Intralesional bivalent and quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccines didn't significantly enhance the response of multiple anogenital warts when co-administered with intralesional Candida antigen immunotherapy. A randomized controlled trial.

Treatment of anogenital warts (AGWs) is challenging. Candida antigen immunotherapy has been proven to be a safe and relatively effective therapeutic modality; nevertheless, some patients may experience a partial or no response. Combining Candida antigen with other immunotherapies has been proposed to improve the cure rate. Immunotherapy with human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines has been tried with conflicting outcomes. This study aimed to  assess the efficacy and safety of intralesional Candida antigen, either alone or in combination with intralesional bivalent or quadrivalent HPV vaccines, for treating multiple AGWs. Eighty patients with multiple AGWs were included and randomly assigned to four equal groups: group A treated with intralesional Candida antigen only; group B treated with intralesional bivalent HPV vaccine (Cervarix) and Candida; group C treated with intralesional quadrivalent HPV vaccine (Gardasil) and Candida; and group D (control) treated with intralesional saline. Complete clearance of lesions was detected in 40%, 20%, and 60% of patients in Candida monotherapy, Cervarix/Candida, and Gardasil/Candida groups, respectively, whereas 40%, 60%, and 20% of patients in the three groups, respectively, showed partial response. Only 10% of the control group had a partial response. Therapeutic outcomes were significantly better in the three treatment groups compared to the control group, with no statistically significant difference between the Candida monotherapy group and the combination groups, but the response was significantly better in the Gardasil/Candida group than in the Cervarix/Candida group. No statistically significant difference was found between the studied groups regarding the development of side effects. Moreover, no recurrence was detected in any of the groups throughout the 3-month follow-up period.  Based on our results, combining intralesional HPV vaccines with Candida antigen immunotherapy may have no significant benefit for treating multiple AGWs. Candida antigen may be recommended as a relatively effective and inexpensive therapeutic modality. The combination of Gardasil and Candida was also effective but very expensive. The results of the Cervarix/Candida combination were unsatisfactory.  This clinical trial was registered and approved prospectively by the ethical review board at Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University.

Intradermal Botulinum Toxin A Injection Versus Topical 2% Glycopyrrolate for the Treatment of Primary Facial Hyperhidrosis: A Pilot Study and Review of Literature.

BACKGROUND: Facial hyperhidrosis (HH), a common problem with both cosmetic and psychological impact, interferes with quality of life. Wide range of treatment options is available for HH. Finding the most effective and yet a safe, tolerable option is the main target. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare clinical efficacy, safety, and tolerability of topical 2% glycopyrrolate versus intradermal Botulinum toxin A injection in facial HH treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients with primary facial HH were randomly divided into 2 equal groups: Group A included patients treated by intradermal Botulinum toxin A injection and Group B included patients treated by topical glycopyrrolate gel 2%. Starch iodine test was performed before and after treatment to assess response, along with Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Both modalities showed complete response in 75% of cases with a longer duration of action in botulinum toxin group up to 6 months. Side effects were minor and temporary. Both Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale and DLQI showed statistically significant improvement after treatment. CONCLUSION: Topical glycopyrrolate 2% showed comparable results to Botulinum toxin A in facial HH treatment with faster onset but shorter duration of action.

Intralesional bivalent human papilloma virus vaccine as a treatment for anogenital warts versus topical podophyllin resin 25%: A pilot study.

A role of human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccines as a therapy for genital warts was suggested, nevertheless; it has not been established in clinical trials and has yet to be determined. The objective of this study is to evaluate a potential benefit of intralesional injection of bivalent HPV (Cervarix) vaccine as a treatment for anogenital warts versus topical podophyllin resin 25%. Forty-four patients with anogenital warts were included in the study, 22 patients received intralesional Cervarix every 2 weeks until clearance of lesions or for a maximum of five sessions. The other 22 patients received topical podophyllin resin 25% twice weekly until complete resolution or for a maximum of 4 weeks. Follow up was done for 6 months. Dermatology life quality index (DLQI) was measured. Complete clearance of warts was achieved in 10 patients (45.5%) in Cervarix group versus six patients (27.3%) in Podophyllin group. The difference was statistically insignificant. No recurrence of warts was reported in Cervarix group while two patients (33.3%) showed recurrence in Podophyllin group. Both treatments were well tolerated. All patients reported significant improvement of their DLQI. Intralesional Cervarix is a promising modality showing higher rates of complete response, high safety, and no recurrence.

Intralesional versus intramuscular bivalent human papillomavirus vaccine in the treatment of recalcitrant common warts.

BACKGROUND: Despite the availability of different therapeutic modalities, treatment of recalcitrant common warts is still challenging. Cervarix (GlaxoSmithKline, Brentford, UK), a recombinant bivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, has shown promising efficacy in the treatment of warts. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the beneficial effects and tolerability of intramuscular versus intralesional bivalent HPV vaccine in the treatment of recalcitrant common warts. METHODS: The study included 44 adult patients with multiple recalcitrant common warts; 22 patients received intramuscular injection of bivalent HPV vaccine at 0, 1, and 6 months or until complete clearance of warts, and the other 22 patients received intralesional injection of 0.1 to 0.3 mL of bivalent HPV vaccine into the largest wart at 2-week intervals until complete clearance or for a maximum of 6 sessions. RESULTS: Complete clearance of warts was observed in 18 patients (81.8%) of the intralesional group and 14 patients (63.3%) of the intramuscular group; however, the difference was not statistically significant. Adverse effects were transient and insignificant, and no recurrence was reported in either group. LIMITATIONS: Small study sample and different dosing schedules. CONCLUSIONS: Bivalent HPV vaccine, particularly by intralesional injection, seems to be a potential therapeutic option for the treatment of multiple recalcitrant common warts.

Combination therapy versus monotherapy in the treatment of recalcitrant warts: A clinical and immunological study.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of recalcitrant warts represents a continuing therapeutic challenge. Combination therapies can help improve treatment response, decrease adverse effects, and reduce recurrence. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy, safety and immunological effects of a combined acitretin-intralesional Candida antigen against acitretin alone and Candida antigen alone for intractable warts. METHODS: Sixty adult patients with intractable warts were included in this study. Patients were subdivided into three groups, each containing 20 patients. Acitretin alone was taken by patients of group I, Candida antigen alone was injected in patients of group II, and group III received a combination of intralesional Candida antigen and acitretin. Serum cytokine levels of IL-10 and IFN-γ were measured before and after therapy in the studied groups. RESULTS: Total resolution of warts was achieved in 8 patients (40%) of the acitretin alone group, 9 patients (45%) of the Candida antigen alone group and 15 patients (75%) of the combination therapy group. The therapeutic response was statistically higher in the combined acitretin-Candida antigen group as compared with either agent alone. Adverse effects were non-significant in the three groups. There were no statistically significant differences in the serum levels of IFN-γ and IL-10 between responders and non-responders after therapy in the three studied groups. CONCLUSION: The combination therapy of acitretin + Candida antigen is superior to either agent alone. Serum cytokine levels of IL-10 and IFN-γ were not associated with clearance or persistence of warts in any of the studied groups.

Topical silymarin versus hydroquinone in the treatment of melasma: A comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Melasma is a highly prevalent hyperpigmentation disorder with a high relapsing rate and a negative impact on the psychological state of the affected patients. The exact pathogenesis of melasma is not completely elucidated; however, ultraviolet induced oxidative stress has an important role in its pathogenesis. Silymarin, antioxidant drug, reduces the harmful effects of solar ultraviolet radiation such as inflammation, immune responses, DNA damage, and pigmentation. OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy and safety of topical silymarin with different concentrations (0.7% and 1.4%) versus hydroquinone 4% in the treatment of melasma. METHODS: Forty-two adult female patients with melasma were assigned to three equal groups each containing 14 patients; group1 was treated by silymarin 0.7% cream, group 2 was treated by silymarin 1.4% cream and group 3 was treated by hydroquinone 4% cream. The duration of treatment was 3 months. RESULTS: MASI score was significantly reduced in all groups at the end of third month; however, there were no significant differences in the therapeutic response between the three studied groups. No side effects were recorded with silymarin, while hydroquinone was associated with significant adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: Silymarin cream might serve as an effective and safe treatment modality for melasma.

Combination chemical peels are more effective than single chemical peel in treatment of mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris: A split face comparative clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Successful management of acne involves choosing proper medication. Chemical peeling is a well-known option in treatment of acne vulgaris. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the clinical efficacy and safety of combination chemical peels vs single peel in treatment of mild-to-moderate acne. METHODS: The study included 45 patients with mild-to-moderate acne divided into three equal groups. Group A underwent combination sequential peels with modified Jessner's solution (MJ) followed by trichloro acetic acid (TCA20%) on the right (Rt) side of the face vs TCA 30% on the left (Lt) side. Group B was treated by combination peels of salicylic (20%) mandelic (10%) (SM) mixture on the Rt half vs salicylic acid 30% on the Lt half. Group C underwent combination sequential peeling of MJ and TCA on the Rt side vs SM combination peels on the Lt side. All patients received six sessions with 2-week intervals and followed up for 3 months after the last session. Side effects were reported. RESULTS: Both sides of the face showed significant improvement of acne lesions but improvement was significantly higher and earlier in sides treated by combination peels. Side effects were minimal. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, combination peels achieved a higher and earlier therapeutic response with a reasonable cost that is maintained for a relatively long periods than single peel. Combination sequential peels gave the best results.

Evaluation of carboxytherapy and platelet-rich plasma in treatment of periorbital hyperpigmentation: A comparative clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Management of periorbital hyperpigmentation (POH) is still a therapeutic challenge. Although different therapeutic modalities are available, the outcomes of most of them are unsatisfactory. OBJECTIVES: To investigate and compare the efficacy and safety of two new modalities in the treatment of POH; the platelet rich plasma (PRP) and the carboxytherapy. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study included 30 patients with POH. Every patient was subjected to seven intradermal injections of PRP on the left periorbital area with 2 week intervals between sessions and carboxytherapy on the right area with 1 week interval apart. Assessments were done by investigators' assessment, visual analogue scale by both patients and doctors, and patients' satisfaction. Side effects were reported. RESULTS: All patients completed the sessions in the carboxy-treated side. In the PRP-treated side, 10 patients refused to complete all sessions because of intolerable side effects. Significant improvement in POH was achieved in both sides (P ≤ .0001). The improvement was comparable with no statistically significant difference between both modalities. Side effects in the carboxy treated side were mild and well tolerated by all patients while they were relatively severe, and persisted for days after sessions in the PRP-treated side. CONCLUSIONS: Both PRP and carboxytherapy are relatively effective and their efficacy is comparable in treatment of POH. Carboxtherapy is simple and slightly more effective modality and well tolerated than PRP. We believe that both modalities are promising but not the ideal solutions of the POH problem which is caused by multifactorial etiology.

Sweet's syndrome: diagnostic criteria revisited.

The diagnosis of Sweet's syndrome (SS) is based on a set of criteria that requires the presence of two major and at least two minor criteria. In some cases, however, the diagnosis is not as straightforward due to the absence of certain criteria. The objective of the present study was to review the clinical, histopathological, and laboratory features of the current diagnostic criteria for SS, and to evaluate their validity in the cases reported in the literature as well as in 40 patients treated at our institution. Our comprehensive review of the current criteria for SS reveals that the two major criteria have been consistently present in all cases - including ours - since the first description of SS in 1964. With regard to the minor criteria, on the other hand, there has been marked variability between different studies, and many cases failed to fulfill the requirement of showing two minor criteria. In order to simplify the diagnosis, avoid misdiagnosis, and allow for prompt treatment, we propose two sets of revised diagnostic criteria for SS. The first set comprises constant clinical and histopathological features that must be present and are by themselves sufficient for the diagnosis of SS to be established. The second set includes variable features whose absence does not warrant ruling out SS.

Lichen myxedematosus: diagnostic criteria, classification, and severity grading.

BACKGROUND: Lichen myxedematosus (LM) is a rare, chronic idiopathic disorder characterized clinically by waxy, closely set papules and histopathologically by diffuse dermal mucin deposition and fibroblast proliferation. The most recent classification of LM was proposed in 2001; however, it seems to be complex, confusing, and imprecise. Herein, we present seven cases of LM to evaluate the validity of the current classification, to propose new diagnostic criteria and classification, and to suggest a clinically relevant severity grading system for this rare disorder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included seven patients with different presentations and severities of LM. All patients were subjected to thorough dermatological and systemic examination, routine laboratory tests, evaluation of thyroid function, protein electrophoresis, and detailed investigations to detect systemic involvement. RESULTS: The current classification does not meet the requirements of proper diagnosis of different presentations of LM. Subtyping of the studied patients differs greatly according to the old classification and the newly proposed one. New diagnostic criteria, classification, and grading are consequently suggested. CONCLUSIONS: We propose two sets of diagnostic criteria to define the disease more precisely and to avoid confusion associated with the other classification. The first set comprises constant clinical and histopathological features that are always present in every case, and the second set includes associated features that were variably reported in some patients. LM is then subclassified according to the presence or absence of systemic manifestations into a systemic severe form (scleromyxedema) and a non-disabling, pure cutaneous form.

Gabapentin: A promising therapy for uremic pruritus in hemodialysis patients: A randomized-controlled trial and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of uremic pruritus (UP) is a big challenge. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate efficacy, appropriate dosing regimen and safety of gabapentin on UP in hemodialysis (HD) patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-four uremic patients undergoing HD and complaining of UP were randomly classified into two equal groups. Gabapentin group: 27 patients received gabapentin capsules starting with 100 mg and gradually titrated up to a maximum of 300 mg after each HD session for one month. Placebo group: 27 patients received placebo thrice weekly after each HD session. Severity of pruritus was measured by visual analog scale (VAS) and 5-D pruritus scale. RESULTS: In gabapentin group, 88.9% of patients responded well to gabapentin versus 22.2% in placebo group. A highly statistical difference was detected in favor of gabapentin group (p< 0.001). The frequency of the use of the lowest dose (100 mg thrice weekly) was significantly higher than other doses (p < 0.0001). Adverse effects were mild and tolerated. CONCLUSION: Gabapentin is a promising and a well-tolerated treatment option for patients with UP. We recommend it as a first line therapy with a maintenance post-HD dose of 100-300 mg. We also recommend the 5-D scale in the assessment of the severity of pruritus.