Psoriatic arthritis in patients with psoriasis: A clinical-epidemiological study at a dermatology center in western Mexico.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory illness. Approximately, 15% of psoriasis patients have undiagnosed PsA. In Mexico, we found no related studies. Our objective was to investigate the clinical-epidemiological characteristics of PsA in psoriasis patients in western Mexico. METHODS: A cross-sectional study including Mexican patients with clinical and histopathological diagnosis of psoriasis. Physical examination, rheumatoid factor analysis and radiographies of axial and peripheral skeleton were performed. The prevalence of PsA using the CASPAR criteria, age, sex; clinical variants of PsA, psoriasis type and the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), were assessed. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. RESULTS: Of 90 patients with psoriasis, 48 met the criteria for PsA, with a prevalence of 53%, and average age of 50 ± 15 years. Predominating were, the female sex in 29 (60%), the axial variant of PsA in 24 (50%), and psoriasis plaques in 40 (83%). The average PASI was 12 ± 11. All cases were rheumatoid factor negative. These variables were not significantly different when comparing subjects with and without PsA, except for the female sex (60% vs. 7%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with psoriasis should intentionally be evaluated jointly Dermatologists and Rheumatologists searching joint involvement given the high prevalence of PsA previously undiagnosed.

Expert recommendations for biological treatment in patients with psoriasis.

In recent years, the introduction of a series of biological drugs for the treatment of psoriasis has considerably increased the therapeutic armamentarium of doctors, and thus a strongly positive impact on the control of this condition has been achieved. With the purpose to provide the best recommendations for the use of these biological agents in patients with psoriasis, the Mexican group of psoriasis experts, PSOMEX, has developed recommendations in order to improve the understanding and therapeutic positioning of this type of medications.

En los últimos años, la introducción de diversos medicamentos biológicos para el tratamiento de la psoriasis ha aumentado considerablemente el arsenal terapéutico del médico, con lo cual se ha logrado un fuerte impacto positivo en el control de la enfermedad. Con el fin de proveer de las mejores recomendaciones para el uso de estos biológicos en los pacientes afectados de psoriasis, el grupo mexicano de expertos en psoriasis PSOMEX ha formulado recomendaciones para mejorar la comprensión y el posicionamiento terapéutico de este tipo de medicamentos.

Recomendaciones de expertos para el tratamiento biológico en pacientes con psoriasis / Expert recommendations for biological treatment in patients with psoriasis

Resumen En los últimos años, la introducción de diversos medicamentos biológicos para el tratamiento de la psoriasis ha aumentado considerablemente el arsenal terapéutico del médico, con lo cual se ha logrado un fuerte impacto positivo en el control de la enfermedad. Con el fin de proveer de las mejores recomendaciones para el uso de estos biológicos en los pacientes afectados de psoriasis, el grupo mexicano de expertos en psoriasis PSOMEX ha formulado recomendaciones para mejorar la comprensión y el posicionamiento terapéutico de este tipo de medicamentos.

Abstract In recent years, the introduction of a series of biological drugs for the treatment of psoriasis has considerably increased the therapeutic armamentarium of doctors, and thus a strongly positive impact on the control of this condition has been achieved. With the purpose to provide the best recommendations for the use of these biological agents in patients with psoriasis, the Mexican group of psoriasis experts, PSOMEX, has developed recommendations in order to improve the understanding and therapeutic positioning of this type of medications.

[Mexican consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of atopic dermatitis in adolescents and adults]. / Consenso mexicano para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la dermatitis atópica en adolescentes y adultos.

BACKGROUND: The diagnostic approaches and therapeutic strategies of atopic dermatitis (AD) are generally inconsistent among physicians and health institutions. OBJECTIVE: To develop a consensus statement among experts to reduce the variations in practice regarding the diagnosis and treatment of patients ≥ 12 years with AD to improve their care. METHODS: Systematic literature search in PubMed and GREAT. With methodological support and using the Delphi method, a formal consensus was developed among 16 experts in Dermatology and Allergology, based on the current evidence and its applicability in the Mexican context. Apart from intense electronic communication, several issues of disagreement were discussed in two face-to-face meetings. RESULTS: The clinical experts reached consensus on 46 statements related to the definition, classification, diagnostic strategies and treatment of AD. For the diagnosis we suggest the Williams criteria and for severity scoring the SCORAD (by the doctor) and POEM (by the patient). In addition to general care and treatment education (workshops), we suggest four steps for treatment, depending on severity: 1. Topical treatment with anti-inflammatory agents (and systemic: antihistamines/antileukotrienes -low level evidence-) 2. Phototherapy, 3. Cyclosporin A and 4. Dupilumab, with the possibility of managing this biological earlier on if a fast effect is needed. In extrinsic AD we suggest evaluating the addition of allergen immunotherapy or an elimination diet, if there is an IgE-mediated respiratory or food allergy, respectively. CONCLUSION: The panel of experts reached consensus on relevant aspects of AD with a focus on the transcultural adaptation of recent evidence.

Antecedentes: Los abordajes diagnósticos y las estrategias terapéuticas de la dermatitis atópica generalmente son inconsistentes entre los médicos y entre las instituciones de salud. Objetivo: Consensar las opiniones de expertos para reducir las variaciones en la práctica respecto al diagnóstico y tratamiento de pacientes ≥ 12 años con dermatitis atópica para mejorar su cuidado. Métodos: Búsqueda sistemática de la literatura en PubMed y GREAT. Con apoyo metodológico y utilizando el método Delphi se desarrolló un consenso formal entre 16 expertos en dermatología y alergología, basándose en la evidencia actual y su aplicabilidad en el contexto mexicano. A parte de una comunicación electrónica intensa, se discutieron los puntos en desacuerdo en dos reuniones presenciales. Resultados: Los expertos clínicos alcanzaron consenso en 46 declaraciones relacionadas con la definición, clasificación, estrategias de diagnóstico y tratamiento de la dermatitis atópica. Para el diagnóstico sugerimos se usan los criterios de Williams y el SCORAD (por parte del médico) y POEM (por parte del paciente) para definir la gravedad. Aunado a cuidados generales y educación terapéutica, sugerimos cuatro pasos para tratamiento, según gravedad: 1. Manejo tópico con antiinflamatorio (y sistémico: antihistamínico/antileucotrieno ­evidencia reducida­) 2. Fototerapia, 3. Ciclosporina A y 4. Dupilumab, con la posibilidad de manejarlo antes si se necesita efecto rápido. En la dermatitis atópica extrínseca sugerimos agregar inmunoterapia con alérgenos o una dieta de eliminación si existe una alergia IgE-mediada, inhalatoria o alimentaria, respectivamente. Conclusión: El panel de expertos realizó consenso en aspectos relevantes de la dermatitis atópica con enfoque en la adaptación transcultural de evidencia reciente.

Síndrome metabólico y aterosclerosis carotídea subclínica en niños y adolescentes mexicanos con acantosis nigricans.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La acantosis nigricans es un marcador de resistencia a la insulina, la cual se asocia con alteraciones metabólicas y cardiovasculares. OBJETIVO: Investigar la frecuencia de síndrome metabólico y aterosclerosis carotídea subclínica en niños y adolescentes mexicanos con acantosis nigricans y comparar los resultados entre sexos. MÉTODO: Estudio transversal. Se incluyeron 30 sujetos masculinos y 30 femeninos con diagnóstico de acantosis nigricans, menores de 18 años. Se investigó síndrome metabólico (criterios de Cook), riesgo cardiovascular (proteína C reactiva ultrasensible [PCRus]) y aterosclerosis carotídea (grosor íntima-media). Para el análisis de datos se utilizó estadística descriptiva e inferencial. RESULTADOS: La frecuencia de síndrome metabólico fue de 43 % (sexo masculino 42 % versus femenino 58 %, p = 0.58). Todos presentaron niveles anormales de PCRus: 67 % fue clasificado con riesgo cardiovascular moderado y 27 % con riesgo alto. Frecuencia de aterosclerosis carotídea 98 % (masculino 49 % versus femenino 51 %, p = 0.45). La severidad de la acantosis nigricans no influyó en los resultados. CONCLUSIONES: La búsqueda intencionada de síndrome metabólico y aterosclerosis carotídea subclínica en niños y adolescentes mexicanos con acantosis nigricans, independientemente del sexo o severidad de la enfermedad, permitirá implementar medidas para disminuir la morbimortalidad en la edad adulta. INTRODUCTION: Acanthosis nigricans is a marker of insulin resistance that is associated with metabolic and cardiovascular alterations. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the frequency of metabolic syndrome and subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in children and adolescents with acanthosis nigricans, and to compare the results between genders. METHOD: Cross-sectional study, where 30 male and 30 female subjects younger than 18 years of age diagnosed with acanthosis nigricans were included. The presence of metabolic syndrome (Cook's criteria), cardiovascular risk (ultrasensitive C-reactive protein and [us-CRP]), and carotid atherosclerosis (intima-media thickness [IMT]) was investigated. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used for data analysis. RESULTS: The frequency of metabolic syndrome was 43% (males 42 % versus females 58%, p = 0.58). All patients showed us-CRP abnormal levels: 67% were classified with moderate cardiovascular risk and 27% with high risk. The prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis was 98% (males 49% versus females 51%, p = 0.45). Acanthosis nigricans severity did not influence on the results. CONCLUSIONS: Intentional search for metabolic syndrome and subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in Mexican children and adolescents with acanthosis nigricans, regardless of gender or disease severity, will enable the implementation of measures to decrease the morbidity and mortality seen in adult age.

Efficacy of the Herpes Zoster Subunit Vaccine in Adults 70 Years of Age or Older.

BACKGROUND: A trial involving adults 50 years of age or older (ZOE-50) showed that the herpes zoster subunit vaccine (HZ/su) containing recombinant varicella-zoster virus glycoprotein E and the AS01B adjuvant system was associated with a risk of herpes zoster that was 97.2% lower than that associated with placebo. A second trial was performed concurrently at the same sites and examined the safety and efficacy of HZ/su in adults 70 years of age or older (ZOE-70). METHODS: This randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial was conducted in 18 countries and involved adults 70 years of age or older. Participants received two doses of HZ/su or placebo (assigned in a 1:1 ratio) administered intramuscularly 2 months apart. Vaccine efficacy against herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia was assessed in participants from ZOE-70 and in participants pooled from ZOE-70 and ZOE-50. RESULTS: In ZOE-70, 13,900 participants who could be evaluated (mean age, 75.6 years) received either HZ/su (6950 participants) or placebo (6950 participants). During a mean follow-up period of 3.7 years, herpes zoster occurred in 23 HZ/su recipients and in 223 placebo recipients (0.9 vs. 9.2 per 1000 person-years). Vaccine efficacy against herpes zoster was 89.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 84.2 to 93.7; P<0.001) and was similar in participants 70 to 79 years of age (90.0%) and participants 80 years of age or older (89.1%). In pooled analyses of data from participants 70 years of age or older in ZOE-50 and ZOE-70 (16,596 participants), vaccine efficacy against herpes zoster was 91.3% (95% CI, 86.8 to 94.5; P<0.001), and vaccine efficacy against postherpetic neuralgia was 88.8% (95% CI, 68.7 to 97.1; P<0.001). Solicited reports of injection-site and systemic reactions within 7 days after injection were more frequent among HZ/su recipients than among placebo recipients (79.0% vs. 29.5%). Serious adverse events, potential immune-mediated diseases, and deaths occurred with similar frequencies in the two study groups. CONCLUSIONS: In our trial, HZ/su was found to reduce the risks of herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia among adults 70 years of age or older. (Funded by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals; ZOE-50 and ZOE-70 ClinicalTrials.gov numbers, NCT01165177 and NCT01165229 .).

Protothecosis.

Protothecosis is a rare infection caused by achlorophyllic algae that are members of the genus Prototheca. They are ubiquitous in nature in organic material. The clinical manifestations can be acute or chronic and local or disseminated. The disease is classified as cutaneous, causing bursitis or disseminated/systemic, affecting both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed patients, with more severe and disseminated infections occurring in immunocompromised individuals. Prototheca wickerhamii and Prototheca zopfii are the most frequent organisms reported in humans. Diagnosis is made by observing asexual sporangia (thecas) on histopathological examination of tissue. Medical and surgical treatment should be considered. Ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, and amphotericin B are the most commonly used antifungals. Voriconazole and amphotericin B are highly effective against Prototheca spp. Treatment failure is not uncommon because of the comorbidities that limit the therapeutic outcome.

Total lower-eyelid reconstruction: modified Fricke's cheek flap.

The present work reviews a total lower-eyelid reconstruction technique that is currently not widely in use but which, in some cases, has proven to be of great utility in the field of reconstructive plastic surgery of the palpebral area. We performed an observational, longitudinal, descriptive and retrospective follow-up study. A total of 34 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer in which the lower eyelid was completely reconstructed using one flap taken from the cheek (modified Fricke's cheek flap) were reviewed. The follow-up time for the patients ranged from several months to 5 years. Analysis was performed using the Pearson's chi-square statistical test in an effort to examine the association between the technique's range of functionality and aesthetic variables. Results were considered significant with a p<0.05. The functional result was regular for 91.2%, poor for 8.8% and excellent for 0% (p<0.05). The aesthetic result was regular for 88.2%, poor for 11.8% and excellent for 0% (p<0.05). The main complications were scleral exposure and temporary ocular chemosis. Fricke's lower cheek flap is an easy-to-perform, important and often-necessary technique that, in some cases, has yielded positive functional and aesthetic results. This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and is optimal for aged patients who present with skin cancer and who require total lower-eyelid reconstruction. The use of this technique is associated with a low complication rate and low morbidity.

Blastomicosis: presentación de un caso importado en México, con lesiones exclusivamente cutáneas / Blastomycosis: report of an imported case in Mexico, with only cutaneous lesions

Antecedentes. La blastomicosis es una enfermedad infecciosa granulomatosa, causada por el hongo dimorfo Blastomyces dermatitidis. Predomina en Estados Unidos de América, y en México solo se han reportado 2 casos sistémicos importados. La forma primaria cutánea es la presentación clínica menos frecuente de la enfermedad y ocurre después de la inoculación del hongo por traumatismo. Objetivos. Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 54 años de edad, originario de Guadalajara, México, y residente en Chicago, Estados Unidos. Presentaba en la región frontal y surco nasogeniano derecho 2 nódulos verrugosos de 8mm de diámetro de 4 semanas de evolución. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio histopatológico (tinciones de hematoxilina-eosina, Gomori-Grocott y ácido peryódico de Schiff), además, estudio micológico (directo con KOH y cultivos en agar Sabouraud y micobiótico). Además, se realizaron otros estudios que descartaron afección sistémica. Resultados. La biopsia mostró una dermis con infiltrado inflamatorio compuesto por linfocitos, neutrófilos, histiocitos y células gigantes multinucleadas, y escasas levaduras monogemantes con base ancha y rodeadas por un halo. Al examen directo con KOH, se observaron levaduras monogemantes de 8 a 10mm de diámetro de B. dermatitidis. En el cultivo a 35°C creció una colonia blanca, plegada que, con el tiempo, se tornó amarillenta y cerebriforme. Resultados. Se indicó tratamiento con itraconazol a dosis de 200mg/d durante 2 meses con curación clínica y micológica. Conclusiones. El caso presentado podría ser el primero importado en México donde la blastomicosis se presenta solo con lesiones cutáneas y sin compromiso sistémico(AU)

Background. Blastomycosis is a granulomatous infectious disease. It is caused by the dimorphus fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis. It predominates in the United States of America, but in Mexico two systemic imported cases have been reported. Cutaneous primary blastomycosis is a rare clinical presentation, which occurs after traumatic inoculation of the fungus. Objectives. We present a case of a 54 year old male, born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and living in Chicago, USA, who had two verrucous nodules (8mm in diameter) on the forehead and right nasogenian fold, of 4 weeks progression. Methods. We made a histopathological study (hematoxylin and eosin, Gomori Groccot and periodic acid-Schiff stains) and mycology studies (direct microscopic examination, Sabouraud and mycobiotic agar cultures). Multiple studies were made with no evidence of systemic spread. Results. Biopsy showed a dermal inflammatory infiltrate made up of lymphocytes, neutrophils, histiocytes and multinucleated giant cells. A few large, haloed, broad-based budding yeasts were also observed. Direct examination with KOH revealed broad-based budding yeasts, 10ìm in diameter. Culture at 35°C yielded a white, pleated colony, which changed into a yellowish cerebriform. Multiple studies were made with no evidence of systemic spread. Results. Itraconazole 200mg qd PO was given over a 2 month period, with a complete clinical and mycological response. Conclusions. This is the first imported case in Mexico of blastomycosis with cutaneous lesions without systemic involvement(AU)

[Blastomycosis: report of an imported case in Mexico, with only cutaneous lesions]. / Blastomicosis: presentación de un caso importado en México, con lesiones exclusivamente cutáneas.

BACKGROUND: Blastomycosis is a granulomatous infectious disease. It is caused by the dimorphus fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis. It predominates in the United States of America, but in Mexico two systemic imported cases have been reported. Cutaneous primary blastomycosis is a rare clinical presentation, which occurs after traumatic inoculation of the fungus. OBJECTIVES: We present a case of a 54 year old male, born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and living in Chicago, USA, who had two verrucous nodules (8mm in diameter) on the forehead and right nasogenian fold, of 4 weeks progression. METHODS: We made a histopathological study (hematoxylin and eosin, Gomori Groccot and periodic acid-Schiff stains) and mycology studies (direct microscopic examination, Sabouraud and mycobiotic agar cultures). Multiple studies were made with no evidence of systemic spread. RESULTS: Biopsy showed a dermal inflammatory infiltrate made up of lymphocytes, neutrophils, histiocytes and multinucleated giant cells. A few large, haloed, broad-based budding yeasts were also observed. Direct examination with KOH revealed broad-based budding yeasts, 10µm in diameter. Culture at 35°C yielded a white, pleated colony, which changed into a yellowish cerebriform. Multiple studies were made with no evidence of systemic spread. Itraconazole 200mg qd PO was given over a 2 month period, with a complete clinical and mycological response. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first imported case in Mexico of blastomycosis with cutaneous lesions without systemic involvement.

Valoración baciloscópica en pacientes con enfermedad de Hansen, tratados con el esquema de la OMS / Bacilloscopic study of patients with Hansen's disease, treated with the scheme of WHO

Se estudiaron 30 pacientes con enfermedad de Hansen multibacilar (BL o LL) que terminaron el tratamiento controlado según el esquema de la OMS. Se valoraron las baciloscopias de cada paciente en sus índices bacteriológico, morfológico y tintorial durante el inicio, primer año y segundo a lo del tratamiento. Al final del tratamiento 40 por ciento de los pacientes (12) negativizó su índice bacteriológico, el resto de ellos permaneció positivo, por lo que sugerimos que los pacientes con Hansen multibacilar prolonguen por más tiempo el esquema de tratamiento que ha implantado la OMS, para evitar futuras recaídas

Evaluación de la minociclina (minocin) en acné vularis inflamatorio / An evaluation of Minicycline (minocin) in inflamatory acne vulgaris

Se presenta una revisión clínico-terapeútica de la eficacia y tolerancia de la minociclina en relación al acné vulgaris inflamatorio. Se estudiaron un total de 31 pacientes durante 12 semanas. El grupo de estudio fue de 18 varones (58%) y 13 mujeres (42%). La edad promedio fue de 19 años. Las lesiones acneicas que presentaban los pacientes fueron: eritema, edema, infiltración, seborrea, comedones, pápulas, pústulas y quistes. Se concluye que minociclina es una opción para pacientes con problemas acneicos. Los efectos clínicos indeseables fueron mínimos