Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled split-face trial of the efficacy of tranexamic acid by drug delivery through microneedling in the treatment of melasma.

BACKGROUND: Melasma is a prevalent skin pigmentation disorder that is difficult to treat. Tranexamic acid (TA) is a potential agent, but there are few studies on its effectiveness under the transdermal route (drug delivery-Dd). One of these Dd pathways is through microneedling, which seems to be effective itself. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of tranexamic acid when applied in the form of drug delivery through microneedling in the treatment of facial melasma. METHODS: A randomized controlled double-blind split-face trial with 3 monthly sessions in 20 melasma patients: microneedling was performed in the entire face, and then TA solution was applied to one hemiface and placebo to the other. The effectiveness was measured using Hemi-MASI (Melasma Area and Severity Index), images pixels, and perceptions of experts and patients. RESULTS: Hemi-MASI regressed 22% in control and 29% in TA side. A good/better improvement was found in 37.5% of the control and 42.5% of TA by the experts and 60% of the patients for both sides. Pixels increased by 5 and 7, respectively. In none of these criteria, there was a significant difference between the sides. CONCLUSION: Tranexamic acid in drug delivery through microneedling did not bring additional benefit to the treatment of melisma.

Morfea panesclerótica incapacitante / Disabling panesclerotic morphea

La morfea panesclerótica incapacitante es una forma severa y rara de esclerodermia localizada, es una enfermedad inflamatoria e inmunomediada de etiología desconocida. Evoluciona con endurecimiento generalizado de la piel por la esclerosis progresiva de la dermis y tejido celular subcutáneo y el deterioro de las articulaciones, huesos, fascia y músculos. La respuesta terapéutica es pobre y la progresión de la enfermedad genera discapacidad física, disminución de la calidad de vida y complicaciones fatales. Presentamos un caso de un paciente que inició los primeros síntomas a los 7 años de edad, siendo diagnosticado con morfea panesclerótica incapacitante conforme evolución clínica e histología, evolucionando con empeoramiento clínico progresivo independiente de las terapias instituidas (AU)

Disabling panesclerotic morphea is a rare and severe form of localized scleroderma, an inflammatory and immune-mediated disease of unknown etiology. It evolves with generalized hardening of the skin due to progressive sclerosis of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue and involvement of joints, bones, fascias and muscles. The therapeutic response is poor and the progression of the disease leads to physical disability, decreased quality of life and fatal complications. We present a case of a patient whose first symptoms started at 7 years of age and was further diagnosed with disabling panesclerotic morphea according to clinical evolution and histology, evolving with progressive clinical worsening regardless of the therapies instituted (AU)

Non-syndromic Oculocutaneous Albinism: Novel Genetic Variants and Clinical Follow Up of a Brazilian Pediatric Cohort.

Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) is a genetic disorder characterized by skin, hair, and eye hypopigmentation due to a reduction or absence of melanin. Clinical manifestations include vision problems and a high susceptibility to skin cancer. In its non-syndromic form, OCA is associated with six genes and one chromosomal region. Because OCA subtypes are not always clinically distinguishable, molecular analysis has become an important tool for classifying types of OCA, which facilitates genetic counseling and can guide the development of new therapies. We studied eight Brazilian individuals aged 1.5-18 years old with clinical diagnosis of OCA. Assessment of ophthalmologic characteristics showed results consistent with albinism, including reduced visual acuity, nystagmus, and loss of stereoscopic vision. We also observed the appearance of the strabismus and changes in static refraction over a 2-year period. Dermatologic evaluation showed that no participants had preneoplastic skin lesions, despite half of the participants reporting insufficient knowledge about skin care in albinism. Whole-exome and Sanger sequencing revealed eight different mutations: six in the TYR gene and two in the SLC45A2 gene, of which one was novel and two were described in a population study but were not previously associated with the OCA phenotype. We performed two ophthalmological evaluations, 2 years apart; and one dermatological evaluation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to perform clinical follow-up and genetic analysis of a Brazilian cohort with albinism. Here, we report three new OCA causing mutations.

O papel do uso de tecnologias combinadas na abordagem de uma paciente com microstomia / The role of the use of combined technologies in the approach to a patient with microstomia

A microstomia ocorre em 70% dos pacientes com esclerose sistêmica e há poucas opções terapêuticas. Descrevemos caso de mulher de 39 anos com diagnóstico de esclerose sistêmica em 2010, em uso de micofenolato de mofetil e rituximabe, apresentando microstomia. Foram realizadas duas sessões de luz intensa pulsada e sete sessões de laser fracionado ablativo Erbium:YAG de 2940nm, com resposta clínica importante. A formação e reorganização de fibras colágenas e elásticas foram responsáveis pela melhora da microstomia. Há poucos estudos com o uso de tecnologias para a abordagem da microstomia. Este é o primeiro com Er:YAG 2940nm para esta finalidade

Facial surgeries are often challenging for surgeons due to their complex anatomy, aesthetic and functional importance. Interventions in the cosmetic subunit that comprises the eyebrows can be particularly difficult. This case report aims to demonstrate the use of island flap in this region. We performed the excision of melanocytic nevus, with a good outcome and absence of postoperative complications. This technique is commonly used for facial reconstruction; however, the literature describes only a few cases using this method for eyebrow reconstruction.

Do you know this syndrome? Clouston syndrome.

Ectodermal dysplasias are conditions that present primary defects in two or more tissues of ectodermal origin and can be classified as hypohidrotic and hidrotic. Hidrotic ectodermal dysplasia or Clouston syndrome is an autosomal dominant genodermatosis and appears as a triad of clinical findings: palmoplantar keratoderma, nail dystrophy, and hypotrichosis. The hair is sparse and brittle. The nails become thickened and dystrophic, which is an essential characteristic of the syndrome. The diagnosis is made based on clinical findings. This study reports a case of a patient who began with changes in hair, nails and palmoplantar keratoderma in early childhood.

Do you know this syndrome? Clouston syndrome

Abstract Ectodermal dysplasias are conditions that present primary defects in two or more tissues of ectodermal origin and can be classified as hypohidrotic and hidrotic. Hidrotic ectodermal dysplasia or Clouston syndrome is an autosomal dominant genodermatosis and appears as a triad of clinical findings: palmoplantar keratoderma, nail dystrophy, and hypotrichosis. The hair is sparse and brittle. The nails become thickened and dystrophic, which is an essential characteristic of the syndrome. The diagnosis is made based on clinical findings. This study reports a case of a patient who began with changes in hair, nails and palmoplantar keratoderma in early childhood.

Aumento do volume labial com o uso de toxina botulínica / Lip volumization using botulinum toxin

Introdução: A aplicação da toxina botulínica na região perioral é procedimento minimamente invasivo que permite melhora substancial nos sinais de envelhecimento e aumento do volume dos lábios, com pouca documentação ainda na literatura. Objetivo: Avaliar alterações na forma e volume dos lábios com aplicações de toxina botulínica nas linhas periorais bem como a satisfação do paciente. Métodos: 19 pacientes submeteram-se a análise, registro fotográfico e medições seguidos de aplicação de toxina botulínica na região perioral. Posteriormente, foram avaliados quanto a alterações labiais e satisfação. Resultados: A maioria dos pacientes considerou os lábios moderada ou significativamente mais atraentes após a toxina (p = 0,039), e 15 mulheres notaram a mudança do lábio como um dos principais contribuintes para a melhoria global da face. Conclusões: A aplicação de toxina botulínica na região perioral provoca elevação do lábio superior, levando ao encurtamento do filtro e extensão do vermelhão. Ao aplicar a toxina na borda do vermelhão, permitimos o relaxamento do músculo orbicular, favorecendo maior efeito do tônus muscular dos músculos de elevação do lábio superior. A satisfação das pacientes com a aparência dos lábios avaliada pelas quatro perguntas adicionais (forma, volume, atração e beleza) foi positiva, com efeitos colaterais mínimos.

Introduction: The application of botulinum toxin in the perioral region is a minimally invasive procedure that leads to substantial improvement in the signs of aging in addition to increasing the volume of the lips. However literature on this procedure is still scarce. Objective: To evaluate changes in shape and volume of the lips, as well as the patients' satisfaction after the application of botulinum toxin in perioral lines. Methods: Nineteen patients underwent evaluation, photographic record and measurements following the application of botulinum toxin in the perioral region, being subsequently assessed for changes in the lips and satisfaction. Results: Most of the patients rated their lips as moderately or significantly more attractive after the application of botulinum toxin (p = 0.039). Fifteen women deemed the changes in the lips as a major factor in the overall improvement of their faces. Conclusions: The use of botulinum toxin in the perioral region leads to the elevation of the upper lip, causing the shortening of the philtrum and the extension of the vermilion. The application of botulinum toxin in the vermilion's border leads to the relaxation of the orbicularis muscle, favoring a more intense tonus effect arising from the upper lip lifting muscles. The patients' satisfaction with the appearance of their lips was evaluated by four additional questions (linked to the lip's shape, volume, attraction and beauty), receiving positive answers. Side effects were minimal.

Case for diagnosis. Lichen myxedematosus

Abstract Scleromyxedema or lichen myxedematosus is a rare papular mucinosis of chronic and progressive course and unknown etiology. It is commonly associated with monoclonal gammopathy and may show extracutaneous manifestations, affecting the heart, lung, kidney, and nerves. The diagnosis is based on four criteria: generalized papular and sclerodermoid lesions; mucin deposition, fibroblast proliferation, and fibrosis in the histopathology; monoclonal gammopathy; and no thyroid disorders. This article reports the case of a scleromyxedema patient with a recent history of acute myocardial infarction and monoclonal gammopathy.

Case for diagnosis. Lichen myxedematosus.

Scleromyxedema or lichen myxedematosus is a rare papular mucinosis of chronic and progressive course and unknown etiology. It is commonly associated with monoclonal gammopathy and may show extracutaneous manifestations, affecting the heart, lung, kidney, and nerves. The diagnosis is based on four criteria: generalized papular and sclerodermoid lesions; mucin deposition, fibroblast proliferation, and fibrosis in the histopathology; monoclonal gammopathy; and no thyroid disorders. This article reports the case of a scleromyxedema patient with a recent history of acute myocardial infarction and monoclonal gammopathy.

Syndrome in question

Abstract: Morbihan Syndrome is a rare entity with unknown etiology. It is clinically characterized by chronic erythematous edema on the face - especially in the middle and upper third of the face - and creates abnormal facial contours that are initially intermitent but become permanent with the development of the syndrome. The histopathology is nonspecific and its therapy is a major challenge due to poor response to the various treatment options. We present the case of a male patient with a five-month-history of disease.

Manifestações dermatológicas em pacientes infectados pelo HIV: um estudo de prevalência / Dermatological manifestations in HIV-infected patients: a prevalence study

Na infecção pelo HIV, a pele pode ser tanto um indicador precoce de doença quanto de gravidade. Este estudo analisou a frequência e a apresentação clínica de manifestações dermatológicas em pacientes portadores de HIV, destacando as lesões mais encontradas, e correlacionou suas características com o estado imunológico. Foram encontradas 129 lesões mucocutâneas dentre os 57 pacientes portadores de HIV examinados, havendo em média 2,25 lesões por paciente. As dermatoses mais comuns, em ordem decrescente de frequência, foram candidíase oral, onicomicose e dermatite seborreica. As lesões oportunistas mostraram relação significativa com deficiência imunológica, e as afecções de pele mais encontradas mostraram-se bons indicadores do estado imunológico do paciente e da progressão da doença.

In the HIV infection the skin can be either an early indicator of disease and severity. This study examined the frequency and clinical presentation of skin manifestations in patients with HIV, highlighting the most frequent injuries, and correlated their characteristics with the immune status. We found 129 mucocutaneous lesions among 57 patients with HIV, with an average of 2.25 lesions per patient. The most common skin diseases in descending order of frequency were oral candidiasis, onychomycosis and seborrheic dermatitis. Opportunistic lesions showed significant relationship with immune deficiency and the most frequent skin diseases proved to be good indicators of the immune status of the patient and disease progression.

Syndrome in question.

Morbihan Syndrome is a rare entity with unknown etiology. It is clinically characterized by chronic erythematous edema on the face - especially in the middle and upper third of the face - and creates abnormal facial contours that are initially intermitent but become permanent with the development of the syndrome. The histopathology is nonspecific and its therapy is a major challenge due to poor response to the various treatment options. We present the case of a male patient with a five-month-history of disease.

Reativação de tuberculose no tratamento com imunobiológicos / Reactivation of tuberculosis in treatment with immunobiological

O uso de agentes biológicos vem se mostrando uma boa opção no tratamento da psoríase de difícil controle. Os inibidores do fator de necrose tumoral alfa (TNF-alfa) demonstraram resultados positivos tanto em índices de resposta terapêutica quanto em velocidade de início de ação. No entanto, pelo fato de o TNF-alfa ter uma importante participação na formação do granuloma e, consequentemente na defesa contra o Mycobacterium tuberculosis, tal tratamento pode resultar na reativação de doença latente. Assim sendo, o screening para tuberculose é necessário antes e durante o uso destas drogas na prática clínica.

The use of biologics agents has been a good option in the trteatment of resistant psoriasis. The tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) blockers demonstrated positives results, both in efficacy and onset of action. However TNF-alpha plays an important role in host defense against tuberculosis, this treatment can result in reactivation of latent disease. Thus, screening for tuberculosis is necessary before and during the use of these drugs in clinical practice.