Accelerating the healing of hard-to-heal wounds with food supplements: nutritional analysis in the Côte d'Ivoire.

OBJECTIVE: Hard-to-heal wounds are an important, yet often neglected, public health issue in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Malnutrition has been identified as a risk factor for prolonged healing times. However, nutritional supplements are not routinely provided for patients with hard-to-heal wounds, and so this study aimed to investigate their benefits. METHOD: This 9-month study was conducted in the Taabo Health and Demographic Surveillance System in the south-central part of Côte d'Ivoire. Patients with wounds (≥30mm2) were recruited. Treatment was standardised for inpatients (72%) and outpatients (28%). There were three intervention groups: supplemented with soy; orange flesh sweet potato (OFSP); or both. Another group was included without supplement, serving as control. General linear models were employed to assess the effects of log initial wound size, type of wound, food treatment group, haemoglobin, sex, age, place of treatment and body mass index on the rate of wound closure. RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 56 patients, 41 of whom were placed in intervention groups, and the remainder as controls. Within the cohort, 37 (66%) patients suffered from Buruli ulcer, 15 (27%) from traumatic wounds and four (7%) from erysipelas. We found a significant effect (p=0.004) of diet supplemented with OFSP on the wound healing rate. CONCLUSION: OFSP is a nutritional rehabilitation supplement, characterised by a high content of beta-carotene and carbohydrates. It is associated with shortened wound healing times, reduced discomfort and reduced cost of wound care. Further research should investigate the effect of a diet rich in beta-carotene, in combination with standard medical care, on hard-to-heal wound healing in LMICs.

Synthetic surfactants in drinking and surface waters in Armenia and apparent non-association with some diseases.

The main goal of this study is to compare the concentrations of anionic synthetic surfactants (ASS) in drinking and surface waters in Armenia and to explore possible relationship with diseases of the skin and digestive system. Surfactants are widely employed in numerous field of the economy, are in contact with the entire population throughout life and can be harmful to human health.The samples of drinking and surface waters (n = 144) were collected in Kotayk province to analyze ASS concentrations, physicochemical parameters and phytotoxic activity. The prevalence of diseases was analyzed for different population groups. ASS concentrations in surface waters were significantly higher in summer compared to spring (p = 0.006). In drinking water, concentrations were also higher in summer, but not significantly. In surface waters, ASS levels were 2.4-3 times higher compared to drinking (p = 0.03) and exceeded the permissible limit by 1.4-2.9 times in summer and fall. No phytotoxic activity and differences in both classes of diseases and age groups were revealed. The determination of ASS in both surface and drinking waters with the same trend showed their interrelation to a certain extent. This study provides important information for future research and action which will contribute to the sustainable development of local communities.

Educational Case: Dermatitis Herpetiformis.

The following fictional case is intended as a learning tool within the Pathology Competencies for Medical Education (PCME), a set of national standards for teaching pathology. These are divided into three basic competencies: Disease Mechanisms and Processes, Organ System Pathology, and Diagnostic Medicine and Therapeutic Pathology. For additional information, and a full list of learning objectives for all three competencies, see http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2374289517715040.1.

[Psychiatric comorbidities in hidradenitis suppurativa/acne inversa]. / Psychiatrische Komorbidität bei Hidradenitis suppurativa/Acne inversa.

BACKGROUND: The findings of most studies suggest that depression and anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric comorbidities in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa/acne inversa (HS/AI). METHODS: In a prospective study, 51 patients with HS/AI were further examined for psychiatric comorbidity using a standardized interview and questionnaires. RESULTS: In psychiatric examination, 29.4% of HS/AI patients had additional mental symptoms, mainly manifested as depressive disorder. The HS/AI patients were rather young and female, and they showed a high incidence of nicotine and alcohol use, and a positive family history of paternal alcohol dependence. In addition, HS/AI patients experienced more severe psychosocial impairments in the form of lack of partnership and lower school attainment. CONCLUSIONS: Acne inversa is a severe chronic inflammatory skin disease that, like other inflammatory dermatoses, is associated with mental comorbidity and psychosocial impairments. Since especially young patients are affected, a psychiatric-psychotherapeutic cotreatment should be considered already at an early stage.

Integration of Management Strategies for Skin-Related Neglected Tropical Diseases.

The concept of skin neglected tropical diseases has been widely adopted into the policy and strategy of various organizations, governments, nongovernmental organizations, and health agencies. By pooling information and resources across different diseases, whose primary manifestations affect the skin, it is possible to deliver integrated surveillance and control programs and promote advocacy and reduction of disability and stigma. A further key part of the skin neglected tropical diseases program is the development and validation of training methods for front-line health workers. Networks that allow those involved in this work to share and compare expertise are being developed through various organizations.

Enfermedad de Hailey-Hailey, una familia diagnosticada a partir de un caso propositus / Hailey-Hailey diseases, a family diagnosed starting from a case propositus

RESUMEN Introducción: La enfermedad de Hailey-Hailey, también conocida como pénfigo benigno familiar, es una enfermedad de muy baja frecuencia de aparición, aunque es una genodermatosis,las manifestaciones clínicas se manifiestan en la adolescencia o adultez temprana. Objetivo: Profundizar en los elementos que permiten el diagnóstico temprano de la enfermedad de Hailey-Hailey. Presentación del caso: En Las Tunas, provincia oriental de Cuba, es atendida en consulta especializada multidisciplinaria de genodermatosis, una mujer de 50 años de edad, quien presentabalesiones eritematosas, vesiculosas y erosivas, localizadas en zonas de pliegues, que habían aparecido desde la adolescencia, siendo tratadas en varias ocasiones como una micosis superficialo dermatitis. Se lerealiza estudio histopatológico que constató el diagnósticode enfermedad de Hailey-Hailey. Se estudiaron los demás miembros de la familia afectados con similareslesiones dermatológicasy se corrobora el diagnóstico familiar. La paciente fue tratada con esteroides en dosis antinflamatorias, vitaminoterapia y terapéutica tópica consistente en uso de fomentos antisépticos naturales y crema antinflamatoria de aloe, con buena respuesta a la terapéutica. Conclusiones: Se presenta el caso porque la enfermedad de Hailey Hailey es infrecuente, las manifestaciones comienzan en la adolescencia, pudiendo confundirse con otras dermatosis. En la investigación se determinó el diagnóstico de los demás miembros de la familia afectados a partir del caso propositus.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The Hailey-Hailey diseases,also known asbenign familial pemphigus, is an disease of very low appearance frequency,although it is a genodermatoses, the clinical manifestations are manifested in the adolescence or early adulthood. Objective: To deepen in the elements that allows the early diagnosis of Hailey-Hailey diseases. Case presentation: In Las Tunas, oriental county of Cuba, is assisted in multidisciplinary specialized consultation of genodermatoses, a 50-year-old woman who presented lesions erytmematous, vesiculous and erosive, located in areas of pleats that had appeared from the adolescence, being treated in several occasions like a superficial mycosis or dermatitis. She is carried out study histopathologyc that verified the diagnosis of Hailey-Hailey diseases. The other members of the family were studied affected with similar injure dermatological and the family diagnosis is corroborated. The patient was treated with steroids in dose antinflammatory, vitamintherapy and topical therapeutic consistentin use of antiseptic natural foments and cream antinflammatory of aloe, with good answer to the therapy. Conclusions: The case is presented because the Hailey-Hailey diseases areuncommon; the manifestations begin in the adolescence, being able to make a mistake with other dermatomes.In the investigation the diagnosis of the other members of the family was determined affected starting from the case propositus.

[The general and primarily diagnosed morbidity of diseases of skin and subcutaneous cellular tissue in the Stavropol kraii].

Atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis are most common in all age groups of the population. In this regard, the study of the epidemiological situation of these nosological forms is highly relevant. The aim of the study was to study the indicators of general and primary morbidity in diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue and their structure. Material and methods. The data of official statistics on the general and primary incidence of diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue in the Stavropol Territory for the period from 2010 to 2017 have been studied. Results. Analysis of the incidence of diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue taken into account in official statistics showed an increase in the overall incidence of diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue by 21.5%, including contact dermatitis, other dermatitis, psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The overall incidence of lupus erythematosus and localized scleroderma has decreased. The highest rates of newly detected incidence of contact and atopic dermatitis were noted. Contact and atopic dermatitis prevailed in the structure of both the general and newly diagnosed diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Conclusion Despite the decrease in newly detected incidence, during the analyzed period there was an increase in the overall incidence of diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. In the structure of both the general and newly detected incidence of diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, the main part is occupied by contact and atopic dermatitis.

Erupción polimorfa durante el puerperio inmediato / Polymorphic eruption during the postpartum period / Erupção polimórfica durante o puerpério imediato

Introducción. En el embarazo, las dermatosis afectan a menos del 20 % de las gestantes y representan un grupo heterogéneo de afecciones cutáneas, con una forma variada de presentación y evolución. El objetivo es presentar un caso de erupción polimorfa de inicio durante el puerperio, con una breve revisión de la literatura en torno a la patología y su tratamiento. Reporte de caso. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 38 años en puerperio de su primera gestación, quien debutó con un cuadro clínico de erupción cutánea y prurito que inició en la zona abdominal y se extendió hacia los miembros inferiores. Las lesiones estaban constituidas por pápulas eritematosas que confluían hasta formar placas. Se diagnosticó con erupción polimorfa del embarazo y se dio manejo con antihistamínicos logrando la resolución de la patología. Discusión. La erupción polimórfica del embarazo es un trastorno inflamatorio benigno de la piel. Inicia con la aparición de pápulas pruriginosas que confluyen hasta formar placas eritematosas, que aparecen primero en el abdomen con excepción de la zona umbilical y parten, generalmente, de las estrías y se diseminan a las extremidades. El tratamiento consiste en la utilización de emolientes y antihistamínicos para el control de las lesiones y el prurito. Conclusiones. Aunque se trata de una patología benigna y autolimitada, es importante llegar al diagnóstico correcto e iniciar un manejo médico adecuado ya que síntomas como el prurito pueden generar lesiones por rascado que suelen infectarse y comprometer el estado de salud de las pacientes. Cómo citar: Picón-Jaimes YA, Orozco-Chinome JE, Mejía-Antolínez LA, Garcés-Salamanca CT. Erupción polimorfa durante el puerperio inmediato. MedUNAB. 2019;22(1):64-70. doi:10.29375/01237047.3461

Introduction. During pregnancy, at least 20% of the expectant mothers are affected by several forms of dermatosis, which involve a heterogeneous group of skin conditions with a variety of manifestations and evolution. The objective is to present a case of initial polymorphic eruption during the postpartum period with a brief review of the literature related to the pathology and its treatment. Case report. We present the case of a 38 year-old postpartum patient in her first pregnancy, who exhibited a clinical case of skin eruption and pruritus that started in the abdominal area and extended to the lower limbs. The lesions consisted of erythematous papules that clustered together to form plaques. She was diagnosed with polymorphic eruption of pregnancy and was treated with antihistamines, which resolved the pathology. Discussion. Polymorphic eruption of pregnancy is a benign inflammatory disorder of the skin It starts with the appearance of pruritic papules that cluster together to form erythematous plaques that initially appear in the abdomen (with the exception of the umbilical area) and generally start at the stretch marks and disseminate to the extremities. Treatment consists of the use of emollients and antihistamines to control the lesions and the pruritus. Conclusions. Although this is a benign, self-limiting condition, it is important to reach a correct diagnosis and initiate adequate medical treatment, as symptoms like pruritus can generate lesions from scratching that usually become infected and compromiso the patients' health. Cómo citar: Picón-Jaimes YA, Orozco-Chinome JE, Mejía-Antolínez LA, Garcés-Salamanca CT. Erupción polimorfa durante el puerperio inmediato. MedUNAB. 2019;22(1):64-70. doi:10.29375/01237047.3461

Introdução. Na gravidez, as dermatoses afetam menos de 20% das gestantes e representam um grupo heterogêneo de condições da pele, com uma forma variada de apresentação e evolução. O objetivo é apresentar um caso de erupção polimorfa que iniciou durante o puerpério, com uma breve revisão de literatura sobre a patologia e seu tratamento. Relato de caso. Apresentamos o caso de uma paciente de 38 anos no puerpério de sua primeira gestação, quem desenvolveu um quadro clínico de erupção cutânea e prurido que iniciou na região abdominal e espalhou-se nos membros inferiores. As lesões estavam constituídas por pápulas eritematosas que confluíam até formar placas. Foi diagnosticada com erupção polimórfica da gravidez e recebeu anti-histamínicos, conseguindo a resolução da patologia. Discussão. A erupção polimórfica da gravidez é uma doença inflamatória benigna da pele. Começa com o aparecimento de pápulas pruriginosas que confluem até formar placas eritematosas, que aparecem primeiro no abdômen com exceção da área umbilical e geralmente parte das estrias e se espalham para as extremidades. O tratamento consiste no uso de emolientes e anti-histamínicos para o controle das lesões e o prurido. Conclusão. Ainda seja uma patologia benigna e autolimitada, é importante acertar o diagnóstico e iniciar o tratamento médico adequado, uma vez que sintomas como o prurido podem gerar arranhões que tendem a se infectar e comprometer o estado de saúde das pacientes. Cómo citar: Picón-Jaimes YA, Orozco-Chinome JE, Mejía-Antolínez LA, Garcés-Salamanca CT. Erupción polimorfa durante el puerperio inmediato. MedUNAB. 2019;22(1):64-70. doi:10.29375/01237047.3461

Scalp infection by Candida Albicans in an immunocompetent patient: a description of a rare case.

Candida is a large genus of yeast, consisting of about 150 species, among which C.albicans is the most prevalent fungal species of the human microbiota. C. albicans is the most important fungal opportunistic pathogen that can cause infection when the host becomes debilitated or immunocompromised. We report a case of a scalp infection by C.albicans in a patient without an obvious immunocompromised state.

Presentation and outcomes of necrotizing soft tissue infections.

BACKGROUND: Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) are aggressive infections associated with significant morbidity, including amputation and organ failure, and high mortality. The rapid progression and significant risk of morbidity and mortality associated with NSTIs makes quick diagnosis and treatment critical. The objective of this study was to determine the presentation of patients diagnosed with NSTIs and their in-hospital outcomes. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of adult (>17 years) patients with a discharge diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis at London Health Sciences Centre (annual census 125,000) over a 5-year period (April 2008-March 2013). RESULTS: Sixty patients with confirmed NSTI were included in this study. Common comorbidities at presentation included immunocompromise (58.3%), diabetes mellitus (41.7%), vascular disease (45.0%), and obesity (24.6%). Initial presentations included swelling (91.7%), erythema (86.7%), bullae (28.3%), petechiae (8.3%), and bruising (45.0%). Fifty (83.3%) underwent surgery, with a median (interquartile range) time from initial emergency department presentation to surgery of 15.5 hours (7.8, 74.9). In-hospital mortality among those who had surgical intervention was 14.0%, compared to 60.0% for patients who did not have surgery (Δ46.0%; 95% CI: 14.8% to 70.2%). CONCLUSION: Diabetes mellitus, immune-compromise, vascular disease, and obesity are common comorbidities of NSTIs. Survival is higher among patients who receive surgical treatment. Patients presenting with this clinical picture warrant a high degree of suspicion.

Precisión del diagnóstico dermatoscópico para el carcinoma basocelular en el Servicio de Dermatología. Policlínico Colón-Este. 2012 / Accuracy of the dermatoscopic diagnosis for basal cell carcinoma in the Service of Dermatology. East-Colón Polyclinic. 2012

Fundamento: La dermatoscopía se considera como un paso intermedio entre la clínica y la histopatología en el diagnóstico de Carcinoma basocelular, sin embargo se desconoce si es útil en manos de una persona que esté especializada en el dermatoscopio. Objetivo: Describir los criterios epidemiológicos, clínicos y dermatoscópicos de una serie de casos con diagnóstico clínico de carcinoma basocelular y evaluar la precisión dermatoscopía-histopatología. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transversal en 25 pacientes que acudieron a la consulta de Dermatología con diagnóstico clínico de carcinoma basocelular, con un total de 36 lesiones observadas a las que se le realizó la técnica de dermatoscopía. En todos los casos se tomó biopsia de la lesión y se realizó la correlación clínico-dermatoscópica e histopatológica. Resultados: Predominó el sexo masculino, los mayores de 71 años y el fototipo de piel II. Las lesiones se localizaron preferentemente en cabeza y cuello, prevaleciendo las de alto riesgo. La variedad clínica más frecuente fue el nodular y el de mayor confusión dermatoscópica fue el pigmentado. Las estructuras dermatoscópicas más representadas fueron los múltiples nidos ovoides, los vasos arborescentes, las hojas de arce y la ulceración. Existió una concordancia entre el diagnóstico dermatoscópico y el histológico. Conclusiones: La precisión diagnóstica dermatoscópica-histopatológica fue demostrada lo que refuerza su utilidad previa a la toma de decisiones.

Background: Dermoscopy is considered as an intermediate step between clinical and histopathology in the diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma, however it is unknown whether it is useful in the hands of a person who is specialized in the dermatoscope. Objective: To describe the epidemiological, clinical and dermatoscopic criteria of a series of cases with clinical diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma and evaluate the dermoscopy-histopathology accuracy. Methodology: A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study was performed on 25 patients who attended the dermatology consultation with a clinical diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma, with a total of 36 lesions observed at which the technique of dermoscopy was undergone. In all cases a lesion biopsy was taken and the clinical and histopathologic correlation was performed. Results: There was a predominance of male gender, age 71 and skin phototype II. The lesions were preferentially located in the head and neck, prevailing high risk lesions. The most common clinical range was nodular and the highest dermoscopic confusion was pigmented. The most represented dermoscopic structures were multiple ovoid nests, arborescent vessels, maple leaves and ulceration. There was a correlation between dermoscopic and histological diagnosis.