RESUMO
Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common variant of primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). It is generally associated with an indolent clinical course and characterised by well-defined clinicopathological features. Although rare, CTCLs constitute 65% of all cutaneous lymphoid malignancies, of which 50% are patients with MF. The erythrodermic variants of MF, a malignancy of mature, skin homing and clonal T lymphocytes, usually present in mid to late adulthood. Association with hypereosinophilia is important in prognosis. We report a case of erythrodermic MF with hypereosinophilic syndrome in a 22-year-old female presenting with gradually progressive intractable erythroderma with intensely pruritic multiple papules, plaques, and nodules involving more than 90% of body surface area. Diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination and immunophenotyping from multiple skin biopsies.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: In Nepal, a developing country in South Asia, the number of female medical students has increased significantly. AIMS: The present study was carried out to explore perceived perceptions for this increase, study the perceived impact on teaching-learning activities, medical school infrastructure and possible perceived changes in the doctor-patient relationship. METHOD: First, second and third year students were invited to participate in focus group discussions (FGDs). Fifty-four students were willing to participate. Twenty-five were from the first year, 20 from the second and 9 from the third year. The FGDs conducted over a 90 minute period were voice and video recorded. The groups consisted of both males and females from a particular intake. The findings were transcribed verbatim. RESULTS: Participants felt more female students were taking up medicine in the country because of more colleges opening in the cities and towns making it easier for female students to enrol in the course. Also parents consider medicine as a safe, noble and dignified profession for their daughters. Participants suggested women are more empathetic doctors and the doctor-patient relationship might become more patient-focused. Women doctors can serve as a source of inspiration and the overall impact on Nepal would be positive. CONCLUSION: Participating students perceived the increasing number of female medical students may be due to changes in Nepalese society. This study was carried out only among three batches of students in a single medical school. Further studies among different batches of students and among interns in other medical schools are required. Studies among postgraduate students and doctors are also needed.
