Dermoscopic classification of melasma: Concordance study and correlation with the melanophages count.

BACKGROUND: Melasma is a common hypermelanosis characterized by symmetrical brownish macules, especially on the face. Histologic analysis demonstrates increased epidermal and dermal melanin. Dermoscopy is useful to estimate the depth of the melanin and may help in the diagnosis and classification of melasma, with therapeutic importance. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the diagnostic concordance of dermoscopic classification of epidermal or mixed subtypes of melasma and the correlation between dermoscopic and histopathological findings. METHODS: Twenty-eight women with facial melasma, phototypes III to V, ages between 30 and 61 years were selected. Based on the evaluation of clinical and dermoscopic images, two independent observers classified melasma into epidermal or mixed subtypes. The intra and interobserver concordances were calculated. Histopathological analysis of epidermal melanin extension and maximum number of melanophages per high-power field (400×; HPF) have been assessed. Association between the melanophages count and the dermoscopic classification was evaluated. RESULTS: Intraobserver agreement was 82.1%, and between observers, from 78.6% to 89.3%, according to the Kappa index. Histopathology revealed increased intraepidermal melanin and the presence of dermal melanophages in all the samples. Ten or more melanophages/HPF was significantly associated with mixed melasma. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate to substantial concordance in the dermoscopic classification of melasma was found, and the correlation between this classification and the dermal melanophages count have been suggested. Intradermal component of every case of melasma should be considered for therapeutic and prognostic purposes.

Microneedling with Drug Delivery (Hydroquinone 4% Serum) as an Adjuvant Therapy for Recalcitrant Melasma.

A 42-year-old woman with phototype V, presented a 9-year history of refractory centrofacial melasma to topical bleaching agents and peelings, untreated for the last 90 days. One session of microneedling with 1.5 mm needles was performed with hydroquinone 4% sterile serum drug delivery; after 3 days, modified Kligman's formula (hydroquinone 4% + fluocinolone acetonide 0.01% + tretinoin 0.05%) and broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 70 were introduced for daily use. After 30 days, a significant improvement was observed in the clinical outcome (Figure 1) and the quality of life of the patient. These parameters were measured using Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) scale, with an 82.5% decrease, and Melasma Quality of Life Scale - Brazilian Population (MELASQoL-BP), with a 60% decrease. Dermatoscopic analysis (polarized videodermatoscopy x20) of the glabellar region revealed lighting of the pseudoreticular pigment network, diffuse light to dark brown background, and reduction in vascularity and telangiectasias (Figure 2). At the 5-month follow-up, there had been no relapse. The patient continued to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen along with the topical regiment.

Elaboração e caracterização de iogurte saborizado com polpa de oiti (Licania tomentosa)

Objetivou-se elaboração e caracterização de iogurte saborizado com polpa de oiti (Licania tomentosa). Foram produzidos quatro formulações com diferentes concentrações da polpa de oiti. Os parâmetros físico-químicos foram pH, Acidez em ácido lático, Umidade, Atividade de água (Aw), Cinzas, Lipídeos, Proteínas, Sólidos Solúveis Totais (ºBrix), Carboidratos totais, Valor Calórico (Kcal), Açúcares Redutores, Açúcares não redutores e Açúcares Totais. As análises microbiológicas foram realizadas durante 21 dias de armazenamento. As análises físico-químicas foram submetidos à análise de variância (ANOVA) e ao teste de Tukey. As análises microbiológicas atenderam aos limites estabelecidos pela legislação. E os iogurtes apresentaram dentro dos padrões, sendo uma opção para a região produtora dessa fruta.

Mesalazine in the Treatment of Extensive Alopecia Areata: A New Therapeutic Option?

BACKGROUND: Alopecia areata (AA) is a T-lymphocyte-mediated disease that results in alopecia plaques or diffuses alopecia on the scalp and body. Etiologic factors include genetic and autoimmune susceptibility. Treatment modalities are usually considered according to the extent of hair loss and the patient's age. Since there is no approved treatment by the US Food and Drug Administration, treatment options and combinations available are off-label. Patients with extensive AA (including totalis and universalis) have a low rate of spontaneous remission and poor treatment response. Extensive AA is usually associated with severe emotional distress, social discomfort, bullying, and other psychological problems for the child and family. In this context, the need for new therapeutic schemes is clear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed five patients (aged 2-17 years) with extensive and refractory AA who were treated with mesalazine associated or not with oral prednisolone and topical betamethasone/minoxidil. RESULTS: We observed complete growth of terminal hair in all patients. No patient had abnormal laboratory results or manifested drug side effects. CONCLUSIONS: In extensive and refractory AA cases, the topical treatment combined with mesalazine may provide excellent results, reducing the need for extended oral corticosteroids courses. Besides that, mesalazine seems to minimize relapses on discontinuation of oral steroids. Controlled studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of this combination.

Ultrastructural aspects of pseudoxanthoma elasticum.

We report the ultrastructural findings in a case of a 72-year-old black woman with confluent yellowish papules in the cervical region. She had no comorbidities. Ophthalmological examination, electrocardiogram, and echocardiogram were normal. Hematoxylin-eosin staining of the affected skin showed strong alterations in the mid-dermis with irregular clumps of eosinophilic material and loss of the normal parallel arrangement of collagen bundles. Orcein staining revealed that the elastic fibers lost their normal linear configuration, showing clump fragmentation, sometimes forming square structures. Transmission electron microscopy showed aberrant elastic fibers with an irregular outline and heterogenic inner structures. We also observed small elastic fibers. Collagen fibers showed a normal structure with irregular distribution. Scanning electron microscopy revealed important disorganization of collagen fibers and small stone-like deposits measuring around 5 µm associated with bigger structures ranging from 10-16 µm. Higher magnification revealed that these small stone-like structures were sometimes polyhedral-shaped or squared.

Ultrastructural aspects of pseudoxanthoma elasticum

Abstract: We report the ultrastructural findings in a case of a 72-year-old black woman with confluent yellowish papules in the cervical region. She had no comorbidities. Ophthalmological examination, electrocardiogram, and echocardiogram were normal. Hematoxylin-eosin staining of the affected skin showed strong alterations in the mid-dermis with irregular clumps of eosinophilic material and loss of the normal parallel arrangement of collagen bundles. Orcein staining revealed that the elastic fibers lost their normal linear configuration, showing clump fragmentation, sometimes forming square structures. Transmission electron microscopy showed aberrant elastic fibers with an irregular outline and heterogenic inner structures. We also observed small elastic fibers. Collagen fibers showed a normal structure with irregular distribution. Scanning electron microscopy revealed important disorganization of collagen fibers and small stone-like deposits measuring around 5 µm associated with bigger structures ranging from 10-16 µm. Higher magnification revealed that these small stone-like structures were sometimes polyhedral-shaped or squared.

Hemosiderotic dermatofibroma.

We report a rare clinical case of hemosiderotic dermatofibroma in a 36-year-old female patient. The main dermatoscopic finding was represented by homogeneous blue-gray pigmentation. The aim of this report is to demonstrate the rarity of the lesion and the dermatoscopic importance it assumes by sharing a blue-gray homogeneous pattern with other benign and malignant lesions.

Hemosiderotic dermatofibroma

Abstract: We report a rare clinical case of hemosiderotic dermatofibroma in a 36-year-old female patient. The main dermatoscopic finding was represented by homogeneous blue-gray pigmentation. The aim of this report is to demonstrate the rarity of the lesion and the dermatoscopic importance it assumes by sharing a blue-gray homogeneous pattern with other benign and malignant lesions.

Erupção medicamentosa fixa na face associada a dipirona: correlação dos achados clínicos, histopatológicos e dermatoscópicos / Fixed drug eruption on the face associated with dipyrone: correlation of clinical, histopathological and dermatoscopic findings

As reações adversas associadas aos fármacos com manifestações cutâneas não são raras, expressando-se com múltiplos aspectos clínicos, podendo gerar morbidade significativa. A erupção medicamentosa fixa é uma reação adversa comum, com envolvimento cutâneo, associada ao uso de inúmeros medicamentos. A dipirona é fármaco com efeitos analgésicos e antitérmicos amplamente utilizada no Brasil, porém, sabe-se que é uma substância potencialmente desencadeadora de reações adversas, e a erupção medicamentosa fixa entre elas. Relata-se um caso de erupção medicamentosa fixa relacionada ao uso da dipirona, com apresentação clínica singular e correlacionam-se os achados clínicos, histopatológicos e dermatoscópicos encontrados.

Adverse reactions associated with drugs presenting cutaneous manifestations are among the most common, expressing itself with multiple clinical aspects and causing significant morbidity. The fixed drug eruption (FDE) is a common adverse reaction with cutaneous involvement and is associated with the use of numerous drugs. Dipyrone is a drug with analgesic and antipyretic effects prescribed widely used in Brazil, however, it is known for its potential to triggering adverse reactions, including the FDE. This report shows an EMF case related to the use of dipyrone, with unique clinical presentation and correlate the clinical, histopathological and dermatoscopic found.

Tratamento cirúrgico seriado de múltiplos granulomas por PMMA / Surgical approach to multiple foreign body granulomas (PMMA)

Substâncias para preenchimento têm sido muito utilizadas nos últimos anos em procedimentos estéticos e para correção de lipodistrofias em pacientes HIV-positivos. O granuloma de corpo estranho pode ser secundário à aplicação de produtos absorvíveis/temporários e mais frequentemente aos preenchedores inabsorvíveis/permanentes. Não é possível prever a formação desses granulomas que podem ocorrer independentemente da técnica utilizada. Neste artigo descreve-se o tratamento cirúrgico de uma paciente com múltiplos granulomas causados por preenchimento intradérmico prévio de PMMA na face, com resposta pobre a tratamentos conservadores, e com grave comprometimento psicossocial devido a essa complicação inestética e deformante.

Injectable fillers have long been used for cosmetic purposes and in HIV induced lipodystrophy patients. A foreign body granuloma may be a side effect of the application of absorbable products/temporary and most often the nonabsorbable/permanent fillers. It is not possible to predict the formation of these granulomas, and it may occur regardless of the application technique. In this article we describe the surgical treatment of a patient with multiple granulomas caused by intradermal injection of PMMA in the face, with poor response to conservative treatments, and severe psychosocial impairment due to this unsightly and disfiguring complication.

Traditional living in the Amazon: Extended breastfeeding, fish consumption, mercury exposure and neurodevelopment.

BACKGROUND: Features of traditional living in the Amazon Basin (high fish consumption and long breastfeeding) are likely to expose children to Mercury (Hg). AIM: To study neurodevelopment in 690 children in relation to prolonged breastfeeding and mercury exposure. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Three groups of breastfeeding children were formed: Group 1 (breastfed for 6 months), Group 2 (7-12 months) and Group 3 (extending up to 24 months). Neurodevelopment was assessed as age of walking, age of talking and the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-BSID. Mercury exposure was assessed from Thimerosal-containing vaccines and fish consumption from hair Hg (HHg). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: HHg increased in children and decreased in mothers at 24 months. Frequency of fish consumption was significantly correlated with maternal HHg at birth (Spearman's r = 0.8583; p = 0.0001); likewise, there was a significant correlation between duration of breastfeeding and children's HHg (Spearman's r = 0.15; p = 0.0018). Extended breastfeeding did not influence the Mental Development Index-MDI or Psychomotor Development Index-PDI, but maternal education and HHg (marker of fish consumption) interacted positively and significantly with both. Frequency of maternal fish consumption and education had a positive association with BSID scores; it is speculated that maternal education and nutrients in fish have an opposing effect on Hg exposure.

Neurodevelopment of Amazonian children exposed to ethylmercury (from Thimerosal in vaccines) and methylmercury (from fish).

Few studies have addressed co-occurring methylmercury (MeHg) from maternal origin and ethylmercury (EtHg) from Thimerosal-containing vaccines (TCVs) during infant's neurodevelopment. We studied children (n=1139) from the Western Amazon based on combined (low, intermediate, and high) exposure to chronic MeHg from fish consumption and acute TCV- EtHg. Neurodevelopment outcomes were age of walking and age of talking, and the Bayley Scale of Infant Development (BSID). The Mental Developmental Index (MDI) and Psychomotor Developmental Index (PDI) were measured at six and 24 months of age. Median hair-Hg (HHg) at birth was 6.4µgg(-1) in mothers, and 1.94µgg(-1) in newborns; total (pregnancy and infancy) EtHg exposure ranged from 0 to 187.5µg. The combined (MeHg+EtHg) exposure showed significant differences for MDI but not for PDI; however, there was a significant decrease in both MDI and PDI scores at 24 months. The increase in BSID delays (scores <80) between six and 24 months was not discernible with regards to EtHg or MeHg exposure. We found a statistically significant increase in neurodevelopmental (BSID) delays related to the combined exposure to Hg (MeHg>EtHg). Neurodevelopment delays due to low-doses of organic mercury (albeit undiscernible) are not predictable but can be avoided by choosing low-Hg fish and providing Thimerosal-free vaccines.

Sedação paliativa da pessoa com câncer: percepção dos acompanhantes

A pesquisa aborda a sedação paliativa da pessoa com câncer sob a percepção dos acompanhantes. Diante da visualização de acompanhantes e pacientes mal orientados cheios de dúvidas e medos sobre a sedação e da precariedade de estudos nesta linha de pesquisa, buscamos compreender a percepção dos familiares e cuidadores, sobre o que representa a sedação paliativa da pessoa com câncer. Foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica e levantamento teórico acerca do tema e, posteriormente, pesquisa de campo por meio da aplicação de entrevista semi estruturada aos acompanhantes de pessoas com câncer internadas na Clínica de Cuidados Paliativos Oncológicos do Hospital Ophir Loyola. Ao final do estudo, constatamos que apenas 33,3% dos participantes da pesquisa receberam informações adequadas a respeito do tema e que apenas 16,6% receberam informações de um profissional do setor em estudo, Desta forma, concluímos que a percepção dos acompanhantes não é satisfatória com relação à compreensão da sedação paliativa. Destaca-se nesta pesquisa a importância da comunicação entre equipe e família para que os objetivos dos cuidados paliativos sejam alcançados e a necessidade da educação de forma continuada para tornar os profissionais aptos a oferecer um serviço de cuidados paliativos com qualidade, abrangendo, além do doente, sua família e cuidadores, contribuindo assim para a melhora da assistência

The research is about palliative sedation of people with cancer in the perceptionof companions. Because of companions and misguided patients full of doubts and fears about sedation and the lack of studies on this line of research, we try to understand the perception of family members and caregivers, about what is palliative sedation of people with cancer. A bibliographic research and theoretical research on the subject and subsequently field research through semi-structured interview that was applied to companions of people with canceradmitted to the oncological Palliative Care Clinical at the Hospital Ophir Loyola. At the end of the study, we found that only 33.3% of the researched received adequate information on the subject and only 16.6% received information from a health professional. Thus, we conclude that the perception of companions is not satisfactory in order to understand the palliative sedation. It stands out in this study the importance of communication between staff and family to achievethe palliative care and the necessity of continuous form of education to becomeprofessionals able to offer a quality service of palliative care, including, besides the patient, their families and caregivers, contributing to a better assistance

Oclusão da artéria central da retina em paciente com poliangeíte microscópica / Central retinal artery occlusion in patient with microscopic polyangiitis

RESUMO A poliangeíte microscópica é uma vasculite necrotizante sistêmica que acomete arteríolas, capilares e vênulas, mas também pode atingir pequenas e médias artérias. É considerada uma doença rara, idiopática e autoimune. Diversas anormalidades oculares e sistêmicas estão associadas às oclusões arteriais retinianas. Dentre as doenças vasculares do colágeno, a literatura cita como possíveis causas de obstrução das artérias retinianas o lúpus eritematoso sistêmico, a poliarterite nodosa, a arterite de células gigantes, a granulomatose de Wegener e a granulomatose linfóide de Liebow. Até o presente momento, não se encontrou na literatura relatos da associação de casos de oclusão arterial retinana associados à PAM. Os autores relatam o caso de um paciente com poliangeíte microscópica que apresentou comprometimento renal importante e oclusão da artéria central da retina unilateral. Atenta-se para a inclusão de pesquisa da PAM, através do p-ANCA, na avaliação de possível origem sistêmica em pacientes acometidos por oclusão arterial retiniana.

ABSTRACT The microscopic polyangiitis is a systemic necrotizing vasculitis that affects arterioles, capillaries and venules, but can also reach small and medium-sized arteries. It is considered a rare disease, idiopathic in nature but clearly autoimmune. Several ocular and systemic abnormalities are associated with retinal arterial occlusions. Among the collagen vascular diseases, the literature cited as possible causes of retinal artery obstruction lupus erythematosus, polyarteritis nodosa, giant cell arteritis, Wegener’s granulomatosis and lymphoid Liebow. Until now, there were no reports in the literature of the association of cases of arterial occlusion retinana associated with PAM. The authors report a case of a 53 years old patient diagnosed with microscopic polyangiitis who presented with important renal artery occlusion and associated unilateral central retinal artery occlusion. An extended systemic evaluation of patients presenting with central retinal artery occlusion should include research of PAM through analysis op p-ANCA.

Neurodevelopment outcomes in children exposed to organic mercury from multiple sources in a tin-ore mine environment in Brazil.

Methylmercury (from fresh-water fish) and ethylmercury [from thimerosal-containing vaccines (TCVs)] are the most prevalent source of neurotoxic exposure during early life in families consuming fish and using these vaccines. But children living in Amazonian mining environments are exposed to additional toxic metals in waste materials. We studied mercury (Hg) exposure and neurodevelopment in 294 children (105 boys and 189 girls) from Bom Futuro (Rondonia, Brazil), the epicenter of a tin-ore open-pit mine. Hair-Hg (HHg) concentrations and total ethylmercury (from TCVs) were taken from infants and respective mothers during pregnancy. We used bivariate analysis to determine the effect of sex and linear mixed models to assess the association of prenatal and postnatal organic Hg exposures with children's Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID) as psychomotor developmental index and mental developmental index (MDI) at 6 and 24 months of age as well as milestones achievements (age of walking and age of talking). Significant differences between boys and girls were observed for both MDI score (p = 0.0073) and MDI score (p = 0.0288) at 6 months but not at 24 months. Regression analysis showed that only in boys was there a significant interaction between MDI score with family income (ß = 0.288, p = 0.018) and with birth weight (ß = -0.216, p = 0.036) at 6 months; at 24 months, however, only boys showed a significant association of both MDI score (ß = -0.222, p = 0.045) and MDI score (ß = -0.222, p = 0.045) with neonatal HHg. In boys, age of walking was associated with HHg (ß = 0.188, p = 0.019) and breastfeeding (ß = -0.282, p = 0.000), whereas for girls, age of walking was only associated with breastfeeding (ß = -0.275, p = 0.001). In this mining environment, with only a weak association for prenatal Hg exposure, there was a significant sex difference in neurodevelopment, with boys showing more sensitivity related to BSID delays.

Three-dimensional aspects of superficial disseminated porokeratosis with scanning electron microscopy

The three-dimensional findings of the surface and from a cross section from a case of disseminated superficial porokeratois using scanning electron microscopy are reported. On the surface of the skin, irregular keratin with a serpiginous distribution was seen. A gross aspect of keratin in the hyperkeratotic wall was also observed and compared to the normal area, in which the release of corneocytes seemed normal. The cross-sectional imaging easily identified the cornoid lamella, with compact keratin surrounded by normal stratum corneum.