A once-daily fixed combination of hydroquinone, tretinoin, and fluocinolone acetonide (Tri-luma) ... more A once-daily fixed combination of hydroquinone, tretinoin, and fluocinolone acetonide (Tri-luma) is a newly available treatment for melasma. To assess cost-effectiveness of triple combination therapy (TCT) applied once daily and hydroquinone alone applied twice daily in the U.S., Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Colombia from a payer's perspective. Clinical data and utilization of key health resources (medication only) were assessed within an 8-week clinical trial conducted in Brazil. Total cost per primary success (complete clearing) was used to compare each treatment with not treating and incremental cost effectiveness ratios were used to compare between treatments. TCT had a 30% better rate of complete clearing than hydroquinone with a lower cost in the U.S. and an incremental cost in other countries. In every country, cost per primary success was lower for TCT than for hydroquinone. Results were robust to varying assumptions of success rates and quantity used.
Infantile Systemic Hyalinosis (ISH) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by diffuse h... more Infantile Systemic Hyalinosis (ISH) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by diffuse hyaline deposits in the skin, gastrointestinal tract, muscles and glands. Recently, mutations in the capillary morphogenesis gene-2 (CMG-2), a transmembrane protein with important roles in cell-cell adhesion and cell-extracellular matrix interactions, have been shown to cause ISH. We report on three unrelated Brazilian children presenting in the first days of life with a limited range of joint movements, progressing to painful joint contractures. Additional findings included skin hyperpigmentation over small joints, enlargement of major joints, rigid vertebral spine, thickened skin, facial papuloerythematous rash, and cervical, dorsal and perianal nodules. Skin biopsy performed in all three patients showed diffuse deposits of hyaline material, confirming the diagnosis of ISH.
We established a Website which allowed clinical dermatology cases to be submitted, with digital i... more We established a Website which allowed clinical dermatology cases to be submitted, with digital images, through a simple online form. The case could then be managed within the public health service. A database containing 6000 drug interactions was also available on the Website to help clinical management. The Website was tested by 10 junior doctors, who examined dermatology patients, filled in the electronic form with their clinical observations and descriptions, and forwarded digital images. Five dermatologists then evaluated the 71 cases stored on the Website. The agreement between the virtual evaluation and the definitive diagnosis (on face-to-face examination) was 95%. The Website could be used in national health strategies, as a tool for promoting voluntary medical attendance, and for multicentre epidemiological surveillance.
Brazil is a country of continental dimensions with a large heterogeneity of climates and massive ... more Brazil is a country of continental dimensions with a large heterogeneity of climates and massive mixing of the population. Almost the entire national territory is located between the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn, and the Earth axial tilt to the south certainly makes Brazil one of the countries of the world with greater extent of land in proximity to the sun. The Brazilian coastline, where most of its population lives, is more than 8,500 km long. Due to geographic characteristics and cultural trends, Brazilians are among the peoples with the highest annual exposure to the sun. Epidemiological data show a continuing increase in the incidence of non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancers. Photoprotection can be understood as a set of measures aimed at reducing sun exposure and at preventing the development of acute and chronic actinic damage. Due to the peculiarities of Brazilian territory and culture, it would not be advisable to replicate the concepts of photoprotection from other developed countries, places with completely different climates and populations. Thus the Brazilian Society of Dermatology has developed the Brazilian Consensus on Photoprotection, the first official document on photoprotection developed in Brazil for Brazilians, with recommendations on matters involving photoprotection.
Summary Dermatoses, mainly those with important esthetic involvement, can produce a significant i... more Summary Dermatoses, mainly those with important esthetic involvement, can produce a significant impact in the social, familiar and professional life of patients. Among these diseases, melasma is distinguished by its relapsing hyperchromic macules, with disappointing therapeutic results. Considering all these features, besides the objective evaluation of the therapeutic results, the dimension of the disease influence on the quality of life
Dermatoses, mainly those with important esthetic involvement, can produce a significant impact in... more Dermatoses, mainly those with important esthetic involvement, can produce a significant impact in the social, familiar and professional life of patients. Among these diseases, melasma is distinguished by its relapsing hyperchromic macules, with disappointing therapeutic results. Considering all these features, besides the objective evaluation of the therapeutic results, the dimension of the disease influence on the quality of life is considered of similar relevance. This influence is measured by validated questionnaires, most of them written in English. Its translation and cultural adaptation are necessary steps before being applied to people whom speak other languages. This study describes the translation and adaptation to Portuguese of the quality of life questionnaires developed for patients with Melasma (MELASQoL), according to the rules established by the World Health Organization. In summary: two independent literal translations to Portuguese; review by a health professionals bilingual group; application of the first version to 10 volunteer patients that agreed to report their opinion; discussion of items and administration procedures; back-translation to English; evaluation by the original author; review by the bilingual group and formatting of the final Portuguese questionnaire. The version and routine application of the MELASQoL instrument will allow a significant improvement on the individual evaluations as well as the participation on multi center studies, producing consistent and comparable results. (Ferreira Cestari T, Balkrishann R, Blessmann Weber M, Prati C, Baratz Menegon D, Gollo Mazzotti N, Troian C. Translation and cultural adaptation to portuguese of a quality of life questionnaire for patients with melasma. Med Cutan Iber Lat Am 2006;34:270-274)
The use of an adequate initial dose of ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation for photochemotherapy is imp... more The use of an adequate initial dose of ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation for photochemotherapy is important to prevent burns secondary to overdosage, meanwhile avoiding a reduced clinical improvement and long-term risks secondary to underdosage. The ideal initial dose of UVA can be achieved based on the phototype and the minimal phototoxic dose (MPD). The objective measurement of constitutive skin color (colorimetry) is another method commonly used to quantify the erythematous skin reaction to ultraviolet radiation exposure. The aim of this study was to determine variations in MPD and constitutional skin color (coordinate L(*)) within different phototypes in order to establish the best initial dose of UVA radiation for photochemotherapy patients. Thirty-six patients with dermatological conditions and 13 healthy volunteers were divided into five groups according to phototype. Constitutional skin color of the infra-axillary area was assessed by colorimetry. The infra-axillary area was subsequently divided into twelve 1.5 cm(2) regions to determine the MPD; readings were performed 72 h after oral administration of 8-methoxypsoralen (MOP) followed by exposure of the demarcated regions to increasing doses of UVA. The majority of the participants were women (73.5%) and their mean age was 38.8 years. The MPD ranged from 4 to 12 J/cm(2) in phototypes II and III; from 10 to 18 J/cm(2) in type IV; from 12 to 24 J/cm(2) in type V and from 18 to 32 J/cm(2) in type VI. The analysis of colorimetric values (L(*) coordinate) and MPD values allowed the definition of three distinctive groups of individuals composed by phototypes II and III (group 1), types IV and V (group 2), and phototype VI (group 3). MPD and L(*) coordinate showed variation within the same phototype and superposition between adjacent phototypes. The values of the L(*) coordinate and the MPD lead to the definition of three distinct sensitivity groups: phototypes II and III, IV and V and type VI. Also, the MPD values bear a strong correlation to coordinate L(*) values. Mean MPD values described for each of the three major sensitivity groups were higher than the values commonly used in clinical settings for the different phototypes. Therefore, phototype alone is not a good parameter to define the initial UVA dose. MPD and colorimetry could be used in pre-treatment evaluation of patients who are to be submitted to photochemotherapy, in a non-invasive and more accurate way when compared with the classical phenotype clinical criteria.
Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2002
The aetiology of pityriasis alba (PA), a common dermatosis in childhood, is still controversial. ... more The aetiology of pityriasis alba (PA), a common dermatosis in childhood, is still controversial. The objective of this study was to assess the possible aetiopathogenic factors of this disease in infants. Forty-four patients with PA and 31 healthy children were examined and compared. Personal hygiene habits, sun exposure, presence of Staphylococcus aureus in nasal fossae and presence of major or minor signs of atopy were assessed during anamnesis and physical examination. Susceptibility to ultraviolet (UV) B radiation was measured by the onset of a contact hypersensitivity reaction to diphenylcyclopropenone in individuals sensitized in previously irradiated areas. The prevalence of PA was higher in individuals with darker skin, in high phototype categories, as well as in males. The number of daily baths and sun exposure between 10.00 h and 15.00 h were significantly higher in the PA group when compared with controls (P = 0.03 and P = 0.0015, respectively). The presence of atopy signs was more common in pityriasis patients (P = 0.002). Susceptibility to UVB radiation was 29.6% in the PA group vs. 29.0% in the control group; nevertheless, important differences were found after stratification in order to control possible confounding factors. The presence of S. aureus in the nostrils was equal in both groups. Our results confirm that PA, in our population, is more prevalent in males and in individuals in higher phototype categories. In those with inadequate personal hygiene and sun exposure habits the disease is more accentuated, demonstrating that the xerosis presenting in individuals with atopic diathesis is an important element in the development of the disease. S. aureus is not an important aetiopathogenic factor in PA. Susceptibility to UVB becomes important when related to the patient's phototype.
BACKGROUND: The literature has shown that the presence of emotional disturbances in caregivers of... more BACKGROUND: The literature has shown that the presence of emotional disturbances in caregivers of children with skin diseases affects the course and treatment of the disease. Anxiety and depression are among the most frequently reported psychiatric diagnoses related to this fact. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the presence of anxiety and depression in caregivers of pediatric patients with chronic skin disorders, exemplified by atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and vitiligo, and correlate them to the quality of life of the patients. METHODS: The sample consisted of 118 patients with atopic dermatitis, vitiligo and psoriasis, monitored by their main caregiver. The levels of anxiety and depression in the caregivers were assessed using the Hamilton Anxiety Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory, respectively. The Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index was applied. RESULTS: Anxiety was observed in 36% of the caregivers of the patients with atopic dermatitis, in 36% of those of children affected by psoriasis, and in 42% of those responsible for pediatric patients with vitiligo. Depression occurred in 36% of the caregivers of patients with atopic dermatitis, in 36% of those of children affected by psoriasis and in 26% of those responsible for pediatric patients with vitiligo. There was a significant correlation between poor quality of life scores in patients with vitiligo and the presence of depression and anxiety in their caregivers. CONCLUSION: Emotional disorders tend to be present among close family members of children with the chronic skin diseases studied and their prevention can help in controlling and treating these diseases.
STDs are a significant public health problem in Brazil. A primary control strategy is the immedia... more STDs are a significant public health problem in Brazil. A primary control strategy is the immediate treatment of symptomatic individuals. When services are unavailable, STD patients seek care in alternative settings. Probably the most frequently used settings are commercial pharmacies, where pharmacy clerks provide treatment, although Brazilian law prohibits selling antibiotics without prescription. Our objective was to evaluate prescribing practices by pharmacy clerks for STDs. We performed a cross-sectional study. Trained medical students visited 62 pharmacies in the city of Porto Alegre during March 2002. These were randomly chosen from a list of 863 registered pharmacies. The students presented to the pharmacy complaining of dysuria and urethral discharge. After obtaining a prescription, or not, they asked for additional instructions to be followed. Immediately after leaving the premises, the instructions were anonymously recorded. Of the 62 pharmacies visited, a clerk in 56 (90.3%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 80.1%-96.4%) provided a prescription. Most frequently prescribed drugs were ampicillin with probenecide (29/51.8%) and rosoxacin (11/19.6%). Ministry of Health-recommended treatment was not suggested by any of the clerks. Forty-six additional recommendations were given. The use of condoms was the most frequent additional advice (42/46). Prescribing by pharmacy clerks is very prevalent in Porto Alegre. This may represent a lost opportunity for more comprehensive prevention effort (counselling, partner management, and diagnosing other STDs). Additionally, the most frequently prescribed drugs are not recommended by international or national health authorities for treatment of STDs, and none of these drugs covers chlamydia. We conclude that pharmacy clerks are a potentially important source of STD treatment and control but that their practices are in need of vast improvement.
Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) modulates cellular immunity in humans and experimental animals and ca... more Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) modulates cellular immunity in humans and experimental animals and can interfere with immune responses against infectious agents in animal models. We used the lepromin reaction, a cell-mediated immune response to antigens of Mycobacterium leprae, to determine whether UVR affects the cellular immune response to an infectious agent in humans. We selected 29 healthy, lepromin-positive contacts of leprosy
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease whose pathogenesis and genetic background remain... more Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease whose pathogenesis and genetic background remain unclear. Considering that previous studies have suggested an association of psoriasis vulgaris (PV) and killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs), we typed 15 KIR genes and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-Cw in 79 Brazilian Caucasoid patients with PV and 110 healthy controls by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using sequence-specific oligonucleotides and sequence-specific primers. We did not observe a relevant increase in the frequency of the activating KIR2DS1 gene in the PV group [KIR2DS1, 46 of 79 cases (58.2%) vs 40 of 110 controls (36.4%)]. However, an association of KIR2DS1 with Cw*06021 in 26.5% of PV patients was observed, while it was present in only 5.4% of controls. These results suggest that activating KIR2DS1 gene may not confer susceptibility to PV, and an association of KIR2DS1 gene with the HLA-Cw*06021 was observed in these patients.
There is a strong relation between chronic UV-Einduced sunburns and the development of skin cance... more There is a strong relation between chronic UV-Einduced sunburns and the development of skin cancer. Therefore, it is important to obtain a method that can be reproduced easily to detect individuals with similar skin color but different sensitiveness to sun exposure. The study evaluated 193 healthy volunteers (68% women; the average age was 38 years). They were divided into six groups of at least 30 subjects, according to skin type. The minimal erythema dose (MED) was assessed in two non-sun-exposed areas (thorax-infra-axillary area and on the buttocks), using a UV-B source (0.5 mW/cm2), with openings of 1 cm2, in increasing doses. The same areas were evaluated with a Minolta CR 300 Chromameter (L*a*b* system). The MED values ranged from 13 to 156 mJ/cm2; the coordinate L* (brightness) ranged from 75.96 to 30.15. The correlation between the MED and the brightness was negative in both areas (Pearson's correlation r = -0.91, P < 0.05). Color measurements, especially brightness, can be used to quickly assess skin sensibility. Considering the MED, there is a substantial overlapping of adjacent phototypes, but they could be separated into two groups: more sensitive individuals (Types I, 11, III and IV) and less sensitive ones (Types V and VI).
Acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy is a cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis, clinically charact... more Acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy is a cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis, clinically characterized by the acute development of peripheral edema and targetoid purpuric lesions on the face and extremities. The clinical picture has a violent onset with a short benign course followed by spontaneous complete recovery. We describe a five-month-old boy with acute hemorrhagic edema, in whom the disease appeared after antibiotic treatment for a cellulitis in front of the tragus.
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2012
Background The relapsing nature of melasma emphasizes the need to maintain efficacy achieved afte... more Background The relapsing nature of melasma emphasizes the need to maintain efficacy achieved after acute treatment.
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2009
To examine approaches to therapy for melasma in Latin Americans and to propose treatment algorith... more To examine approaches to therapy for melasma in Latin Americans and to propose treatment algorithms for patients with mild, moderate and severe melasma. Background Melasma is prevalent in up to 10% of the Latin American population. It is found in all racial groups and is more common in subjects with darker skin phototypes. A number of topical treatments and procedures have been used for melasma. Topical treatments containing hydroquinone are the most popular. Care must be taken when treating melasma to avoid inducing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and ochronosis. Determination of the severity of melasma (using the Melasma Area Severity Index and/or Physician's Global Assessment) and choice of the most effective and suitable treatment and/or procedure for individual patients is therefore essential. Sun protection is mandatory for all melasma patients.
A once-daily fixed combination of hydroquinone, tretinoin, and fluocinolone acetonide (Tri-luma) ... more A once-daily fixed combination of hydroquinone, tretinoin, and fluocinolone acetonide (Tri-luma) is a newly available treatment for melasma. To assess cost-effectiveness of triple combination therapy (TCT) applied once daily and hydroquinone alone applied twice daily in the U.S., Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Colombia from a payer's perspective. Clinical data and utilization of key health resources (medication only) were assessed within an 8-week clinical trial conducted in Brazil. Total cost per primary success (complete clearing) was used to compare each treatment with not treating and incremental cost effectiveness ratios were used to compare between treatments. TCT had a 30% better rate of complete clearing than hydroquinone with a lower cost in the U.S. and an incremental cost in other countries. In every country, cost per primary success was lower for TCT than for hydroquinone. Results were robust to varying assumptions of success rates and quantity used.
Infantile Systemic Hyalinosis (ISH) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by diffuse h... more Infantile Systemic Hyalinosis (ISH) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by diffuse hyaline deposits in the skin, gastrointestinal tract, muscles and glands. Recently, mutations in the capillary morphogenesis gene-2 (CMG-2), a transmembrane protein with important roles in cell-cell adhesion and cell-extracellular matrix interactions, have been shown to cause ISH. We report on three unrelated Brazilian children presenting in the first days of life with a limited range of joint movements, progressing to painful joint contractures. Additional findings included skin hyperpigmentation over small joints, enlargement of major joints, rigid vertebral spine, thickened skin, facial papuloerythematous rash, and cervical, dorsal and perianal nodules. Skin biopsy performed in all three patients showed diffuse deposits of hyaline material, confirming the diagnosis of ISH.
We established a Website which allowed clinical dermatology cases to be submitted, with digital i... more We established a Website which allowed clinical dermatology cases to be submitted, with digital images, through a simple online form. The case could then be managed within the public health service. A database containing 6000 drug interactions was also available on the Website to help clinical management. The Website was tested by 10 junior doctors, who examined dermatology patients, filled in the electronic form with their clinical observations and descriptions, and forwarded digital images. Five dermatologists then evaluated the 71 cases stored on the Website. The agreement between the virtual evaluation and the definitive diagnosis (on face-to-face examination) was 95%. The Website could be used in national health strategies, as a tool for promoting voluntary medical attendance, and for multicentre epidemiological surveillance.
Brazil is a country of continental dimensions with a large heterogeneity of climates and massive ... more Brazil is a country of continental dimensions with a large heterogeneity of climates and massive mixing of the population. Almost the entire national territory is located between the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn, and the Earth axial tilt to the south certainly makes Brazil one of the countries of the world with greater extent of land in proximity to the sun. The Brazilian coastline, where most of its population lives, is more than 8,500 km long. Due to geographic characteristics and cultural trends, Brazilians are among the peoples with the highest annual exposure to the sun. Epidemiological data show a continuing increase in the incidence of non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancers. Photoprotection can be understood as a set of measures aimed at reducing sun exposure and at preventing the development of acute and chronic actinic damage. Due to the peculiarities of Brazilian territory and culture, it would not be advisable to replicate the concepts of photoprotection from other developed countries, places with completely different climates and populations. Thus the Brazilian Society of Dermatology has developed the Brazilian Consensus on Photoprotection, the first official document on photoprotection developed in Brazil for Brazilians, with recommendations on matters involving photoprotection.
Summary Dermatoses, mainly those with important esthetic involvement, can produce a significant i... more Summary Dermatoses, mainly those with important esthetic involvement, can produce a significant impact in the social, familiar and professional life of patients. Among these diseases, melasma is distinguished by its relapsing hyperchromic macules, with disappointing therapeutic results. Considering all these features, besides the objective evaluation of the therapeutic results, the dimension of the disease influence on the quality of life
Dermatoses, mainly those with important esthetic involvement, can produce a significant impact in... more Dermatoses, mainly those with important esthetic involvement, can produce a significant impact in the social, familiar and professional life of patients. Among these diseases, melasma is distinguished by its relapsing hyperchromic macules, with disappointing therapeutic results. Considering all these features, besides the objective evaluation of the therapeutic results, the dimension of the disease influence on the quality of life is considered of similar relevance. This influence is measured by validated questionnaires, most of them written in English. Its translation and cultural adaptation are necessary steps before being applied to people whom speak other languages. This study describes the translation and adaptation to Portuguese of the quality of life questionnaires developed for patients with Melasma (MELASQoL), according to the rules established by the World Health Organization. In summary: two independent literal translations to Portuguese; review by a health professionals bilingual group; application of the first version to 10 volunteer patients that agreed to report their opinion; discussion of items and administration procedures; back-translation to English; evaluation by the original author; review by the bilingual group and formatting of the final Portuguese questionnaire. The version and routine application of the MELASQoL instrument will allow a significant improvement on the individual evaluations as well as the participation on multi center studies, producing consistent and comparable results. (Ferreira Cestari T, Balkrishann R, Blessmann Weber M, Prati C, Baratz Menegon D, Gollo Mazzotti N, Troian C. Translation and cultural adaptation to portuguese of a quality of life questionnaire for patients with melasma. Med Cutan Iber Lat Am 2006;34:270-274)
The use of an adequate initial dose of ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation for photochemotherapy is imp... more The use of an adequate initial dose of ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation for photochemotherapy is important to prevent burns secondary to overdosage, meanwhile avoiding a reduced clinical improvement and long-term risks secondary to underdosage. The ideal initial dose of UVA can be achieved based on the phototype and the minimal phototoxic dose (MPD). The objective measurement of constitutive skin color (colorimetry) is another method commonly used to quantify the erythematous skin reaction to ultraviolet radiation exposure. The aim of this study was to determine variations in MPD and constitutional skin color (coordinate L(*)) within different phototypes in order to establish the best initial dose of UVA radiation for photochemotherapy patients. Thirty-six patients with dermatological conditions and 13 healthy volunteers were divided into five groups according to phototype. Constitutional skin color of the infra-axillary area was assessed by colorimetry. The infra-axillary area was subsequently divided into twelve 1.5 cm(2) regions to determine the MPD; readings were performed 72 h after oral administration of 8-methoxypsoralen (MOP) followed by exposure of the demarcated regions to increasing doses of UVA. The majority of the participants were women (73.5%) and their mean age was 38.8 years. The MPD ranged from 4 to 12 J/cm(2) in phototypes II and III; from 10 to 18 J/cm(2) in type IV; from 12 to 24 J/cm(2) in type V and from 18 to 32 J/cm(2) in type VI. The analysis of colorimetric values (L(*) coordinate) and MPD values allowed the definition of three distinctive groups of individuals composed by phototypes II and III (group 1), types IV and V (group 2), and phototype VI (group 3). MPD and L(*) coordinate showed variation within the same phototype and superposition between adjacent phototypes. The values of the L(*) coordinate and the MPD lead to the definition of three distinct sensitivity groups: phototypes II and III, IV and V and type VI. Also, the MPD values bear a strong correlation to coordinate L(*) values. Mean MPD values described for each of the three major sensitivity groups were higher than the values commonly used in clinical settings for the different phototypes. Therefore, phototype alone is not a good parameter to define the initial UVA dose. MPD and colorimetry could be used in pre-treatment evaluation of patients who are to be submitted to photochemotherapy, in a non-invasive and more accurate way when compared with the classical phenotype clinical criteria.
Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2002
The aetiology of pityriasis alba (PA), a common dermatosis in childhood, is still controversial. ... more The aetiology of pityriasis alba (PA), a common dermatosis in childhood, is still controversial. The objective of this study was to assess the possible aetiopathogenic factors of this disease in infants. Forty-four patients with PA and 31 healthy children were examined and compared. Personal hygiene habits, sun exposure, presence of Staphylococcus aureus in nasal fossae and presence of major or minor signs of atopy were assessed during anamnesis and physical examination. Susceptibility to ultraviolet (UV) B radiation was measured by the onset of a contact hypersensitivity reaction to diphenylcyclopropenone in individuals sensitized in previously irradiated areas. The prevalence of PA was higher in individuals with darker skin, in high phototype categories, as well as in males. The number of daily baths and sun exposure between 10.00 h and 15.00 h were significantly higher in the PA group when compared with controls (P = 0.03 and P = 0.0015, respectively). The presence of atopy signs was more common in pityriasis patients (P = 0.002). Susceptibility to UVB radiation was 29.6% in the PA group vs. 29.0% in the control group; nevertheless, important differences were found after stratification in order to control possible confounding factors. The presence of S. aureus in the nostrils was equal in both groups. Our results confirm that PA, in our population, is more prevalent in males and in individuals in higher phototype categories. In those with inadequate personal hygiene and sun exposure habits the disease is more accentuated, demonstrating that the xerosis presenting in individuals with atopic diathesis is an important element in the development of the disease. S. aureus is not an important aetiopathogenic factor in PA. Susceptibility to UVB becomes important when related to the patient&#39;s phototype.
BACKGROUND: The literature has shown that the presence of emotional disturbances in caregivers of... more BACKGROUND: The literature has shown that the presence of emotional disturbances in caregivers of children with skin diseases affects the course and treatment of the disease. Anxiety and depression are among the most frequently reported psychiatric diagnoses related to this fact. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the presence of anxiety and depression in caregivers of pediatric patients with chronic skin disorders, exemplified by atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and vitiligo, and correlate them to the quality of life of the patients. METHODS: The sample consisted of 118 patients with atopic dermatitis, vitiligo and psoriasis, monitored by their main caregiver. The levels of anxiety and depression in the caregivers were assessed using the Hamilton Anxiety Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory, respectively. The Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index was applied. RESULTS: Anxiety was observed in 36% of the caregivers of the patients with atopic dermatitis, in 36% of those of children affected by psoriasis, and in 42% of those responsible for pediatric patients with vitiligo. Depression occurred in 36% of the caregivers of patients with atopic dermatitis, in 36% of those of children affected by psoriasis and in 26% of those responsible for pediatric patients with vitiligo. There was a significant correlation between poor quality of life scores in patients with vitiligo and the presence of depression and anxiety in their caregivers. CONCLUSION: Emotional disorders tend to be present among close family members of children with the chronic skin diseases studied and their prevention can help in controlling and treating these diseases.
STDs are a significant public health problem in Brazil. A primary control strategy is the immedia... more STDs are a significant public health problem in Brazil. A primary control strategy is the immediate treatment of symptomatic individuals. When services are unavailable, STD patients seek care in alternative settings. Probably the most frequently used settings are commercial pharmacies, where pharmacy clerks provide treatment, although Brazilian law prohibits selling antibiotics without prescription. Our objective was to evaluate prescribing practices by pharmacy clerks for STDs. We performed a cross-sectional study. Trained medical students visited 62 pharmacies in the city of Porto Alegre during March 2002. These were randomly chosen from a list of 863 registered pharmacies. The students presented to the pharmacy complaining of dysuria and urethral discharge. After obtaining a prescription, or not, they asked for additional instructions to be followed. Immediately after leaving the premises, the instructions were anonymously recorded. Of the 62 pharmacies visited, a clerk in 56 (90.3%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 80.1%-96.4%) provided a prescription. Most frequently prescribed drugs were ampicillin with probenecide (29/51.8%) and rosoxacin (11/19.6%). Ministry of Health-recommended treatment was not suggested by any of the clerks. Forty-six additional recommendations were given. The use of condoms was the most frequent additional advice (42/46). Prescribing by pharmacy clerks is very prevalent in Porto Alegre. This may represent a lost opportunity for more comprehensive prevention effort (counselling, partner management, and diagnosing other STDs). Additionally, the most frequently prescribed drugs are not recommended by international or national health authorities for treatment of STDs, and none of these drugs covers chlamydia. We conclude that pharmacy clerks are a potentially important source of STD treatment and control but that their practices are in need of vast improvement.
Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) modulates cellular immunity in humans and experimental animals and ca... more Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) modulates cellular immunity in humans and experimental animals and can interfere with immune responses against infectious agents in animal models. We used the lepromin reaction, a cell-mediated immune response to antigens of Mycobacterium leprae, to determine whether UVR affects the cellular immune response to an infectious agent in humans. We selected 29 healthy, lepromin-positive contacts of leprosy
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease whose pathogenesis and genetic background remain... more Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease whose pathogenesis and genetic background remain unclear. Considering that previous studies have suggested an association of psoriasis vulgaris (PV) and killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs), we typed 15 KIR genes and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-Cw in 79 Brazilian Caucasoid patients with PV and 110 healthy controls by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using sequence-specific oligonucleotides and sequence-specific primers. We did not observe a relevant increase in the frequency of the activating KIR2DS1 gene in the PV group [KIR2DS1, 46 of 79 cases (58.2%) vs 40 of 110 controls (36.4%)]. However, an association of KIR2DS1 with Cw*06021 in 26.5% of PV patients was observed, while it was present in only 5.4% of controls. These results suggest that activating KIR2DS1 gene may not confer susceptibility to PV, and an association of KIR2DS1 gene with the HLA-Cw*06021 was observed in these patients.
There is a strong relation between chronic UV-Einduced sunburns and the development of skin cance... more There is a strong relation between chronic UV-Einduced sunburns and the development of skin cancer. Therefore, it is important to obtain a method that can be reproduced easily to detect individuals with similar skin color but different sensitiveness to sun exposure. The study evaluated 193 healthy volunteers (68% women; the average age was 38 years). They were divided into six groups of at least 30 subjects, according to skin type. The minimal erythema dose (MED) was assessed in two non-sun-exposed areas (thorax-infra-axillary area and on the buttocks), using a UV-B source (0.5 mW/cm2), with openings of 1 cm2, in increasing doses. The same areas were evaluated with a Minolta CR 300 Chromameter (L*a*b* system). The MED values ranged from 13 to 156 mJ/cm2; the coordinate L* (brightness) ranged from 75.96 to 30.15. The correlation between the MED and the brightness was negative in both areas (Pearson's correlation r = -0.91, P < 0.05). Color measurements, especially brightness, can be used to quickly assess skin sensibility. Considering the MED, there is a substantial overlapping of adjacent phototypes, but they could be separated into two groups: more sensitive individuals (Types I, 11, III and IV) and less sensitive ones (Types V and VI).
Acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy is a cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis, clinically charact... more Acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy is a cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis, clinically characterized by the acute development of peripheral edema and targetoid purpuric lesions on the face and extremities. The clinical picture has a violent onset with a short benign course followed by spontaneous complete recovery. We describe a five-month-old boy with acute hemorrhagic edema, in whom the disease appeared after antibiotic treatment for a cellulitis in front of the tragus.
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2012
Background The relapsing nature of melasma emphasizes the need to maintain efficacy achieved afte... more Background The relapsing nature of melasma emphasizes the need to maintain efficacy achieved after acute treatment.
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2009
To examine approaches to therapy for melasma in Latin Americans and to propose treatment algorith... more To examine approaches to therapy for melasma in Latin Americans and to propose treatment algorithms for patients with mild, moderate and severe melasma. Background Melasma is prevalent in up to 10% of the Latin American population. It is found in all racial groups and is more common in subjects with darker skin phototypes. A number of topical treatments and procedures have been used for melasma. Topical treatments containing hydroquinone are the most popular. Care must be taken when treating melasma to avoid inducing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and ochronosis. Determination of the severity of melasma (using the Melasma Area Severity Index and/or Physician's Global Assessment) and choice of the most effective and suitable treatment and/or procedure for individual patients is therefore essential. Sun protection is mandatory for all melasma patients.
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