is missing (Short communication).
is missing (Short communication).
Tumour budding (TB) correlates with increased local invasion in various neoplasms. Certain basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) exhibit local aggressiveness. Detecting adverse prognostic factors in partial biopsies could aid in identifying cases with heightened local risk. The absolute number of TB (≤ 3 tumour cells) in excision specimens of 271 infiltrative BCCs (0: absent; 1: 1-2 foci; 2: ≥ 3 foci; 3: ≥ 10 foci), the histopathological subtype and depth of infiltration, perineural invasion, and other histological features were evaluated. A significant correlation was found between TB and both depth of infiltration (rho 0.445, p < 0.001) and perineural invasion (p = 0.009). In the multivariate analysis of depth and perineural invasion (multiple regression, stepwise), TB was identified as a significant covariate together with diameter, inflammation, and perineural invasion for the former, and depth for the latter. Conversely, no correlation existed between the WHO histological subtypes (infiltrating, sclerosing, and micronodular), and depth of infiltration or perineural invasion. This study demonstrates the value of TB as a biomarker for local invasiveness in BCC. In routine practice, a count of ≥ 3 TB foci in lesions incompletely excised or with narrow tumour-free surgical margins would be a straightforward and reproducible method to guide BCC treatment.
Molluscum contagiosum is a common skin infection affecting different body areas, including the face. Previous data have shown cases of atypical lesions, notably on the face, and it was thought relevant to further examine differences between facial and non-facial lesions. All cases of children (0-18) diagnosed with molluscum contagiosum from 2013-2022 at the paediatric dermatology clinic of Soroka University Medical Center were retrospectively reviewed, and 615 children were included in the study. Facial lesions tended to be found in younger children (p = 0.018). Non-facial lesions were more erythematous (p < 0.001), itchier (p < 0.001), and showed similar patterns of ulceration (p = 0.078) and purulence (p = 0.779). The average lesion diameter was similar in patients with or without facial lesions (p = 1). Children with facial lesions were treated differently from patients without facial lesions (p < 0.001); however, there were no differences in treatment response. This research challenges assumptions concerning the severity of facial lesions, including eyelid lesions, by revealing that, overall, they exhibit less inflammation than non-facial lesions. Despite the potential for greater psychosocial burdens and impacts on self-esteem associated with lesions on the sensitive facial area, this study provides evidence that they are not inherently more worrisome and can be managed similarly to lesions found elsewhere in the body.
To examine the prevalence of comorbidities in Chinese urticaria patients and assess medication use patterns across different ages (6-11 years, 12-17 years, above 18 years), a retrospective cohort study was performed in 192,647 urticaria patients within the Health Database. After 1:1 propensity score matching, 166,921 people were divided into the urticaria group and the control group, and the follow-up data were collected within 2 years. During the 12-month and 24-month follow-up period, significant comorbidities identified included allergic rhinitis and asthma, with distinct patterns observed across age groups. Chronic urticaria patients often have complications, such as allergic rhinitis, upper respiratory infection, oropharyngeal infection, and dental caries. The study underscores the need for age-specific treatment strategies in urticaria management.
Patients with rosacea commonly experience stigmatization, which induces stress and thereby exacerbates their symptoms. Given the strong effects of rosacea on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), addressing the physical and psychosocial aspects of rosacea is essential. To examine the effects of rosacea on HRQoL, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis involving real-world data. PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cross-sectional studies, and case series evaluating the HRQoL of patients with rosacea were included. HRQoL assessment tools such as the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Rosacea-Specific Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (RosaQoL) were used. Data on 13,453 patients were retrieved from 52 eligible studies: 4 RCTs, 15 case series, and 33 cross-sectional studies. Compared with healthy controls, patients with rosacea had significantly lower DLQI scores (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.81 to -1.37). The DLQI scores after treatment were higher than those before treatment (SMD = -1.451, 95% CI = -1.091 to -1.810). The pooled estimates for the overall DLQI and RosaQoL scores were 8.61 and 3.06, respectively. In conclusion, patients with rosacea have lower HRQoL compared with healthy individuals, and treatment for rosacea improves their HRQoL.
This retrospective study investigates the efficacy of 2 treatment regimens, pregabalin alone versus pregabalin combined with ketamine, amitriptyline, and lidocaine cream, in reducing itch in patients with brachioradial pruritus at a tertiary care center. Electronic medical records of 64 brachioradial pruritus patients seen at the University of Miami Itch Center were analyzed. A significant reduction in itch scores was seen with both treatments, with no significant difference between the groups. A small number of patients experienced adverse effects, including drowsiness and weight gain with pregabalin and skin irritation with ketamine, amitriptyline, and lidocaine cream. Ultimately, our findings underscore the potential of utilizing combined therapy for difficult-to-treat brachioradial pruritus cases and implementing individualized approaches for managing neuropathic pruritus. Further controlled clinical trials are needed to establish optimal treatment protocols.