Evaluation of subtypes of peripheral blood lymphocytes in patients with vitiligo

Vitiligo is characterized with white patches on the skin and alteration of melanocytes in dermoepidermal junction. Autoimmune mechanisms with an underlying genetic predisposition are the most likely causes of vitiligo. This study was performed to evaluate immune disturbance in vitiligo and clarify its more details. A total of 29 vitiligo patients and 21 healthy controls were included in this case control study. Complete blood count was measured and peripheral blood samples were evaluated floweytometrically for surface antigenic markers including CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, CD16, CD56 and CD25 for determining the percentage and total number of various lymphocyte subgroups. Patients with different clinical subtypes were compared with each other and controls in terms of the flowcytometry results. Obtained information was assessed by SPSS statistical software. Total numbers of CD3+, CD8+ T cells, B cells and CD25+ cells were significantly increased in generalized type vitiligo patients in comparison with localized type. CD25+ cells were also increased significantly in generalized and stable types of vitiligo compared with healthy controls and finally the total number of lymphocytes was significantly decreased in localized type vitiligo patients in comparison with healthy controls.. Our data indicate cellular immune disturbance in vitiligo. Disorders of immune regulatory system may play a major role in this context. Significant CD25+ or regulatory T cells increment in different clinical subtypes of the disease is in favor of the above hypothesis. Later and larger studies may result in new and effective routs of treatment for vitiligo acting through regulating immune system

Serologic evaluation of HIV-1 and syphilis in patients with clinical anogenital wart

Genital infection with human papilloma virus [HPV] is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States. Patients having genital warts are at excessive risk of HIV and syphilis. Uninformed patients with high risk behaviors can help spread this condition in society. Therefore, CDC recommends HIV and syphilis screening for those with a sexual transmitted disease or a sexual risk factor. But this strategy is rarely considered in Iran. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of HIV and syphilis screening tests in patients with genital wart. In this case-control study, 100 patients with genital wart referring to Dermatology Department of Imam-Reza Hospital [August 2005 - August 2007] were included as the case group. This study was approved by the local ethics. The Control group was the same in number, age average, sex and marital status. All 200 patients studied considering HIV or syphilis infection. Finally, collected data were statistically analyzed by SPSS software, using chi[2] and student T test. Male to female ratio was 0.87. Majority of patients aged 30-39 years. Two patients were HIV positive and only one had Syphilis, without significant difference with the control group [Pv =0.29, Pv =0.50]. Screening is not cost effective in patients with asymptomatic anogenital warts. Since both HIV positive cases were intravenous drug abusers, this study emphasized on HIV and syphilis screening in patients with high risk behavior

[Bullous mycosis fungoides: report of a case]

Mycosis fungoides is a common form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, with characteristic histopathology and chronic clinical course. Vesiculobullous mycosis fungoides is a rare occurrence. Here we present a 55-year-old man with multiple bullous plaques of one year duration who was finally diagnosed as a case of mycosis fungoides

Acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy: a case report

Acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy [AHEI] is a rare skin disorder which was first described by Snow in 1913.Clinical manifestations are usually limited to cutaneous lesions and is most commonly observed in infants under the age of 1 year. Usually, there is a history of recent upper respiratory tract infection and antibiotic administration. Clinical presentation of this disease includes petechia and ecchymosis on the head, face and distal extremities. Herein, a typical case of AHEI in a 10-month-old infant is reported. Differential diagnoses of AHEI is discussed

Hereditary benign telangiectasia: Report of 6 cases in a family

Hereditary benign telangiectasia is an uncommon idiopathic skin disorder characterized by generalized telangiectases and angiomatous lesions of the skin. The diagnosis should be suspected in patients with such cutaneous lesions, positive family history, no associated bleeding problems, and no mucosal involvement. We present six cases of hereditary benign telangiectasia in three generations of one family