39%) and was associated with the smallest number of Mohs micrographic surgery stages. This type of closure was also more common in most histological subtypes and anatomical locations studied. Using Poisson regression model, nose defects presented 39% higher frequency of other closure types than the frequency of primary repairs, when compared to defects in other anatomic sites (p< 0.05). Tumors with two or more stages had a 28.6% higher frequency of other closure types than those operated in a single stage (p< 0.05). Study limitations: Retrospective study with limitations in obtaining information from medical records. The choice of closure type can be a personal choice. Conclusions: Primary closure should not be forgotten especially in surgical defects with fewer stages and in non-aggressive histological subtypes in main anatomic sites where Mohs micrographic surgery is performed.

Termo de consentimento informado: impacto na decisão judicial / Informed consent: impact on court decisions / Formulario de consentimiento informado: impacto en la decisión judicial

Resumo O termo de consentimento informado é fundamental na relação jurídica entre médico e paciente. Visando avaliar seu impacto na sentença judicial, realizou-se estudo retrospectivo de 70 processos de responsabilidade civil envolvendo procedimentos médicos estéticos cirúrgicos e não cirúrgicos com termo de consentimento assinado pelos pacientes. Os casos analisados, julgados entre 2014 e 2016, foram selecionados nos sites dos tribunais brasileiros e classificados em dois grupos: médicos absolvidos (51%) e condenados (49%). No primeiro grupo, 39% das absolvições se embasaram na apresentação adequada do termo de consentimento informado, enquanto, no segundo, 50% dos médicos foram condenados por não o ter incluído. Portanto, o termo de consentimento informado se destaca nos julgamentos de erro médico. O dever de informar é um dos pilares da responsabilidade civil desse profissional e, quando negligenciado, constitui fator substancial para condenação.

Abstract The informed consent form is essential in the physician-patient relationship. To evaluate its impact on court decisions, we conducted a retrospective study of 70 civil suits involving surgical and non-surgical aesthetic medical procedures with an informed consent form signed by patients. The cases, judged between 2014 and 2016, were selected from Brazilian courts websites and classified into two groups: acquitted (51%) and convicted (49%) doctors. In the first group, 39% of acquittals were based on the proper presentation of the informed consent form, whereas in the second 50% of the professionals were convicted for not including the document. The informed consent thus stands out when judging medical errors, and the duty to warn is one of the pillars of the professional liability and, when neglected, becomes a substantial factor for their conviction.

Resumen El formulario de consentimiento informado es fundamental en la relación jurídica entre médico y paciente. Para evaluar su impacto en sentencias judiciales, se realizó un estudio retrospectivo con 70 procesos de responsabilidad civil relacionados con procedimientos médicos estéticos quirúrgicos y no quirúrgicos con el formulario de consentimiento firmado por los pacientes. Los casos analizados, juzgados entre 2014 y 2016, fueron seleccionados en los sitios web de los tribunales brasileños y clasificados en dos grupos: médicos absueltos (51%) y condenados (49%). En el primer grupo, el 39% de las absoluciones se basaron en la presentación adecuada del formulario de consentimiento; en el segundo, en el 50% de los casos se condenaron a los médicos por no incluir este documento. Por tanto, el formulario de consentimiento informado se destaca en los juicios por error médico. El deber de informar es uno de los pilares de la responsabilidad civil del médico, y su incumplimiento constituye un factor sustancial de condena.

Dosages of androgenic hormones in adolescent patients with severe acne

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE Acne vulgaris in female adolescents, when severe or accompanied by other signs of androgenization, may represent a sign of hyperandrogenemia often underdiagnosed, which will have harmful consequences for adult life. The objective of this cross-sectional and retrospective study was to demonstrate the incidence of hormonal changes in the cases of female adolescents with severe or extensive acne, with or without other signs of hyperandrogenism, and propose a hormonal research pattern which should be indicated in order to detect early hyperandrogenemia. METHODS The medical records of 38 female patients aged between 9 and 15 years old with grade II and/or III acne were analyzed. The dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, dehydroepiandrostenedione, and androstenedione, total testosterone, and dihydrotestosterone sulfate hormones were required prior to initiation of treatment. The hormonal dosages were performed in the serum after at least 3 hours of fasting by means of radioimmunoassay tests. RESULTS Of the 38 patients included, 44.7% presented changes in androgen levels (hyperandrogenemia), and the two most frequently altered hormones were DHEA and androstenedione, with the same incidence (23.6%). CONCLUSIONS The correct and early diagnosis provides an effective and agile approach, including antiandrogen therapy, with the purpose of avoiding the reproductive and metabolic repercussions, besides controlling the inflammatory picture and avoid aesthetic complications.

RESUMO OBJETIVO A acne vulgar em adolescentes do sexo feminino, quando grave ou acompanhada de outros sinais de androgenização, pode representar um sinal de hiperandrogenemia muitas vezes subdiagnosticado, que acarretará consequências danosas para a vida adulta. O objetivo deste estudo transversal e retrospectivo foi demonstrar a incidência das alterações hormonais nos casos de adolescentes do sexo feminino com acne grave ou extensa, acompanhada ou não de outros sinais de hiperandrogenismo e propor um padrão de pesquisa hormonal que deve ser indicado com o intuito de detectar precocemente o quadro de hiperandrogenemia. MÉTODOS Foram analisados os prontuários de 38 pacientes do sexo feminino com idades entre 9 e 15 anos, portadoras de quadro de acne grau II e/ou III. Os hormônios sulfato de dehidroepiandrostenediona, dehidroepiandrostenediona, androstenediona, testosterona total e dehidrotestosterona foram solicitados antes do início do tratamento. As dosagens hormonais foram realizadas no soro após pelo menos 3 horas de jejum por meio de exames de radioimunoensaio. RESULTADOS Das 38 pacientes incluídas, 44,7% apresentaram alterações dos níveis de andrógenos (hiperandrogenemia), sendo que os dois hormônios mais frequentemente alterados foram o DHEA e androstenediona, com a mesma incidência (23,6%). CONCLUSÕES O diagnóstico correto e precoce propicia uma abordagem efetiva e ágil, incluindo a terapia antiandrogênica, com a finalidade de evitar as repercussões reprodutivas e metabólicas, além de controlar o quadro inflamatório e evitar complicações estéticas.

Necrose cutânea do tecido enxertado decorrente de tabagismo / Necrosis of skin graft entailed by smoking habits

A cicatrização adequada das feridas cirúrgicas é influenciada pela técnica operatória, pela presença de intercorrências pós-cirúrgicas e pelos hábitos de vida do paciente. Relatamos caso de paciente submetido a exérese de carcinoma basocelular por cirurgia micrográfica de Mohs e reconstrução com enxertia cutânea palpebral. No pós-operatório houve necrose do enxerto devido má perfusão do leito cirúrgico imputada ao tabagismo. O tabagismo interfere na embebição plasmática e neovascularização do enxerto, além de promover estresse oxidativo e disfunção endotelial. O cirurgião deve orientar a suspensão do tabagismo por pelo menos quatro semanas antes do procedimento, a fim de evitar maiores riscos de complicações.

Adequate healing of surgical wounds is influenced by the operative technique, the presence of postoperative complications, and the patient's life style. The authors of the present paper report the case of a patient who underwent excision of a basal cell carcinoma by Mohs micrographic surgery and reconstruction with palpebral skin grafting. The graft necrosed in the postoperative period due to poor perfusion of the surgical bed, correlated to smoking habits. Smoking interferes with plasma perfusion and graft neovascularization, and promotes oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction. Surgeons should recommend the cessation of smoking for at least 4 weeks prior to the procedure in order to avoid further risks of complications.

Correlation between the histopathology of chronic urticaria and its clinical picture

Abstract BACKGROUND: Chronic urticaria is characterized by transient, pruritic lesions of varying sizes, with central pallor and well-defined edges, with disease duration longer than six weeks. Its cellular infiltrate consists of neutrophils, lymphocytes and eosinophils. There is a subgroup of patients with eosinophilic or neutrophilic urticaria, resistant to the treatment with antihistamines, but that respond to a combination of antihistamine with other drugs. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the present infiltration in chronic urticaria biopsies and correlate it with the clinical disease activity and response to treatment. METHODS: Forty-one patients with chronic urticaria were classified according to the score of severity of the disease, response to treatment and type of perivascular infiltrate. Inflammatory infiltrates were divided in eosinophilic (46.30%), neutrophilic and mixed. RESULTS: An association was found between the eosinophilic infiltrate and clinical scores of greater severity (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: This association shows that the eosinophilic inflammatory infiltrates denote high clinical activity, which means more severe and exuberant clinical pictures of the disease.

Expression of heparanase in basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract: Background: Heparanase is an enzyme that cleaves heparan sulfate chains. Oligosaccharides generated by heparanase induce tumor progression. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma comprise types of nonmelanoma skin cancer. Objectives: Evaluate the glycosaminoglycans profile and expression of heparanase in two human cell lines established in culture, immortalized skin keratinocyte (HaCaT) and squamous cell carcinoma (A431) and also investigate the expression of heparanase in basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and eyelid skin of individuals not affected by the disease (control). Methods: Glycosaminoglycans were quantified by electrophoresis and indirect ELISA method. The heparanase expression was analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR (qRTPCR). Results: The A431 strain showed significant increase in the sulfated glycosaminoglycans, increased heparanase expression and decreased hyaluronic acid, comparing to the HaCaT lineage. The mRNA expression of heparanase was significantly higher in Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma compared with control skin samples. It was also observed increased heparanase expression in squamous cell carcinoma compared to the Basal cell carcinoma. Conclusion: The glycosaminoglycans profile, as well as heparanase expression are different between HaCaT and A431 cell lines. The increased expression of heparanase in Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma suggests that this enzyme could be a marker for the diagnosis of such types of non-melanoma cancers, and may be useful as a target molecule for future alternative treatment.

Reação reversa macular da hanseníase: relato de caso / Macular reversal reaction in leprosy: a case report

A reação reversa maculosa consiste no aparecimento abrupto de máculas hipocrômicas, ocorrendo em pacientes hansenianos dimorfos que completaram o tratamento com poliquimioterapia para hanseníase multibacilar. Em geral, surgem entre 6 a 12 meses da alta, com baciloscopia negativa e boa resposta a corticoterapia sistêmica. Ressaltamos a dificuldade em diferenciar recidiva de um episódio reacional, já que não existem critérios clínicos bem estabelecidos que possibilitem este diagnóstico, além de existirem poucos relatos em literatura. Relatamos um caso clínico com diagnóstico de reação reversa macular após período variável de alta do tratamento de hanseniase dimorfa-dimorfa. Foi feita investigação por meio de anamnese rigorosa, exame dermatológico, exame histopatológico da lesão e baciloscopia, excluindo-se os critérios de recidiva, além de analisados dados anteriores do prontuário.O paciente foi submetido a corticoterapia sistêmica,apresentando melhora das lesões. Conclui-seque a reação reversa maculosa deve ser lembrada nos diagnósticos diferenciais com hanseníase recidivada e episódios reacionais clássicos, evitando retratamentos desnecessários.

Macular reversal reaction is the abrupt onset of hypochromic lesions, occurring in borderline leprosy patients who completed treatment with multidrugtherapy for multibacillary leprosy. In general, these reactions appear 6 to 12 months after medical discharge, showing negative skin smear and good response to systemic corticosteroid therapy. We emphasize the difficulty in differentiating relapse cases from leprosy reactions, as there are no well-established clinical criteria that allow this diagnosis, and moreover there are few reports about it in the literature. We report a borderline leprosy case diagnosed with macular reversal reaction after variable period of discharge from treatment. Detailed anamnesis, dermatological and histopathological examination and bacilloscopy, analysis of previous medical records, excluding the relapse criteria, were used for the investigation. The patient was submitted to systemic corticosteroid therapy, with improvement of the lesions. It is concluded that macular reversal reaction should be considered in the differential diagnosis of relapsed leprosy and classic reactional episodes, avoiding unnecessary retreatment.

Ácido Poli-L-Láctico: um agente bioestimulador / Poly-L-lactic acid: a biostimulating agent

O ácido poli-L-láctico (PLLA) é polímero biocompatível, reabsorvível, imunologicamente inerte, que induz a neocolagênese através de resposta inflamatória subclínica, indicado para restauração do volume facial associado à lipoatrofia facial em pacientes imunocompetentes ou com imunodeficiência pelo vírus HIV, além das indicações cosméticas em áreas extrafaciais. Há mais de três décadas vem sendo usado em dispositivos médicos como placas, parafusos, implantes intraósseos, de tecidos moles, como vetor biodegradável para medicamentos, em fios de sutura e stents. Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar uma revisão da literatura sobre indicações ao uso do PLLA, seu modo de aplicação e suas possíveis complicações.

Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) is a biocompatible, re-absorbable, immunologically inert polymer that induces neocollagenesis through a subclinical inflammatory response. It is indicated for restoration of facial volume associated with facial lipoatrophy in immunocompetent or HIV-immunodeficient patients. In addition there are cosmetic indications for extra facial areas. For more than three decades it has been used in medical devices such as plates, screws, intraosseous and soft tissue implants, and as a biodegradable vector for drugs, in sutures and stents. The present article is aimed at presenting a literature review on the indications, application method, and complications of the use of PLLA.

Action of topical mometasone on the pigmented halos of micrografting in patients with vitiligo / Ação da mometasona tópica nos halos pigmentares de microenxertia em vitiligo

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is a prevalent skin pigmentation disorder worldwide. The treatments available still offer limited results to some patients. For patients with clinically stable vitiligo, melanocyte transplantation is an appropriate treatment option, and the technique of autologous punch grafting shows good repigmentation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of topical mometasone on the halos of repigmentation after autologous punch grafting in patients with clinically stable vitiligo. METHODS: Between 2009 and 2010, 11 patients with clinically stable vitiligo (7 generalized, 2 focal and 2 segmental) underwent autologous punch grafting in the achromic patches. According to the clinical type of vitiligo, patients were instructed to use the corticosteroid ointment during 6 months, only on a few grafted lesions. In the first month, the mometasone ointment was used twice a day and after that just once. They were reassessed 1, 3 and 6 months after the procedure. Grafted halos were photographed and recorded using the software fotofinder. After 6 months, all the treated and untreated areas of the repigmentation halos were measured and analyzed comparatively. RESULTS: The median area of the repigmentation halos after 6 months of treatment with mometasone was larger (25,96 mm² ) than the one of the untreated halos (13,86 mm² ), showing a statistically significant difference (p = 0,026). CONCLUSION: In this study, the use of mometasone ointment increased the area of the repigmentation halos after punch grafting. However, this should be further investigated in larger samples in order to validate this positive action in the treatment of stable vitiligo.

FUNDAMENTOS: Vitiligo é um transtorno de pigmentação freqüente na população mundial. Seu tratamento ainda oferece resultados limitados em alguns pacientes. Nos casos de vitiligo estável clinicamente, o transplante de melanócitos tornase uma opção terapêutica, sendo a técnica de enxertos autólogos por punch empregada com boa resposta na repigmentação. OBJETIVOS: Estudar a ação do corticoesteróide tópico mometasona sobre halos de repigmentação após enxertos autólogos por punch em pacientes com vitiligo estável clinicamente. MÉTODOS: Entre 2009 e 2010, 11 pacientes com vitiligo estável (7 do tipo generalizado, 2 focal e 2 segmentar) foram submetidos a enxertos autólogos por punch nas máculas acrômicas. Conforme o tipo clínico do vitiligo, os pacientes eram orientados a aplicar pomada de mometasona por 6 meses em lesões enxertadas selecionadas individualmente. No primeiro mês, a aplicação era 2 vezes ao dia e nos demais, apenas uma vez ao dia. Eram reavaliados nos meses 1, 3 e 6 após enxertos cujos halos eram fotografados e registrados pelo software fotofinder. No fim do 6̊mês, todas as áreas dos halos de repigmentação com e sem mometasona foram mensuradas e analisadas comparativamente. RESULTADOS: A mediana da área dos halos de repigmentação após os 6 meses com mometasona foi superior (25,96 mm² ) comparada àquela sem mometasona (13,86 mm² ), com diferença estatisticamente significante (p=0,026). CONCLUSÃO: Em nossa casuística, o uso da mometasona tópica determinou incremento dos halos de repigmentação após enxertia. A amplificação da amostra se faz necessária em estudos posteriores a fim de ratificar esta ação positiva da mometasona no tratamento do vitiligo estável.

Comparative dermatology: blue nevus / Dermatologia comparativa: nevo azul

There are elements in nature that may be compared to some dermatological lesions, such as the black pearl, which is very similar to a cellular blue nevus observed in the gluteus region of a 31-year-old male patient.

A natureza pode oferecer elementos passíveis de comparação com algumas lesões dermatológicas, como a semelhança entre a pérola negra e o nevo azul celular observado na região glútea de paciente do sexo masculino, 31 anos.

Melanoma desmoplástico / Desmoplastic melanoma

Descrito pela primeira vez em 1971 por Conley et al., o melanoma desmoplásico (MD) representa menos de 4% dos melanomas cutâneos. Trata-se de variante distinta e incomum,que se caracteriza por tumor fibroso de células fusiformes liberadoras de colágeno em matriz fibrosa. Seu diagnóstico é propenso a erro, principalmente por sua semelhança com outras neoplasias fibrosas. Em cerca de 600 casos descritos na literatura, observou-se apresentação clínica não pigmentada, profunda e de aspecto fibroso, associada à lesão precursora. Seu reconhecimento é de grande importância devido ao comportamento de caráter recidivante e à consequente necessidade de abordagem cirúrgica distinta.

First described in 1971 by Conley and colleagues, desmoplastic melanomas represent less than 4% of cutaneous melanomas. It is a distinctive and uncommon variant characterized by a spindle cell fibrous tumor of collagen forming cells, isolated by dense fibrous matrix.Desmoplastic melanomas are frequently misdiagnosed, mainly due to their similarity to other fibrous neoplasms. A review of about 600 reported cases unexpectedly revealed the pigmented clinical presentation of a deep and fibrous nodule that is classically associated with a precursor lesion. The ability to recognise this lesion?s characteristics is very important, due to its recurrent behaviour and subsequent need for a specialized surgical approach.

Tumor de células granulosas (tumor de Abrikossoff) vulvar -Relato de caso / Vulvar granular cell tumor (Abrikossoff's tumor) - case report

O tumor de células granulosas foi descrito por Abrikossoff em 1926.Trata-se de neoplasia benigna, incomum, observada mais frequentemente na língua e, em percentual de cinco a 6% dos casos, na vulva. Sua histogênese é incerta, provavelmente ligada às células de Schwann.O tratamento é cirúrgico, com bom prognóstico. Podem ocorrer recidivas, e existem descrições na literatura de malignidade.Os autores relatam caso de paciente com nódulo na vulva com diagnóstico histopatológico de tumor de células granulosas, tratado cirurgicamente com sucesso.

Qualidade de vida em hanseníase: análise comparativa entre pacientes da região Amazônica com pacientes da região do ABC, São Paulo, Brasil / Quality of life in leprosy: a comparative analysis between patients in the Amazon region and patients in Santo André in the ABC region of São Paulo, Brazil

Nesse estudo analisou-se a qualidade de vida de indivíduos com hanseníase, além da comparação de índices de qualidade de vida entre duas realidades sócio-econômicas distintas.O trabalho foi realizado no ambulatório de hanseníase da Faculdade de Medicina do ABC-SP e através de visitas à população ribeirinha do Rio Purus , Estado do Amazonas, utilizando-se o Índice de Qualidade de Vida Dermatológico (IQVD).Observou-se que 76,9 por cento dos pacientes avaliados na Amazônia tinham qualidade de vida comprometida, enquanto 19 por cento em Santo André apresentavam esses resultados.No grupo do Amazonas, quem possuía sequela apresentava qualidade de vida comprometida.

This study analyzed the quality of life of individuals with leprosy and compared quality of life indexes of patients in two different socioeconomic scenarios. The study was conducted at the leprosy clinic of the ABC School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil and during visits to the populations living along the Purus River in the Brazilian state of Amazonas. The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was used to evaluate the patients. Quality of life was found to be impaired in 76.9 percent of the patients evaluated in the Amazon compared to 19 percent of the patients in Santo André. In the group of patients in the Amazon who had sequelae of the disease, quality of life was impaired.

Alterações ungueais nos pacientes portadores de insuficiência renal crônica em hemodiálise / Nail disorders in patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis

FUNDAMENTOS: A insuficiência renal crônica atinge quase todos os sistemas do organismo, inclusive pele e anexos. As alterações ungueais mais observadas nos pacientes com insuficiência renal crônica são: unhas meio a meio, ausência de lúnula e hemorragia em estilhas. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar o espectro e a frequência de alterações ungueais nos pacientes com IRC, submetidos à hemodiálise (HD), e compará-los com uma amostra pareada da população geral. MÉTODOS: Realizado um estudo caso- controle, pareado por gênero e idade, onde 2 grupos foram estudados com relação às alterações ungueais presentes. RESULTADOS: 86 por cento dos pacientes em HD e 75 por cento do grupo controle tiveram, pelo menos, uma alteração ungueal.Ausência de lúnula (62,9 por cento) e unha meio a meio (14,4 por cento) as alterações foram estatisticamente relevantes no grupo HD, em relação ao grupo controle (p < 0,05 por cento). Estrias longitudinais foram mais comuns nos controles em relação ao grupo HD (24,1 por cento). CONCLUSÕES: Ausência de lúnula e unha meio a meio as alterações ungueais foram mais encontradas nos pacientes em HD, corroborando com achados relatados, em estudos anteriores. Estrias longitudinais foram mais observadas no grupo controle e estudos posteriores poderão elucidar se alterações estruturais, tal qual a ausência de lúnula, poderiam relacionar-se a este achado.

BACKGROUND: Chronic renal failure affects almost all the systems of the body, including the skin and appendages. The nail disorders most commonly found in patients with chronic renal failure are half and half nails, absent lunula and splinter hemorrhages. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the spectrum and the frequency of nail disorders in patients with chronic renal failure submitted to hemodialysis and compare them with a paired sample from the general population. METHODS: A case-controlled study paired for gender and age was conducted in which nail disorders were investigated in the two groups. RESULTS: At least one nail disorder was found in 86 percent of the hemodialysis patients and in 75 percent of subjects in the control group. Absent lunula (62.9 percent) and half and half nails (14.4 percent) were more common in the hemodialysis group compared to the control group and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Longitudinal striae were more common in the control group compared to the hemodialysis group (24.1 percent). CONCLUSIONS: Absent lunula and half and half nails were the most common nail disorders found in patients on hemodialysis, corroborating the findings of previous studies. Longitudinal striae were more common in the control group and future studies may clarify whether structural abnormalities such as absent lunula may be related to this finding.

Histamina, receptores de histamina e anti-histamínicos: novos conceitos / Histamine, histamine receptors and antihistamines: new concepts

As drogas com ação anti-histamínica estão entre as medicações mais comumente prescritas na prática dermatológica diária, tanto em adultos como em crianças. Este artigo aborda os novos conceitos da função dos receptores de histamina (receptores H1) e discute os efeitos anti-inflamatórios dessas drogas. A segunda geração de anti-histamínicos difere da primeira geração devido a sua elevada especificidade e afinidade pelos receptores H1 periféricos e devido a seu menor efeito no sistema nervoso central, tendo como resultado menores efeitos sedativos. Embora a eficácia dos diferentes anti-histamínicos H1 (anti-H1) no tratamento de doentes alérgicos seja similar, mesmo quando se comparam anti-H1 de primeira e de segunda geração, eles são muito diferentes em termos de estrutura química, farmacologia e propriedades tóxicas. Consequentemente o conhecimento de suas características farmacocinéticas e farmacodinâmicas é importante para a melhor prática médica, especialmente em gestantes, crianças, idosos e doentes com comorbidades.

Drugs with antihistamine action are the most commonly prescribed medication in daily dermatologic practice, both to adults and children. This article addresses new concepts of the role of histamine receptors (H1 receptors) and discusses the anti-inflammatory effects of these drugs. Second generation antihistamines differs from first generation because of their high specificity and affinity for peripheral H1-receptors. Second generation antihistamines are also less likely to produce sedation because they have less effect on the central nervous system. Although the efficacy of the various H1-antihistamines in the treatment of allergic patients is similar, even when comparing first- and second-generation drugs, these drugs are still very different in terms of their chemical structure, pharmacology and toxic properties. Consequently, knowledge of their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics is essential for a better medical care, especially that offered to pregnant women, children, the elderly, and patients with comorbidities.

Profilaxia em cirurgia dermatológica / Prophylaxis in dermatologic surgery

Profilaxia cirúrgica é assunto amplamente discutido pelos dermatologistas, inexistindo, entretanto, consenso, tanto nas opiniões quanto nos estudos publicados. Com o objetivo de organizar os dados existentes na literatura e embasar o dermatologista para melhor escolha, foi realizada revisão de trabalhos nas bases de dados do Medline e da Biblioteca Cochrane, levantando artigos sobre profilaxia com antibióticos e antivirais. Com base nesses estudos foram elaboradas recomendações de profilaxia em diversas situações cotidianas do dermatologista, bem como sugestões de medicações profiláticas. O uso crítico da medicina embasada em evidência auxilia o dermatologista a tomar decisões, mas não se deve desconsiderar a experiência do médico nem tampouco subestimar a capacidade individual de análise clínica do paciente.

The theme of surgical prophylaxis is widely discussed by dermatologists; however, there is a lack of consensus regarding both opinions and published studies.A review of papers relating to the use of antibiotics and antivirals in prophylaxis was conducted in order to organize the existing data and provide dermatologists with a better foundation for making decisions.The literature review was performed using Medline and Cochrane Library databases. Recommendations of prophylaxis in several common situations in the dermatologist's daily experience, in addition to suggestions of prophylactic medications, were made based on these studies.The critical and evidence based approach in medicine provides support to the decision making process. Nevertheless, dermatologists should neither dismiss their own clinical experience nor underestimate the physician's individual ability to conduct the clinical analysis of patients.

Estudo de 543 pacientes submetidos à lipoaspiração tumescente / Study of 543 patients subjected to tumescent liposuction

Introdução: A lipoaspiração é um dos procedimentos estéticos mais realizados, e sua segurança é sempre questionada. Objetivo:Verificar a segurança e complicações operatórias da lipoaspiração tumescente, bem como parâmetros demográficos, antropométricos e técnicos, como gordura aspirada. Métodos: Foram analisados retrospectivamente 543 pacientes submetidos à lipoaspiração pela técnica tumescente no centro cirúrgico do ambulatório da Faculdade de Medicina do ABC entre 2000 e 2005. Dados demográficos e antropométricos foram coletados e analisados, bem como dados referentes ao procedimento, como local aspirado, quantidade de solução tumescente infundida, volumes total e de gordura sobrenadante aspirados, além das complicações existentes. Resultados: As mulheres representaram 98% de todos os pacientes estudados, a média de idade foi de 33±8 anos com índice de massa corpórea de 22±2 kg/m2 .O abdome foi o local mais abordado, e o percentual de gordura aspirado em relação ao peso corporal variou de 0,43 a 1,66, sendo em média 0,97±0,33 %. Só 1,2% dos pacientes tiveram complicações consideradas leves e que foram tratadas rápida e adequadamente.Conclusões: Pudemos confirmar que a lipoaspiração pela técnica tumescente é procedimento muito seguro quando realizado por dermatologistas e cirurgiões plásticos devidamente treinados