ABSTRACT
Alopecia areata (AA) has long been considered a challenging clinical condition, with dermatologists traditionally employing corticosteroids and immunosuppressants in search of effective solutions. The introduction of Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi), specifically the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of baricitinib, marked a significant breakthrough in the treatment of AA. Clinical trials have shown promising results with baricitinib, and reports of relapse after initial success are scarce. We present a unique case of a 30-year-old male with severe patch-type AA who initially responded well to baricitinib treatment but later experienced a relapse despite continued treatment.
ABSTRACT
Keratosis pilaris atrophicans faciei (KPAF) and frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) present diagnostic challenges due to their similar clinical characteristics. Dermatologists often employ overlapping treatment regimens, which may hinder accurate diagnosis and treatment expectations. Genetic testing offers promise for precise diagnosis and tailored treatment strategies, yet its utility in these conditions remains underexplored. This manuscript presents a unique case study of a 36-year-old male with symptoms of both KPAF and FFA, who underwent genetic testing. Despite testing negative for this mutation, the case underscores the potential of genetic testing to enhance diagnostic accuracy and optimize treatment outcomes.
ABSTRACT
The widespread adoption of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity has sparked investigations into their impact on hair health, an area characterized by diverse conjectures. Some propose potential risks such as disrupted hair growth cycles or premature androgenetic alopecia (AGA), while others suggest benefits linked to improved insulin sensitivity and enhanced scalp blood circulation. However, despite these theoretical underpinnings, clinical evidence linking GLP-1 agonists to hair loss remains sparse. The necessity for vigilant patient monitoring and collaborative efforts cannot be overstressed in comprehensively addressing any potential consequences of GLP-1 agonist therapy on hair health as their use continues to expand.
ABSTRACT
Educational objective: To investigate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on sinonasal quality of life, olfaction, and cognition at different stages of viral infection and evaluate the association between olfaction and cognition in this population cohort. Objectives: While olfactory dysfunction (OD) is a frequently reported symptom of COVID-19 (98% prevalence), neurocognitive symptoms are becoming more apparent as patients recover from infection. This study aims to address how different stages of infection [active infection (positive PCR test, symptomatic) vs. recovered (7 days post-symptoms)] compared to healthy control patients influence sinonasal quality of life, olfactory function, and cognition. Study design: Prospective, longitudinal, case-control. Methods: Participants completed the SNOT-22, University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) and validated cognitive examinations to assess degree of smell loss and neurocognitive function at baseline and at 1 and 3 months for the active group and 3 months for the recovered group. Self-reported olfactory function and overall health metrics were also collected. Results: The recovered group had the lowest average UPSIT score of 27.6 compared to 32.7 (active) and 32.6 (healthy control). 80% (n = 24) of the recovered patients and 56.3% (n = 9) of the active patients suffered from smell loss. In follow-up, the active group showed improvement in UPSIT scores while the recovered group scores worsened. In terms of neurocognitive performance, recovered patients had lower processing speed despite an improving UPSIT score. Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 infection was found to impact olfactory function in a delayed fashion with significant impact despite recovery from active infection. Although olfactory function improved, decrements in cognitive processing speed were detected in our cohort.
