Can platelet activation markers predict preeclampsia and/or its severity?

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the value of platelet activation markers in predicting preeclampsia and its severity. Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication that affects 3-5% of pregnancies and can lead to significant morbidity and mortality for both the mother and the fetus. METHODS: The study included 99 patients diagnosed with preeclampsia and 60 healthy pregnant women as a control group. Platelet activation markers such as mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), platelet count, and plateletcrit were evaluated along with other clinical parameters. RESULTS: The results of the study showed that platelet activation markers, particularly PDW and MPV, are valuable in the diagnosis and follow-up of preeclampsia. However, they are not sufficient to predict the severity of the disease. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that platelet activation markers could aid in predicting, diagnosing, and managing preeclampsia. However, further research is needed to determine the role of these markers in predicting the severity of the disease. The findings of this study could contribute to the development of more effective strategies for the prevention and management of preeclampsia, which could ultimately improve maternal and fetal outcomes.

OBJETIVO: El estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar el valor de los marcadores de activación plaquetaria en la predicción de la preeclampsia y su gravedad. MÉTODO: Se incluyeron 99 pacientes diagnosticadas con preeclampsia, incluyendo 36 casos graves, y un grupo control de 60 mujeres embarazadas sanas. Se evaluaron diversas variables, como el volumen plaquetario medio, el recuento de plaquetas, el hematocrito plaquetario y la amplitud de distribución plaquetaria. RESULTADOS: Los resultados mostraron que el volumen plaquetario medio y la amplitud de distribución plaquetaria son parámetros valiosos en el diagnóstico y seguimiento de la preeclampsia, aunque no son suficientes para predecir su gravedad. El análisis estadístico reveló que la edad, el volumen plaquetario medio, la amplitud de distribución plaquetaria, la semana de gestación y los puntajes de Apgar al primer y quinto minuto fueron significativamente diferentes en el grupo de preeclampsia en comparación con el grupo control. CONCLUSIONES: En conclusión, estos resultados sugieren que los marcadores de activación plaquetaria pueden ser útiles para el diagnóstico y seguimiento de la preeclampsia, y que el volumen plaquetario medio y la amplitud de distribución plaquetaria, por ser parámetros económicos y accesibles, podrían ayudar a predecir, diagnosticar y manejar esta complicación durante el embarazo.

The effectiveness of fractional carbondioxyde laser and microneedle radiofrequency on acne scars.

Acne scars lead to physical and psychological problems for young adults therefore they should be treated effectively. Fractional carbon dioxide (FCL) and radiofrequency (FRFL) lasers have been both used for acne scars. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectivity and satisfaction of combined FCL and FRFL treatment for acne scars and evaluate effect of these treatments especially on atrophic scar types retrospectively. A total of 41 patients with acne scars who received FCL + FRFL were included in this study. Photographs of patients before treatment and 1 month following the last treatment session were scored by the other blinded clinician, according to the ECCA acne scar scoring method. A significant decrease was noted in clinical scores after the treatment. Side effects were minimal and acceptable. When comparing atrophic scars to erythematous ones laser treatment was more effective for atrophic types. In conclusion, our findings revealed that laser treatment with FCL + FRFL for acne scars is successful, effective and comfortable. These combination is more effective in atrophic type acne scars.

Use of combined fractional carbon dioxide laser and fractional microneedle radiofrequency for the treatment of acne scars: A retrospective analysis of 1-month treatment outcome on scar severity and patient satisfaction.

BACKGROUND: Acne scars lead to social and psychological problems for patients, and they should be treated effectively. Ablative and nonablative lasers have been used for the treatment of acne scars in recent years. AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectivity of combined FCL and FmRF treatment for acne scars retrospectively. METHODS: A total of 72 patients with acne scars who received FCL + FmRF treatment between 2014 and 2016 were included in this study. Photographs of patients before treatment and 1 month following the last treatment session were scored by two blinded researchers, according to the ECCA acne scar scoring method. Patients were contacted via telephone after 1 month following the last treatment and asked to evaluate their satisfaction with the treatment outcome using a 5-point Likert-type scale. RESULTS: A significant decrease was noted in ECCA scores after the treatment along with temporary side effects. Change from pretreatment scores was significantly higher in patients very satisfied vs satisfied with treatment. The number of treatment sessions was positively correlated with treatment-related change in ECCA scores. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our findings revealed association of FCL + FmRF treatment with significantly improved ECCA scores, mild pain experience, and low rate of side effects in patients with acne scars, despite usage of high-energy FLC dose and five sessions of treatment on average. More remarkable improvement in ECCA scores during treatment seems to be associated with higher patient satisfaction and to be more likely in patients with darker skin types.

Treatment of lipoid proteinosis with ablative Er:YAG laser resurfacing.

Lipoid proteinosis (LP) is a rare autosomal recessive genodermatosis characterized by deposition of amorphous hyaline material in different parts of the body, especially the skin and mucous membranes. Disfiguring lesions predominantly affect facial appearance. There is no curative therapy and treatment options are limited to symptomatic approaches. Facial disfigurement in this disease may have an huge negative effect on the patients' psychology and quality of life. With this regard, the patients may benefit very much from symptomatic treatments. Four patients with LP were treated with Er:YAG laser to ablate disfiguring lesions on the face. Patients were followed up for 14 months to 2 years. We obtained favorable clinical and aesthetic results in all cases with Er:YAG laser treatment and did not observe any recurrences during the follow-up. Depending on our observations Er-YAG laser can be accepted as an effective tool for dermal accumulations and scars of LP with precise ablation capability and favorable esthetic results.

[A case of cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum in a non-endemic province (Ankara) of Turkey]. / Ülkemizin Endemik Olmayan Bir Ilinde (Ankara) Saptanan Leishmania infantum'a Bagli Bir Kütanöz Leysmanyazis Olgusu.

Southeastern Anatolia and the Mediterranean regions of Turkey are known as endemic areas for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). In this report, a 64 years-old male patient with CL caused by Leishmania infantum has been presented. The patient who was inhabiting in Ankara (Central Anatolia region, Turkey) complained from a lesion on his right ring finger for the last six months. He has a cat and has been engaged with gardening. Overall, he was healthy with the exception of hypertension and glucose intolerance. The patient had not left Ankara since the last seven months, however, he had previously been to the Aegean coast during his summer holiday. The examination of the 4th phalanx of his right hand revealed the presence of a 3 x 3 cm erythematous, slightly swollen lesion, at the center of which 1.5 x 1.5 cm ulcerative area covered with a hemorrhagic crust, was detected. Neither axillary or cervical lymphadenopathy, nor hepatosplenomegaly could be observed. The routine examinations, including complete blood count, serum biochemistry, chest X-ray and abdominal ultrasonography were within normal limits. Giemsa stained smears prepared from aspiration of the lesion revealed amastigote-like organisms and leishmania promastigotes were grown in NNN media. PCR amplification of the specimen indicated the presence of a positive DNA band of 420 bp specific for Leishmania spp. The serum sample of the patient revealed positivity for leishmaniasis by the rapid rK39 test and immunofluorescence antibody (IFAT) test. The organism was identified as L.infantum by PCR-RFLP applied to the cultivated organism. The examination of his cat's serum for leishmaniasis by IFAT and PCR, were negative. The exact way of transmission had not been confirmed for the patient. However, when long incubation period of CL was considered, the transmission might probably occurred during his summer stay in the Aegean coast. This case was presented to withdraw attention to a delayed diagnosis of CL which developed in a non-endemic area and which was due to L.infantum instead of the more common L.tropica species.

Effectiveness of low-voltage radiofrequency in the treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum: a pilot study of 15 cases.

BACKGROUND: Xanthelasma palpebrarum (XP) is the most common form of xanthoma, which is mostly located on the eyelids. Various treatment options are available, with certain limitations, and none of them is satisfactory. OBJECTIVES: To offer another treatment option (low-voltage radiofrequency (RF)) and to evaluate its efficacy in XP. METHODS: Fifteen patients were included in the study. The patients were examined before treatment, at the end of treatment, and 5 months later at a follow-up visit. Improvement was judged according to clinical examination by comparing before and after photographs. Electrodes from a dual-frequency 4.0-MHz RF machine were applied superficially to the lesions. The clinical scores were calculated using a 5-point scale (0=no result, 0-25%=mild, 26-50%=moderate, 51-75%=good, 76-100%=excellent). RESULTS All participants completed the study. Of these, scores of nine patients were excellent, scores of five were good, and the score of one was moderate. Statistically significant percentage improvement of the clinical scores from baseline was seen at the end (p<.05). CONCLUSION: Low-voltage RF treatment of XP is effective. If the lesions are too close to the eyes or are multiple or patched with indistinct borders, low-voltage RF can be used.

Effectiveness of non-ablative three dimensional (3D) skin rejuvenation: a retrospective study involving 46 patients.

BACKGROUND: Three dimensional (3D) skin rejuvenation is proposed to be effective for all skin layers. The aim of this concept is to treat sun spots with broad-band pulse light; large pores, fine lines and vascular lesions with a long-pulsed 1064 nm neodymium-yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser system and skin ptosis and laxity with a 1100-1800 nm infrared light source. OBJECTIVE: In this study, 46 patients treated with the 3D skin rejuvenation procedure were retrospectively evaluated to assess the effectiveness of the 3D procedure according to both patient and doctor satisfaction. METHODS: The 3D procedure was carried out over the course of five sessions with 15 day intervals between sessions. Results were judged by an experienced laser dermatologist both by direct patient examination and by comparison of "before" and "after" photographs. Results were ranked into five categories ranging from 0 to 4. At the final control, the patients were also asked to rate their satisfaction with the procedure in five categories, ranging from 0 to 4. RESULTS: All of our patients showed improvement, with an overall patient satisfaction score of 2.65. Female patients were more satisfied than male patients. Patient and doctor satisfaction scores were generally correlated. CONCLUSIONS: Our clinical results indicate that the 3D procedure is an effective nonsurgical skin rejuvenation method.

Association of human leukocyte antigen class II alleles with pemphigus vulgaris in a Turkish population.

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a severe autoimmune blistering skin disorder that is strongly associated with major histocompatibility complex class II alleles. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) subtypes vary with racial/ethnic backgrounds. The purpose of this study was to determine the association of HLA class II alleles and haplotypes with PV in Turkish patients. Twenty-five patients with PV and 113 healthy transplant donors were genotyped for HLA class II alleles. HLA DNA typing was performed by the polymerase chain reaction/sequence specific primer method. The frequency of HLA DRB1*04 allele was 68.00% in patients compared to 30.97% in controls (P = 0.0012) and the frequency of HLA DRB1*14 allele was 32.00% in the patient group compared to 8.85% in the control group (P = 0.0054). Also, the frequency of HLA DRB1*04/DQB1*03 and HLA DRB1*14/DQB1*05 haplotypes in PV patients was significantly higher than controls (32.0% vs 6.2%, chi(2) = 28.142, P < 0.001; and 16% vs 2.7%, chi(2) = 15.143, P = 0.001, respectively). A preventive allele or haplotype for the manifestation of PV has not been identified in this study. Our findings suggest that HLA DRB1*04 and DRB1*14 alleles, and HLA DRB1*04/DQB1*03 and HLA DRB1*14/DQB1*05 haplotypes are genetic markers for general susceptibility to PV in the Turkish population.

Clinical experience in the treatment of different vascular lesions using a neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser.

BACKGROUND: A neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser has been used with good results for the treatment of various vascular lesions. OBJECTIVE: To report our experience with a variable long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser for the treatment of different vascular lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred ten patients with different vascular skin lesions were included. Patients were examined before the treatment; 1 week after each treatment session; and 1, 2, and 3 months after the last treatment session. Improvement was judged according to clinical examination of the patients and by comparing pre- and post-treatment photographs. Results were graded in four groups using percentage resolution (0-25%, 26-50%, 51-75%, and 76-100%. RESULTS: One hundred five patients (19 port wine stains, 48 telangiectasias, 25 hemangiomas, and 13 other vascular lesions) completed the study; 71.5% of patients showed greater than 50% improvement. Good to excellent (more than 50%) results were achieved in 63.2% of patients with port wine stain, 80.0% of patients with hemangioma, 66.7% of patients with telangiectasia, and 84.6% of patients with other vascular lesions; 71.5% of all patients were very satisfied or satisfied with the results. CONCLUSION: A variable long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser was found to be effective in the treatment of different vascular lesions ranging from easy to difficult to treat. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.

Broadband targeted UVB phototherapy for localized vitiligo: a retrospective study.

Phototherapy with ultraviolet B (UVB) or PUVA has been used in the treatment of vitiligo for many years. The aim of this study was to analyze retrospectively the efficacy and safety of targeted broadband UVB phototherapy in patients with localized vitiligo. Thirty-two patients (14 male, 18 female), aged 18-65 years, were treated with Daavlin T500x High Dose Targeted Phototherapy System. Patients were treated twice or thrice weekly, totaling 20 to 60 sessions. Out of 32 total patients, only four patients (12.5%) showed visible repigmentation. In two patients, repigmentation was more than 75%. Other two patients showed mild repigmentation (less than 25%). All the lesions responsive to treatment were facial lesions. Mild adverse events recorded in 3 of 32 patients. Although safety of targeted broadband UVB phototherapy in the treatment of localized vitiligo is good, its therapeutic effectiveness is limited and depends on the locations of vitiligo lesions.

Report of two angiokeratoma of Fordyce cases treated with a 1064 nm long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser.

Various laser treatment modalities for angiokeratomas have been reported in the literature. A 60-year-old male patient presented for the treatment of multiple angiokeratomas of the scrotum and a 56-year-old female patient presented for the treatment of vulvar angiokeratomas. A 1064 nm long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser was used to treat the patients' lesions. The patients received two laser treatment sessions at an interval of 2 months. Nd:YAG laser treatment yielded successful results in the treatment of our patients' scrotal and vulvar angiokeratomas following two application sessions. We suggest that a long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser is a safe and effective method for the treatment of angiokeratoma of Fordyce.

Effects of etanercept on urine neopterin levels in patients with psoriasis in a controlled, open-label study.

Neopterin is an immunological marker of cellular immune activation. Etanercept is a tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) antagonist that decreases excessive levels of TNF-alpha associated with inflammatory disease down to physiological levels. The objective of this study was to investigate urine neopterin levels in psoriatic patients treated with etanercept, to study the effect of etanercept as a TNF-alpha blocker on urine neopterin levels. Urine neopterin levels and urine neopterin/creatinine ratios were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography in 22 patients with psoriasis before and after treatment with etanercept. Results were compared with a group of 20 healthy volunteers, and 20 patients with inflammatory skin diseases as control groups. Urine neopterin levels, neopterin/creatinine ratios and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores were evaluated at baseline, and the 12th and 24th week after treatment. Urine neopterin levels were significantly elevated in the psoriatic group compared with control and inflammatory skin diseases groups (P < 0.05). Urine neopterin levels were significantly reduced after etanercept treatment. Statistically we did not find any correlation between neopterin levels and PASI scores. Our findings indicate that urine neopterin concentrations may reflect the disease activity in psoriasis, and may be used as a marker for monitoring disease activity and response to treatment with etanercept in psoriatic patients.

An open, randomized, prospective, comparative study of topical pimecrolimus 1% cream and topical ketoconazole 2% cream in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that mainly affects the seborrheic region. While ketoconazole is often used, pimecrolimus has been used successfully in SD. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of pimecrolimus in comparison with ketoconazole in the treatment of SD. METHODS: A total of 48 patients with SD were included in the study. Patients were randomized into two groups: 23 and 25 patients in the pimecrolimus and ketoconazole groups, respectively. Clinical measures were assessed by erythema, scaling and infiltration, which were evaluated using a four-point scale (0 to 3) at 2, 6, and 12 weeks. RESULTS: Of these 48 patients, 38 completed the study (18 and 20 patients in the pimecrolimus and ketoconazole groups, respectively). The mean percentage decrease in clinical severity scores from baseline to the last follow-up period was 86.2% and 86.1% in the pimecrolimus and ketoconazole groups, respectively. Both pimecrolimus and ketoconazole were effective in SD. Differences between the two groups were not statistically significant. Side effects were observed more frequently with pimecrolimus than with ketoconazole and this difference was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that pimecrolimus had a comparable efficacy profile with that of ketoconazole, but side effects appeared more frequently in the pimecrolimus group than in the ketoconazole group.