Could a specific dietary intake be a risk factor for cutaneous melanoma?

The incidence of cutaneous melanoma (CM) has increased in the last decade. Some risk factors are well known, but there are other possible risk factors being studied, such as those involving nutrition. The objective of this case-control study was to assess the association between diet and CM. Classical risk factors, dietary intake, and body mass index were assessed. Binary logistic regression was used to study the association between dietary intake and the risk for CM. Classical risk factors associated with CM were confirmed. The findings suggest that some foods rich in vitamins A and D and phytochemicals may be related to CM.

Occupational Exposure to Pesticides With Occupational Sun Exposure Increases the Risk for Cutaneous Melanoma.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to examine the association between occupational exposure to pesticides and cutaneous melanoma, controlling for all possible confounders. METHODS: A pooled analysis of two case-control studies was conducted in two different geographic areas (Italy and Brazil). Detailed pesticides exposure histories were obtained. RESULTS: Ever use of any pesticide was associated with a high risk of cutaneous melanoma (odds ratio 2.58; 95% confidence interval 1.18-5.65) in particular exposure to herbicides (glyphosate) and fungicides (mancozeb, maneb), after controlling for confounding factors. When subjects were exposed to both pesticides and occupational sun exposure, the risk increased even more (odds ratio 4.68; 95% confidence interval 1.29-17.0). CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests an augmented risk of cutaneous melanoma among subjects with exposure to pesticides, in particular among those exposed to occupational sun exposure.

Residential and occupational exposure to pesticides may increase risk for cutaneous melanoma: a case-control study conducted in the south of Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Incidences of primary cutaneous melanoma (CM) have risen over the last few decades, mainly among populations of White European extraction. Some risk factors for melanoma have been clearly established, but other potential risk factors, such as exposure to pesticides, are currently under study. METHODS: A case-control study on melanoma was conducted during 2012 and 2013 at three dermatological reference centers in Porto Alegre, Brazil. A total of 191 CM patients and sex- and age-matched control subjects were enrolled in the study. Data on domestic and occupational use of pesticides and the risk factors already established for CM were collected. Multivariate logistic regression was used to study the association between exposure to pesticides and melanoma risk. RESULTS: Subjects exposed to pesticides had twice the level of risk for melanoma (odds ratio [OR] 2.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-6.89). When pesticides were used indoors for >10 years, the risk for CM increased further (OR 2.84, 95% CI 1.56-5.33). A high frequency of indoor use of pesticides (four or more times per year) was associated with a 44% increase in the risk for melanoma (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.11-3.49). The domestic use of pesticides outdoors was not associated with increased risk. Subjects exposed to pesticides at an occupational level were at four times greater risk than subjects who were not occupationally exposed (OR 4.23, 95% CI 1.94-6.31). CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that the general use of pesticides, particularly indoor domestic use, frequently and over a long period, may be an independent environmental risk factor for CM.

Case for diagnosis. Dowling-Degos disease.

Dowling-Degos disease is a rare genodermatosis characterized principally by progressive reticulate hyperpigmentation of the flexures. Although the condition is benign, it may be associated with skin malignancies. Furthermore, the characteristic skin changes may be psychologically and socially detrimental to the patient as a result of the unsightliness of the condition. The present report describes a case in which this disease was associated with a keratoacanthoma, and summarizes current concepts on this skin disorder.

Sarcoma de Kaposi associado a corticoterapia sistêmica / Kaposi sarcoma associated with systemic corticosteroid therapy

Sarcoma de Kaposi é uma neoplasia angioproliferativa de origem mesenquimal com acometimento cutâneo frequente. Encontra-se relacionado a doenças infecciosas ou a condições que envolvam imunossupressão. O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever um caso de sarcoma de Kaposi disseminado iatrogênico, em paciente usuária crônica de corticosteroide. Embora, atualmente, o sarcoma de Kaposi seja relacionado principalmente à síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida, é importante destacar seu comportamento crescente como malignidade oportunista em pacientes em uso de imunossupressores, particularmente, corticosteróide

Kaposi’s sarcoma is a mesenchymal angioproliferative neoplasm with frequent cutaneous involvement. It is related to infectious diseases or conditions involving immunosuppression. The aim of this paper is to describe a case of disseminated iatrogenic Kaposi’s sarcoma in a female patient under corticosteroid therapy. Although currently Kaposi’s sarcoma is related primarily to the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, it is important to highlight its growing presence as an opportunistic malignancy in patients taking immunosuppressive drugs, particularly corticosteroids

Caso para diagnóstico / Case for diagnosis

A doença de Dowling-Degos é uma genodermatose rara, caracterizada principalmente por hiperpigmentação reticular progressiva de áreas flexurais. Apesar de apresentar evolução benigna, pode estar associada a neoplasias da pele. Além disso, as alterações cutâneas características potencialmente ocasionam prejuízo psicossocial, devido aos danos estéticos significativos. Os autores descrevem um caso dessa doença associado a ceratoacantoma e sintetizam os conceitos atuais sobre ela.

Dowling-Degos disease is a rare genodermatosis characterized principally by progressive reticulate hyperpigmentation of the flexures. Although the condition is benign, it may be associated with skin malignancies. Furthermore, the characteristic skin changes may be psychologically and socially detrimental to the patient as a result of the unsightliness of the condition. The present report describes a case in which this disease was associated with a keratoacanthoma, and summarizes current concepts on this skin disorder.

[Annual cost of ischemic heart disease in Brazil. Public and private perspective]. / Custo anual do manejo da cardiopatia isquêmica crônica no Brasil. Perspectiva pública e privada.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the annual cost of coronary artery disease (CAD) management in Public Health Care System (SUS) and HMOs values in Brazil. METHODS: Cohort study, including ambulatory patients with proven CAD. Clinic visits, exams, procedures, hospitalizations and medications were considered to estimate direct costs. Values of appointments and exams were obtained from the SUS and the Medical Procedure List (LPM 1999) reimbursement tables. Costs of cardiovascular events were obtained from admissions in public and private hospitals with similar diagnoses-related group classifications in 2002. The price of medications used was the lowest found in the market. RESULTS: The 147 patients (65 +/- 12 years old, 63% men, 69% hypertensive, 35% diabetic and 59% with previous AMI) had an average follow-up of 24 +/- 8 months. The average estimated annual cost per patient was R$ 2,733.00, for the public sector, and R$ 6,788.00, for private and fee-for-service plans. Expenses with medications (R$ 1,154.00) represented 80% and 55% of outpatient costs, and 41% and 17% of total expenses, in public and non-public sectors, respectively. The occurrence of cardiovascular event had a great impact (R$ 4,626.00 vs. R$ 1,312.00, in SUS, and R$ 13,453.00 vs. R$ 1,789.00, for HMOs, p<0.01) on the results. CONCLUSION: The average annual cost of CAD management was high, being the pharmacological treatment the main determinant of public costs. Such estimates may subsidize economical analyses in this area, and foster related healthcare policies.

Custo anual do manejo da cardiopatia isquêmica crônica no Brasil: perspectiva pública e privada / Annual cost of ischemic heart disease in Brazil: public and private perspective

OBJETIVO: Estimar o custo anual do manejo da doenca arterial coronária (DAC) em valores do SUS e convênios. MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte, incluindo pacientes ambulatoriais com DAC comprovada. Considerou-se para estimar custos diretos: consultas, exames, procedimentos, internacões e medicamentos. Valores de consultas e exames foram obtidos da tabela SUS e da Lista de Procedimentos Médicos (LPM). Valores de eventos cardiovasculares foram obtidos de internacões em hospital público e privado com estas classificacões diagnósticas em 2002. O preco dos fármacos utilizado foi o de menor custo no mercado. RESULTADOS: Os 147 pacientes (65n12 anos, 63 por cento homens, 69 por cento hipertensos, 35 por cento diabéticos e 59 por cento com IAM prévio) tiveram acompanhamento médio de 24n8 meses. O custo anual médio estimado por paciente foi de R$ 2.733,00, pelo SUS, e R$ 6.788,00, para convênios. O gasto com medicamentos ($ 1.154,00) representou 80 por cento e 55 por cento dos custos ambulatoriais, e 41 por cento e 17 por cento dos gastos totais, pelo SUS e para convênios, respectivamente. A ocorrência de evento cardiovascular teve grande impacto (R$ 4.626,00 vs. R$ 1.312,00, pelo SUS, e R$ 13.453,00 vs. R$ 1.789,00, para convênios, p<0,01). CONCLUSAO: O custo médio anual do manejo da DAC foi elevado, sendo o tratamento farmacológico o principal determinante dos custos públicos. Essas estimativas podem subsidiar análises econômicas nesta área, sendo úteis para nortear políticas de saúde pública.