[Translated article] Congenital and Hereditary Nail Disease.

Nail disorders in newborns can show independently or as components of systemic illnesses or genodermatoses. The examination of these abnormalities is complex and sometimes challenging. However, familiarity with these disorders can significantly contribute to uncovering potential underlying conditions. This review includes the physiological nail changes seen within the first few months of life, such as Beau's lines, onychoschizia, koilonychia, congenital nail fold hypertrophy of the first digit, and onychocryptosis. This review also focuses on the most relevant congenital disorders reported and how to perform differential diagnosis. Finally, this review highlights those hereditary diseases in which nail involvement is crucial for diagnosis, such as nail-patella syndrome, congenital pachyonychia, or congenital dyskeratosis, among others.

Congenital and Hereditary Nail Disease. / Enfermedad ungueal congénita y hereditaria.

Nail disorders in newborns can show independently or as components of systemic illnesses or genodermatoses. The examination of these abnormalities is complex and sometimes challenging. However, familiarity with these disorders can significantly contribute to uncovering potential underlying conditions. This review includes the physiological nail changes seen within the first few months of life, such as Beau's lines, onychoschizia, koilonychia, congenital nail fold hypertrophy of the first digit, and onychocryptosis. This review also focuses on the most relevant congenital disorders reported and how to perform differential diagnosis. Finally, this review highlights those hereditary diseases in which nail involvement is crucial for diagnosis, such as nail-patella syndrome, congenital pachyonychia, or congenital dyskeratosis, among others.

Nail dystrophy for the surgeon.

Injuries to the fingertips are the most frequently occurring damage to the hand. The nail is an exceptional structure within the human body that offers both stability and protection, as well as the ability to perform fine and precise movements. Nail dystrophies are numerous, post-traumatic, post-infection or even degenerative. They raise many difficulties for the treating hand surgeon. Which anatomical structure is dystrophic? Is there any secondary fungal superinfection to be treated before surgery? Among the various techniques proposed, which one will help to improve my patient as a complete cure is rarer than partial failures. In this chapter we have chosen to describe the surgical techniques, their difficulties and drawbacks, that are available for the most frequent dystrophies that the hand surgeons may treat.

Fingernail injury.

Fingertip injuries are the most common injury to the hand. The nail represents a unique structure in the human body providing in fine pinch, stability and protection. Management of fingertip injuries can often be a challenging experience, especially in presence of complex lesion that include soft tissue loss and distal phalanx injury. In this review we present a variety of options in caring for these injuries to help achieve and avoid the sequels. The goal of treatment is restoration of a painless, functional digit with protective sensation.

Herramientas de medición de la patología ungueal: revisión literaria / Measuring tools for nail pathology: literature review

El sistema ungueal conforma una compleja unidad anatómica fundamental en el ser humano, susceptible de sufrir numerosas alteraciones debido a procesos patológicos, tanto sistémicos como locales. El estudio de la patología ungueal es un tema de especial interés, sin embargo, en el ámbito clínico todavía resulta complicado analizar parámetros como área concreta de extensión, anatomía comprometida o porcentaje de afectación, dificultando poder realizar una valoración objetiva y establecer pautas efectivas de tratamiento, debiendo recurrir, en numerosas ocasiones, al examen histopatológico. En este sentido, los índices de medición se posicionan como una herramienta que permitiría valorar estos factores de forma numérica, reproducible y simple. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar las herramientas de medición de las diferentes patologías ungueales descritas en la literatura. Se realizó una revisión de la literatura por pares en cuatro bases de datos atendiendo a criterios del Critical Appraisal Skills Programme España (CASPe). Los hallazgos describieron la existencia de 12 herramientas de medición de patología ungueal. Las conclusiones señalaron, finalmente, el Nail Psoriasis Severity Index o índice NAPSI como método más utilizado para valorar la severidad de la psoriasis ungueal, pese a los reportes obtenidos en sus modificaciones posteriores. En cuanto a la onicomicosis, el Scoring Clinical Index for Onychomycosis o índice SCIO resultó ser el método objetivo más útil en la práctica clínica. Para la paroniquia crónica, el Índice de paroniquia crónica se distinguió como una buena alternativa a las opciones de valoración previas (AU)

The nail system forms a complex anatomical unit fundamental in humans, susceptible to numerous alterations due to both systemic and local pathological processes. The study of nail pathology is a subject of special interest, however, in the clinical setting, it is still difficult to analyse parameters such as specific area of extension, anatomy involved or percentage of involvement, making it difficult to carry out an objective assessment and establish effective treatment guidelines, having to resort, on numerous occasions, to histopathological examination. In this sense, measurement indices are positioned as a measurement tool that would allow these factors to be assessed in a numerical, reproducible and simple way. The aim of this study was to identify measurement tools for the different nail pathologies described in the literature. A peer-review of the literature was conducted in four databases according to Critical Appraisal Skills Programme España (CASPe) criteria. The findings described the existence of 12 nail pathology measurement tools. Conclusions finally pointed out the Nail Psoriasis Severity Index or NAPSI index as the most widely used method to asses the severity of nail psoriasis, despite reports of subsequent modifications. For onychomycosis, the Scoring Clinical Index for Onychomycosis or SCIO index appeared to be the most useful objective method in clinical practice. For chronic paronychia, the Chronic Paronychia Index standed out as a good alternative to previous assessment options (AU)

Subungual Melanocytic Lesions in Pediatric Patients. / Lesiones melanocíticas subungueales en la edad pediátrica.

The study of subungual melanocytic lesions can present challenges because of the clinical and histologic characteristics of the nail unit and the difficulty of performing nail biopsies and processing specimens. These lesions can be even more challenging in children due to differences in clinical and epidemiological profiles between the adult and pediatric populations. Many of the clinical features of subungual melanocytic lesions that would raise alarm in an adult do not have the same implications in children. Consensus is also lacking on when a nail biopsy is needed to rule out malignancy in the pediatric setting. In view of these considerations and the rarity of subungual melanoma in childhood, the recommended approach in most cases is a watch-and-wait strategy. Subungual melanocytic lesions in children may also show atypical histopathologic features that are not necessarily associated with aggressive behavior. Subungual melanoma is very rare in childhood, with just 21 cases described to date. None of the patients developed visceral metastasis or died as a result and the diagnosis was controversial in many of the cases. Considering the above and the significantly higher frequency and particular characteristics of longitudinal melanonychia with a benign etiology in children, subungual melanocytic lesions should be managed differently in this setting than in adults. In most cases, a watch-and-wait approach is the most appropriate strategy.

Lesiones melanocíticas subungueales en la edad pediátrica / Subungual Melanocytic Lesions in Pediatric Patients

Debido a las particularidades anatómicas clínicas e histológicas del aparato ungueal, y a las dificultades inherentes a la obtención y procesado de las biopsias ungueales, el estudio de las lesiones melanocíticas subungueales no suele ser una tarea sencilla. Además, en el caso de las lesiones melanocíticas subungueales de la edad pediátrica, hay que añadir las peculiaridades de las características clínicas y epidemiológicas propias de esta edad. En la infancia, muchos de los signos clínicos que son considerados de alarma en el adulto no han demostrado tener la misma validez, y no existe un claro consenso respecto a cuándo realizar una biopsia ungueal para descartar patología melanocítica maligna. Esto, unido al carácter excepcional del melanoma subungueal pediátrico, hacen que en la mayoría de los casos se recomiende exclusivamente la observación y el seguimiento. Por otro lado, las lesiones melanocíticas subungueales pediátricas pueden mostrar características histopatológicas atípicas, sin que ello implique un comportamiento clínico agresivo. El melanoma subungueal es una entidad excepcional, con solo 21 casos descritos hasta la fecha. Cabe destacar que ninguno de los casos de melanoma subungueal pediátrico descritos hasta la fecha presentó afectación metastásica visceral, ni tampoco ocasionó la muerte del paciente, y que el diagnóstico es controvertido en muchos de ellos. Por todo ello, y teniendo en cuenta la significativa mayor frecuencia de lesiones melanocíticas benignas subyacentes a melanoniquias longitudinales en la edad pediátrica, así como las peculiaridades clínicas de las mismas, el manejo de estas lesiones debe ser diferente al de las melanoniquias del adulto, siendo la observación la actitud más adecuada en la gran mayoría de los casos (AU)

The study of subungual melanocytic lesions can present challenges because of the clinical and histologic characteristics of the nail unit and the difficulty of performing nail biopsies and processing specimens. These lesions can be even more challenging in children due to differences in clinical and epidemiological profiles between the adult and pediatric populations. Many of the clinical features of subungual melanocytic lesions that would raise alarm in an adult do not have the same implications in children. Consensus is also lacking on when a nail biopsy is needed to rule out malignancy in the pediatric setting. In view of these considerations and the rarity of subungual melanoma in childhood, the recommended approach in most cases is a watch-and-wait strategy. Subungual melanocytic lesions in children may also show atypical histopathologic features that are not necessarily associated with aggressive behavior. Subungual melanoma is very rare in childhood, with just 21 cases described to date. None of the patients developed visceral metastasis or died as a result and the diagnosis was controversial in many of the cases. Considering the above and the significantly higher frequency and particular characteristics of longitudinal melanonychia with a benign etiology in children, subungual melanocytic lesions should be managed differently in this setting than in adults. In most cases, a watch-and-wait approach is the most appropriate strategy (AU)

[Translated article] Subungual Melanocytic Lesions in Pediatric Patients / Lesiones melanocíticas subungueales en pacientes pediátricos

The study of subungual melanocytic lesions can present challenges because of the clinical and histologic characteristics of the nail unit and the difficulty of performing nail biopsies and processing specimens. These lesions can be even more challenging in children due to differences in clinical and epidemiological profiles between the adult and pediatric populations. Many of the clinical features of subungual melanocytic lesions that would raise alarm in an adult do not have the same implications in children. Consensus is also lacking on when a nail biopsy is needed to rule out malignancy in the pediatric setting. In view of these considerations and the rarity of subungual melanoma in childhood, the recommended approach in most cases is a watch-and-wait strategy. Subungual melanocytic lesions in children may also show atypical histopathologic features that are not necessarily associated with aggressive behavior. Subungual melanoma is very rare in childhood, with just 21 cases described to date. None of the patients developed visceral metastasis or died as a result and the diagnosis was controversial in many of the cases. Considering the above and the significantly higher frequency and particular characteristics of longitudinal melanonychia with a benign etiology in children, subungual melanocytic lesions should be managed differently in this setting than in adults. In most cases, a watch-and-wait approach is the most appropriate strategy (AU)

Debido a las particularidades anatómicas clínicas e histológicas del aparato ungueal, y a las dificultades inherentes a la obtención y procesado de las biopsias ungueales, el estudio de las lesiones melanocíticas subungueales no suele ser una tarea sencilla. Además, en el caso de las lesiones melanocíticas subungueales de la edad pediátrica, hay que añadir las peculiaridades de las características clínicas y epidemiológicas propias de esta edad. En la infancia, muchos de los signos clínicos que son considerados de alarma en el adulto no han demostrado tener la misma validez, y no existe un claro consenso respecto a cuándo realizar una biopsia ungueal para descartar patología melanocítica maligna. Esto, unido al carácter excepcional del melanoma subungueal pediátrico, hacen que en la mayoría de los casos se recomiende exclusivamente la observación y el seguimiento. Por otro lado, las lesiones melanocíticas subungueales pediátricas pueden mostrar características histopatológicas atípicas, sin que ello implique un comportamiento clínico agresivo. El melanoma subungueal es una entidad excepcional, con solo 21 casos descritos hasta la fecha. Cabe destacar que ninguno de los casos de melanoma subungueal pediátrico descritos hasta la fecha presentó afectación metastásica visceral, ni tampoco ocasionó la muerte del paciente, y que el diagnóstico es controvertido en muchos de ellos. Por todo ello, y teniendo en cuenta la significativa mayor frecuencia de lesiones melanocíticas benignas subyacentes a melanoniquias longitudinales en la edad pediátrica, así como las peculiaridades clínicas de las mismas, el manejo de estas lesiones debe ser diferente al de las melanoniquias del adulto, siendo la observación la actitud más adecuada en la gran mayoría de los casos (AU)

The post-traumatic reconstruction of nail bed defects using a homodigital dorsal adipofascial reverse flap.

Nail bed defects (NBDs) of the distal phalanx, are common and remain challenging to reconstruct. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcome of these post-traumatic injuries treated using a homodigital dorsal adipofascial reverse flap (HDARF). Sixteen patients, averaging 43-years-old, were retrospectively reviewed, who underwent the aforementioned procedure from February 2018 to December 2019. Range of motion of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint, static Weber's 2-point discrimination sensibility of the pulp, the percentage of nail adherence, complications, patient's satisfaction, subsequent nail regrowth, and flap survival were evaluated upon follow-up. At 26 months average follow-up, the percentage of flap survival was 100%. Complete regrowth of the nail was reported in 11 cases (69%), on average 4.7 months after surgery. A total absence of ungual regrowth was noted in 5 cases (31%). The mean static Weber's 2-point discrimination value of injured finger was 4.25 mm, reconstructed fingers' mean range of motion for the DIP joint was 75 degrees. Patient satisfaction was graded as very satisfying in 11 cases (69%), satisfying in 4 cases (25%), and disappointing in 1 case (6%). The HDARF is a good alternative for the management of NBDs of fingers and thumb. It yielded functionally and aesthetically acceptable results with low donor site morbidity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Lesiones de punta de dedo: experiencia en el manejo en los últimos 5 años en un centro pediátrico / Fingertip injuries: experience in handling the last 5 years in a pediatric center

Las lesiones de punta de dedo son comunes en pacientes pediátricos que acuden a salas de Emergencia; son causadas por accidentes en el hogar y con aplastamiento en puerta como principal mecanismo de trauma. El tratamiento se realiza individualizado por cirujanos plásticos y cirujanos pediátricos en dependencia de la herida y el compromiso tisular. El propósito de este estudio es describir el manejo de pacientes con lesiones de punta de dedo en un centro pediátrico. Se realizó un análisis de historias clínicas en el período entre enero 2015 y diciembre 2020, se evaluaron 228 pacientes atendidos en el Hospital de Niños Dr. Roberto Gilbert Elizalde, en Guayaquil, Ecuador. Los resultados incluyen un predominio de pacientes en edad preescolar (67%), masculinos (56%) y de mano derecha (53%). Los dedos más afectados fueron el medio y anular. Los procedimientos fueron realizados por cirujanos plásticos (55%) y la técnica electiva fue bajo anestesia general. La extensión del daño involucró tejidos blandos (92%), avulsión de uña (29%) y fracturas asociadas (15%). El 3% de los pacientes presentó complicaciones que requirieron seguimiento. El tipo de reparo se seleccionó en dependencia de la extensión de la herida, se realizaron suturas simples (37%) y suturas complejas con reparo de la uña (27%). Nuestros datos son similares a los descritos en la literatura internacional, con buenos resultados a largo plazo, menor tasa de complicaciones y respuestas similares en los reparos realizados por cirujanos plásticos y cirujanos pediatras.

Fingertip injuries are common in pediatric patients who present to the emergency room. They are usually caused by accidents at home, being door-crush the main mechanism. Treatment is performed on an individual basis, by a Plastic or General Pediatric Surgeon, according to the wound findings and tissue involvement. The purpose of this study is to describe the management on a pediatric center in patients with a fingertip wound. A descriptive and retrospective analysis of medical records was carried out from January 2015 until December 2020. In this period 228 patients were seen in the Dr. Roberto Gilbert Elizalde Children´s Hospital in Guayaquil, Ecuador. A high incidence was found in the preschool age with 67% of cases. The injuries were more common in males (56 %) and more predominant on the right hand (53%). The most affected fingers were the middle and annular. Procedures were mostly performed by Pediatric Surgeons (55%) and the elective technique was under general anesthesia. Damage extension of the fingertip included soft tissues in 92% of patients, nail avulsion in 29% and associated fractures in 15%. Only 3% of patients developed complications that required follow up. The type of repair was selected according to the extension of the injury. Mostly simple sutures (37%) and complex sutures with nail repair (27%)were used.Our data is similar to the one found in international literature, with good long-term outcomes, minor complications and similar results when the repair was performed by a Plastic or Pediatric surgeon

Lesiones melanocíticas subungueales: claves clínico-patológicas y técnicas de biopsia / Subungual Melanocytic Lesions: Key Clinical and Pathologic Concepts and Biopsy Techniques

El miedo a realizar intervenciones en la uña por el riesgo de distrofia residual, la dificultad de procesado y de interpretación de las biopsias ungueales, así como la falta global de experiencia en este campo han hecho que las melanoniquias ungueales en general (y las lesiones melanocíticas subungueales en particular) sean un tema poco atractivo tanto para dermatólogos como para patólogos. A pesar de la indudable complejidad de este campo, el manejo de las técnicas de biopsia ungueal, el correcto procesado y orientación de las muestras y el conocimiento de las particularidades histológicas del aparato ungueal pueden facilitar mucho esta labor. La biopsia longitudinal escisional ofrece la interpretación histológica más sencilla y tiene bajo riesgo de generar distrofia ungueal, si se realiza correctamente. Los datos clínicos y epidemiológicos son fundamentales: el diagnóstico de melanoma subungueal en la infancia es excepcional, e incluso lesiones con características clínicas y/o histológicas atípicas constituyen, con toda probabilidad, lesiones benignas. La presencia de melanocitos suprabasales y otros hallazgos que serían sospechosos de malignidad en lesiones en otras localizaciones se consideran normales en el aparato ungueal. El melanoma subungueal tiene un patrón lentiginoso en estadios precoces y parece que la presencia de un infiltrado inflamatorio, acompañando a lesiones subungueales lentiginosas atípicas, es uno de los primeros hallazgos diagnósticos de esta lesión (AU)

Both dermatologists and pathologists sometimes find daunting the evaluation of melanonychia (especially subungual melanocytic lesions) because of the fear of performing nail surgery due to the risk of dystrophy, difficulties processing and interpreting nail biopsy specimens, and a general lack of experience in the field. Nevertheless, mastery of nail biopsy techniques, correct processing and orientation of specimens, and familiarity with the histologic particularities of the nail apparatus can attenuate the undoubted complexity and facilitate the tasks involved. Longitudinal excision is the biopsy technique that ensures the simplest histologic interpretation, and it is associated with a low risk of nail dystrophy when performed correctly. Clinical and epidemiological data are crucial. Subungual melanoma in childhood, for instance, is very rare and even lesions with atypical clinical and/or histologic features are probably benign. The presence of suprabasal melanocytes and other findings that would suggest malignancy at other sites are considered normal in the nail apparatus. Subungual melanoma shows a lentiginous pattern in the early stages of disease, and detection of an inflammatory infiltrate accompanying atypical lentiginous subungual lesions would appear to be one of the first diagnostic findings (AU)

Subungual Melanocytic Lesions: Key Clinical and Pathologic Concepts and Biopsy Techniques.

Both dermatologists and pathologists sometimes find daunting the evaluation of melanonychia (especially subungual melanocytic lesions) because of the fear of performing nail surgery due to the risk of dystrophy, difficulties processing and interpreting nail biopsy specimens, and a general lack of experience in the field. Nevertheless, mastery of nail biopsy techniques, correct processing and orientation of specimens, and familiarity with the histologic particularities of the nail apparatus can attenuate the undoubted complexity and facilitate the tasks involved. Longitudinal excision is the biopsy technique that ensures the simplest histologic interpretation, and it is associated with a low risk of nail dystrophy when performed correctly. Clinical and epidemiological data are crucial. Subungual melanoma in childhood, for instance, is very rare and even lesions with atypical clinical and/or histologic features are probably benign. The presence of suprabasal melanocytes and other findings that would suggest malignancy at other sites are considered normal in the nail apparatus. Subungual melanoma shows a lentiginous pattern in the early stages of disease, and detection of an inflammatory infiltrate accompanying atypical lentiginous subungual lesions would appear to be one of the first diagnostic findings.

Management of Allen type III nail bed injuries and distal phalangeal fractures with and without fixation.

For combined nail bed injuries and distal phalangeal fractures, fixation may be indicated when there is fracture instability and if a K-wire can be successfully placed in the fracture fragments. We determined the outcomes when these criteria were applied for patients with Allen type III injuries without substantial tissue loss. We retrospectively analyzed 57 patients who had surgery for nail bed injuries with distal phalangeal fractures between October 2017 and January 2020. All patients underwent anatomical nail bed repair, and some had fracture fixation, according to specific surgical criteria. We obtained data about demographic and clinical characteristics, postoperative radiographs, complications, range of motion, and satisfaction. To achieve our primary objective, we evaluated the patient population as a whole. The median follow-up was 12 months (range, 7-21). After 90 days, all 57 patients achieved satisfactory fracture union, 54 (95%) had excellent range of motion, and 54 (95%) were either satisfied or very satisfied with the outcome. Though 6 (10%) patients had residual fracture displacement, none had complications. In patients with Allen type III fingertip injuries without substantial tissue loss, anatomical nail bed repair and triage of patients to fixation or no fixation are likely to result in excellent functional outcomes and high patient satisfaction. However, fixation can neither be recommended nor rejected for these injuries based on this study alone. Level of evidence: IV.

Subungual Melanocytic Lesions: Key Clinical and Pathologic Concepts and Biopsy Techniques. / Lesiones melanocíticas subungueales: claves clínico-patológicas y técnicas de biopsia.

Both dermatologists and pathologists sometimes find daunting the evaluation of melanonychia (especially subungual melanocytic lesions) because of the fear of performing nail surgery due to the risk of dystrophy, difficulties processing and interpreting nail biopsy specimens, and a general lack of experience in the field. Nevertheless, mastery of nail biopsy techniques, correct processing and orientation of specimens, and familiarity with the histologic particularities of the nail apparatus can attenuate the undoubted complexity and facilitate the tasks involved. Longitudinal excision is the biopsy technique that ensures the simplest histologic interpretation, and it is associated with a low risk of nail dystrophy when performed correctly. Clinical and epidemiological data are crucial. Subungual melanoma in childhood, for instance, is very rare and even lesions with atypical clinical and/or histologic features are probably benign. The presence of suprabasal melanocytes and other findings that would suggest malignancy at other sites are considered normal in the nail apparatus. Subungual melanoma shows a lentiginous pattern in the early stages of disease, and detection of an inflammatory infiltrate accompanying atypical lentiginous subungual lesions would appear to be one of the first diagnostic findings.

Toxicidad ungueal asociada al tratamiento con urea / Nail toxicity associated with urea treatment

La melanoniquia es la pigmentación de la lámina ungueal, esta alteración es inducida por diversas causas: procesos inflamatorios, traumatismos, enfermedades autoinmunes o medicamentos. Existen numerosos fármacos que pueden producir alteraciones en las uñas (antiinfeciosos, antineoplásicos, retinoides), siendo reversibles en la mayoría de casos tras la suspensión del fármaco. La hidroxiurea es uno de los agentes quimioterápicos identificados como causante en raras ocasiones de toxicidad ungueal. Se trata de un derivado hidoxilado de la urea, que actúa inhibiendo la síntesis de ADN.En este artículo, presentamos el caso de una paciente trasplantada pulmonar de 61 años con diagnóstico de diabetes insípida que, sin embargo, durante su ingreso desarrolló un SIADH (secreción inadecuada de hormona antidiurética). El SIADH fue tratado con restricción hídrica y urea, tras el inicio de dicho tratamiento empezó a presentar lesiones en uñas de las manos y de los pies, que remitieron con el tiempo tras su retirada. Ningún otro fármaco de los prescritos durante su ingreso se ha relacionado con la toxicidad ungueal, por tanto se consideró la urea como posible causante de las lesiones ungueales en esta paciente. Esta reacción fue notificada al Sistema Español de Farmacovigilancia. (AU)

Melanonychia is the pigmentation of the nail, this alteration is induced by diverse causes: inflammatory processes, traumatisms, autoimmune diseases or medications. There are numerous drugs that can produce alterations in the nails (anti-infectious, chemotherapy agents, retinoid), the alterations are reversible in most cases after drug discontinuation. Chemotherapeutic agent hydroxyurea is identified as a cause of nail toxicity rarely. It is a hydroxylated derivative of urea, which acts by inhibiting DNA synthesis.In this article, we present the case of a 61-year-old lung transplant patient diagnosed with diabetes insipidus who, however, developed SIADH (inadequate secretion of antidiuretic hormone) during his hospitalization, the patient received treatment with water restriction and urea. After the start of treatment, the patient began to present lesions on the nails of the hands and feet, which remitted with time after drug discontinuation. No other medication prescribed during admission has been linked to nail toxicity, so urea was considered a possible cause of nail lesions in this patient. This reaction was notified to the Spanish Pharmacovigilance System. (AU)

Fingertip nail bed injuries in children: Comparison of suture repair versus glue (2-octylcyanoacrylate) with 1-year follow-up.

The main objective of this study was to compare the medium-term results of nail bed repair in children using glue (2-octylcyanoacrylate) versus absorbable sutures. The secondary objective was to compare the results of treatment in the emergency room versus the operating room. This retrospective review of 74 fingertip nail bed lacerations (68 children) evaluated the appearance and pain at the last follow-up visit (minimum of 1 year), and the operating time. Mean age was 3.3 years at time of injury (range 10 months-13 years), with a mean follow-up of 2.6 (1-7) years. Thirty-six nail beds were repaired with glue; 38 were sutured. The clinical outcomes in the two groups were similar. The rate of nail dystrophy was 14% (5% major) regardless of the technique. Nail bed repair time was significantly shorter in the glue group (10.2 vs. 20.3min, p<0.001). Forty-five repairs were performed in the operating room and 29 in the emergency room. The complication rate (early infections) was significantly higher in patients treated in the emergency room. Tissue adhesive (2-octylcyanoacrylate glue) is a reliable option for repairing nail bed lacerations, both in terms of outcomes and speed of repair. Treatment in the operating room is preferable.

Nail enthesis ultrasound and automated software-guided assessment of bilateral common carotid intima-media thickness in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: is there a correlation with clinical and laboratory findings?

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound (US) in psoriasis (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an important tool in several situations to detect joint ecostructural damage as well as other tissue alterations, such as those that occur in the larger vessels. The objective of this study was to detect and correlate the changes that indicate the inflammatory and atherosclerotic process in two groups of patients, using nail US and carotid artery intima-media thickness radiofrequency (RF) software. METHODS: A total of 30 patients diagnosed with (PsO) and (PsA) were selected. About 15 patients were present in each group, assigned by the Dermatology and Rheumatology Service of the Universidade Pontifícia Católica de Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil, and were assessed using carotid artery US (radiofrequency quality intima-media thickness [RF-QIMT]), joint US, clinical evaluation, and laboratory tests. RESULTS: Spearman and Pearson correlations between US variables per group were Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and loss of the nail pattern trilaminar: r=0.658, p=0.015; Framingham Score (FS) and Internal Resistance Index (IR): 0.351 to 0.526, p=0.034 to 0.002; the significant correlations by the Bayesian factor (BF) were those with a BF greater than 2.5, between QIMT expected with FS: r=0.677, BF=10.06, with total cholesterol: r=0.5232, BF=2.60, and QIMT-RF with low density lipoproteins: r=0.633, BF=3.70. CONCLUSION: The use of US in the evaluation of these patients showed significant correlations between clinical and laboratory measures, characterized by QIMT and FS as well as changes in nail insertion. Future studies may demonstrate an even better interaction.

[Nail trauma, what is it? and how to treat it?] / Traumatismo ungueal, ¿qué es? y ¿cómo tratarlo?

The nail plate is a layer of keratin that protects the back of the ends of the fingers and toes. It is a system with many important functions, since it stabilises the distal portion of the finger and toe and provides resistance to the fleshy part, thus contributing to the handling of small objects and fine sense of touch. Nail injuries are a reason for visits to Emergency Departments and Primary Care, representing up to 8% of hand emergencies. The inappropriate treatment of these injuries can lead to important aesthetic and functional sequelae. These can be very complex even to correct later (dystrophic nails, decrease in discrimination between 2 points…). The 2 most common lesions are subungual haematoma and subungual avulsion, with their different degrees of adjacent bone involvement.

[Ungual lesions in lupus erythematosus: A literature review]. / Lupus érythémateux et atteinte unguéale : revue de la littérature.

INTRODUCTION: There are few studies focusing on ungual lesions in patients with lupus erythematosus (LE). The aim of this study is to describe the type and the prevalence of ungual lesions among LE patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A systematic literature review with analysis of individual data was performed by searching the MEDLINE database for scientific articles using the keywords "lupus erythematosus" and "nail". RESULTS: Two-hundred and eighty-seven cases were collated including 55.1% women, with an average age of 32.2±11 years. The most common ungual or peri-ungual lesions were longitudinal ridging (83 patients, 28.9%), peri-ungual erythema (62 patients, 21.6%), onycholysis (60 patients, 20.9%), melanonychia (34 patients, 11.8%) and dyschromia (33 patients, 11.5%). An association between the presence of onycholysis and peri-ungual erythema and disease activity was noted [respectively 33 (38.8%) and 26 (30.6%) patients out of 85 with active disease versus 3 (5.8%) and 4 (7.7%) patients out of 52 with non-active disease, P<0.001 and P=0.018]. Screening for fungal infection was performed in one third of the cases, with proven onychomycosis in 34.7% of cases. DISCUSSION: Ungual lesions are not specific and do not permit diagnosis of LE. They can in fact occur in other diseases such as connective tissue disorders. However, their diagnosis is important because they may be the presenting sign in LE, and certain of them may be associated with more active disease. Onychomycosis is frequently a confounding factor in such immunocompromised patients.

Paquioniquia congénita tipo I o síndrome de Jadassohn- Lewandowsky: un caso de presentación familiar / Congenital pachyonychia type I or Jadassohn-Lewandowsky syndrome: a familial case

La paquioniquia congénita es una rara genodermatosis de herencia autosómica dominante, que produce alteración de la queratinización a nivel de piel, uñas y mucosas. El primer caso fue descrito por Jadassohn y Lewandowsky en 1906, y actualmente afecta a miles de personas en el mundo. El Registro Internacional de Investigación de Paquioniquia Congénita (IPCRR, del inglés, International PC Research Registry) ha identificado a nivel mundial hasta enero de 2020, 977 individuos en 517 familias con paquioniquia congénita, confirmadas genéticamente. Esta condición es considerada en nuestro país como una enfermedad huérfana, y previamente solo hay un reporte en la literatura de un caso en 2009. Se presenta el caso clínico de un paciente masculino de 23 años de edad procedente del área rural del municipio de Timbío, Colombia, con historia clínica de distrofia ungueal hipertrófica en todas las uñas de manos y pies, queratodermia palmoplantar y dolor plantar moderado a severo. Además, presentaba leucoqueratosis oral, hiperqueratosis folicular en muslos e hiperhidrosis palmoplantar. No presentaba quistes foliculares ni antecedente de dientes natales. Sus manifestaciones clínicas se catalogaron como propias de la paquioniquia congénita tipo I. Sumado a lo anterior, se identificaron características clínicas similares en otros miembros de la familia en tres generaciones, incluidos un hermano, la madre y la abuela materna, lo cual evidenció un patrón de herencia propio de esta enfermedad.

Pachyonychia congenita is a rare genodermatosis of autosomal dominant inheritance pattern that affects keratinization at the level of skin, nails and mucous membranes. The first case was described by Jadassohn and Lewandowsky in 1906 and it affects thousands of people around the world. The International Pachyonychia Congenita Research Registry (IPCRR) has identified until January 2020, worldwide, 977 individuals in 517 families with pachyonychia congenita genetically confirmed. This condition is considered in our country as an orphan disease and there has only been one previous case report in 2009. We present a case of a 23-year old male patient from the rural area of Timbio, Colombia, with a history of hypertrophic nail dystrophy in all nails and toenails, palmoplantar keratoderma and moderate plantar pain. In addition, he presented oral leucokeratosis, follicular hyperkeratosis in the thighs, and palmoplantar hyperhidrosis. No follicular cysts were present nor history of natal teeth. Clinical manifestations were classified as typical of congenital pachyonychia type I. Furthermore, similar clinical manifestations were identified in other family members from three generations, including his brother, mother and maternal grandmother, a characteristic inheritance pattern of this illness.