ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/AIM: Vitiligo is a common depigmenting disorder. The damage can also occur in similar ways to melanocytes within other organs. We evaluated the brainstem and auditory pathway functions by evaluating brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) and whether there is any relationship between auditory functions and autoimmunity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients with vitiligo and 20 healthy volunteers were enrolled. Thyroid functions and autoantibodies were examined and BAEP tests were assessed by a neurologist. RESULTS: Antithyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) and antithyroglobulin (anti-TGA) antibody positivity was higher in the patient group (P < 0.05). A negative correlation was detected between anti-TPO and lead III, IV, and V latency and I-III interpeak latency (IPL) of the right ear together with lead IV latency and I-V IPL of the left ear in the patient group. When each BAEP parameter was compared between the two groups, more abnormalities were detected in the V latency and III-V IPL of the left ear together with IV and V latency of the right ear. CONCLUSION: In this study the presence of a correlation between increased anti-TGA and anti-TPO levels and BAEP parameters may be related to an autoimmune-mediated mechanism. However, further studies are needed to be performed in a large patient series.
Subject(s)
Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem , Autoantibodies , Brain Stem , Humans , Thyroid Gland , VitiligoABSTRACT
Loxosceles Spiders have a worldwide distribution and are considered one of the most medically important groups of Spiders. The venom from Spiders of the genus Loxosceles, the most famous being Loxosceles reclusa (brown recluse Spider), can promote severe local and systemic damages. This report describes a girl presenting with a Spider bite over her right upper eyelid.
Subject(s)
Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases/adverse effects , Spider Bites/diagnosis , Spider Venoms/adverse effects , Adolescent , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Bacterial Infections/prevention & control , Eyelids , Female , Humans , Spider Bites/therapyABSTRACT
Medicinal leeches are invertebrated parasites that have been used for medical purposes for centuries as one of the traditional treatment methods. Medicinal leeches are used for wound and flap healing in the plastic and reconstructive surgery, in the treatment of venous insufficiency, varicosities, hemorrhoids, and in many other diseases. However, due to medicinal leech therapy (hirudotherapy) complications such as anaphylaxis, local allergic reactions, anemia, and mucosal synechiae can occur. In this article, we report a case of an irritant contact dermatitis in a patient who experienced severe redness and itching after applying leeches for the relief of head and neck pain. Leeches are being used widely in some regions in the world and if people are informed about the leeches, it may be helpful in preventing complications that may occur.
