Clinical variants of mycosis fungoides in a cohort.

INTRODUCTION: Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common primary skin T-cell lymphoma, which is characterized for a heterogeneous clinical expressivity. OBJECTIVE: To report clinical variants and sociodemographic characteristics in patients with MF under the care of a dermatological hospital. METHODS: 290 patients with MF clinical and histopathological diagnosis attended to over the course of 11 years were included. Sociodemographic description of patients was made, who were classified according to clinical and histopathological variants. RESULTS: MF was recorded in 57.9 % of women and 42 % of men. The most common clinical variant was the classic type in 46.2 %; dyschromic variants accounted for 35.2 %, out of which hypopigmented MF was the most representative (17.6 %); poikilodermatous MF accounted for 4.1 %, and folliculotropic, for 3.1%. The papular variant occurred in six patients (2.1 %), the single-plaque variety in three (1%), and the ichthyosiform, syringotropic and granulomatous slack skin varieties occurred in one patient each. The granulomatous variant was found in 0.7 %, and 1.4 % had erythroderma. CONCLUSIONS: The most common MF clinical variant was classic plaque stage, followed by dyschromic variants. Other clinical variants accounted for 18.6 %.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La micosis fungoide es el linfoma primario de células T en piel más frecuente, con expresividad clínica heterogénea. OBJETIVO: Reportar las variedades clínicas y las características sociodemográficas en pacientes con micosis fungoide tratados en un hospital dermatológico. MÉTODOS: Se incluyeron 290 pacientes con diagnóstico clínico e histopatológico de micosis fungoide atendidos en el transcurso de 11 años. Se realizó descripción sociodemográfica de los pacientes, quienes se clasificaron conforme las variantes clínicas e histopatológicas. RESULTADOS: La micosis fungoide se presentó en 57.9 % mujeres y 42 % hombres. La variedad clínica más común fue la clásica en 46.2 %; la discrómica representó 35.2 %, del cual la hipopigmentada fue la más representativa (7.6 %); la poiquilodérmica constituyó 4.1 % y la foliculotrópica, 3.1 %. La variedad papular se presentó en seis pacientes (2.1 %), la de placa única en tres (1 %) y la ictiosiforme, siringotrópica y la piel laxa granulomatosa, en un paciente cada una. La variedad granulomatosa se encontró en 0.7 % y 1.4 % presentó eritrodermia. CONCLUSIONES: La variedad clínica más frecuente de micosis fungoide fue la clásica en fase de placa, seguida de las variedades discrómicas. Otras variedades clínicas representaron 18.6 %.

Variedades clínicas de micosis fungoide en una cohorte / Clinical variants of mycosis fungoides in a cohort

Resumen Introducción: La micosis fungoide es el linfoma primario de células T en piel más frecuente, con expresividad clínica heterogénea. Objetivo: Reportar las variedades clínicas y las características sociodemográficas de pacientes con micosis fungoide tratados en un hospital dermatológico. Métodos: Se incluyeron 290 pacientes con diagnóstico clínico e histopatológico de micosis fungoide atendidos en el transcurso de 11 años. Se realizó descripción sociodemográfica de los pacientes, quienes se clasificaron conforme las variantes clínicas e histopatológicas. Resultados: 58 % de los casos de micosis fungoide se presentó en mujeres y 42 % en hombres. La variedad clínica más común fue la clásica en 46.2 %; la discrómica representó 35.2 %, del cual la hipopigmentada fue la más representativa (7.6 %); la poiquilodérmica constituyó 4.1 % y la foliculotrópica, 3.1 %. La variedad papular se presentó en seis pacientes (2.1 %), la de placa única en tres (1 %) y la ictiosiforme, siringotrópica y la piel laxa granulomatosa, en un paciente cada una. La variedad granulomatosa se encontró en 0.7 % y 1.4 % presentó eritrodermia. Conclusiones: La variedad clínica más frecuente de micosis fungoide fue la clásica en fase de placa, seguida de las variedades discrómicas. Otras variedades clínicas representaron 18.6 %.

Abstract Introduction: Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common primary skin T-cell lymphoma, which is characterized for a heterogeneous clinical expressivity. Objective: To report clinical variants and sociodemographic characteristics in patients with MF under the care of a dermatological hospital. Methods: 290 patients with MF clinical and histopathological diagnosis attended to over the course of 11 years were included. Sociodemographic description of patients was made, who were classified according to clinical and histopathological variants. Results: MF was recorded in 57.9 % of women and 42 % of men. The most common clinical variant was the classic type in 46.2 %; dyschromic variants accounted for 35.2 %, out of which hypopigmented MF was the most representative (17.6 %); poikilodermatous MF accounted for 4.1 %, and folliculotropic, for 3.1%. The papular variant occurred in six patients (2.1 %), the single-plaque variety in three (1%), and the ichthyosiform, syringotropic and granulomatous slack skin varieties occurred in one patient each. The granulomatous variant was found in 0.7 %, and 1.4 % had erythroderma. Conclusions: The most common MF clinical variant was classic plaque stage, followed by dyschromic variants. Other clinical variants accounted for 18.6 %.

Experiencia de un investigador y un dermatólogo sobre el conocimiento del curso clínico del vitiligo no segmentario / What we Know About the Clinical Course of Nonsegmental Vitiligo: Experience of a Researcher and a Dermatologist

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Impacto del vitíligo en la calidad de vida / Impact of vitiligo on quality of life

Introducción y objetivo: El vitíligo es una dermatosis autoinmune crónica causada por la destrucción de los melanocitos. Aunque la calidad de vida en pacientes con vitíligo se ha estudiado en diferentes poblaciones, hasta el momento no existen estudios previos sobre el tema en nuestra población. El objetivo de este estudio era determinar la calidad de vida de pacientes con vitíligo mexicanos. Material y método: Se realizó un estudio transversal en la Unidad de Investigación del Centro Dermatológico Dr. Ladislao de la Pascua en la ciudad de México. Se reclutaron adultos con vitíligo, se excluyeron los individuos con otras alteraciones de la pigmentación, diagnóstico de enfermedad neurológica y/o psiquiátrica y en tratamiento farmacológico con sustancias que afectaran su estado mental. Todos los pacientes contestaron los cuestionarios DLQI y VitiQoL y los inventarios de depresión y ansiedad de Beck. Resultados: Se reclutaron 150 pacientes con vitíligo, 68,7% (103) mujeres y 31,3% (47) hombres. La mediana de edad fue de 38 años ± 20 años. En nuestros pacientes el promedio de la puntuación del DLQI fue de 5,2 ± 5,4 y el del VitiQoL fue de 32,1 (DE: 22,7), de los 30 y 90 puntos posibles de cada instrumento, respectivamente. La correlación de los resultados de ambos cuestionarios fue de 0,675, p<0,001. Los pacientes con afectación de genitales reportaron una puntuación mayor en el cuestionario de calidad de vida VitiQoL que aquellos sin afectación de esa zona corporal, 43,5 (DE: 28,4) vs. 28,98 (DE: 20,08), p<0,001. La prevalencia de depresión y ansiedad fue del 34% y 60%, respectivamente. Conclusión: El impacto del vitíligo en la calidad de vida de nuestra muestra de pacientes fue mínimo. El vitíligo en los genitales se asocia a un deterioro de la calidad de vida (AU)

Introduction and objective: Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune skin disease caused by the destruction of melanocytes. Although quality of life (QOL) in vitiligo has been studied in different countries, it has not yet been investigated in Mexico. The aim of this study was to assess the QOL of Mexican patients with vitiligo. Material and method: We conducted a cross-sectional study at the research unit of Centro Dermatológico Dr. Ladislao de la Pascua in Mexico City. We included adults with vitiligo and excluded those with other pigmentation disorders or a neurological or psychiatric disorder. Patients on psychoactive medications were also excluded. All the patients were administered the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), a vitiligo-specific quality of life instrument (the VitiQoL), and the Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories. Results: We studied 150 patients with vitiligo (103 women [68.7%] and 47 men [31.3%]). The median (interquartile range) age was 38 (20) years. The mean (SD) scores on the DLQI and VitiQoL were 5.2 (5.4) and 32.1 (22.7) out of total possible scores of 30 and 90, respectively. The correlation between questionnaire scores was 0.675 (P<.001). Patients with genital involvement scored significantly worse on the VitiQoL than those without lesions in this area (43.95 [28.4]) vs. 28.98 [20.08], P<.001). The prevalence of depression and anxiety was 34% and 60%, respectively. Conclusion: Vitiligo has a minimal impact on the QOL of our patients. QOL was worse in patients with genital lesions (AU)

Impact of Vitiligo on Quality of Life. / Impacto del vitíligo en la calidad de vida.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune skin disease caused by the destruction of melanocytes. Although quality of life (QOL) in vitiligo has been studied in different countries, it has not yet been investigated in Mexico. The aim of this study was to assess the QOL of Mexican patients with vitiligo. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We conducted a cross-sectional study at the research unit of Centro Dermatológico Dr. Ladislao de la Pascua in Mexico City. We included adults with vitiligo and excluded those with other pigmentation disorders or a neurological or psychiatric disorder. Patients on psychoactive medications were also excluded. All the patients were administered the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), a vitiligo-specific quality of life instrument (the VitiQoL), and the Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories. RESULTS: We studied 150 patients with vitiligo (103 women [68.7%] and 47 men [31.3%]). The median (interquartile range) age was 38 (20) years. The mean (SD) scores on the DLQI and VitiQoL were 5.2 (5.4) and 32.1 (22.7) out of total possible scores of 30 and 90, respectively. The correlation between questionnaire scores was 0.675 (P<.001). Patients with genital involvement scored significantly worse on the VitiQoL than those without lesions in this area (43.95 [28.4]) vs. 28.98 [20.08], P<.001). The prevalence of depression and anxiety was 34% and 60%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Vitiligo has a minimal impact on the QOL of our patients. QOL was worse in patients with genital lesions.

Subcutaneous administration of polymerized type I collagen downregulates interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-22 and transforming growth factor-ß1 expression, and increases Foxp3-expressing cells in localized scleroderma.

BACKGROUND: Localized scleroderma (LS) is a disfiguring inflammatory autoimmune disease of the skin and underlying tissue. As in systemic sclerosis, a key feature is the presence of T cells in inflammatory lesions. AIM: To evaluate the effect of polymerized type I collagen vs. methylprednisolone (MP) in LS, and to determine the influence of this polymerized collagen (PC) on CD4+ peripheral T cells expressing interleukin (IL)-4, IL-17A, interferon-γ and Forkhead box protein (Foxp)3, and on cells expressing transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1, IL-17A, IL-22 and Foxp3 in the skin. METHODS: In total, 16 patients with LS were treated for 3 months with monthly subcutaneous intralesional injections of 0.1 mL MP (giving a total dose of 20 mg/mL each month) and 15 patients were treated, with weekly subcutaneous intralesional injections of PC, ranging from 0.2 mL (equivalent to 1.66 mg collagen) for a lesion of 50 mm in size, up to a maximum of 1.0 mL (8.3 mg collagen) for a lesion > 100 mm in size, and followed up for a further 6 months. Skin biopsies were obtained from lesions at baseline (before treatment) and 9 months later (6 months after treatment end). Tissue sections were evaluated by histology and immunohistochemistry (IL-17A, IL-22, TGF-ß1 and Foxp3). CD4+ T-cell subsets were determined in peripheral blood by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Abnormal tissue architecture was seen in the biopsies taken from patients treated with MP, whereas the PC treatment restored normal skin architecture. PC downregulated pro-inflammatory/profibrotic cytokine expression in peripheral cells, and upregulated the number of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in skin. PC was safe and well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: PC is not only an antifibrotic/fibrolytic agent but also an immunomodulator biodrug that restores the balance between T helper (Th)1, Th2, Th17 and Tregs, downregulates production of pro-inflammatory or profibrogenic cytokines (IL-17A, IL-22 and TGF-ß1), and renews skin architecture, without adverse effects.

[Immunization and bacterial pathogens in the oropharynx as risk factors for alopecia areata]. / Inmunizaciones y bacterias patógenas en la faringe como factores de riesgo para alopecia areata.

INTRODUCTION: Alopecia areata is an autoimmune inflammatory disease affecting the hair follicles. Researchers are currently interested in whether the presence of bacterial pathogens and/or a history of immunization can trigger an autoimmune response in patients who are genetically predisposed. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine whether there is an association between the development of alopecia areata and throat carriage of bacterial pathogens or a history of immunization. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-five men and women with alopecia areata and 65 control patients with other skin diseases were studied at the Dr Ladislao de la Pascua Dermatology Clinic between September 2008 and February 2009. The patients ranged in age from 18-59 years. Patients with scalp diseases were excluded from the control group. In all cases, the patient was questioned about immunizations received in the previous 6 months, and a throat swab was cultured. RESULTS: A history of immunization (odds ratio [OR], 3.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6-6.7; P=.001), the presence of bacterial pathogens in the oropharynx (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.1-6.2; P=.033), and being a carrier of Streptococcus pyogenes (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.7-2.5; P=.042) were risk factors for alopecia areata. Klebsiella pneumoniae, S. pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Serratia marcescens and Escherichia coli were isolated from cultures. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to show an association between alopecia areata and throat carriage of bacterial pathogens or history of immunization, as risk factors for development of the disease. Given the characteristics of our study population, the association appears valid for patients with less than 25% hair loss and a course of disease under 1 year.

Inmunizaciones y bacterias patógenas en la faringe como factores de riesgo para alopecia areata / Immunization and Bacterial Pathogens in the Oropharynx as Risk Factors for Alopecia Areata

Introducción: La alopecia areata es una enfermedad inflamatoria autoinmune que afecta al pelo. Actualmente se estudia si las bacterias patógenas y las inmunizaciones son inductores de la respuesta autoinmune en pacientes con susceptibilidad genética. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar si las bacterias patógenas en la faringe y el antecedente de haber recibido inmunizaciones están asociados a la enfermedad. Materiales y métodos: En el Centro Dermatológico «Dr. Ladislao de la Pascua», desde septiembre de 2008 a febrero de 2009, se estudiaron 65 pacientes con alopecia areata y 65 controles con otras dermatosis, excluyendo las del cuero cabelludo. Se incluyeron pacientes de 18 a 59 años de edad y de ambos sexos. A todos se les interrogó sobre inmunizaciones recibidas 6 meses antes y se les realizó un cultivo de exudado faríngeo. Resultados: Haber recibido inmunizaciones, la presencia de bacterias patógenas en la faringe y ser portador de S. pyogenes se comportaron como factores de riesgo para la alopecia areata, con una razón de probabilidades de 3,3 (IC 95% 1,6–6,7; p=0,001), 2,6 (IC 95%: 1,1–6,2; p=0,033) y 2,1 (IC 95% 1,7–2,5; p=0,042), respectivamente. Las bacterias aisladas fueron Klebiella penumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Serratia marcescens y Escherichia coli. Conclusiones: Este es el primer estudio que apoya los hallazgos de estado de portador de bacterias patógenas en la faringe y la aplicación de inmunizaciones como factores de riesgo para desarrollar alopecia areata. Por las características de nuestra población, esta asociación es válida para los pacientes con menos del 25% de pérdida de pelo y con una evolución inferior a un año (AU)

Introduction: Alopecia areata is an autoimmune inflammatory disease affecting the hair follicles. Researchers are currently interested in whether the presence of bacterial pathogens and/or a history of immunization can trigger an autoimmune response in patients who are genetically predisposed. Objectives: This study aimed to determine whether there is an association between the development of alopecia areata and throat carriage of bacterial pathogens or a history of immunization. Material and methods: Sixty-five men and women with alopecia areata and 65 control patients with other skin diseases were studied at the Dr Ladislao de la Pascua Dermatology Clinic between September 2008 and February 2009. The patients ranged in age from 18–59 years. Patients with scalp diseases were excluded from the control group. In all cases, the patient was questioned about immunizations received in the previous 6 months, and a throat swab was cultured. Results: A history of immunization (odds ratio [OR], 3.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6–6.7; P=0.001), the presence of bacterial pathogens in the oropharynx (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.1–6.2; P=0.033), and being a carrier of Streptococcus pyogenes (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.7–2.5; P=0.042) were risk factors for alopecia areata. Klebsiella pneumoniae, S. pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Serratia marcescens and Escherichia coli were isolated from cultures. Conclusions: This is the first study to show an association between alopecia areata and throat carriage of bacterial pathogens or history of immunization, as risk factors for development of the disease. Given the characteristics of our study population, the association appears valid for patients with less than 25% hair loss and a course of disease under 1 year (AU)