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The Journal of Dermatological Treatment Jun 2022Melasma is a common chronic refractory disorder of pigmentation affecting people with darker skin types. Overall prevalence varies between 8.8% and 40%, depending on the... (Review)
Review
Melasma is a common chronic refractory disorder of pigmentation affecting people with darker skin types. Overall prevalence varies between 8.8% and 40%, depending on the ethnicity of the population and the geographical area. Therapeutic management of melasma is challenging, with high recurrence rates which significant impacts on the quality of life. No single treatment is universally efficacious. Systemic treatments with tranexamic acid and polypodium leucotmatous had promising results, although the former was related to systemic side effects. Microneedling and peeling were also efficacious, although their superiority to topical hydroquinone, the gold standard in melasma treatment, remains to be established. Similarly, laser and light devices have been beneficial. However, recurrence rates remain high in all treatment groups. Combination therapies, either in double or triple combinations yielded the best results when compared to single terapies. Treatment choice should be made after Wood's lamp examination, as well as dermatoscopic evaluation, in order to select the best treatment option, targeted at each melasma subtype.
Topics: Administration, Cutaneous; Humans; Melanosis; Quality of Life; Tranexamic Acid; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33849384
DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2021.1914313 -
Acta Dermato-venereologica Jul 2017Tranexamic acid is a novel treatment option for melasma; however, there is no consensus on its use. This systematic review searched major databases for relevant... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Tranexamic acid is a novel treatment option for melasma; however, there is no consensus on its use. This systematic review searched major databases for relevant publications to March 2016. Eleven studies with 667 participants were included. Pooled data from tranexamic acid-only observational studies with pre- and post-treatment Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) showed a decrease of 1.60 in MASI (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.20-2.00; p<0.001) after treat-ment with tranexamic acid. The addition of tranexamic acid to routine treatment modalities resulted in a further decrease in MASI of 0.94 (95% CI 0.10-1.79; p = 0.03). Side-effects were minor, with a few cases reporting hypo-menorrhoea, mild abdominal discomfort, and transient skin irritation. These results support the efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid, either alone or as an adjuvant to routine treatment modalities for melasma.
Topics: Chi-Square Distribution; Dermatologic Agents; Humans; Keratinocytes; Melanins; Melanocytes; Melanosis; Severity of Illness Index; Skin Pigmentation; Tranexamic Acid; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 28374042
DOI: 10.2340/00015555-2668 -
BMC Medicine Aug 2022During the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been concerns regarding potential bias in pulse oximetry measurements for people with high levels of skin pigmentation. We... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been concerns regarding potential bias in pulse oximetry measurements for people with high levels of skin pigmentation. We systematically reviewed the effects of skin pigmentation on the accuracy of oxygen saturation measurement by pulse oximetry (SpO) compared with the gold standard SaO measured by CO-oximetry.
METHODS
We searched Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, EBSCO CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, and WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (up to December 2021) for studies with SpO-SaO comparisons and measuring the impact of skin pigmentation or ethnicity on pulse oximetry accuracy. We performed meta-analyses for mean bias (the primary outcome in this review) and its standard deviations (SDs) across studies included for each subgroup of skin pigmentation and ethnicity and used these pooled mean biases and SDs to calculate accuracy root-mean-square (A) and 95% limits of agreement. The review was registered with the Open Science Framework ( https://osf.io/gm7ty ).
RESULTS
We included 32 studies (6505 participants): 15 measured skin pigmentation and 22 referred to ethnicity. Compared with standard SaO measurement, pulse oximetry probably overestimates oxygen saturation in people with the high level of skin pigmentation (pooled mean bias 1.11%; 95% confidence interval 0.29 to 1.93%) and people described as Black/African American (1.52%; 0.95 to 2.09%) (moderate- and low-certainty evidence). The bias of pulse oximetry measurements for people with other levels of skin pigmentation or those from other ethnic groups is either more uncertain or suggests no overestimation. Whilst the extent of mean bias is small or negligible for all subgroups evaluated, the associated imprecision is unacceptably large (pooled SDs > 1%). When the extent of measurement bias and precision is considered jointly, pulse oximetry measurements for all the subgroups appear acceptably accurate (with A < 4%).
CONCLUSIONS
Pulse oximetry may overestimate oxygen saturation in people with high levels of skin pigmentation and people whose ethnicity is reported as Black/African American, compared with SaO. The extent of overestimation may be small in hospital settings but unknown in community settings. REVIEW PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: https://osf.io/gm7ty.
Topics: COVID-19; Humans; Oximetry; Oxygen; Oxygen Saturation; Pandemics; Skin Pigmentation
PubMed: 35971142
DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02452-8 -
Journal of Alternative and... Oct 2020The aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to describe the status on the effects of physical scar treatments on pain, pigmentation, pliability, pruritus,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to describe the status on the effects of physical scar treatments on pain, pigmentation, pliability, pruritus, scar thickening, and surface area. Systematic review and meta-analysis. Adults with any kind of scar tissue. Physical scar management versus control or no scar management. Pain, pigmentation, pliability, pruritus, surface area, scar thickness. The overall results revealed that physical scar management is beneficial compared with the control treatment regarding the management of pain ( = 0.012), pruritus ( < 0.001), pigmentation ( = 0.010), pliability ( < 0.001), surface area ( < 0.001), and thickness ( = 0.022) of scar tissue in adults. The observed risk of bias was high for blinding of participants and personnel (47%) and low for other bias (100%). Physical scar management demonstrates moderate-to-strong effects on improvement of scar issues as related to signs and symptoms. These results show the importance of specific physical management of scar tissue.
Topics: Cicatrix; Female; Humans; Male; Pigmentation Disorders; Postoperative Complications; Pruritus; Wound Healing
PubMed: 32589450
DOI: 10.1089/acm.2020.0109 -
European Journal of Dermatology : EJD Oct 2016Taxanes (docetaxel and paclitaxel) are among the most commonly prescribed anticancer drugs approved for the treatment of metastatic or locally advanced breast, non-small... (Review)
Review
Taxanes (docetaxel and paclitaxel) are among the most commonly prescribed anticancer drugs approved for the treatment of metastatic or locally advanced breast, non-small cell lung, prostate, gastric, head and neck, and ovarian cancers, as well as in the adjuvant setting for operable node-positive breast cancers. Although the true incidence of dermatological adverse events (AEs) in patients receiving taxanes is not known, and has never been prospectively analysed, they clearly represent one of the major AEs associated with these agents. With an increase in the occurrence of cutaneous AEs during treatment with novel targeted and immunological therapies when used in combination with taxanes, a thorough understanding of reactions attributable to this class is imperative. Moreover, identification and management of dermatological AEs is critical for maintaining the quality of life in cancer patients and for minimizing dose modifications of their antineoplastic regimen. This analysis represents a systematic review of the dermatological conditions reported with the use of these drugs, complemented by experience at comprehensive cancer centres. The conditions reported herein include skin, hair, and nail toxicities. Lastly, we describe the dermatological data available for the new, recently FDA-and EMA- approved, solvent-free nab-paclitaxel.
Topics: Alopecia; Antineoplastic Agents; Docetaxel; Drug Eruptions; Edema; Humans; Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous; Nail Diseases; Paclitaxel; Pigmentation Disorders; Radiodermatitis; Taxoids
PubMed: 27550571
DOI: 10.1684/ejd.2016.2833 -
Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews Jan 2020Skin pigmentation is a result of melanin produced by melanocytes in the epidermis. Melanocyte activity, along with the type and distribution of melanins, is the main...
Skin pigmentation is a result of melanin produced by melanocytes in the epidermis. Melanocyte activity, along with the type and distribution of melanins, is the main driver for diversity of skin pigmentation. Dark melanin acts to protect against the deleterious effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, including photo-aging and skin cancer formation. In turn, UV radiation activates skin melanocytes to induce further pigmentation (i.e., "tanning pathway"). The well-characterized MSH/MC1R-cAMP-MITF pathway regulates UV-induced melanization. Pharmacologic activation of this pathway ("sunless tanning") represents a potential strategy for skin cancer prevention, particularly in those with light skin or the "red hair" phenotype who tan poorly after UV exposure due to MC1R inactivating polymorphisms. Skin hyperpigmentation can also occur as a result of inflammatory processes and dermatological disorders such as melasma. While primarily of cosmetic concern, these conditions can dramatically impact quality of life of affected patients. Several topical agents are utilized to treat skin pigmentation disorders. Here, we review melanogenesis induced by UV exposure and the agents that target this pathway.
Topics: Administration, Cutaneous; Cyclic AMP; Dermatologic Agents; Drug Delivery Systems; Humans; Melanins; Pigmentation Disorders; Protein Kinases; Skin Pigmentation; Ultraviolet Rays
PubMed: 32092380
DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.02.002 -
JAMA Dermatology Jul 2017References to the expected treatment response to phototherapy would be helpful in the management of vitiligo because phototherapy requires long treatment durations over... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
IMPORTANCE
References to the expected treatment response to phototherapy would be helpful in the management of vitiligo because phototherapy requires long treatment durations over several months.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the treatment response of vitiligo to phototherapy.
DATA SOURCES
A comprehensive database search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library from inception to January 26, 2016, was performed for all prospective studies. The main keywords used were vitiligo, phototherapy, psoralen, PUVA, ultraviolet, NBUVB, and narrowband.
STUDY SELECTION
All prospective studies reporting phototherapy outcome for at least 10 participants with generalized vitiligo were included. Of 319 studies initially identified, the full texts of 141 studies were assessed for eligibility, and 35 were finally included in the analysis. Of these, 29 studies included 1201 patients undergoing narrowband UV-B (NBUVB) phototherapy, and 9 included 227 patients undergoing psoralen-UV-A (PUVA) phototherapy.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Two reviewers independently extracted the following data: study design, number and characteristics of the participants, phototherapy protocol, and rate of repigmentation based on the quartile scale. Single-arm meta-analyses were performed for the NBUVB and PUVA groups. Sample size-weighted means were calculated using a random-effects model for the repigmentation rates of the included studies.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
The primary outcomes were at least mild (≥25%), at least moderate (≥50%), and marked (≥75%) responses on a quartile scale. Response rates were calculated as the number of participants who showed the corresponding repigmentation divided by the number of all participants enrolled in the individual studies.
RESULTS
The meta-analysis included 35 unique studies (1428 unique patients). For NBUVB phototherapy, an at least mild response occurred in 62.1% (95% CI, 46.9%-77.3%) of 130 patients in 3 studies at 3 months, 74.2% (95% CI, 68.5%-79.8%) of 232 patients in 11 studies at 6 months, and 75.0% (95% CI, 60.9%-89.2%) of 512 patients in 8 studies at 12 months. A marked response was achieved in 13.0% (95% CI, 2.1%-23.9%) of 106 patients in 2 studies at 3 months, 19.2% (95% CI, 11.4%-27.0%) of 266 patients in 13 studies at 6 months, and 35.7% (95% CI, 21.5%-49.9%) of 540 patients in 9 studies at 12 months. For PUVA phototherapy, an at least mild response occurred in 51.4% (95% CI, 28.1%-74.7%) of 103 patients in 4 studies at 6 months and 61.6% (95% CI, 20.2%-100%) of 72 patients in 3 studies at 12 months. In the subgroup analyses, marked responses were achieved on the face and neck in 44.2% (95% CI, 24.2%-64.2%), on the trunk in 26.1% (95% CI, 8.7%-43.5%), on the extremities in 17.3% (95% CI, 8.2%-26.5%), and on the hands and feet in none after at least 6 months of NBUVB phototherapy.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Long-duration phototherapy should be encouraged to enhance the treatment response in vitiligo. The greatest response is anticipated on the face and neck.
Topics: Humans; PUVA Therapy; Photosensitizing Agents; Phototherapy; Skin Pigmentation; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Ultraviolet Therapy; Vitiligo
PubMed: 28355423
DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2017.0002 -
Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial... 2020Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is used as a treatment modality in depigmentation of hyperpigmented spots on the skin and gingiva. This systematic review... (Review)
Review
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is used as a treatment modality in depigmentation of hyperpigmented spots on the skin and gingiva. This systematic review discusses the studies conducted to assess the effect of Vitamin C on melanin pigmentation. The primary objective was to evaluate the effect of Vitamin C on melanin pigmentation. The secondary objective was to analyze the effect of Vitamin C administration on melanin pigmentation. An electronic database search was conducted from the following databases: PubMed, EBSCOhost, ScienceOpen, EMBASE and Google Scholar. Randomized controlled trials, experimental studies, case-control studies and cohort studies published in peer-reviewed journals in English language were included. Case reports, case series, animal model studies, studies, studies where Vitamin C was used along with other agents and unpublished research were excluded. Out of 22,580 studies, only 7 studies satisfied the selection criteria. Data extraction sheet was prepared, and the studies were analyzed. Out of the 7 studies analyzed, 1 was a randomized controlled trial and 6 were experimental studies. Vitamin C has been used widely as a depigmenting agent in dermatology. However, there are limited studies conducted on the use of Vitamin C for gingival depigmentation.
PubMed: 33456250
DOI: 10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_207_20 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2022Nowadays, pulse oximetry has become the standard in primary and intensive care units, especially as a triage tool during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, a deeper... (Review)
Review
Nowadays, pulse oximetry has become the standard in primary and intensive care units, especially as a triage tool during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, a deeper understanding of the measurement errors that can affect precise readings is a key element in clinical decision-making. Several factors may influence the accuracy of pulse oximetry, such as skin color, body temperature, altitude, or patient movement. The skin pigmentation effect on pulse oximetry accuracy has long been studied reporting some contradictory conclusions. Recent studies have shown a positive bias in oxygen saturation measurements in patients with darkly pigmented skin, particularly under low saturation conditions. This review aims to study the literature that assesses the influence of skin pigmentation on the accuracy of these devices. We employed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement to conduct a systematic review retrospectively since February 2022 using WOS, PubMed, and Scopus databases. We found 99 unique references, of which only 41 satisfied the established inclusion criteria. A bibliometric and scientometrics approach was performed to examine the outcomes of an exhaustive survey of the thematic content and trending topics.
Topics: Bibliometrics; COVID-19; Humans; Oximetry; Oxygen; Pandemics; Retrospective Studies; Skin Pigmentation
PubMed: 35591092
DOI: 10.3390/s22093402 -
Journal of the American Academy of... Sep 2021Multiple studies have reported on dermoscopic structures in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and its subtypes, with varying results.
BACKGROUND
Multiple studies have reported on dermoscopic structures in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and its subtypes, with varying results.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review the prevalence of dermoscopic structures in BCC and its subtypes.
METHODS
Databases and reference lists were searched for relevant trials according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies were assessed for the relative proportion of BCC dermoscopic features. Random-effects models were used to estimate summary effect sizes.
RESULTS
Included were 31 studies consisting of 5950 BCCs. The most common dermoscopic features seen in BCC were arborizing vessels (59%), shiny white structures (49%), and large blue-grey ovoid nests (34%). Arborizing vessels, ulceration, and blue-grey ovoid nests and globules were most common in nodular BCC; short-fine telangiectasia, multiple small erosions, and leaf-like, spoke wheel and concentric structures in superficial BCC; porcelain white areas and arborizing vessels in morpheaform BCC; and arborizing vessels and ulceration in infiltrative BCC.
LIMITATIONS
Studies had significant heterogeneity. Studies reporting BCC histopathologic subtypes did not provide clinical data on pigmentation of lesions.
CONCLUSION
In addition to arborizing vessels, shiny white structures are a common feature of BCC. A constellation of dermoscopic features may aid in differentiating between BCC histopathologic subtypes.
Topics: Carcinoma, Basal Cell; Dermoscopy; Humans; Pigmentation; Pigmentation Disorders; Skin Neoplasms
PubMed: 31706938
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2019.11.008