Reliability and validity of the Persian version of psoriatic arthritis screening questionnaire.

Background: The Early Arthritis for Psoriatic Patients (EARP) questionnaire is a fast and simple way to screen psoriatic arthritis. This study was carried out to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of the Persian version of the Early Arthritis for Psoriatic Patients (P-EARP) questionnaire. Methods: A total of 100 psoriasis patients responded to the questionnaire after the translation procedure (translation, back translation). After determining the validity of the questionnaire, the diagnostic accuracy of the P-EARP questionnaire was assessed using the ROC curve (receiver operating characteristic curve). Internal and external reliability of the questionnaire were also evaluated by statistical tests. Results: In assessing the reliability of the questionnaire using test-retest, correlation coefficient (r=0.994, p <0.001) and Cronbach's alpha (α = 0.85) were obtained. The P-EARP questionnaire had a sensitivity and specificity of 90.48% and 96.55% in ROC analysis, respectively, and cutoff point 3 was regarded as the cutoff point of the P-EARP questionnaire like the original version of the questionnaire (EARP). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the P-EARP questionnaire had high sensitivity and specificity for the identification of psoriatic arthritis. The P-EARP questionnaire is an appropriate screening tool for the identification of psoriatic arthritis in the dermatology clinics.

Efficacy of narrowband UVB phototherapy in early-stage mycosis fungoides in Iranian patients.

Narrowband UVB (NB-UVB) has been shown to be effective for the treatment of early mycosis fungoides (MF) in light-skinned patients, but the effect of NB-UVB on patients with darker skin phototypes needs further investigation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of NB-UVB in the treatment of early-stage MF in Iranian patients. In this retrospective study, 24 patients with the diagnosis of early MF (9 stage AI, 15 stage IB) were enrolled. All patients were treated with NB-UVB phototherapy 2-3 times weekly. After achieving complete response, a maintenance treatment was recommended. The response rate, side effects, and recurrence rate in the follow-up period were assessed. The follow-up period was ranged 6 to 24 months. Ten patients (41.7%) had complete remission after a mean number of 42.9 treatment and mean cumulative dose of 58.11 J/cm2. Twelve patients (50%) had partial response, and 2 patients (8.3%) had no response. After discontinuation of maintenance treatment, 4 of 10 patients (40%) with complete remission relapsed within a mean of 5 months. Side effects were limited to erythema (12.5%) and hyperpigmentation (4%). NB-UVB is a safe and effective method for the treatment of early MF, but it seems that more treatment sessions and higher doses of NB-UVB are required for darker skin phototypes.

Echocardiographic and electrocardiographic assessments in patients with psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting many organs. Recent studies have demonstrated that psoriasis is associated with cardiovascular disorders. We investigated the echocardiographic and conduction system changes in psoriasis patients. METHODS: In this case-control study, 36 psoriatic patients and 36 healthy controls were enrolled. Demographic and clinical data, echocardiographic and P wave dispersion (PWD) in 12-lead electrocardiogram were evaluated in both groups. We recruited patients with confirmed diagnosis via biopsy and have not been under recent systemic treatment. Patients with underlying cardiovascular disease were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Mean age was 41.56±16.20 and 39.67±13.85 year in case and control groups, respectively. There was no significant difference in the baseline characteristics of the two groups. PWD was significantly higher in the case group (p<0.05). High pulmonary artery pressure was observed in 14 psoriatic patients and 1 individual in the control group (p<0.001). Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction was significantly higher among individuals who were above 60 years of age (p<0.01) but not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Psoriatic patients are more susceptible to future development of atrial fibrillation because of higher PWD. There is no significant difference between the diastolic function in these patients.

Hyperprolactinemia and Hirsutism in Patients Without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Hirsutism is one of the most important diseases that lead women to refer to dermatology clinic. Hyperprolactinemia is one of the causes of hirsutism. The aim of this study was to determine prolactin (PRL) levels in hirsute women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, hirsute patients were evaluated. For all of the patients, 2 or 3 days after mense starting, hormone level tests were performed, and 200 patients that had not polycystic ovary syndrome enrolled to the study. A questionnaire of history and physical examination were performed. Data have been analyzed with SPSS version 21. RESULTS: Hyperprolactinemia were seen in 25 patients (12.5%). There was no significant relation between marital statuses, galactorrhoea, positive family history, and infertility with hyperprolactinemia. But significant relation was seen between irregular mense and hyperprolactinemia. CONCLUSION: Although hyperprolactinemia is the rare cause of hirsutism, the prevalence of hyperprolactinemia was high in our study. Thus, PRL level in hirsute patients should be evaluate.

Angiomyofibroblastoma of the vulva.

Angiomyofibroblastoma is a benign well-circumscribed tumor characterized by alternating hypocellular and hypercellular areas with abundant thin-walled blood vessels. The tumor cells are bland and spindle-shaped or epitheloid and tend to concentrate around the vessels or cluster in small nests. Herein, we report a case of angiomyofibroblastoma of the left labia major in a 50-year-old female. The tumor measured 18 x 16 x 11 cm and appeared as an ulcerated rubbery vulvar mass with rapid enlargement during one month. Ultrasonography demonstrated a soft tissue tumor with homogeneous echo and normal vascularity. Histologically, cells were positive for vimentine, desmin, and estrogen and progesterone receptors but negative for cytokeratin; all in favor of the diagnosis of angiomyofibroblastoma.