Scabies.

Scabies is one of the most common and highest-burden skin diseases globally. Estimates suggest that >200 million people worldwide have scabies at any one time, with an annual prevalence of 455 million people, with children in impoverished and overcrowded settings being the most affected. Scabies infection is highly contagious and leads to considerable morbidity. Secondary bacterial infections are common and can cause severe health complications, including sepsis or necrotizing soft-tissue infection, renal damage and rheumatic heart disease. There is no vaccine or preventive treatment against scabies and, for the past 30 years, only few broad-spectrum antiparasitic drugs (mainly topical permethrin and oral ivermectin) have been widely available. Treatment failure is common because drugs have short half-lives and do not kill all developmental stages of the scabies parasite. At least two consecutive treatments are needed, which is difficult to achieve in resource-poor and itinerant populations. Another key issue is the lack of a practical, rapid, cheap and accurate diagnostic tool for the timely detection of scabies, which could prevent the cycle of exacerbation and disease persistence in communities. Scabies control will require a multifaceted approach, aided by improved diagnostics and surveillance, new treatments, and increased public awareness.

In vitro evaluation of crosslinked bovine pericardium as potential scaffold for the oral cavity.

BACKGROUND: Bovine pericardium (BP) is a scaffold widely used in soft tissues regeneration; however, its calcification in contact with glutaraldehyde, represent an opportunity for its application in hard tissues, such as bone in the oral cavity. OBJECTIVE: To develop and to characterize decellularized and glutaraldehyde-crosslinked bovine pericardium (GC-BP) as a potential scaffold for guided bone regeneration GBR. METHODS: BP samples from healthy animals of the bovine zebu breed were decellularized and crosslinked by digestion with detergents and glutaraldehyde respectively. The resulting cell-free scaffold was physical, chemical, mechanical, and biologically characterized thought hematoxylin and eosin staining, DNA quantification, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), uniaxial tensile test, cell viability and live and dead assay in cultures of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). RESULTS: The decellularization and crosslinking of BP appeared to induce conformational changes of the CLG molecules, which led to lower mechanical properties at the GC-BP scaffold, at the same time that promoted cell adhesion and viability of DPSCs. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the decellularized and GC-BP is a scaffold with the potential to be used promoting DPSCs recruitment, which has a great impact on the dental area.

The Effects of Plant-Derived Phytochemical Compounds and Phytochemical-Rich Diets on Females with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Scoping Review of Clinical Trials.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine condition that impacts nutritional status, metabolic, and hormonal function in females of reproductive age. This condition is associated with increased androgen production (hyperandrogenism) and decreased insulin sensitivity, which often leads to insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. This increase in androgen production and insulin resistance is strongly associated with a high incidence of obesity, type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and certain types of gonad-related cancers among females who suffer from this condition. As research continues to grow, it has been demonstrated that PCOS is a complex condition, and some of its characteristics vary among the females that have this disorder. However, it has been suggested that oxidative stress and low-grade chronic inflammation could play an important role in the development of PCOS. Current evidence suggest that phytochemicals could potentially help with weight-loss by reducing oxidative stress and low-grade inflammation, as well as aid in metabolic and hormonal regulation due to their antioxidant properties. Some of the bioactive compounds found in plants that have shown positive effects in the attenuation of PCOS include flavonoids, polyphenols, phytoestrogen, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Thus, a review of the current literature published on PCOS and phytochemicals was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics databases for articles published between 2013 and 2023 with a study duration of 1 to 3 months and adequate sample sizes. The main purpose of this review of literature was to investigate the metabolic effects of phytochemical compounds and phytochemical-rich diets on females with PCOS by comparing the results of several randomized clinical trials.

Diagnostics to support mycetoma management-Development of two target product profiles.

OBJECTIVE: Mycetoma is a neglected tropical disease caused by more than 70 different microorganisms and identified by the WHO as one of the high-priority diseases for developing diagnostic tests. To ensure the production of diagnostic assays for use by clinical staff in endemic regions, target product profiles (TPPs) were designed. METHODS: We describe the development of two TPPs: one for a diagnostic test able to identify the causative agent of mycetoma and another that would determine when treatment could be stopped. The TPPs were developed by considering product use, design, performance, product configuration and costs. RESULTS: Version 1.0 TPPs for two uses were posted by WHO for a 1-month online public consultation on 25 October 2021, and the final TPP was posted online on 5 May 2022. CONCLUSION: A major difficulty encountered in developing both TPPs was the large number of agents able to cause mycetoma and the lack of specific biomarkers for most of them.

Antiphospholipid Antibodies and Lipids in Hematological Malignancies.

One of the main groups of lipids is phospholipids, which are mainly involved in forming cell membranes. Neoplastic processes such as cell replication have increased lipid synthesis, making tumor cells dependent on this synthesis to maintain their requirements. Antiphospholipid antibodies attack phospholipids in the cell membranes. Three main types of antiphospholipid antibodies are recognized: anti-ß2 glycoprotein I (anti-ß2GP-I), anticardiolipin (aCL), and lupus anticoagulant (LA). These types of antibodies have been proven to be present in hematological neoplasms, particularly in LH and NHL. This review on antiphospholipid antibodies in hematological neoplasms describes their clinical relationship as future implications at the prognostic level for survival and even treatment.

The Diagnosis of Fungal Neglected Tropical Diseases (Fungal NTDs) and the Role of Investigation and Laboratory Tests: An Expert Consensus Report.

The diagnosis of fungal Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) is primarily based on initial visual recognition of a suspected case followed by confirmatory laboratory testing, which is often limited to specialized facilities. Although molecular and serodiagnostic tools have advanced, a substantial gap remains between the desirable and the practical in endemic settings. To explore this issue further, we conducted a survey of subject matter experts on the optimal diagnostic methods sufficient to initiate treatment in well-equipped versus basic healthcare settings, as well as optimal sampling methods, for three fungal NTDs: mycetoma, chromoblastomycosis, and sporotrichosis. A survey of 23 centres found consensus on the key role of semi-invasive sampling methods such as biopsy diagnosis as compared with swabs or impression smears, and on the importance of histopathology, direct microscopy, and culture for mycetoma and chromoblastomycosis confirmation in well-equipped laboratories. In basic healthcare settings, direct microscopy combined with clinical signs were reported to be the most useful diagnostic indicators to prompt referral for treatment. The survey identified that the diagnosis of sporotrichosis is the most problematic with poor sensitivity across the most widely available laboratory tests except fungal culture, highlighting the need to improve mycological diagnostic capacity and to develop innovative diagnostic solutions. Fungal microscopy and culture are now recognized as WHO essential diagnostic tests and better training in their application will help improve the situation. For mycetoma and sporotrichosis, in particular, advances in identifying specific marker antigens or genomic sequences may pave the way for new laboratory-based or point-of-care tests, although this is a formidable task given the large number of different organisms that can cause fungal NTDs.

Diagnosis and Management of Fungal Neglected Tropical Diseases In Community Settings-Mycetoma and Sporotrichosis.

BACKGROUND: This is a retrospective, analytic observational study where we describe cases of sporotrichosis and mycetoma from Acapulco General Hospital and Community Dermatology Mexico C.A. over 25 years. Analysis of environmental features that favour the development of such diseases has been made, as well as the limitations in the study and treatment of such diseases in resource poor settings. METHODS: We reviewed the information on 76 sporotrichosis and 113 mycetoma patients out of a total of 14,000 consultations at Acapulco General Hospital and from Community Dermatology clinics. We analysed the epidemiological and mycological characteristics and the investigations used for diagnosis such as direct examination, culture, intradermal test reactions, and biopsy. RESULTS: In total 91 confirmed cases of actinomycetoma, 22 of eumycetoma and 76 of sporotrichosis have been identified including diagnostic studies for both diseases and their treatment. DISCUSSION: The results obtained have been analysed and interpreted in patients with mycetoma and sporotrichosis in the state of Guerrero, México, along with limitations in their management in areas with limited economic and logistical resources. The prevalence of mycetoma in our setting is compared with other centres where patients from all over the country are seen. The possible causes for variations in prevalence in specific areas has been looked for, in one of the poorest states of the Mexican Republic.

[Avances recientes en dermatología comunitaria 2016-2017. Teledermatología, un modelo de enseñanza y asistencia en atención primaria a la salud].

INTRODUCTION: Community dermatology (CD) is integrated by dermatologists, epidemiologists and interested people. It has 27 years of experience at the Guerrero State. Due to unsafety issues, the teaching and medical attention model had to be changed from presential to virtual trough telemedicine. METHOD: Transversal, descriptive, observational and analytic study, in which results from teaching-learning of the health personal that was capacitated throughout the telemedicine network at the Guerrero State were evaluated, during nine courses that reached 35 telemedicine centers. RESULTS: 2465 health workers were capacitated in basic dermatology, which were evaluated in their general knowledge of dermatology before and after every course. The utility of this modality of teaching was statistically evaluated with a random simple in 611 attendees with satisfactory results. DISCUSSION: Teaching through telemedicine network, represents an improvement for CD by reaching a higher number of attendees to several reception centers simultaneously, minimizing transportation expenses and improving the safety of the participants at the activities, with the advantage of allowing continuity of the CD purposes.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La dermatología comunitaria (DC) está integrada por dermatólogos, epidemiólogos y personal afín. Tiene 27 años de existencia en el Estado de Guerrero. Por condiciones de inseguridad se cambió el modelo presencial de enseñanza y atención dermatológica a la forma virtual, a través de teledermatología. OBJETIVO: Determinar la utilidad de la capacitación y enseñanza virtual a través de la telemedicina en DC. MÉTODO: Estudio transversal, descriptivo, observacional y analítico, en el que se evaluaron los resultados de la enseñanza-aprendizaje en el personal de salud capacitado por la red de telemedicina mediante nueve cursos que llegaron a 35 centros de telemedicina en el Estado de Guerrero. RESULTADOS: Se capacitó en dermatología básica a 2465 trabajadores de la salud, evaluando sus conocimientos antes y después de cada curso. Se validó estadísticamente la utilidad de esta modalidad de enseñanza con una muestra al azar de 611 asistentes, con resultados satisfactorios. DISCUSIÓN: La enseñanza a través de la red de telemedicina representa un avance en DC al llegar a un mayor número de asistentes en varios centros de recepción en forma simultánea, minimizando los gastos de transporte y salvaguardando la integridad de los participantes, con la ventaja de dar continuidad a los propósitos de DC.

Report of 73 cases of cutaneous sporotrichosis in Mexico

Abstract: We report 73 cases of cutaneous sporotrichosis from the Community Dermatology program, at the central and mountain areas of the state of Guerrero, Mexico. A similar number of cases was found between children and adults, mostly peasants and school-age children with rural occupations. Upper limbs were the mostly affected and the predominant clinical form was lymphocutaneous (56.16%). All cultures corresponded to Sporothrix schenckii (sl). Treatment was done with potassium iodide in 54 patients, achieving clinical and mycological cure in all cases.

Report of 73 cases of cutaneous sporotrichosis in Mexico.

We report 73 cases of cutaneous sporotrichosis from the Community Dermatology program, at the central and mountain areas of the state of Guerrero, Mexico. A similar number of cases was found between children and adults, mostly peasants and school-age children with rural occupations. Upper limbs were the mostly affected and the predominant clinical form was lymphocutaneous (56.16%). All cultures corresponded to Sporothrix schenckii (sl). Treatment was done with potassium iodide in 54 patients, achieving clinical and mycological cure in all cases.

Cushing Syndrome due to Inappropriate Corticosteroid Topical Treatment of Undiagnosed Scabies.

The uncontrolled sale of topical corticosteroids has become an important risk factor for the development of iatrogenic Cushing syndrome in children, especially in countries where medications are sold over the counter. This is exacerbated by the lack of information for both the patients and pharmacists. This report documents a series of eight cases of iatrogenic Cushing syndrome secondary to an inappropriate use of topical steroids, due to a misdiagnosis of scabies.

Impacto del seguimiento farmacoterapéutico para identificar los errores de medicación y disminuir eventos adversos en pacientes de terapia intensiva del Hospital H+ Querétaro / Impact of pharmacotherapeutic follow-up to identify the medication errors and decrease adverse events in patients of intensive care at H+ Querétaro Hospital / Impacto do seguimento farmacoterapêutico para identificar erros de medicação e diminuir eventos adversos em pacientes na Terapia Intensiva do Hospital H+ Querétaro

Resumen: Introducción: El error de medicación es toda desviación en el proceso del uso de medicamentos que son administrados al paciente. Los errores de medicación son una causa frecuente de eventos adversos en el paciente. Objetivo: Identificar la relación del seguimiento farmacoterapéutico en la detección de errores de medicación con el incremento del número de intervenciones para la prevención de eventos adversos en pacientes de la unidad de terapia intensiva (UTI). Material y método: Se determinó la tasa de errores de medicación con el fin de obtener el valor basal (periodo 1), posteriormente se evaluó un segundo periodo (periodo 2), en el cual el seguimiento farmacoterapéutico se incrementó con la búsqueda intencionada de los errores de medicación. La identificación, clasificación y registro se llevó a cabo de acuerdo con la taxonomía de NCC MERP con ayuda del seguimiento farmacoterapéutico en cada uno de los pacientes. Resultados: En el periodo 1 se identificó un total de 107 errores de medicación, mismos que representaron una tasa de errores de 514.42 por 1,000 días/paciente, con una tasa de intervenciones de 52.88 por 1,000 días/paciente. En el periodo 2 se observó una tasa de 950.76 por 1,000 días/paciente, con una tasa de intervenciones de 132.58 por 1,000 días/paciente. En ninguno de los dos periodos se identificaron errores que produjeran daño en los pacientes. Conclusiones: La búsqueda intencionada de errores de medicación e intervenciones farmacéuticas favorecen la seguridad del uso de medicamentos, lo que ayuda a prevenir los eventos adversos asociados en pacientes de la unidad de terapia intensiva.

Abstract: Introduction: Medication error is all deviation in the process of using medications that are administered to the patient; the medication errors are a frequent cause of adverse events in the patient. Objective: To identify the relationship of pharmacotherapeutic monitoring in the detection of medication errors with the increase in the number of interventions for the prevention of adverse events in patients of the Intensive Care Unit. Material and method: The medication error rate was determined in order to obtain the baseline value (period 1), then a second period (period 2) was evaluated in which the pharmacotherapeutic follow-up was increased with the intentional search for medication errors. The identification, classification and registration were carried out according to the NCC MERP taxonomy with the help of the pharmacotherapeutic follow-up to each of the patients. Results: In period 1, a total of 107 medication errors were identified, representing an error rate of 514.42 per 1,000 days/patient, with a rate of interventions of 52.88 per 1,000 days/patient. For period 2 a rate of 950.76 per 1,000 days/patient was found, with a rate of interventions of 132.58 per 1,000 days/patient. In either period, an error was identified that caused damage in the patients. Conclusions: The intentional search for medication errors and pharmaceutical interventions favor the safety in the use of the drugs helping to prevent the adverse events associated with its use in patients of the intensive care unit.

Resumo: Introdução: O erro de medicação é qualquer desvio no processo de utilização de medicamentos que são administrados aos pacientes, os erros de medicação são uma causa comum de eventos adversos no paciente. Objetivo: Identificar a relação do seguimento farmacoterapêutico na detecção de erros de medicação com o aumento do número de intervenções para a prevenção de eventos adversos em pacientes na unidade de terapia intensiva. Material e método: Determinou-se a taxa de erros de medicação a fim de obter a linha de base (período 1), avaliou-se posteriormente um segundo período (período 2) em que o acompanhamento farmacoterapêutico aumentou com a busca deliberada de erros de medicação. A identificação, classificação e registo foram realizados de acordo com a taxonomia do NCC MERP com ajuda do seguimento farmacoterapêutico para cada um dos pacientes. Resultados: No período 1, identificamos um total de 107 erros de medicação, o que representou uma taxa de 514.42 erros por 1,000 dias/paciente, com uma taxa intervenção de 52.88 por 1,000 dias/paciente. Para o período 2 foi encontrada 950.76 para 1,000 dias/paciente, com uma taxa de intervenção de 132.58 por 1,000 dias/pacientes. Não identificamos em nenhum dos dois períodos um erro que produzisse danos aos pacientes. Conclusões: A busca intencional por erros de medicação e intervenções farmacêuticas favorecem a segurança no uso de medicamentos, ajudando a prevenir os eventos adversos associados ao seu uso em pacientes na unidade de terapia intensiva.

Cervical and middle dorsal actinomycetomas from Guerrero State, Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Mycetomas are frequent subcutaneous mycoses with typical clinical characteristics such as sinuses, blood-stained, serous, or purulent exudates as well as local swelling. Even though the most commonly affected areas are the lower limbs, we report four cases affecting the neck and midback regions, of which three were young females. We draw attention to the importance of early identification of these cases for prevention and specific treatment in order to avoid severe consequences or irreversible complications such as quadriplegia. OBJECTIVE: To document the occurrence of cervical spine and middle dorsal thoracic mycetomas, as well as their severity, clinical manifestations, and secondary complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was an observational and descriptive study in which we reviewed cases with neck and middle dorsal thoracic mycetomas diagnosed at the Acapulco General Hospital of Guerrero State, Mexico. We describe the cases including the mechanism of inoculation, neurological symptoms, and severity. CONCLUSIONS: We describe three cases initially diagnosed clinically as cervical mycetomas and one in the middle dorsal thoracic region. All the cases were diagnosed at the Acapulco General Hospital of Guerrero State in Mexico.

Paracoccidioidomycosis in Mexico: clinical and epidemiological data from 93 new cases (1972-2012).

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is an endemic systemic infection in several countries of Latin America. The few registered cases in Mexico most likely do not reflect the real frequency. Disseminate the epidemiological and clinical data of unreported cases of PCM in Mexico from 1972 until 2012 is the aim of this work. Epidemiological and clinical information of non-published cases of PCM was requested from the principal mycological diagnosis centres in Mexico. A total of 93 cases were received. The infection was found predominantly in men (95.7%), peasants (88.5%) and individual between 31 and 60 years of age. Most of the cases were found in tropical areas of the Gulf of Mexico (54.84%) and the Pacific littoral (20.3%). The main sites of dissemination were the oral mucosa (39.38%) and skin (34.05%). The most effective treatments were itraconazole alone and the combination of itraconazole with sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim. PCM is a subdiagnosed pathology in Mexico. Therefore, adequate training is necessary to determine the current status of this mycosis.

[Update on the epidemiology of mycetoma in Mexico. A review of 3933 cases]. / Actualización de la epidemiología del micetoma en México. Revisión de 3,933 casos.

UNLABELLED: Mycetoma is one of the most frequent chronic subcutaneous infections in many tropical and subtropical regions. OBJECTIVE: To update the epidemiological data of mycetoma cases in Mexico. METHOD: A survey in the main mycological diagnosis centers in this country was performed. Each mycologist was requested for number of diagnosed mycetoma cases, age, sex, occupation, geographic origin, type of mycetoma, and etiological agents. RESULTS: Until 2012, we have registered 3,933 cases in the last 54 years. Sex distribution corresponds to 75.6% for men and 24.4% for women. In 75.72% is present in adults between 16-50 years old. The predominant work group of patients is farmers (58.41%) followed by housewives (21.79%). Most of patients come from Jalisco, Morelos, Nuevo Leon, Guerrero, Veracruz and Michoacan states. The most affected body areas are limbs (60.29%) and trunk (19.76%). Actinomycetoma has a frequency of 96.52%, and the commonest etiological agent is Nocardia brasiliensis (65.58%). Eumycetoma (3.48%) is mainly caused by Madurella grisea (28.47%) and M. mycetomatis (26.28%). CONCLUSIONS: Mycetoma is an under-diagnosed pathology representing a health problem in rural regions and must be attended with more interest by the health institutions.

Specialized dermatological care for marginalized populations and education at the primary care level: is community dermatology a feasible proposal?

Skin diseases have a very high frequency either in developed as well as in undeveloped countries. Guerrero, Chiapas, and Oaxaca are the most impoverished states in Mexico, where 24% of the population lacks basic health care, and only 15% are estimated to have access to specialists. Community Dermatology program was founded in 1991 with the intention of improving the dermatological health of remote, marginalized inhabitants of the state of Guerrero. The program consists of a two-day visit to a pre-selected community; the first day includes a basic dermatology training course for local providers, and day 2 is a "Jornada",which means a day of free medical consultation and treatment. Pityriasis albus Cloasma, vitiligo, and acne continue to be the most frequent diagnosed primary disorders, as in rural areas occupational obligations include prolonged sun exposure. The experience and success of Community Dermatology over the last 20 years has demonstrated that this model of healthcare delivery and instruction is economically feasible, provides practical and quantifiable benefits for the communities served, and could be emulated by other disciplines within medicine.

Eumycetoma.

Eumycetoma is caused by different fungi. Madurella mycetomatis, Madurella grisae, and Scedosporium apiospermum are the most common causative agents. This disease is more frequent on the lower extremities but can also be present in other areas. The diagnosis is made by direct microscopic examination and histologic study, which should show hyphae and vesicles characteristic of the fungi. Etiologic identification of the species of the fungus is sometimes difficult by culture and biopsy specimen; in these cases, molecular techniques can help to identify the infecting organism. Treatment has been with amphotericin B, which is now seldom used due to its side effects and limited success. The best therapeutic choice is surgical removal of the lesion, followed by medical treatment. This includes antifungals such as the azoles, ketoconazole and itraconazole; in resistant cases, posaconazole and voriconazole are currently recommended. In particular, the combination of terbinafine and itraconazole can elicit a good result in some cases.

Effect of chronic pesticide exposure in farm workers of a Mexico community.

Pesticides are frequently used substances worldwide, even when the use of some of them is forbidden due to the recognized adverse effect they have on the health of not only the people who apply the pesticides, but also of those that consume the contaminated products. The objectives of this study were to know the health issues of farm workers chronically exposed to pesticides, to evaluate possible damage at genetic level, as well as to explore some hepatic, renal, and hematological alterations. A transversal comparative study was performed between 2 groups, one composed of 25 farm workers engaged in pesticide spraying, and a control group of 21 workers not exposed to pesticides; both groups belonged to the Nextipac community in Jalisco, Mexico. Each member of both groups underwent a full medical history. Blood samples were taken from all farm workers in order to obtain a complete blood count and chemistry, clinical chemistry, lipid profile, liver and kidney function tests, erythrocyte cholinesterase quantification, lipid peroxidation profile, and free DNA fragment quantification. For the information analysis, central tendency and dispersion measurements were registered. In order to know the differences between groups, a cluster multivariate method was used, as well as prevalence reasons. The most used pesticides were mainly organophosphates, triazines and organochlorine compounds. The exposed group showed acute poisoning (20% of the cases) and diverse alterations of the digestive, neurological, respiratory, circulatory, dermatological, renal, and reproductive system probably associated to pesticide exposure. More importantly, they presented free DNA fragments in plasma (90.8 vs 49.05 ng/mL) as well as a higher level of lipid peroxidation (41.85 vs. 31.91 nmol/mL) in comparison with those data from unexposed farm workers. These results suggest that there exist health hazards for those farm workers exposed to pesticides, at organic and cellular levels.

Eumycotic mycetoma caused by Madurella mycetomatis successfully treated with antifungals, surgery, and topical negative pressure therapy.

We report a 21-year-old farmer with a 4-year history of a nodular plaque with fistulas and induration of adjacent skin. The lesion had been treated surgically at another hospital, but recurred 2 years later. Black, charcoal-like grains were observed draining through the fistulas. A biopsy specimen showed brown grains with filaments in an abscess surrounded by macrophages, giant cells, and lymphocytes. Culture demonstrated small white colonies of Madurella mycetomatis. The patient was treated with itraconazole for 6 months, followed by surgery. TNP was initiated in the immediate post-operative period, and copious granulation tissue was observed within 1 week. Autologous skin grafting was performed, and itraconazole was continued for an additional 3 months. Although necrosis of the graft ensued, the functional result was acceptable. The patient appeared free of disease at 18 months of follow-up. Eumycotic mycetoma is an infectious and inflammatory process that occurs after traumatic inoculation of fungi through the skin. Surgery is the treatment of choice, but successful reconstruction may be challenging and recurrence is common. Topical negative pressure (TNP) promotes the formation of granulation tissue, which facilitates closure of deep wounds and chronic ulcers. This case illustrates that eumycotic mycetoma is difficult to treat. Whether TNP contributed to the successful outcome cannot be proven but, given the generally poor response of eumycetoma to therapy, we suggest that the role of TNP in the management of this disease merits attention.

Giant onychomatricoma: report of two cases with rare clinical presentation.

BACKGROUND: Onychomatricoma was reported for the first time by Baran and Kint as a rare nail matrix tumor with specific clinical and histologic features, including a macroscopic appearance of filiform digitations originating from the nail matrix which are inserted in the nail plate.(1) The appearance of the lesion may resemble that of an "anemone." All previous reports have been mostly from Europe, with only one case from North America. These are the first case reports from Mexico. They show rare clinical characteristics, in particular tumor involving the entire nail matrix. METHODS: Two cases are presented: Case 1, a 59-year-old man with a 2-year history of deformity of the entire nail apparatus of the right thumb, clinically suggestive of onychomatricoma; Case 2, a 45-year-old woman with a 3-year history of gradual nail dystrophy, initially misdiagnosed as onychomycosis and treated unsuccessfully for several months with antimycotics by a general physician. In both cases, the entire nail plate was affected and, because of the clinical appearance, nail exploration and excisional biopsy of the tumors at the nail matrix were performed. RESULTS: During nail matrix surgical exploration, including avulsion of the nail plate, characteristic digitiform projections that were firmly attached to the nail plate were observed. In both cases, the entire nail matrix was affected, producing a giant form of onychomatricoma. Hematoxylin and eosin stain showed characteristic filiform projections that corresponded to the clinical appearance, with elongated epithelium from the nail matrix and fibromyxoid stroma with multiple basophilic cells, and typical clefts in between. CONCLUSIONS: Onychomatricoma has a classical clinical appearance; however, it is difficult to identify, as it is not until surgery, when the typical filiform projections are more visible, that the diagnosis can be made. Onychomatricoma is a rare tumor. The involvement of the entire nail matrix, with secondary nail dystrophy, in both cases presented here makes them interesting case reports of this unusual form of tumor.