-
Dermatology and Therapy Oct 2021Melasma is a chronic and recurrent skin problem for which an effective therapy is currently lacking. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has recently emerged as a novel treatment...
INTRODUCTION
Melasma is a chronic and recurrent skin problem for which an effective therapy is currently lacking. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has recently emerged as a novel treatment for melasma, but to date there has been no systematic evaluation of its efficacy and safety.
METHODS
The Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and the Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant articles using the search items "melasma," "chloasma" and "platelet-rich plasma." STATA version 15.1 software was used to analyze data. Study outcomes were calculated using standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS
The database search identified ten studies involving 395 adult patients that met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Analysis of pre- and post-treatment data from these studies revealed that the post-treatment modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI) score decreased by 1.18 (95% CI 0.89-1.47; p = 0.02). Subjective satisfaction evaluation of PRP treatment showed that melasma treated with the combination therapy of PRP + microneedling may have been the most efficacious treatment compared to PRP alone or in combination with intradermal injection. Adverse reactions were minor, with only a few patients reporting local congestion, temporary erythema, hyperpigmentation and discoloration.
CONCLUSION
These results support the efficacy and safety of PRP used in combination or alone as treatment for melasma.
PubMed: 34269967
DOI: 10.1007/s13555-021-00575-z -
Frontiers in Immunology 2017Erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) is a painful inflammatory complication of leprosy occurring in 50% of lepromatous leprosy patients and 5-10% of borderline lepromatous... (Review)
Review
Erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) is a painful inflammatory complication of leprosy occurring in 50% of lepromatous leprosy patients and 5-10% of borderline lepromatous patients. It is a significant cause of economic hardship, morbidity and mortality in leprosy patients. Our understanding of the causes of ENL is limited. We performed a systematic review of the published literature and critically evaluated the evidence for the role of neutrophils, immune complexes (ICs), T-cells, cytokines, and other immunological factors that could contribute to the development of ENL. Searches of the literature were performed in PubMed. Studies, independent of published date, using samples from patients with ENL were included. The search revealed more than 20,000 articles of which 146 eligible studies were included in this systematic review. The studies demonstrate that ENL may be associated with a neutrophilic infiltrate, but it is not clear whether it is an IC-mediated process or that the presence of ICs is an epiphenomenon. Increased levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and other pro-inflammatory cytokines support the role of this cytokine in the inflammatory phase of ENL but not necessarily the initiation. T-cell subsets appear to be important in ENL since multiple studies report an increased CD4/CD8 ratio in both skin and peripheral blood of patients with ENL. Microarray data have identified new molecules and whole pathophysiological pathways associated with ENL and provides new insights into the pathogenesis of ENL. Studies of ENL are often difficult to compare due to a lack of case definitions, treatment status, and timing of sampling as well as the use of different laboratory techniques. A standardized approach to some of these issues would be useful. ENL appears to be a complex interaction of various aspects of the immune system. Rigorous clinical descriptions of well-defined cohorts of patients and a systems biology approach using available technologies such as genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics could yield greater understanding of the condition.
PubMed: 28348555
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00233 -
International Journal of Clinical... Dec 2021Earlier diagnosis and the best management of virus-related, drug-related or mixed severe potentially life-threatening mucocutaneous reactions of COVID-19 patients are of... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Earlier diagnosis and the best management of virus-related, drug-related or mixed severe potentially life-threatening mucocutaneous reactions of COVID-19 patients are of great concern. These patients, especially hospitalised cases, are usually in a complicated situation (because of multi-organ failures), which makes their management more challenging. In such consultant cases, achieving by the definite beneficial management strategies that therapeutically address all concurrent comorbidities are really hard to reach or even frequently impossible.
METHODS
According to the lack of any relevant systematic review, we thoroughly searched the databases until 5 October 2020 and finally found 57 articles including 93 patients. It is needed to know clinical presentations of these severe skin eruptions, signs and symptoms of COVID in these patients, time of skin rash appearance, classifying drug-related or virus-related skin lesions, classifying the type of skin rash, patients' outcome and concurrent both COVID-19 therapy and skin rash treatment.
RESULT
Severe and potential life-threatening mucocutaneous dermatologic manifestations of COVID-19 usually may be divided into three major categories: virus-associated, drug-associated, and those with uncertainty about the exact origin. Angioedema, vascular lesions, toxic shock syndrome, erythroderma, DRESS, haemorrhagic bulla, AGEP, EM, SJS and TEN, generalised pustular figurate erythema were the main entities found as severe dermatologic reactions in all categories.
CONCLUSION
We can conclude vascular injuries may be the most common cause of severe dermatologic manifestations of COVID-19, which is concordant with many proposed hypercoagulation tendencies and systemic inflammatory response syndrome as one of the most important pathomechanisms of COVID-19 so the skin may show these features in various presentations and degrees.
Topics: COVID-19; Erythema; Exanthema; Humans; SARS-CoV-2; Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
PubMed: 34411409
DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.14720 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Aug 2020Background and Objectives Over the last years, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been reported on a high incidence in pediatric populations and has been associated...
UNLABELLED
Background and Objectives Over the last years, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been reported on a high incidence in pediatric populations and has been associated with numerous extraintestinal manifestations, making its management a real challenge for the pediatric gastroenterologist. Dermatological manifestations in IBD are either specific, related to the disease activity or treatment-associated, or non-specific. This literature review aims to identify and report the dermatological manifestations of IBD in children, the correlation between their appearance and the demographical characteristics, the relationship between these lesions and disease activity, and to highlight the impact of dermatological manifestations on an IBD treatment regime.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systemic literature review was performed, investigating articles and case reports on dermatological manifestations in children with IBD starting from 2005. A total of 159 potentially suitable articles were identified and after the exclusion process, 75 articles were selected.
RESULTS
The most common dermatological manifestations reported in pediatric IBD are erythema nodosum and pyoderma gangrenosum. More rare cases of metastatic Crohn's disease, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, small-vessel vasculitis, necrotizing vasculitis, leukocytoclastic vasculitis, cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa, and Sweet's syndrome have been reported. Oral manifestations of IBD are divided into specific (tag-like lesions, mucogingivitis, lip swelling with vertical fissures, aphthous stomatitis, and pyostomatitis vegetans) and non-specific. IBD treatment may present with side effects involving the skin and mucosa. Anti-tumor necrosis factor agents have been linked to opportunistic skin infections, psoriasiform lesions, and a potentially increased risk for skin cancer. Cutaneous manifestations such as acrodermatitis enteropathica, purpuric lesions, and angular cheilitis may appear secondary to malnutrition and/or malabsorption.
CONCLUSIONS
The correct diagnosis of dermatological manifestations in pediatric IBD is of paramount importance because of their impact on disease activity, treatment options, and a patient's psychological status.
Topics: Biological Factors; Child; Colitis, Ulcerative; Crohn Disease; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Malabsorption Syndromes; Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor; Skin Diseases
PubMed: 32842528
DOI: 10.3390/medicina56090425 -
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology Sep 2022COVID-19 vaccines are currently the most effective interventions in controlling and preventing severe disease progression. Dermatologic reactions to COVID-19... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
COVID-19 vaccines are currently the most effective interventions in controlling and preventing severe disease progression. Dermatologic reactions to COVID-19 vaccinations may be rare among clinical trial participants. However, since global mass vaccination became a reality, these adverse effects may become more widespread, and different skin reactions would arise.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review the cutaneous adverse reactions in cases subject to vaccines for COVID-19.
METHODS
We searched the PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Embase databases, identifying the relevant records and including the eligible observational ones. After assessing the methodological quality of the included studies, we qualitatively and quantitatively synthesized the data regarding the cutaneous side effects experienced by those in the studies' population.
RESULTS
Overall, 36 studies were included in our systematic review, with the majority being cross-sectional. We found that pain, erythema, and swelling were the most common local side effects, while different types of rashes, urticaria, and angioedema were the most non-local. Few cases also reported experiencing flare-ups of their underlying diseases or developing newly-onset diseases of various etiologies. Our meta-analyses also found that while viral vector-based vaccines are, though insignificantly, safer in injection site complaints, individuals who received mRNA vaccines developed significantly fewer non-local cutaneous adverse events.
DISCUSSION
Cutaneous reactions to the COVID-19 vaccines are similar to common cutaneous drug eruptions and COVID-19 cutaneous manifestations. However, we believe that further high-quality research is needed to assess better how and why cutaneous reactions occur in different vaccines.
Topics: COVID-19; COVID-19 Vaccines; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Vaccination
PubMed: 35861631
DOI: 10.1111/jocd.15261 -
JPRAS Open Mar 2019The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of fat grafting to the facial region for the reconstruction and aesthetic enhancement of facial... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of fat grafting to the facial region for the reconstruction and aesthetic enhancement of facial contour.
METHODS
A systematic literature review of the National Library of Medicine (PubMed), MEDLINE and Cochrane databases was performed. Studies involving the outcomes of autologous fat grafting to correct or enhance contour defects of the face were included. Extracted data included patient demographics, harvest and injection sites, graft harvesting and injection technique, mean injected volume, retained volume percentage and complications.
RESULTS
Forty-three articles met the inclusion criteria, resulting in 4577 patients with various facial contour defects treated with autologous fat grafting. Injection sites were categorized by anatomic facial regions as upper (32.5%), middle (53%) and lower face (14.5%). The mean volume of injected fat was 16.9 ml. The mean weighted volume retention of non-enriched grafts was 41.63% at the time of follow up (mean 13.9 months). A total of 104 (2.27%) complications were reported including asymmetry (74), skin irregularities (14), prolonged edema (4), graft hypertrophy (4), fat necrosis (3), infection (2), erythema (1), telangiectasia (1), and activation of acne (1).
CONCLUSION
The present study represents the first systematic review of fat grafting in the facial region, a widely-performed procedure within plastic surgery practice. Importantly, it presents pooled important data such as retained grafting volume and complication rates in this anatomical region, providing clinicians with more accurate information with which to guide their decision-making and patient education.
PubMed: 32158860
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpra.2018.12.004 -
JAMA Network Open Feb 2021Low-dose intradermal influenza vaccines could be a suitable alternative to full intramuscular dose during vaccine shortages. (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
Low-dose intradermal influenza vaccines could be a suitable alternative to full intramuscular dose during vaccine shortages.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the immunogenicity and safety of the influenza vaccine at reduced or full intradermal doses with full intramuscular doses to inform policy design in the event of vaccine shortages.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for studies published from 2010 until June 5, 2020.
STUDY SELECTION
All comparative studies across all ages assessing the immunogenicity or safety of intradermal and intramuscular influenza vaccinations were included.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Data were extracted by a single reviewer and verified by a second reviewer. Discrepancies between reviewers were resolved through consensus. Random-effects meta-analysis was conducted.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Primary outcomes included geometric mean titer, seroconversion, seroprotection, and adverse events.
RESULTS
A total of 30 relevant studies were included; 29 studies were randomized clinical trials with 13 759 total participants, and 1 study was a cohort study of 164 021 participants. There was no statistically significant difference in seroconversion rates between the 3-µg, 6-µg, 7.5-µg, and 9-µg intradermal vaccine doses and the 15-µg intramuscular vaccine dose for each of the H1N1, H3N2, and B strains, but rates were significantly higher with the 15-µg intradermal dose compared with the 15-µg intramuscular dose for the H1N1 strain (rate ratio [RR], 1.10; 95% CI, 1.01-1.20) and B strain (RR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.13-1.73). Seroprotection rates for the 9-µg and 15-µg intradermal doses did not vary significantly compared with the 15-µg intramuscular dose for all the 3 strains, except for the 15-µg intradermal dose for the H1N1 strain, for which rates were significantly higher (RR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01-1.09). Local adverse events were significantly higher with intradermal doses than with the 15-µg intramuscular dose, particularly erythema (3-µg dose: RR, 9.62; 95% CI, 1.07-86.56; 6-µg dose: RR, 23.79; 95% CI, 14.42-39.23; 9-µg dose: RR, 4.56; 95% CI, 3.05-6.82; 15-µg dose: RR, 3.68; 95% CI, 3.19-4.25) and swelling (3-µg dose: RR, 20.16; 95% CI, 4.68-86.82; 9-µg dose: RR, 5.23; 95% CI, 3.58-7.62; 15-µg dose: RR, 3.47 ; 95% CI, 2.21-5.45). Fever and chills were significantly more common with the 9-µg intradermal dose than the 15-µg intramuscular dose (fever: RR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.03-1.80; chills: RR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.03-1.50) while all other systemic adverse events were not statistically significant for all other doses.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
These findings suggest that reduced-dose intradermal influenza vaccination could be a reasonable alternative to standard dose intramuscular vaccination.
Topics: Antibodies, Viral; Chills; Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic; Fever; Hemagglutination Inhibition Tests; Humans; Immunogenicity, Vaccine; Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype; Influenza B virus; Influenza Vaccines; Influenza, Human; Injection Site Reaction; Injections, Intradermal; Injections, Intramuscular; Seroconversion
PubMed: 33560425
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.35693 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Sep 2017Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a long-term complication of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) that is characterised by chronic pain, swelling, and skin changes in the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a long-term complication of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) that is characterised by chronic pain, swelling, and skin changes in the affected limb. One of every three people with DVT will develop post-thrombotic complications within five years. Several non-pharmaceutical measures are used for prevention of post-thrombotic syndrome during the acute phase of DVT. These include elevation of the legs and compression therapy. Clinicians and guidelines differ in their assessment of the utility of compression therapy for treatment of DVT. This is an update of a review first published in 2003.
OBJECTIVES
To determine relative effectiveness and rate of complications when compression therapy is used in people with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) for prevention of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS).
SEARCH METHODS
For this update, the Cochrane Vascular Information Specialist (CIS) searched the Cochrane Vascular Specialised Register (20 March 2017) and CENTRAL (2017, Issue 2). The CIS also searched trial registries for details of ongoing or unpublished studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) of compression therapy, such as bandaging and elastic stockings, in people with clinically confirmed DVT. The primary outcome was the occurrence of PTS.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors (DK and EvL) identified and assessed titles and abstracts for relevance, and a third review author (DA) verified this assessment independently. Review authors imposed no restrictions on date or language of publications. Three review authors (DA, DK, EvL) used data extraction sheets to independently extract study data. We resolved disagreements by discussion.
MAIN RESULTS
We identified 10 RCTs with a total of 2361 participants that evaluated compression therapy. The overall methodological quality of these trials was low. We used only five studies in meta-analysis owing to differences in intervention types and lack of data. Three studies compared elastic compression stockings (pressure of 30 to 40 mmHg at the ankle) versus no intervention. Two studies compared elastic compression stockings (pressure 20 to 40 mmHg) versus placebo stockings. Overall, use of elastic compression stockings led to a clinically significant reduction in the incidence of PTS (risk ratio (RR) 0.62, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.38 to 1.01; P = 0.05; 1393 participants; 5 studies; low-quality evidence); no reduction in the incidence of severe PTS (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.15; P = 0.21; 1224 participants; 4 studies; low-quality evidence); and no clear difference in DVT recurrence (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.28; 1212 participants; 4 studies; P = 0.69; low-quality evidence). We did not pool data on the incidence of pulmonary embolism because this information was poorly reported, but we observed no differences between groups included in individual studies (low-quality evidence).Two studies evaluated effects of compression in the acute phase versus no compression treatment and found no differences in the incidence of PTS (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.49 to 1.16; P = 0.2; 101 participants). One study reported that thigh-length stockings did not provide better protection against development of PTS than knee-length stockings (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.28; P = 0.6; 267 participants). Another trial reported that wearing compression stockings for two years seemed to be superior to wearing them for one year in terms of PTS incidence.Two of the 10 included studies described patient satisfaction and quality of life (moderate-quality evidence), using different measurement systems. The first study showed significant improvement in well-being and DVT-related quality of life with compression treatment (P < 0.05) compared with bed rest, and the second study showed no differences in quality of life scores between compression and placebo groups. Four studies poorly reported side effects (low-quality evidence) that included itching, erythema, and other forms of allergic reaction and described no serious adverse events. Compliance with wearing of compression stockings was generally high but varied across studies.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Low-quality evidence suggests that elastic compression stockings may reduce the occurrence of PTS after DVT. We downgraded the quality of evidence owing to considerable heterogeneity between studies and lack of or unclear risk of blinding due to clinical assessment scores. No serious adverse effects occurred in these studies. Large randomised controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings because of current lack of high-quality evidence and considerable heterogeneity.
Topics: Bandages; Humans; Postthrombotic Syndrome; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Venous Thrombosis
PubMed: 28950030
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004174.pub3 -
Microorganisms Apr 2023Orf is a highly contagious zoonosis caused by Orf virus (ORFV), which is endemic in sheep and goats worldwide. Human Orf is usually a self-limiting disease, but... (Review)
Review
Orf is a highly contagious zoonosis caused by Orf virus (ORFV), which is endemic in sheep and goats worldwide. Human Orf is usually a self-limiting disease, but potential complications, including immune-mediated reactions, may occur. We included all articles regarding Orf-associated immunological complications published in peer-reviewed medical journals. We conducted a literature search of the United States National Library of Medicine, PubMed, MEDLINE, PubMed Central, PMC, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials. A total of 16 articles and 44 patients were included, prevalently Caucasian (22, 95.7%) and female (22, 57.9%). The prevailing immunological reaction was erythema multiforme (26, 59.1%), followed by bullous pemphigoid (7, 15.9%). In most cases, the diagnosis was made on the basis of clinical and epidemiological history (29, 65.9%), while a biopsy of secondary lesions was performed in 15 patients (34.1%). A total of 12 (27.3%) patients received a local or systemic treatment for primary lesions. Surgical removal of primary lesion was described in two cases (4.5%). Orf-immune-mediated reactions were treated in 22 cases (50.0%), mostly with topical corticosteroids (12, 70.6%). Clinical improvement was reported for all cases. Orf-related immune reactions can have a varied clinical presentation, and it is important for clinicians to be aware of this in order to make a prompt diagnosis. The main highlight of our work is the presentation of complicated Orf from an infectious diseases specialist's point of view. A better understanding of the disease and its complications is essential to achieve the correct management of cases.
PubMed: 37317112
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051138 -
Cureus Jan 2024Oral mucositis (OM) is one of the common side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. It is an extremely painful condition characterized by erythema, edema, and... (Review)
Review
Oral mucositis (OM) is one of the common side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. It is an extremely painful condition characterized by erythema, edema, and ulceration of the oral mucosa. Many plant-based and chemical formulations are used to prevent OM. The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of different black mulberry formulations in chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy-induced OM. A systematic search was performed using PubMed, Excerpta Medica database (Embase), the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases for articles published until March 2023. We have included studies conducted on people undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy and compared the effect of any mulberry formulation with other interventions. Out of 30 articles retrieved, four articles with a cumulative sample size of (N = 297) were included in the review. Mulberry formulations were compared with no intervention, grape molasses, chlorhexidine, and sodium bicarbonate. Out of the four articles, in three articles, mulberry formulations showed a significant decrease in grade 2 and grade 3 OM and also showed better prevention of OM as compared to the other intervention and control groups, and in one article, the grape molasses was more preventive for the occurrence of OM. Mulberry showed a significant decrease in dry mouth. Mulberry showed more improvement in the pain score and quality of life. The incidence and severity were lower in the mulberry group than in other interventions. One article showed less weight loss, and another article showed gradual weight gain from the use of mulberries. From this, we conclude that mulberry is effective for the treatment of OM. Mulberry also shows improvement in the pain score and quality of life.
PubMed: 38361712
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52340