Efficacy and Safety Profile of Tuberculin Protein Purified Derivative Injection As Immunotherapy For the Treatment of Cutaneous and Anogenital Warts: A Review Article.

Introduction: Various treatments available today for anogenital and cutaneous warts have limitations, including time-consuming, challenging to perform, and the risk of scarring. A new treatment using tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) has been developed, which is expected to generate cellular immunity against HPV. Objective: To assess the evidence for the efficacy and safety of PPD treatment for cutaneous and anogenital warts. Materials and methods: A literature search was performed with the keyword-based search on digital libraries, including the National Library of Medicine, Cochrane Controlled Register of Trial, and Google Scholar, using the following terms: anogenital warts, condyloma acuminata, cutaneous warts, human papillomavirus, immunotherapy, and tuberculin purified protein derivative. Original studies on treating cutaneous or anogenital warts with PPD were included. The results were 47 clinical trials and 4 case reports. Most of the research was done in countries with common Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. The treatment showed good efficacy. Comparative studies showed that the treatment has similar efficacy with other immunotherapies. No significant side effects were reported, with evidence of the safety use on the pregnant population. Conclusion: Based on good efficacy and safety, PPD can be considered an alternative therapy, especially in countries where tuberculosis is frequent.

Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms and Association with Vitiligo in Indonesian Population.

Introduction: Vitiligo is an acquired depigmenting skin disorder due to the loss of melanocyte function in the epidermis and hair follicles. The pathogenesis of vitiligo is multifactorial, with genetics being a predisposing factor. Previous studies had varying results regarding whether or not polymorphisms of vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene are associated with the risk of vitiligo in specific populations. This study investigated the association between three frequently analyzed VDR gene polymorphisms (ApaI, BsmI, TaqI) and susceptibility to vitiligo in Indonesian population. Methods: Thirty-four vitiligo patients and 34 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects aged ≥18 years old were recruited in the Dermatology and Venereology Outpatient Clinic of Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia. Genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted from the peripheral blood using a DNA isolation kit. VDR gene polymorphisms (ApaI, BsmI, and TaqI) were investigated using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction-fragment length polymorphism method. The differences of genotype distributions and allele frequencies were statistically compared between case and control groups using Chi-square test. Results: VDR gene polymorphisms were identified in 68 participants, consisting of Aa (n = 14), aa (n = 20), Bb (n = 15), bb (n = 19), and TT (n = 34) genotypes in the case group. In the control group, Aa (n = 6), aa (n = 28), Bb (n = 17), bb (n = 17), and TT (n = 34) genotypes were identified. However, only subjects with ApaI Aa genotype polymorphism had a 3.267-fold increased risk of developing vitiligo. Conclusion: This study showed that ApaI Aa genotype polymorphism of the VDR gene increases the risk of vitiligo in Indonesian population.

Molluscum Contagiosum in HIV Patient Treated with 20% Topical Glycolic Acid After Resistance with Topical Tretinoin.

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a benign papular skin infection caused by Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV). Over the past 30 years, the incidence of MK has continued to increased association with sexually transmitted infections and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The incidence of MC in HIV patients is quite high at 5-8%. Until now there is no standard therapy used for the treatment of MC in patients with HIV. In HIV patients, anti retro viral therapy (ARV) is the main therapy with several other additional therapies such as cantaridin, chemical peeling agents such as glycolic acid (20-70%) and trichloroacetic acid (20-100%), cryosurgery, electrosurgery, incision, lactic acid, laser surgery, podophyllin, retinoic acid, and urea. There have been no studies regarding the administration of topical 20% glycolic acid in MC patients. We report a case of MC in an HIV patient who was treated with 20% topical glycolic acid after failing treatment with topical tretinoin. The diagnosis was made clinically, cytologically, and histopathologically, a white mass was found on compression of the lesion and Henderson-Paterson bodies. The lesions on the face, arms, and legs were given glycolic acid lotion 20% which was applied once a day at night. The lesions started to show responses to the treatment at week 6th as some of the MC papules became hyperpigmented macules. The side effects of therapy that appeared were itching and hyperpigmentation. Topical 20% glycolic acid can be used for MC therapy with minimal side effects, easy to apply and safe.

Characteristics of Biofilm-Forming Ability and Antibiotic Resistance of Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis from Acne Vulgaris Patients.

Introduction: Acne vulgaris (AV) is a common and chronic disorder of the pilosebaceous unit and has a multifactorial pathology, including activities of Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis). Antibiotic resistance has become a major concern in dermatology daily practice, and the ability of biofilm formation by both bacteria is suggested to increase antibiotic resistance in acne. Purpose: Our aim was to analyze the comparison of antibiotic resistance between biofilm-forming (BF) and non-biofilm-forming (NBF) strains of C. acnes and S. epidermidis towards seven antibiotics commonly used for acne. Methods: This is a cross-sectional analytical study involving 60 patients with AV. Samples were obtained from closed comedones on the forehead using the standardized skin surface biopsy (SSSB) method at the Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic Dr. Hasan Sadikin in Bandung, Indonesia. Isolates were cultured and identified before undergoing the biofilm-forming test using the tissue culture plate method. Antibiotic susceptibility testing for each antibiotic was then performed using the disc diffusion method. Results: The incidence of antibiotic resistance to clindamycin in BF and NBF C. acnes isolates was 54.5% (p=1.00), while in BF and NBF S. epidermidis isolates, it was 54.5% and 45.5% respectively (p=0.67). The incidence of antibiotic resistance to erythromycin and azithromycin in BF and NBF C. acnes isolates was 54.5% and 63.6% respectively (p=1.00), whereas for S. epidermidis BF and NBF isolates, it was 54.5% (p=1.00). There was no resistance observed to tetracycline, doxycycline, levofloxacin, and cotrimoxazole in all groups. Conclusion: There were no significant differences in resistance against seven antibiotics between the C. acnes and S. epidermidis in BF and NBF groups. Furthermore, although statistically not significant, some resistances were observed against clindamycin, erythromycin, and azithromycin. Consequently, the use of these three antibiotics should be judiciously regulated.

Partial Unilateral Lentiginosis Successfully Treated with the Combination of 511 nm and 578 nm Copper Bromide Laser in an Indonesian Woman.

Partial unilateral lentiginosis (PUL) is a pigmentation disorder characterized by multiple lentigines restricted to the normal skin in a unilateral and segmental pattern. Various lasers have been used for the treatment of this pigmented disorders, one of which is the copper bromide (CuBr) laser, which emits a dual-wavelength beam at 511 nm and 578 nm. A 35-year-old woman presented with multiple brown macules with a sharp demarcation from the midline of the forehead to the right cheek in a dermatomal distribution. Histopathological results showed increased melanin pigmentation in the basal layer with elongated rete ridges, supporting the diagnosis of PUL. Following photoprotection and skin priming, CuBr laser treatment was performed in two steps using 511 nm and 578 nm wavelength as the first and second steps, respectively, with the second step delivered immediately after. Clinical improvement was achieved after two sessions of treatment at a one-month interval, as shown by an increasing lightness value (L*) in spectrophotometry. No side effects, such as hyperpigmented macules, was observed. The patient also expressed satisfaction at her brighter facial skin. A sustainable favorable result persisted after six months of laser treatment. Interactions between cutaneous vasculature and melanocytes can affect the development of pigmented lesions. Melanocytes express the functional vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGF) and are responsive to angiogenic factors. Ideally, these conditions should be treated with a dual-wavelength CuBr laser. The combination of 511 nm and 578 nm CuBr laser showed favorable results, supporting its potential as an effective treatment choice for PUL.

Treatment of Facial Lentigines in an Adult Female Patient Suspected with Leopard Overlap Noonan Syndrome.

Lentigines are defined as multiple small pigmented macules measuring up to one centimeter and surrounded by normal-appearing skin, commonly caused by genetic factors. LEOPARD syndrome (LS) is an autosomal dominant distinguished by the presence of several lentigines, with specific phenotypic characteristics that resembles Noonan syndrome (NS). LS is likely to be underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed because many of its symptoms are minor and the accurate diagnosis may be overlooked. Therapy for lentigines are generally aimed at tackling aesthetic disfigurement and its subsequent psychological impacts. This case report aims to highlight the efficacy of 532-nanometer (nm) Q-switched (QS) Nd:YAG laser in treating lentigines in a 21-year-old woman with LS overlap NS. The patient initially came to seek treatment of her facial lentigines. However, some mild abnormalities such as ocular hypertelorism, left eye ptosis, and webbed neck were observed. Hormonal, cardiac, and pulmonary functions were within normal limit. Histopathological results supported the diagnosis of lentigo. The patient was given sunscreen and depigmenting agents and was instructed to apply the medications routinely. The patient then underwent two sessions of 532-nm QS Nd:YAG laser with a 3 mm spot size, 1 J/cm2 fluence, and a 1 Hz frequency. Objective clinical improvements were observed using spectrophotometer examination, there were no side effects found, and she was satisfied with the results. Dermatologists should play an integral role in establishing the diagnosis and management of systemic syndrome, manifesting specifically as dermatological symptoms. Lentigines in LS last throughout the patient's lifespan. Nd:YAG laser therapy can be effective in treating lentigines with long-lasting results. It plays a role in improving the patient's life quality, especially where the genetic disorder itself is a debilitating condition. The limitation of this case report was the lack of a genetic test, as the suspected diagnosis was made based on clinical symptoms.

Combination of Crusted Scabies with Bullous Scabies: A Rare Case.

Scabies is a parasitic skin disease caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis. Crusted scabies, also known as Norwegian scabies, is a rare and severe form of scabies that occurs more frequently in immunocompromised, elderly, disabled, and debilitated patients. The present study reports a case of crusted scabies combined with bullous scabies. A 44-year-old man was admitted with the chief complaint of red, thick, scaly patches of skin accompanied by crusting that felt itchy and worsened at night. The lesions had appeared all over his body intermittently for the last 10 years; however, the complaints worsened in the last 2 months. From dermatological status, the anterior and posterior thoracic regions and between the fingers of both hands showed generalized distribution of erythematous, yellowish, hyperkeratotic plaques with clear boundaries, pustules, and blisters on an erythematous base with multiple erosions and excoriations. S. scabiei were found on skin scraping examination, and histopathological examination supported the diagnosis of bullous scabies. The patient received 5% permethrin lotion topical therapy and systemic ivermectin therapy. In addition, the patient was given systemic antibiotics. The lesions improved after 2 weeks of therapy, and no S. scabiei were found on the subsequent microscopic examination. Treatment with a combination of topical and systemic scabicidal agents produced a favorable outcome in this patient.

Promising Treatment for Twenty-Nail Dystrophy with Combination of Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser and Topical Therapy: A Case Report.

Twenty-nail dystrophy (TND) is a trachyonychia affecting all nails which cause aesthetic complaints. The difficulty of topical medication to penetrate through the nail plate brings a great challenge for TND treatment. We reported a case of TND in a 27-year-old woman, with clinical manifestation of trachyonychia, longitudinal ridging, mottled lunula, and subungual hyperkeratosis with ragged cuticle affected all nails. She has suffered from TND for 20 years with no systemic involvement found. Histopathological examination supported the diagnosis of nail lichen planus. The patient received a mixture of topical therapy consist of tacrolimus, urea, and salicylic acid, combined with fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser with pulse energy: 160 mJ, pulse duration: 8.0 ms, density level: 17, and depth level: 2. After two sessions of treatment within five weeks interval, clinical improvement was seen as refinement of nail's texture. Treatment of TND often unsatisfactory due to difficulty of drug penetration through the nail plate. The fractional CO2 laser creates a column of destruction down to the dermis, which aid penetration of topical medication and stimulate nail bed rejuvenation. The use of fractional CO2 laser as a penetration enhancer can be a therapeutic option for the treatment of TND with promising result as shown in this patient. This procedure enabled combination with topical medications as long-term therapy for TND.

Melatonin and Sleep Disturbances in Children With Atopic Dermatitis.

Objective: To evaluate the correlation between melatonin levels and sleep quality, based on the Children's Sleep Habit Questionnaire (CSHQ), among children with atopic dermatitis (AD). Methods: This was an analytic study with a cross-sectional design involving two groups, AD children as the case group and participants without AD as the control group, conducted at the Pediatric Dermatology Clinic of Dr. Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia. Melatonin levels and CSHQ score in the case group were compared to that in the control group. Correlation analysis was performed between melatonin levels and sleep quality based on CSHQ in the case group. Results: Participants in this study consisted of 19 children with moderate AD, (no patient with mild and severe AD was recruited), and 19 participants without AD. The mean CSHQ score in the case group was significantly higher than the control group (47.84 vs 36.79; p<0.05). The mean melatonin level in the case group was significantly lower than the control group (320.18 pg/mL vs 383.86 pg/mL; p<0.05). Comparative analysis was conducted using independent t-test. There was a significant Pearson's correlation index between SCORAD and CSHQ (p<0.05). However, there was no correlation between melatonin levels and CSHQ, as well as between melatonin levels and SCORAD (p<0.05). Conclusion: Children with moderate AD have impaired sleep quality and lower melatonin levels compared to controls. No correlation was found between melatonin levels and CSHQ, as well as melatonin levels and SCORAD, although there was a strong and significant correlation between SCORAD and CSHQ. Therefore, melatonin levels may not be the main cause of sleep disturbances in children with moderate AD.

Beneficial Effect of Minocycline as Additional Treatment to Prednisone for Pustular Erythema Nodosum Leprosum.

Introduction: Pustular erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) is an atypical manifestation associated with chronic ENL. The use of corticosteroid alone might not be sufficient for this condition, and addition of another anti-inflammatory drug is often necessary. Minocycline is a tetracycline antibiotic with anti-neutrophilic properties, which may accelerate the treatment of pustular ENL. This case report aimed to elaborate on the beneficial effect of minocycline for pustular ENL. Case: We report a case of pustular ENL in a 23-year-old male who had been released from treatment (RFT) of lepromatous leprosy (LL). The patient had been on prednisone for six months as treatment for ENL. The condition recurred when prednisone was tapered to 10 mg daily. Eventually, pustules developed on the erythematous nodules, and the lesions did not improve despite seven weeks of treatment with 40-60 mg prednisone. Later, 100 mg minocycline once daily was given in addition to 60 mg prednisone once daily and improvement was rapidly observed on the ninth day after minocycline administration. This condition was sustained for four weeks with prednisone tapering, and no side effects were reported during the treatment. Discussion: Minocycline is an antibiotic with anti-inflammatory properties. Only a few studies have been conducted regarding the use of minocycline in chronic ENL, but there was no reported case of minocycline use for pustular ENL in RFT patient. The addition of minocycline to prednisone may accelerate the improvement of pustular ENL. We observed an improvement after the ninth day of minocycline administration compared to seven weeks of prednisone monotherapy. No new ENL lesions occurred during four weeks of minocycline administration therapy. Conclusion: Pustular ENL is an atypical manifestation of chronic ENL, and the addition of minocycline to prednisone may accelerate its therapeutic effect on the patient.

Success of Intralesional Purified Protein Derivative Immunotherapy in the Treatment of Anogenital Warts: A Case Report.

Anogenital warts (AGW) are among the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. The condition may be persistent, increase in size and number, and have a high recurrence rate. There are many therapeutic options of AGW, but none of them prevented recurrence, only yielded partial responses and have the propensity to cause scars. Immunotherapy by purified protein derivative (PPD) is one of the therapeutic options for AGW, which effectively reduces the number of lesions until complete clearance, with minimal side effects and less recurrence rate. This case report aims to demonstrate the effectiveness, safety, and low recurrence rate of intralesional PPD injection as an alternative therapy for AGW. We reported one case of AGW in an immunocompetent 30-year-old homosexual man who was given 3 doses of 0.2 mL PPD injected intralesionally. As a result, clinical improvement was observed starting from the 18th day, with some of the lesions decreasing in size, and on the 46th day, all of the lesions disappeared. There was no significant side effect. Within two years of follow-up, no recurrence was observed. Intralesional injection of PPD can stimulate the immune response against human papillomavirus (HPV) infection both on the injection site and distant from the injection site. Previous studies have shown promising results of intralesional PPD, with low recurrence in over six-month follow-up and no side effects. Intralesional injection of PPD can be considered as an alternative therapy due to its minimal side effects and its long-term low recurrence rate.

Successful Therapy of Alopecia Universalis Using a Combination of Systemic Methotrexate and Corticosteroids and Topical 5% Minoxidil.

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease-specific to specific organs mediated by T lymphocytes with hair follicles as targets. Severe AA could be in the form of alopecia universalis (AU). AU therapy is relatively difficult and challenging with varying outcomes. Herein, we reported a case of AU in a 19-year-old man with alopecia in the hairy scalp area, eyebrows, eyelashes, moustache, beard, and axillary hair since 2.5 years ago. The patient's severity of alopecia tool (SALT) score was 100%. The patient was given a combination therapy of 15 mg methotrexate per week and 16 mg methylprednisolone per day orally and topical treatment with minoxidil 5%. Observations after nine months of treatment showed an improvement in the decrease in SALT scores to 41%. However, striae were found after 3rd month of therapy. Systemic combination therapy of methotrexate and low-dose corticosteroids and topical minoxidil 5% in this patient gave responsive results. Performed the hematological examination, liver function levels, blood glucose levels, and cortisol during long-term use of methotrexate and corticosteroids are necessary. The combination of systemic methotrexate and corticosteroids, and topical minoxidil showed promising results in AU. Nevertheless, long-term observation is still needed to monitor the side effects of therapy.

Combination of 1064 nm Long-Pulsed and Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser for Facial Hypertrophic Scar and Hyperpigmentation Following Burn Injury.

Burn injury is a common type of trauma which causes significant morbidity and mortality. Wound healing following burns can be complicated by the formation of hypertrophic scars and the occurrence of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser might become one of the treatments of choice for hypertrophic scars and PIH. We report a case of post-burn hypertrophic scars and hyperpigmentation in a 20-year-old man. The patient was consulted from the Department of Plastic Surgery and Reconstruction after scar revision. He was treated with 1064 nm long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser therapy, spot size 6 mm, fluence 55 J/cm2, pulse duration 3 millisecond (ms), for three sessions with one month interval, followed by 1064 nm Q-switched (QS) Nd:YAG, spot size 4 mm, fluence 2.5 J/cm2, frequency 2 Hz for two sessions with one month interval. Clinical improvement was observed after five sessions, characterized by scar thinning as assessed using Vancouver scar scale and increased skin tone brightness also reduced redness assessed using a spectrophotometer with no significant side effects. The management of post-burn facial scars and hyperpigmentation remains a challenge. Aside from surgery, the treatment strategy for hypertrophic scar is laser, one of which is the long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser which reduces the production of collagen. In hyperpigmented lesions, QS Nd:YAG laser destructs the melanosome. Combination of 1064 nm long-pulsed and QS Nd:YAG laser therapy provide significant improvement. These therapeutic strategies can be considered as a treatment option for post-burn hypertrophic scars and hyperpigmentation.

Hypertrophic Scar Following Excisional Surgery and Full-Thickness Skin Grafting Due to Rhinophyma Treated with 1064 nm Q-Switched Neodymium:Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser.

Rhinophyma is characterized by progressive enlargement of the nasal skin, which is considered to be an advanced stage of phymatous rosacea. Esthetic disfigurement makes surgical treatment necessary for this condition. Hypertrophic scars are the consequence of alterations in the skin's healing process following surgical interventions. Laser may be the treatment of choice in hypertrophic scars. We reported a case of hypertrophic scars following excisional surgery and full-thickness skin grafting due to rhinophyma in an 18-year-old male who was consulted from the Department of Plastic Surgery and Reconstruction. The 1064 nanometer (nm) Q-switched Neodymium: Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (QS Nd:YAG) with 4 mm spot size, 1.5 J/cm2 and 1 Hz was applied to the hypertrophic scars for three sessions within one month interval. Clinical improvement was observed as indicated by the patient's Vancouver scar scale score and spectrophotometry result, and no side effects were found. Nd:YAG laser is a non-ablative device that targets hemoglobin, water, and melanin. Any thermal effects on dermal tissue containing blood vessels could result in reduced blood flow through the capillaries in the dermal papillae. QS Nd:YAG-induced selective photothermolysis was responsible for collagen breakdown and reduced collagen production in hypertrophic scars. The 1064 nm QS Nd:YAG laser gave good results in this case although more treatment sessions may be recommended and a longer follow-up is necessary in order to assess the stability of the result.

Two Cases of Giant Molluscum Contagiosum on the Eyelids of HIV Patients Successfully Treated with Adjuvant Self-Applied Topical 20% Potassium Hydroxide Solution.

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is an infectious disease caused by the MC virus. In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients, MC has an atypical predilection and prominence, sometimes measuring more than 1 cm in diameter, known as giant MC. Giant MC lesions on the eyelids are rare. There is no standardized therapy for eyelids MC in HIV patients. Antiretroviral (ARV) administration is recommended as the primary treatment for MC in HIV patients along with other treatment modalities, such as potassium hydroxide (KOH). The 20% KOH solution is a keratolytic agent with good efficacy as MC therapy. Two cases of giant MC on the eyelids of stage 2 HIV patients with respective CD4+ of 31 cells/µL and 46 cells/µL were reported. The lesions consisted of multiple confluent papules with central umbilication, and Tzanck smear revealed Henderson-Patterson bodies. Both patients were treated with ARV and self-applied 20% KOH solution once daily. The lesions improved after four weeks of therapy in both patients with most of the lesions diminished. The successful treatment with 20% KOH solution for giant MC on the eyelids of HIV patients observed in the current study provides evidence that treatment with this solution yielded prompt results, is non-toxic, and can be self-applied.

A Case Report of Extensive Pyoderma Gangrenosum on the Upper Third of the Body.

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a sterile inflammatory neutrophilic dermatosis that can present as a peristomal, pustular, bullous, vegetative, or ulcerative variant. It commonly affects the lower extremities, mainly in the pretibial area. We describe a case of extensive PG in an 18-year-old Indonesian man, involving the upper third of the body. Dermatological examination showed multiple painful ulcers with violaceous borders on the face, occipital region of scalp, neck, shoulder, upper chest, and back. The diagnosis of PG was established based on the histopathological examination that revealed massive dermal neutrophilic infiltration mixed with lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrates accompanied by leukocytoclastic vasculitis. The patient was treated with methylprednisolone equivalent to 1 mg/kg/day of prednisone. An excellent response to therapy also confirmed the diagnosis of PG. Since lesions of PG can appear on any part of the body, including the upper third of the body, a complete and appropriate examination is useful in establishing diagnosis.

Leprosy-Related Chronic Arthritis with an Abundance of Mycobacterium Leprae in the Synovial Fluid: A Rare Case.

Bone and joint involvements are the most common manifestation in leprosy, after cutaneous and neurological manifestations, yet are underdiagnosed and rarely reported. We report a case of lepromatous leprosy in a 41-year-old male with bone and joint changes. Physical examination revealed a leonine face, madarosis, hypesthetic hypopigmented macules on the back, and swelling of fingers and toes. Acid-fast bacilli from slit-skin smear and synovial fluid in an interphalangeal joint of the hand were found. Radiographic features showed osteolysis and destruction of some phalanges of the hands, bone erosion and destruction of some phalanges of the feet, as well as destruction and subluxation of some hand joints. The patient was given multidrug therapy for multibacillary leprosy, resulting in the reduction of swelling in fingers and toes. In conclusion, the examination of bone and joint changes in leprosy patients is important for early detection and management of musculoskeletal complications, to prevent future deformities and disabilities.

Frequent testicular involvement in multibacillary leprosy.

OBJECTIVE: Testicular involvement or atrophy in leprosy is silent, unreported, and under-estimated. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of testicular atrophy and its consequences through the examination of clinical manifestations, hormonal profile, and semen analysis in leprosy patients. METHODS: A descriptive observational study using a cross-sectional design and consecutive sampling method was conducted from May to July 2018. The study was conducted in Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia and included 32 men affected by leprosy and five healthy men as a control group. All patients were subjected to history-taking, dermatological and genital examinations, assessment of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone, and testicular ultrasonography examination. Semen analysis was performed for the 10 patients who consented. RESULTS: Testicular atrophy was observed in 93.75% of patients. Clinical manifestations of testicular atrophy were loss of libido (21.87%), female pubic hair pattern (9.38%), gynecomastia (6.25%), and secondary infertility (6.25%). Hormonal imbalance was seen in 16 patients, and all 10 patients who underwent semen analysis showed an abnormality. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed a high frequency of testicular atrophy, but the symptoms were only present in a few of patients. The assessment of testicular function should be recommended as a routine work-up for leprosy patients.

A unique case of borderline lepromatous leprosy with psoriasis-like lesions all over the body and mycosis fungoides-like lesions on the face.

Clinical manifestations of leprosy are various and may resemble other skin diseases. Skin lesions of leprosy mimicking psoriasis and mycosis fungoides (MF) that simultaneously occurs in one patient are rare. We reported a unique case of borderline lepromatous (BL) leprosy with severe reversal reaction manifested as psoriasis-like lesions and MF-like lesions in a 43-year-old-man. Psoriasis-like lesions all over the body accompanied by plaques and tumor-like lesions mimicking MF on the face could be found in this patient. Histopathological examination on an MF-like lesion from the face and psoriasis-like lesions from the posterior trunk and lower extremities revealed granulomatous reaction with epithelioid cells, Langhans giant cells, and foam cells which supported the diagnosis of BL leprosy. The patient was treated with multidrug therapy multibacillary (MDT-MB) regimen and 40 mg prednisone daily which was tapered off. Clinical improvement was observed on the 32nd day of observation as psoriasis-like and MF-like lesions became hyperpigmented macules and plaques, respectively. Due to the rarity of the multitype skin lesions of leprosy in one patient, a diagnosis of leprosy should be suspected by the clinicians in any patients with previously described skin disorders, especially in an endemic area.

Skin tissue expression and serum level of thymic stromal lymphopoietin in patients with psoriasis vulgaris.

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is known to be associated with allergic diseases. It is also suggested that TSLP has a role in autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis; however, the associated pathways remain unknown. There is currently little information on TSLP in psoriasis vulgaris. We investigated TSLP expressions on lesional and non-lesional skin of psoriasis vulgaris patients using reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction. TSLP level was also investigated in serum from psoriasis vulgaris patients compared to healthy control using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. TSLP expression was higher in lesional skin (1.90) compared to non-lesional skin (1.76); however, the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). TSLP serum levels were significantly higher in psoriasis patients (287.40 pg/dL) as compared to controls (114.70 pg/dL) (P<0.05). This study concluded that TSLP levels in the serum of psoriasis vulgaris patients are higher than controls. TSLP was also found in keratinocyte of psoriasis patients, the expression was higher in the lesional compared to non-lesional skin; however, this difference is statistically insignificant. These findings suggest that TSLP may play a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis vulgaris, but its exact role remains unclear.