Archives of Dermatological Research最新文献

Autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI) is a rare and heterogeneous group of congenital disorders characterized by aberrant skin cornification and diffuse skin scaling. Most neonates with ARCI are collodion babies. Herein, we recruited a Chinese family with one patient, who died as a collodion baby one month after birth. Heterozygous mutations of c.424 C > T and c.1385 C > T in the TGM1 were detected in the proband by Chip capture high-throughput sequencing, and the two alleles were inherited from the mother and father, respectively. While the mother was pregnant with another child, her chorionic villus and amniotic fluid were used for prenatal diagnosis to detect potential mutated genes. It was found that the fetus only carried the c.424 C > T mutation of the TGM1 gene thus, the pregnancy continued and a healthy, full-term boy was born. Our research broadens the spectrum of ARCI-related pathogenic TGM1 mutations and performs prenatal genetic testing to avoid terminating unnecessary pregnancies.

Dermatologic conditions, including dermatophytosis, scabies, and skin lightening-associated contact dermatitis have been prevalent in certain Pakistani cities. However, the overall burden and age-specific prevalence of dermatologic diseases in Pakistan has not been thoroughly studied. Our study aims to investigate the prevalence of dermatologic conditions across Pakistan to help improve patient outcomes.

The Global Burden of Disease 2021 database was used to analyze the prevalence of skin diseases in the Pakistani population ages 5–94 years. Data was stratified according by condition type, with percent prevalence and contribution to disability-adjusted life-years calculated.

The highest prevalence of identified skin diseases included fungal skin diseases (6.12%), scabies (3.50%), acne vulgaris (2.60%), and atopic dermatitis (1.80%). Conditions with the lowest prevalence were alopecia areata (0.18%) and decubitus ulcers (0.002%). Prevalence of skin and subcutaneous diseases was 27.44% in Pakistanis ages 5–19 years, with a decline to 19.44% for people ages 20–24 years. The prevalence then increased steadily with age, ranging between 42.20% and 54.45% in Pakistanis over 80 years old.

Our study characterizes dermatologic disease burden across all age groups in Pakistan, with fungal diseases, scabies, acne, and atopic dermatitis being the most prevalent conditions. Communicable diseases may be caused by poor hygiene, communal living, and humid climate, while acne may result from stress and widespread use of skin lightening creams. We recommend that dermatologists be mindful of these conditions when treating individuals from Pakistan. This study provides a basis for future prospective studies to evaluate risk of these conditions over time.

Psoriasis, a common chronic and relapsing inflammatory skin disease, requires the identification of new potential biomarkers to improve its diagnosis and treatment. Dysregulation of the Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway is a hallmark of chronic inflammatory diseases. Accordingly, this study aims to identify NF-κB-related biomarkers for psoriasis diagnosis and treatment. Psoriasis-related datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus to screen for differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The intersection of DEGs with NF-κB-related genes yielded NF-κB_DEGs. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed for NF-κB_DEGs, and hub genes were identified using the MCODE plugin. Through LASSO regression, NF-κB-related characteristic genes for psoriasis were identified and a diagnostic model was developed. This model was validated using the GSE13355 and GSE30999 datasets. Disparities in immune cell infiltration between control and psoriasis groups were assessed via single-sample gene set enrichment analysis. Lastly, we predicted functionally similar genes, related pathways, transcription factors (TFs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and potential therapeutic drugs for the characteristic genes. We uncovered four NF-κB-associated genes—LYN, MALT1, MYD88, and PTGS2—that hold significant diagnostic value for psoriasis. A diagnostic model leveraging these genes exhibited high reliability and effectiveness in both training and validation datasets. Immune profiling revealed marked differences between psoriasis and control groups, with substantial enrichment of dendritic cells (DCs), macrophages, B cells, and T cells in psoriasis samples. We also identified 20 genes functionally related to our characteristic genes, which were primarily involved in pathways such as IκB kinase/NF-κB signaling and Toll-like receptor signaling. Furthermore, we predicted 70 TFs (including SP1, FOS, and JUN) and 17 miRNAs (including hsa-let-7b, hsa-miR-30a, and hsa-miR-155) associated with these genes. Among potential therapeutic candidates, Quercetin emerged as the most promising, scoring highest in our comprehensive evaluation. Our study identified four potential biomarkers—LYN, MALT1, MYD88, and PTGS2—which hold considerable value for the diagnosis and therapy of psoriasis.

Poor adherence contributes to worsening of medical conditions, increased medical costs, comorbidities and mortalities. Many factors may influence adherence in dermatology. Our aim was to study the degree of adherence of dermatology patients to topical and systemic medications and to identify the relationship of adherence to patient, disease, and treatment characteristics, as well as the influence of health care providers. Seven hundred and eighteen patients of both sexes with various dermatological complaints were included. They were all subjected to Morisky 8-item Medication Adherence Scale. Topical therapy was associated with a significantly lower adherence when compared to systemic therapy (P < 0.001). Adherence to systemic medication was superior for acute compared to chronic skin diseases (P = 0.008). Reduced adherence was also observed among uneducated patients, those facing financial difficulties, individuals prescribed complex topical regimens, and those using ointments Additional factors included insufficient instructions from physicians, perceived treatment effectiveness, and the experience of side effects. Patients with psoriasis and eczema showed the lowest adherence levels to both topical and systemic treatment. Overall, adherence of dermatology patients to treatment, particularly to topical treatment, was found to be unsatisfactory. Dermatologists should assess each patient’s individual adherence barriers, and the management plan should be tailored according to many factors including the patient’s financial status and educational level.

Eczema is a chronic, recurrent dermatosis with the skin repeated inflammation, itching, red and swollen. Such experience often take a physical and mental double burden on patients and their caregivers and family member. At present, the existing treatment methods have different limitations. In China, Kangfuxin liquid has been clinically used to treat eczema, and has shown good therapeutic effect. In order to conduct a more comprehensive analysis of clinical data and bring more references for clinicians and experts, this paper adopted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of Kangfuxin liquid in the treatment of eczema. We conducted a search in several databases, including EMBASE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library, to identify suitable randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Following this, we gathered data from the RCTs which compared conventional therapies to Kangfuxin liquid alone or in combination with conventional therapies. We utilized RevMan 5.4 software to compute 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and risk ratios (RRs), and to carry out the meta-analysis. 17 meta-analyses involving 1725 patients were included. A meta-analysis showed that standalone Kangfuxin liquid therapy significantly improved the overall effective rate compared to nonglucocorticoid ointment therapy (Kangfuxin liquid vs nonglucocorticoid ointment: RR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.09–1.42; P = 0.001). The total effective rate for standalone Kangfuxin liquid therapy was consistent with that of glucocorticoid ointment therapy (Kangfuxin liquid vs glucocorticoid ointment: RR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.88–1.36; P = 0.41). In addition, the results were significantly improved when Kangfuxin liquid combined with conventional western medicine (Kangfuxin liquid + conventional Western medicine vs conventional Western medicine: RR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.03–1.22; P = 0.009). Kangfuxin liquid can effectively treat eczema. However, further scale-up, involving more rigorous, precise, and inclusive meta-analyses are needed to make a significant difference in the treatment of eczema.

Acne vulgaris can negatively impact a patient’s quality of life. This study evaluated the psychological and interpersonal perceptions of patients who had received acne treatment. Using data from the National Institutes of Health’s All of Us Research Program, we analyzed survey responses from 1,843 participants treated with systemic therapies for acne (reflecting more severe disease) and 1,843 matched participants treated with topical therapies alone. Outcomes included surveys assessing both mental and social health and the prevalence of neuropsychiatric conditions between groups. Compared with those who used only topical therapies, participants treated with systemic therapies for acne experience greater personal and relational difficulties in addition to having higher rates of obsessive-compulsive disorder, personality disorders, anxiety, and depression. These findings were robust in a sensitivity analysis excluding isotretinoin-treated participants. The subset of people with acne who receive systemic therapy comprise a high-risk group for adverse psychological outcomes. We aim to bring greater awareness and sensitivity to these issues among dermatologists and other clinicians managing acne. We also aim to highlight the potential need for neuropsychiatric support in patients with more severe acne.

Background

Acne vulgaris is a widespread dermatological condition, particularly prevalent among adolescents and young adults. Despite their commonality, the variability in treatment practices has made it essential to reassess current prescribing practices and treatment strategies.

Aim

Relating the clinico-epidemiological features of acne vulgaris and evaluating the treatment strategies and drug prescribing practices in a tertiary care hospital.

Materials and methods

A prospective observational study was conducted with 100 patients in the dermatology department of a tertiary care hospital from January to June 2024. Sociodemographic data were collected through patient interviews, and detailed dermatological assessments were performed by dermatologists to categorize acne severity and identify common triggers.

Results

Statistical analysis of the results was expressed in percentages. The majority of patients were aged between 18 and 27 years, with a higher prevalence among females. Most patients were students, residing in urban areas, with moderate to severe acne. The most common treatment regimen involved a combination of topical retinoids, antibiotics, and isotretinoin prescribed for severe cases.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of improving acne treatment strategies, focusing on personalized approaches to improve patient outcomes. There is a critical need for continuous education among healthcare providers regarding emerging treatment options and best clinical practices in acne management.