Evaluation of the relationship between migraine and psoriasis: a case-control study

Abstract Background Although several recent studies have attempted to describe the association between psoriasis and migraine, there is little data in this regard. Objective To explore the relationship between migraine and psoriasis. Methods A total of 312 patients with psoriasis and 312 age- and gender-matched controls without psoriasis were recruited in this case-control study. Based on the diagnosis of migraine, they were divided into 4 subgroups: psoriasis with (PM+) and without (PM-) migraine, and control with (CM+) and without migraine (CM-). The subgroups were compared regarding the migraine and psoriasis characteristics. Results The mean (SD) age of patients and controls (139 males, in each group) was 43.2 (13.2) years. Psoriasis patients were significantly more likely to have migraine (OR = 2.789). Migraine with aura was significantly higher in the PM + group than in the CM + group (p = 0.007). The mean PASI score (p = 0.001), frequency of moderate and severe psoriasis (p = 0.048), and frequency of patients with PsA (p < 0.001) were significantly higher in PM + compared to PM-. The risk of migraine substantially increased with increasing psoriasis severity (OR = 2.062, OR = 3.248, and OR = 4.586 for mild, moderate, and severe, respectively), and with the presence of PsA (OR = 2.438 and OR = 12.930 for patients without and with PsA, respectively). Study limitations Observational nature, not including all confounding factors, not addressing a cause-and-effect relationship. Conclusions In comparison with the non-psoriatic control group, psoriasis patients are predisposed to a significantly higher risk of migraine, particularly migraine with aura, psoriasis patients with more severe disease and those with PsA have a markedly higher risk of having migraine, and the migraine headache index is significantly higher in psoriasis patients.

Comparison of the therapeutic efficacy of cimetidine and cryotherapy with placebo and cryotherapy in treatment of warts

To compare the therapeutic efficacy of cimetidine and cryotherapy versus placebo and cryotherapy for treatment of warts. This randomized, double-blind clinical trial was conducted on subjects with warts between 2008 and 2009. Exclusion criteria of this study were Raynaud's phenomenon, peripheral vascular disease, previous wart treatment and cold urticaria. Subjects were randomly allocated in two groups. In the first group cimetidine was administered, 40 mg/kg daily for three months, also, their warts were frozen monthly for three months. In the second group placebo was administered and their warts were frozen monthly for three month. Recurrence and cure rates for each group were recorded and data were statically analyzed. 81 subjects were recruited in this study. The mean cure rate obtained one month after treatment was 77.6% in cimetidine-treated group versus 79.3% in placebo-treated group, and the mean cure rate two month after treatment was 93.2% in cimetidine-treated group and 94.6% in placebo-treated group. The mean recurrence rate one month after treatment was 16% in cimetidine treated group and 15.5% in placebo-treated group, the mean recurrence rate two month after treatment was 22.3% in cimetidine-treated group and 23.3% in placebo-treated group, the mean recurrence rate three month after treatment was 31.7% in cimetidine-treated group and 30.1% in placebo-treated group. This study showed that cimetidine is not more effective than placebo in treatment of warts.

Association between Helicobacter pylori infection and lichen planus in patients referred to dermatology clinic of Ardabil Hospital

To assess the association between lichen planus and Helicobacter pylori. In this analytical, case-control study, 60 patients with lichen planus [confirmed by histopathology] and 60 age- and sex-matched volunteer blood donors were selected. Tests for H. pylori IgA and IgG antibodies were performed by ELISA. The mean age of patients was 36.3 +/- 12.6 years. Of 60 patients with lichen planus, H. pylori IgA antibodies were positive in 46 [76.6%] patients and in 18 [30%] controls [p=0.001]. Similarly, H. pylori IgG antibodies were positive in 55 [91.7%] patients of lichen planus and in 44 [73.3%] controls [p=0.007]. These findings suggest that H. pylori may be implicated in the etiology of the lichen planus

Treatment of Schamberg's disease with pentoxifylline - therapeutic trial

Thirty patients with Schamberg's disease were started on pentoxifylline [400 mg three times daily] for a period of 9 weeks. Improvement was assessed at 3 weekly intervals by two observers independently and graded as mild [<25%], moderate [25-50%] and marked [>50%]. Marked improvement was observed in 15/30 [50%] patients. We conclude that pentoxifylline should be considered as first line therapy in all patients with Schamberg's disease