Endotoxemia and circulating bacteriome in severe COVID-19 patients.

BACKGROUND: When severe, COVID-19 shares many clinical features with bacterial sepsis. Yet, secondary bacterial infection is uncommon. However, as epithelium is injured and barrier function is lost, bacterial products entering the circulation might contribute to the pathophysiology of COVID-19. METHODS: We studied 19 adults, severely ill patients with COVID-19 infection, who were admitted to King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, between 13th March and 17th April 2020. Blood samples on days 1, 3, and 7 of enrollment were analyzed for endotoxin activity assay (EAA), (1 → 3)-ß-D-glucan (BG), and 16S rRNA gene sequencing to determine the circulating bacteriome. RESULTS: Of the 19 patients, 13 were in intensive care and 10 patients received mechanical ventilation. We found 8 patients with high EAA (≥ 0.6) and about half of the patients had high serum BG levels which tended to be higher in later in the illness. Although only 1 patient had a positive blood culture, 18 of 19 patients were positive for 16S rRNA gene amplification. Proteobacteria was the most abundant phylum. The diversity of bacterial genera was decreased overtime. CONCLUSIONS: Bacterial DNA and toxins were discovered in virtually all severely ill COVID-19 pneumonia patients. This raises a previously unrecognized concern for significant contribution of bacterial products in the pathogenesis of this disease.

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of using 0.01% versus 0.03% bimatoprost for the treatment of eyebrow hypotrichosis: A randomized, double-blind, split-face, comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have proven the efficacy and safety of 0.01% and 0.03% bimatoprost for the treatment of eyebrow hypotrichosis; however, there is no comparison study between both concentrations. AIMS: To compare the efficacy and safety between 0.01% and 0.03% bimatoprost for the treatment of eyebrow hypotrichosis. PATIENTS/METHODS: This prospective, randomized, double-blind, split-face clinical study was conducted in 30 patients with eyebrow hypotrichosis. Each side of eyebrow of individual patients was randomly assigned for 0.01% and 0.03% bimatoprost, applied on each eyebrow once daily. Eyebrow density, diameter, the Global Eyebrow Assessment scale, 7-point rating scale, and patient satisfaction were evaluated. Side effects were also recorded. RESULTS: Both 0.01% and 0.03% bimatoprost significantly improved eyebrow density and diameter (P < .05), although there were no statistically significant differences in changes in eyebrow density and diameter from baseline between both concentrations (P = .96 and .84, respectively). Additionally, patients significantly preferred 0.03% bimatoprost in terms of clinical improvement and satisfaction (P = .04 and .003, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Both 0.01% and 0.03% bimatoprost are effective and safe for the treatment of eyebrow hypotrichosis. Bimatoprost 0.03% is superior to its 0.01% counterpart, albeit without statistical significance.

Frontal fibrosing alopecia in Asians: a retrospective clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a distinctive form of primary lymphocytic cicatricial alopecia and predominantly occurs in postmenopausal women. The condition is increasing in prevalence worldwide. However, there is a paucity of information regarding FFA in Asians because of a lack of published literature. We aimed to describe the demographics, clinical and trichoscopic features, and treatment outcomes of FFA in Asian patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective clinical study including patients diagnosed with FFA. Data regarding demographics, clinical and trichoscopic findings, and treatment outcomes were collected. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Fifty-six Thai patients with FFA met the inclusion criteria. There were 54 females (96.4%) and two males (3.6%), and the average age of disease onset was 51.3 ± 6.3 years. All patients presented with frontotemporal hairline recession, and 49 patients (87.5%) experienced eyebrow loss. Trichoscopy in 35 patients revealed follicular dropout, perifollicular erythema, and lonely hair in 35 (100%), 29 (82.8%) and 26 patients (74.2%), respectively. Disease stabilization was superiorly observed in patients treated with a combination of topical corticosteroids and hydroxychloroquine or finasteride (79.3% and 73.3%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our study presents the largest series of FFA in Asians and reports mixed clinical patterns between Caucasian and African patients. Combination therapy of topical corticosteroids and hydroxychloroquine or the use of topical corticosteroids and finasteride may halt the progression of FFA in Asians.

Fibrosing Alopecia in a Pattern Distribution: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Fibrosing alopecia in a pattern distribution (FAPD) is a relatively new entity in the family of cicatricial alopecia. It has been categorized as a member of the lichen planopilaris (LPP) group due to its similarity in clinical and histopathological presentation. Nonetheless, the disease earns its own entity due to its lichenoid inflammation exclusively involving miniaturized hair and area of involvement mimicking pattern hair loss which differentiates itself from other types of LPP or pattern hair loss. Since its first introduction by Zinkernagel and Trüeb in 2000, there have been only few case reports and series of FAPD. We herein report a case of FAPD in a postmenopausal woman who had progressive hair loss over the course of 10 years.

Efficacy and Safety of Bimatoprost 0.01% for the Treatment of Eyebrow Hypotrichosis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Vehicle-Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: Eyebrow hypotrichosis is an important dermatological problem. However, there is no standard treatment. OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy and safety of bimatoprost 0.01% for the treatment of eyebrow hypotrichosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Although bimatoprost 0.03% has been studied previously, this is the first study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bimatoprost 0.01% for the treatment of eyebrow hypotrichosis. A randomized, double-blinded, vehicle-controlled trial was conducted in 40 patients. All patients were randomized to receive bimatoprost 0.01% or placebo vehicle, once daily, for 6 months. The primary outcome was improvement in eyebrow density and diameter. Additional outcomes were the improvement in clinical assessments and safety evaluation. RESULTS: Compared to the vehicle group, bimatoprost 0.01% significantly increased mean eyebrow hair density, eyebrow hair diameter, and clinical assessments (p < .001) in the drug group. Patients' satisfaction score was higher for the drug group than the vehicle group (p < .05). Adverse effects of the treatment were minimal and similar between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Bimatoprost 0.01% was found to be superior to a placebo for eyebrow enhancement. Bimatoprost 0.01% can be considered effective, safe, and well-tolerated for the treatment of eyebrow hypotrichosis.

Hereditary Leukonychia Totalis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Leukonychia is defined as white discoloration of the nails caused by an abnormal keratinization of the nail matrix. Congenital leukonychia totalis is a rare nail disorder, which is typically inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. This condition can be presented as an isolated condition or in association with systemic diseases. We report a case of a 7-year-old Thai boy who developed asymptomatic white discoloration of all the nails since birth, with an absence of any predisposing factors or associated conditions.

Therapeutic potential of bimatoprost for the treatment of eyebrow hypotrichosis.

Eyebrows serve as a key feature of the face and have many roles, including cosmetic appearance and social communication. Eyebrow hypotrichosis, which refers to reduction or absence of the eyebrow hair, could be a major problem that leads to negative functional, psychological, and social consequences. Bimatoprost is an ophthalmic prostamide analog that is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of eyelash hypotrichosis. Its proposed mechanism is stimulation of the prostaglandin receptor in dermal papilla and melanocyte, thus leading to a prolonged anagen phase and increased melanogenesis. The hair follicle then increases in thickness, length, and darkness. The efficacy of bimatoprost for the treatment of eyebrow hypotrichosis has been supported by well-controlled studies. Bimatoprost, which is noninvasive, effective, and well tolerated, is worth considering as a treatment option for eyebrow hypotrichosis.

Psoriatic Alopecia in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Psoriasis is a chronic, recurrent, and relatively common inflammatory dermatologic condition, which demonstrates various clinical manifestations including hair loss. It was once believed that alopecia was not a presentation of scalp psoriasis, but it is now widely accepted that psoriatic alopecia exists. Although the majority of patients get hair regrowth, it can potentially lead to permanent hair loss. Herein, we report a case of 26-year-old female patient with systemic lupus erythematosus who presented with scalp hair loss and nonpruritic scaly plaques on the scalp. Her clinical presentation, dermoscopic, and histopathologic findings were consistent with psoriatic alopecia. Additionally, we also described a novel scalp dermoscopic pattern of "patchy dotted vessels" which we detected in the lesion of scalp psoriasis.

A retrospective comparative study of the efficacy and safety of two regimens of diphenylcyclopropenone in the treatment of recalcitrant alopecia areata.

Diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP) is an effective topical immunotherapy for recalcitrant alopecia areata (AA), which sometimes requires prolonged treatment. We developed a new treatment protocol to shorten the duration of therapy. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of the new treatment protocol with the standard treatment protocol in the treatment of recalcitrant AA. We conducted a 6-year retrospective comparative study of patients with AA who received one of the DPCP treatment protocols at our institute. Patients' information was collected and subsequent statistically analyzed. Thirtynine patients (16 in the new treatment group and 23 in the standard treatment group) were included. There were no statistically significant differences in area of hair regrowth. Mean duration to initial hair regrowth and mean duration to significant hair regrowth in the new treatment group were significantly shorter than in the standard treatment group (P=0.002 and 0.01, respectively). Adverse effects were slightly higher in the new treatment group. The present study reveals the effectiveness and safety of the new treatment protocol, which shortens the duration of DPCP treatment and could represent an alternative regimen.

Diffuse Dermal Angiomatosis: A Clue to the Diagnosis of Atherosclerotic Vascular Disease.

Diffuse dermal angiomatosis (DDA) is a benign, acquired, reactive vascular proliferation. DDA is clinically characterized by painful purpuric plaque with central ulceration. The histopathologic hallmark is diffuse proliferation of endothelial cells that are arranged interstitially between collagen bundles of the reticular dermis. DDA has been reported in association with peripheral atherosclerotic disease, arteriovenous fistula and heavy smoking. We report the case of a 49-year-old Asian male with DDA who presented with a painful stellate-shaped purpuric patch on the right thigh. Histopathologic examination showed proliferation of CD34-positive spindle cells in the dermis. Our patient underwent vascular bypass surgery along with tight control of cardiovascular risk factors, which yielded successful results.