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The Journal of the Association of... Oct 2022Vitiligo is a common depigmenting disorder with significant psychosocial consequences. Vitiligo has been associated with psychological disorders such as depression, low...
OBJECTIVE
Vitiligo is a common depigmenting disorder with significant psychosocial consequences. Vitiligo has been associated with psychological disorders such as depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction (SD). In recent years, there is an increase in the number of studies looking into the impact of vitiligo on sexual functions. This systematic review investigates the assessment and prevalence of SD in vitiligo patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We carried out a systematic search for observational studies on the prevalence of SD in vitiligo patients. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes (PRISMA) guidelines were used to prepare this systematic review. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library databases.
RESULTS
We observed 308 studies for screening. Finally, 12 studies that meet the eligibility criteria were included in this study. The prevalence of SD ranged from 2.7 to 82.0%. Most of the studies used the dermatology life quality index (DLQI) to assess SD. Our findings also show that vitiligo patients were more probably experience symptoms of depression and anxiety, one of the risk factors for SD.
CONCLUSION
Psychological comorbidities are related to a high risk of SD in vitiligo patients. Further prospective longitudinal studies are required to investigate the causal factors for SD in vitiligo patients.
Topics: Vitiligo; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological; Prevalence; Self Concept; Depression; Anxiety; Risk Factors
PubMed: 37355869
DOI: 10.5005/japi-11001-0116 -
Lasers in Medical Science Jun 2023Melasma is a chronic relapsing skin condition. Laser therapy is a new advancement in treatment. Whether the topical application of tranexamic acid (TXA) increases the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Melasma is a chronic relapsing skin condition. Laser therapy is a new advancement in treatment. Whether the topical application of tranexamic acid (TXA) increases the efficacy of laser therapy in melasma is still under debate. With recent studies yielding different results, it was imperative to compile all the available literature systematically. This meta-analysis investigates the effectiveness of a combination therapy of laser plus TXA acid for treating melasma. PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Central, Google Scholar, Scopus, and the International Clinical Trials registry were systematically searched for article retrieval. Screening per PRISMA guidelines was undertaken by two independent reviewers using the Covidance database. Melasma area of severity index (MASI)/modified MASI was used as the clinical improvement outcomes. A total of nine studies that described the combined use of topical tranexamic acid with laser therapy were included for meta-analysis. These studies employed various types of lasers along with topical TXA. The results showed that the combination of both laser therapy and topical TXA significantly decreased the MASI score (P < 0.0001). Subgroup analyses revealed that fractional CO laser among the laser types and monthly laser plus twice daily topical TXA were most effective in decreasing the MASI/mMASI score. The meta-analysis found that combining topical tranexamic acid and laser therapy is an effective and safer treatment option for treatment-resistant melasma. Furthermore, monthly fractional CO laser and daily application of topical tranexamic acid showed high effectiveness and safety.
Topics: Humans; Tranexamic Acid; Carbon Dioxide; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Lasers, Gas; Melanosis; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37326860
DOI: 10.1007/s10103-023-03810-5 -
European Journal of Medical Research Jun 2023Nowadays, laser is the mainstay treatment for cafe-au-lait macules (CALMs), but no systematic review has been published to demonstrate the overall efficacy and it's... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Nowadays, laser is the mainstay treatment for cafe-au-lait macules (CALMs), but no systematic review has been published to demonstrate the overall efficacy and it's still controversial which type of laser is optimal. Thus, we conduct the meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness and side effects of various types of lasers in treating CALMs. Original articles reporting the efficacy and side effects for CALMs in laser treatment were identified in PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science from 1983 to April 11, 2023. Using R software and the 'meta' package, meta-analysis was conducted for clearance and recurrence for evaluation of efficacy. And the occurrence of hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation rate was pooled for safety evaluation. We used RoB2 and ROBINS-I tools to assess the risks of bias in RCT studies and non-RCT studies, respectively. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system was used to assess the quality of the evidence. Nineteen studies involving 991 patients were included, which had a very low to moderate quality of evidence. The pooled 75% clearance rate was 43.3% (95% CI 31.8-54.7%, I = 96%), 50% clearance rate was 75% (95% CI 62.2-85.9%, I = 89%) and the recurrence rate was 13% (95% CI 3.2-26.5%, I = 88%). The pooled hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation rates were 1.2% (95% CI 0.3-2.1%, I = 0%) and 1.2% (95% CI 0.3-2%, I = 0%), respectively. Subgroup analysis revealed that QS-1064-nm Nd:YAG laser treatment not only achieved more than 75% clearance rate in 50.9% of patients (95% CI 26.9-74.4%, I = 90%) but also resulted in the lowest hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation rate of 0.5% (95% CI 0.0-2.5%, I = 26%) and 0.4% (95% CI 0.0-2.5%, I = 0%). To draw a conclusion, the laser treatment could reach an overall clearance rate of 50% for 75% of the patients with CALMs, for 43.3% of the patients, the clearance rate could reach 75%. When looking at different wavelength subgroups, QS-1064-nm Nd:YAG laser exhibited the best treatment capability. Laser of all the wavelength subgroups presented acceptable safety regarding of the low occurrence of side effects, namely, hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation.
Topics: Humans; Treatment Outcome; Lasers, Solid-State; Cafe-au-Lait Spots; Hypopigmentation; Hyperpigmentation
PubMed: 37291616
DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01143-1 -
Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology 2023Compound glycyrrhizin (CG) is widely used to treat vitiligo in China, and the efficacy and adverse events (AEs) of CG for vitiligo need further analysis. This study... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Compound glycyrrhizin (CG) is widely used to treat vitiligo in China, and the efficacy and adverse events (AEs) of CG for vitiligo need further analysis. This study aimed to systematically reevaluate the efficacy and safety of CG in the patients with vitiligo.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Eight literature databases were searched up to 31 December 2022, and randomized controlled trials which compared CG plus conventional treatments with conventional treatments alone were included.
RESULTS
17 studies with 1492 patients were included. The pooled results showed that the combination of CG and conventional treatments was superior to conventional treatments alone in the total efficacy rate (risk ratio (RR) = 1.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.40 to 1.69, < 0.00001), cure rate (RR = 1.62, 95%CI = 1.32 to 1.99, < 0.00001), the levels of serum IL-6, TNF-α, IL-17, and TGF-ß, and the ratio of CD4/CD8 T cell in blood. Moreover, few patients suffered from the mild and tolerable AEs of CG.
CONCLUSIONS
CG plus conventional treatments is an effective treatment for vitiligo with mild and tolerable AEs. More high-quality and large-sample studies are required in the future to provide more evidence of CG for vitiligo.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION
CRD42023401166.
Topics: Humans; Vitiligo; Glycyrrhizic Acid; Treatment Outcome; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Psoriasis
PubMed: 37218470
DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2023.2213887 -
The Journal of Dermatology Aug 2023As the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus continues to infect patients globally, vaccination remains one of the primary methods to combat...
As the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus continues to infect patients globally, vaccination remains one of the primary methods to combat this prolonged pandemic. However, there are growing reports of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines possibly triggering autoimmunity, irrespective of the vaccine's design. This phenomenon has been observed in patients with vitiligo, with a rising number of cases reporting new-onset or worsening vitiligo following COVID-19 vaccinations. In this study, the authors present the most extensive case series of COVID-19 vaccine-associated vitiligo to date, along with a systematic review of the literature. The aim is to assist physicians in the clinical evaluation of patients with vitiligo with regard to future vaccinations.
Topics: Humans; Vitiligo; COVID-19 Vaccines; Cross-Sectional Studies; Tertiary Care Centers; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Hypopigmentation; Vaccination
PubMed: 37186102
DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.16799 -
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology Jul 2023Vitamin C is a micronutrient present in high concentrations in normal skin and a highly prescribed cosmeceutical, well known for protecting against ultraviolet-induced... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Vitamin C is a micronutrient present in high concentrations in normal skin and a highly prescribed cosmeceutical, well known for protecting against ultraviolet-induced pigmentation and regulating collagen production. However, there is a lack of studies evaluating the efficacy of topical vitamin C in photoaging and melasma, with this systematic review being the first to assess the existing evidence.
AIM
This systematic review aims to assess whether topical vitamin C could be effective in reversing photoaging signs and treating melasma.
METHODS
Prospective, randomized controlled trials assessing protocols with topically applied vitamin C in patients with melasma or photodamage were searched in Medline, CENTRAL, and Scopus databases until the 12th of May 2022. Risk of bias was conducted in accordance with Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing the risk of bias in randomized trials, using RevMan 5.0.
RESULTS
Seven publications were included, with 139 volunteers in total. Studies that evaluated the topography of skin indicated that the treated skin appeared smoother and less wrinkled, which was supported by biopsies data. On objective assessments of pigmentation, there was a significant lightening of the skin treated. Hydration improved equally in the vitamin C and placebo-treated sites.
CONCLUSIONS
This study revealed that vitamin C is effective in treating uneven, wrinkled skin and has depigmenting properties, but long-term use may be needed to achieve noticeable changes. Q-switched Nd:YAG laser-associated protocols appear beneficial in enhancing vitamin C effects. Topical vitamin C may be a suitable alternative for melasma and photoaging, but more studies are needed to confirm these results and assess the ideal vitamin C concentration.
Topics: Humans; Ascorbic Acid; Skin Aging; Prospective Studies; Melanosis; Skin; Vitamins; Lasers, Solid-State; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37128827
DOI: 10.1111/jocd.15748 -
Skin Research and Technology : Official... Mar 2023Cutaneous malignant melanoma (MM) is potentially aggressive, and numerous clinically suspicious pigmented skin lesions are excised, causing unnecessary mutilation for... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Cutaneous malignant melanoma (MM) is potentially aggressive, and numerous clinically suspicious pigmented skin lesions are excised, causing unnecessary mutilation for patients at high healthcare costs, but without histopathological evidence of MM. The high number of excisions may be lowered by using more accurate diagnostics. Tape stripping (TS) of clinically suspicious lesions is a non-invasive diagnostic test of MM that can potentially lower the number needed to biopsy/excise.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The aim is to determine the diagnostic accuracy of TS in detecting MM in clinically suspicious pigmented skin lesions. This systematic review following PRISMA guidelines searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase (September 2022) using melanoma combined with tape stripping, adhesive patch(es), pigmented lesion assay, or epidermal genetic information retrieval.
RESULTS
Ten studies were included. Sensitivity ranged from 68.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 51.5, 82.1) to 100% (95% CI 91.0, 100). Specificity ranged from 69.1% (95% CI 63.8, 74.0) to 100% (95% CI 78.5, 100). A pooled analysis of five studies testing the RNA markers LINC00518 and PRAME found a sensitivity of 86.9% (95% CI 81.7, 90.8) and a specificity of 82.4% (95% CI 80.8, 83.9).
CONCLUSION
Overall quality of studies was low, and the reliability of sensitivity and specificity is questionable. However, TS may supplement well-established diagnostic methods as pooled analysis of five studies indicates a moderate sensitivity. Future studies are needed to obtain more reliable data as independent studies with no conflict of interest.
Topics: Humans; Antigens, Neoplasm; Biopsy; Melanoma; Pigmentation Disorders; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity; Skin Neoplasms; Surgical Tape; Melanoma, Cutaneous Malignant
PubMed: 36973976
DOI: 10.1111/srt.13286 -
BMC Ophthalmology Mar 2023Vitiligo is a disorder characterized by loss of epidermal melanocytes, resulting in depigmented macules and patches. While the relationship between ocular pathology and...
Vitiligo is a disorder characterized by loss of epidermal melanocytes, resulting in depigmented macules and patches. While the relationship between ocular pathology and vitiligo has been demonstrated in conditions such as Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada and Alezzandrini syndromes, the ocular associations of non-syndromic vitiligo are incompletely understood. We conducted a systematic review to comprehensively describe the structural and functional changes seen in the eyes of patients with vitiligo, to identify patients at heightened risk for ocular disease, and to provide an approach to management of ocular manifestations of vitiligo. Overall, the strongest link between vitiligo and ocular pathology seems to lie with dry eye disease and pigmentary abnormalities of various ocular structures, especially the retinal pigment epithelium. Normal-tension glaucoma may also be more prevalent in the vitiligo population. The available literature did not provide conclusive evidence for increased risk of cataracts or uveitis. Aside from the impact of symptomatic dry eye disease, it seems unlikely that there are significant functional consequences of these ocular manifestations such as impaired visual acuity or visual fields.
Topics: Humans; Vitiligo; Uveomeningoencephalitic Syndrome; Eye; Uveitis; Cataract
PubMed: 36973683
DOI: 10.1186/s12886-023-02777-9 -
Lasers in Medical Science Mar 2023Multiple laser modalities have been used for melasma treatment. However, the effectiveness of picosecond laser in treating melasma remains unclear. This meta-analysis... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Multiple laser modalities have been used for melasma treatment. However, the effectiveness of picosecond laser in treating melasma remains unclear. This meta-analysis investigated the effectiveness and safety of picosecond laser for melasma treatment. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing picosecond laser with conventional treatment for melasma were searched through five databases. The melasma area severity index (MASI)/modified MASI (mMASI) was used to quantify the degree of melasma improvement. Standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using Review Manager for result standardization. Six RCTs, which used picosecond laser at 1064, 755, 595, and 532 nm wavelengths, were included herein. Picosecond laser significantly reduced the MASI/mMASI, but the results were highly heterogeneous (P = 0.008, I = 70%). In the subgroup analysis of 1064 and 755 nm picosecond lasers, 1064 nm picosecond laser significantly reduced the MASI/mMASI with no significant side effects (P = 0.04). Meanwhile, 755 nm picosecond laser did not significantly improve the MASI/mMASI compared with topical hypopigmentation agents (P = 0.08) and caused post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Other laser wavelengths could not be used in the subgroup analysis owing to an insufficient sample size. Picosecond laser at 1064 nm is safe and effective for melasma treatment. Picosecond laser at 755 nm is not superior to topical hypopigmentation agents in treating melasma. The exact efficacy of other wavelengths of picosecond laser for melasma treatment remains to be verified in large-scale RCTs.
Topics: Humans; Lasers, Solid-State; Melanosis; Hyperpigmentation; Combined Modality Therapy; Hypopigmentation; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 36897459
DOI: 10.1007/s10103-023-03744-y -
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Aug 2023The efficacy and safety evaluation of the transplantation of autologous fat, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stromal vascular fraction (SVF) in acne scars has not been... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Efficacy and Safety of Transplantation of Autologous Fat, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF) in the Treatment of Acne Scar: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
The efficacy and safety evaluation of the transplantation of autologous fat, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stromal vascular fraction (SVF) in acne scars has not been completely unified. This article will analyze and process the data of the included studies through evidence-based medicine to evaluate the efficacy and safety of autologous fat grafting, PRP and SVF for acne scar treatment, so as to provide treatment basis and strategy for the clinical treatment of acne scars.
METHODS
We searched the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library databases, CNKI, Wanfang and CQVIP databases for studies published during the time between the establishment of the databases through October 2022. We included studies that report autologous fat grafting, SVF and PRP for patients with acne scars. We excluded repeated publication, researches without full text, incomplete information or inability to conduct data extraction and animal experiments, case report, reviews and systematic reviews. STATA 15.1 software was used to analyze the data.
RESULTS
The findings showed that fat grafting had excellent improvement, marked improvement, moderate improvement and mild improvement rates of 36%, 27%, 18% and 18%, respectively, PRP had excellent improvement, marked improvement, moderate improvement and mild improvement rates of 0%, 26%, 47% and 25%, respectively, and the SVF had excellent improvement, marked improvement, moderate improvement and mild improvement rates of 73%, 25%, 3% and 0%, respectively. Additionally, the pooled results showed that there was no significant difference between PRP treatment and pre-treatment in Goodman and Baron scale score. However, Shetty et al. reported that Goodman and Baron scale score after fat grafting was significantly lower than pre-treatment. The results also showed that after fat grafting treatment, incidence of pain after fat grafting was 70%. After PRP treatment, in addition to pain (17%), there is a higher probability of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (17%) and hematoma (6%). After SVF treatment, the incidence of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and hematoma was all 0%.
CONCLUSION
Autologous fat grafting, PRP and SVF are effective for the treatment of acne scars, and the safety of autologous fat grafting, PRP and SVF is acceptable. Autologous fat grafting and SVF may be a better treatment for acne scars than PRP. However, this hypothesis still needs to be tested in the future large randomized controlled trials.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III
This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
Topics: Humans; Cicatrix; Treatment Outcome; Stromal Vascular Fraction; Acne Vulgaris; Platelet-Rich Plasma; Hyperpigmentation
PubMed: 36881139
DOI: 10.1007/s00266-023-03295-1