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JCEM Case Reports Jun 2024Patients with newly diagnosed Graves disease often elect for treatment with the drug methimazole (MMI) over alternative therapies. However, MMI can commonly result in...
Patients with newly diagnosed Graves disease often elect for treatment with the drug methimazole (MMI) over alternative therapies. However, MMI can commonly result in skin allergy that in severe cases can lead to discontinuation of therapy. We present a case of Graves thyrotoxicosis with a delayed hypersensitivity reaction while on MMI. The patient was successfully treated with a novel, individualized, 27-day desensitization protocol that resulted in tolerance of MMI with subsequent improvement in thyroid indices. Previous literature has offered various rapid desensitization protocols to MMI for immediate type hypersensitivity reactions. However, in nonimmediate, delayed hypersensitivity reactions, a slower desensitization protocol can be considered. As demonstrated in this case, desensitization to MMI is a reasonable alternative in patients who wish to avoid definitive therapy who develop an initial adverse reaction to MMI, as this can occur in up to 13% of treated cases.
PubMed: 38803510
DOI: 10.1210/jcemcr/luae066 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2024While typically low-risk, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) can infrequently progress to metastatic disease with in-transit lesions, localized to the dermis or...
While typically low-risk, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) can infrequently progress to metastatic disease with in-transit lesions, localized to the dermis or subcutaneous tissue between the primary tumor and draining regional lymph nodes. These lesions are associated with poor prognostic values, including decreased survival rates and increased risk of recurrence. We present the case of a 75-year-old male with cSCC and in-transit metastases on his scalp treated with the immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) pembrolizumab in conjunction with diphencyprone (DPCP), a topical hapten that induces a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction in the skin. The patient was enrolled in a clinical trial (NCT05481658) that involved the twice-weekly application of DPCP 0.04% ointment to four of the in-transit metastases on his frontal scalp, concurrent with pembrolizumab 300 mg administered every three weeks. Following effective sensitization and a twelve-week treatment course, complete clearance of all lesions, DPCP-treated and non-DPCP treated, was achieved, with no adverse events. The immunologic profiles of the post-treatment biopsies were analyzed by TaqMan Low Density Array quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction to measure immune marker gene expression. Relative to the non-DPCP-treated lesion, the DPCP-treated lesion demonstrated increased pro-inflammatory genetic markers and T-cell activation. This case represents the first reported instance of in-transit metastases of cSCC successfully treated with DPCP and an ICI. It highlights the potential safety and efficacy of DPCP with systemic immunotherapy for the management of in-transit metastases of cSCC in patients for whom surgery and radiation may be contraindicated.
PubMed: 38800408
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1294331 -
Occupational Medicine (Oxford, England) Jun 2024Sarcoidosis is a rare, multisystem, inflammatory condition associated with the formation of granulomas. Diagnosis can be challenging because of non-specific symptoms... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Sarcoidosis is a rare, multisystem, inflammatory condition associated with the formation of granulomas. Diagnosis can be challenging because of non-specific symptoms complicating epidemiological investigations of its aetiology. Despite research efforts, a review of the current state of the evidence is needed.
AIMS
To assess the evidence for an association between occupational exposures and the development of sarcoidosis. To determine if workers in any occupation are at a greater risk of developing sarcoidosis.
METHODS
This rapid review follows the methodology suggested by the World Health Organization. Two electronic databases were systematically searched until April 2022. The methodological quality of the studies was critically appraised, and a best-evidence approach was used to synthesize the results.
RESULTS
Titles and abstracts of 2916 articles were screened, with 67 full-text articles reviewed for eligibility. Among the 13 studies eligible for this review, none were of high quality (i.e. low risk of bias). Six studies exploring the association between sarcoidosis and a range of occupations and exposures, and one previous systematic review were of low quality reporting inconsistent findings. Six studies examined the risk of sarcoidosis associated with occupational silica exposure, two of which were of acceptable quality. Overall, the study methodologies and results were inadequate to support causal relationships.
CONCLUSIONS
There is limited evidence of acceptable methodological quality to assess the risk of sarcoidosis associated with occupational exposures. There is a growing body of research examining occupational exposure to silica and sarcoidosis. Additional high-quality confirmatory research is needed.
Topics: Humans; Occupational Exposure; Sarcoidosis; Occupational Diseases
PubMed: 38776441
DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqae016 -
Cureus Apr 2024Surgically induced necrotizing scleritis (SINS) is a rare delayed hypersensitivity reaction following ocular surgeries, characterized by pain and redness at the surgical...
Surgically induced necrotizing scleritis (SINS) is a rare delayed hypersensitivity reaction following ocular surgeries, characterized by pain and redness at the surgical site. While commonly reported in various ocular surgeries, its occurrence after vitreoretinal procedures remains infrequent. We present a case of a 61-year-old diabetic male who developed progressive scleral melting and uveal exposure two months after an uneventful 23-gauge vitrectomy for retinal detachment. The infectious and immunologic profile was negative. Despite aggressive medical and surgical interventions, the patient exhibited advancing scleral melting. The diagnostic challenge lies in determining the relative contributions of trauma, epithelial breakdown, immune activation, and infection in these patients. Our patient's uncontrolled diabetes potentially aggravated vascular disruption, contributing to delayed wound healing and immune complex deposition. The treatment involved topical steroids with broad-spectrum antibiotics, followed by conjunctival flap and oral corticosteroids. This case underscores the importance of early diagnosis, cautious immunosuppression, and thorough infection evaluation in managing postoperative scleritis. The limitations include a single culture test and the patient being lost to follow-up.
PubMed: 38770509
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58652 -
Journal of the American Academy of... May 2024
PubMed: 38762011
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2024.05.018 -
Clinical Neurophysiology : Official... Jul 2024Infant hypersensitivity affects daily challenges and parental stress. Although the crucial role of tactile sensation in infants' brain function has been highlighted,...
OBJECTIVE
Infant hypersensitivity affects daily challenges and parental stress. Although the crucial role of tactile sensation in infants' brain function has been highlighted, hypersensitive infants and their families lack support. Electroencephalography may be useful for understanding hypersensitivity traits. We investigated the relationship between infant perceptual hypersensitivity and parental stress, somatosensory-evoked potential (SEP), and magnitude-squared coherence (MSC) in the general population.
METHODS
Infants aged 8 months (n = 63) were evaluated for hypersensitivity and parental stress using a questionnaire and for cortical activity using electroencephalography. Vibration stimuli were applied to the infant's left foot. SEP components that peaked around 150 ms (N2) and at 200 ms (P2) after stimulus onset were evaluated by amplitude and latency at the midline electrode (Cz) and MSC between the midline electrodes (C3-C4).
RESULTS
Parental stress was associated with infant hypersensitivity. The latency of Cz was delayed, and C3-C4 delta MSC was high in infants with hypersensitivity.
CONCLUSIONS
Increasing inter-hemispheric MSC synchrony in the stimulated condition in infants with hypersensitivity suggested atypical somatosensory cortical function.
SIGNIFICANCE
These findings contribute to identifying, understanding the mechanisms of, and developing effective coping strategies for early-stage hypersensitivity.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Infant; Electroencephalography; Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory; Parents; Stress, Psychological; Somatosensory Cortex; Hypersensitivity
PubMed: 38759514
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2024.04.015 -
Allergologie Select 2024Allergic contact dermatitis is one of the most frequent occupational skin diseases. Targeted allergen avoidance can only be achieved by identification of the causative... (Review)
Review
Allergic contact dermatitis is one of the most frequent occupational skin diseases. Targeted allergen avoidance can only be achieved by identification of the causative allergen. Therefore, patch testing is of utmost importance in occupational dermatology, not only in terms of assessing causal relationships but also regarding the implementation of prevention measures and evaluation of the legal criteria for an occupational skin disease in Germany (statutory occupational disease BK 5101). The lack of commercial patch test preparations poses a great diagnostic challenge. Patch testing of patient's own materials from their workplace is therefore very important to reduce diagnostic gaps. The performance and documentation of the patch test should be in line with current guidelines and recommendations to ensure the necessary test quality and comprehensibility of the test results.
PubMed: 38756208
DOI: 10.5414/ALX2483E -
Food and Chemical Toxicology : An... Jul 2024Wearable devices are in contact with the skin for extended periods. As such, the device constituents should be evaluated for their skin sensitization potential, and a...
Wearable devices are in contact with the skin for extended periods. As such, the device constituents should be evaluated for their skin sensitization potential, and a Point of Departure (PoD) should be derived to conduct a proper risk assessment. Without historical in vivo data, the PoD must be derived with New Approach Methods (NAMs). To accomplish this, regression models trained on LLNA data that use data inputs from OECD-validated in vitro tests were used to derive a predicted EC3 value, the LLNA value used to classify skin sensitization potency, for three adhesive monomers (Isobornyl acrylate (IBOA), N, N- Dimethylacrylamide (NNDMA), and Acryloylmorpholine (ACMO) and one dye (Solvent Orange 60 (SO60)). These chemicals can be used as constituents of wearable devices and have been associated with causing allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). Using kinetic DPRA and KeratinoSens™ data, the PoDs obtained with the regression model were 180, 215, 1535, and 8325 μg/cm for IBOA, SO60, ACMO, and NNDMA, respectively. The PoDs derived with the regression model using NAMs data will enable a proper skin sensitization risk assessment without using animals.
Topics: Wearable Electronic Devices; Humans; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Risk Assessment; Skin; Acrylates; Adhesives
PubMed: 38744418
DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2024.114725 -
Cureus Apr 2024A 59-year-old male, with a history of angiogram via the left radial artery during the workup for multi-trauma, presented to the hand clinic with a 14-day history of...
A 59-year-old male, with a history of angiogram via the left radial artery during the workup for multi-trauma, presented to the hand clinic with a 14-day history of progressive critical ischemia in the left thumb and index finger, along with dry gangrene of the distal index fingertip. Radial artery occlusion was confirmed on imaging. The patient underwent radial artery thrombectomy, arterial reconstruction with vein graft, and amputation of the index fingertip. Postoperatively, perfusion to the thumb and index finger was restored, resulting in the resolution of associated pain and hypersensitivity. This case demonstrates the delayed presentation of ischemia following radial artery cannulation, which was successfully managed with radial artery thrombectomy and a saphenous vein graft.
PubMed: 38741851
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58214 -
Cureus Apr 2024Allergy to hair products is an increasingly common issue among people given the exposure to these products on a daily basis. Allergic reactions could be in the form of... (Review)
Review
Allergy to hair products is an increasingly common issue among people given the exposure to these products on a daily basis. Allergic reactions could be in the form of delayed-type contact dermatitis or the form of immediate-type hypersensitivity reactions. Hair products contain many ingredients and chemicals that patients may have allergies to, but common allergens are hair dyes, fragrances, persulfate salts, ammonium thioglycolate, coconut fatty acid derivatives, and acrylates. Allergy to hair dye is the most common followed by other allergens such as fragrances and persulfate salts. We discussed testing for hair dye allergy along with suggestions for alternative hair dyes that patients may use. Allergy to topical scalp medications is also seen in patients using those products. Allergy to topical minoxidil is seen more often due to the increased use of minoxidil sprays and foams among patients to increase hair growth. We will discuss in this review the diagnosis and alternatives for patients with minoxidil allergy. Hairdressers are at higher risk of allergy to hair products compared to the general population due to prolonged exposure to allergens and specific measures should be implemented to minimize the hazards of exposure.
PubMed: 38738072
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58054