Acrokeratosis Can Be a Warning Sign of an Underlying Malignancy

Introduction

Some cutaneous manifestations can be the first presentation of an underlying malignancy. These so-called paraneoplastic syndromes can sometimes be very subtle or strongly resemble other benign cutaneous diseases.

Aims

In this report, we want to emphasize the need for further investigation of eczema-like cutaneous presentations which develop at a later age and are recalcitrant to therapy. Exclusion of an underlying malignancy needs to be considered.

Patients and Methods

A 53-year-old man with thickening of the skin, more pronounced on the hands, feet and face, was diagnosed with classic nodular sclerosing Hodgkin disease based on cutaneous presentation.

Results

After two rounds of chemotherapy (adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine and dacarbazine), the cutaneous symptoms had disappeared. After six rounds of chemotherapy and 14 months of follow-up, the patient is still in remission without recurrence of the cutaneous symptoms.

Conclusions

Cutaneous symptoms recalcitrant to adequate treatment should raise suspicion and prompt further investigation to exclude an underlying malignancy. A multidisciplinary approach with the dermatology department can accelerate diagnosis and improve the patient’s prognosis.

LEARNING POINTS

Skin lesions, differential diagnosis and practical approach to potential survivors of torture

As the international refugee crisis has reached new proportions (BMJ, 355, 2016 and i5412), survivors of torture increasingly present in treating physicians with an array of acute or chronic skin lesions. Physicians should be aware of common presentations and likely differential diagnoses in order to avoid mislabelling or under-recognizing torture. Survivors of torture also frequently suffer from psychological sequelae, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, and appropriate referrals are essential in order to improve recovery trajectory. Skin sequelae are the most common physical findings of torture. Not all skin lesions seen in tortured survivors are due to perpetrator inflicted injuries, and many dermatological conditions can mimic lesions typical of torture, as can scars as a result of folk remedies or cultural practices specific to geographical regions. Medical documentation of torture includes injury and lesion description. While forensic dermatology and other forensic specialties use an injury description taxonomy, and the standard dermatologic taxonomy uses an anatomic description, they are complementary sciences for lesions inflicted by torture. This results in an opportunity for learning across disciplines in order to improve evidence documentation for survivors of torture. This article describes features of common skin lesions consistent with torture, including their clinical appearances, differential diagnoses, patterns of injury and appropriate clinical descriptions.

JAK1/3 inhibition preserves epidermal morphology in full-thickness 3D skin models of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis

BACKGROUND

Janus kinase (JAK) inhibition may be a promising new treatment modality for inflammatory (skin) diseases. However, little is known about direct effects of kinase inhibitors on keratinocyte differentiation and function as well as skin barrier formation.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to address the direct impact of kinase inhibition of the JAK1/3 pathways by tofacitinib on keratinocyte immune function and barrier formation in atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis.

METHODS

3D skin equivalents of both diseases were developed and concurrently pretreated with tofacitinib. To induce AD, 3D skin equivalents were stimulated with recombinant human IL-4 and IL-13. Psoriasis-like conditions were induced by incubation with IL-17A, IL-22 and tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα). The activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)1, STAT3 and STAT6 was assessed by Western blot analysis. Microarray analysis and quantitative real-time PCR were used for gene expression analysis.

RESULTS

Tofacitinib pretreatment preserved epidermal morphology and reduced STAT3 and STAT6 phosphorylation of AD-like and STAT3 phosphorylation of psoriasis-like culture conditions in 3D skin models compared to sham-controls. Filaggrin expression was fully maintained in the AD-like models, but only partially in psoriasis-like conditions after pretreatment with tofacitinib. In addition, tofacitinib upregulated DSC1, FLG and KRT1. Using gene expression analysis, downregulation of POSTN and IL24 was observed in AD-like conditions, whereas downregulation of IL20 and IL1B was observed in psoriasis-like conditions.

CONCLUSION

JAK1/3 inhibition counteracted cytokine-induced AD- and psoriasis-like epidermal morphology and enhanced keratinocyte differentiation in 3D skin models. This effect was more pronounced in the AD-like models compared to the psoriasis-like 3D skin models.

Signs of physical abuse and neglect in the mature patient

Neglect and physical abuse of elderly are worrisome health problems, which are expected to grow even further, considering the aging of the population. By 2060, the number of people aged above 65 years is expected to double, whereas birth rates are low. This trend will cause a significant imbalance between different age groups and put more senior adults at risk for abuse. Risk factors, associated with abuse and neglect, are well established and can be categorized in sociodemographic-, victim-, or perpetrator-related risk factors. The effects of these risk factors depend mainly on the setting, which can be community-dwelling or institutionalized older adults. In community-based settings, 90% of perpetrators are family members. In each setting, suspicious physical injuries should be recognized and addressed promptly. This can be very challenging in elderly, among others, due to the age-related skin changes, which can mimic abuse; however, there are some cutaneous clues that should always raise suspicion of abuse, such as patterned shape or distribution, different healing stages of wounds, parallel injuries, signs of blunt trauma, and irregular patches of alopecia. General awareness is needed, and the advice of dermatologists, who are best trained to differentiate between those lesions, should be systematically sought, to reduce false-positive and false-negative interpretations.

The roadmap for allergology in Europe: The subspecialty of allergology as "stop-over" on the way to a full specialty. An EAACI position statement

The vision of European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) and the Union of European Medical Specialists Section and Board on allergology is to promote and to establish a full specialty of allergology in all European countries. In many European countries, a full specialty does not exist. In those countries, organ-based (sub)specialists or paediatricians and internists with an expertise in allergology may deliver allergy care. There are no generally accepted requirements for the training of subspecialists available. To fill the gap between the need and availability of experienced and accredited physicians who can deliver optimal care to the allergic patients, the EAACI Specialty Committee proposes the minimal requirements for training and certification of subspecialists in allergology. This paper describes the required theoretical knowledge, skills, competences and training facilities (staff and institution). The subspecialist as described in this paper should ideally show the necessary competence in providing good quality care to patients in an environment lacking those full specialists in allergology or tertiary care paediatric subspecialists in allergy.

Therapy of ulcus cruris of venous and mixed venous arterial origin with autologous, adult, native progenitor cells from subcutaneous adipose tissue: a prospective clinical pilot study

BACKGROUND

The stromal vascular fraction (SVF) of adipose tissue consists of cellular subpopulations with distinct regenerative potential.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the regenerative capacities of autologous SVF cells in the treatment of chronic leg ulcers of venous (VLU) and arterial-venous (AVLU) origin.

METHODS

Multimorbid ulcer patients received a singular topical treatment with 9-15 × 10⁶ SVF cells, separated from abdominal lipoaspirates by digestion with collagenase and neutral protease and applied immediately after isolation. The primary endpoints were the change in wound size 12 weeks after treatment and evaluation of adverse events. Secondary endpoints included the time to complete wound epithelialization and change in pain levels. Postoperative wound treatment modalities and treatment of comorbidities were not intensified compared with pre-operative management. Follow-up period was at least 6 months.

RESULTS

Sixteen elderly ulcer patients (seven with VLU, nine with AVLU) were treated as described. All VLU patients (median ulcer size: 48.25 cm² ) and four of nine AVLU patients showed complete epithelialization of the ulcers within 71-174 days. In three patients with large ulcerations on both legs, ulcerations on the non-treated, contralateral leg also epithelialized. Patients reported a considerable rapid decrease in pain intensity by 2.5 points on average on a visual scale from 1 to 5 within the first 2 weeks after treatment. The patients were followed up for 9-44 months (median: 30 months). No severe side-effects were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of SVF cells presents an effective, minimally invasive option for the treatment of VLU and AVLU even in multimorbid patients. In patients with larger predominantly ischaemic AVLU and comorbidities, one-time application of the used amounts of SVF cells was not sufficient in the majority of cases.

Improved efficacy of allergen-specific immunotherapy by JAK inhibition in a murine model of allergic asthma

Background

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is the only curative treatment for type-1 allergies, but sometimes shows limited therapeutic response as well as local and systemic side effects. Limited control of local inflammation and patient symptoms hampers its widespread use in severe allergic asthma.

Objective

Our aim was to evaluate whether AIT is more effective in suppression of local inflammation if performed under the umbrella of short-term non-specific immunomodulation using a small molecule inhibitor of JAK pathways.

Methods

In C57BL/6J mice, a model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic airway inflammation and allergen-specific immunotherapy was combined with the administration of Tofacitinib (TOFA, a FDA-approved JAK inhibitor) from 48 hours prior to 48 hours after therapeutic OVA-injection. The effect of TOFA on human FOXP3⁺CD4⁺ T cells was studied in vitro.

Results

AIT combined with short-term TOFA administration was significantly more effective in suppressing total cell and eosinophil infiltration into the lung, local cytokine production including IL-1β and CXCL1 and showed a trend for the reduction of IL-4, IL-13, TNF-α and IL-6 compared to AIT alone. Furthermore, TOFA co-administration significantly reduced systemic IL-6, IL-1β and OVA-specific IgE levels and induced IgG1 to the same extent as AIT alone. Additionally, TOFA enhanced the induction of human FOXP3⁺CD4⁺ T cells.

Conclusions

This proof of concept study shows that JAK inhibition did not inhibit tolerance induction, but improved experimental AIT at the level of local inflammation. The improved control of local inflammation might extend the use of AIT in more severe conditions such as polyallergy, asthma and high-risk patients suffering from mastocytosis or anaphylaxis.

The role of endothelial cells in the vasculopathy of systemic sclerosis: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune connective tissue disorder characterized by fibroproliferative vasculopathy, immunological abnormalities and progressive fibrosis of multiple organs including the skin. In this study, all English speaking articles concerning the role of endothelial cells (ECs) in SSc vasculopathy and representing biomarkers are systematically reviewed and categorized according to endothelial cell (EC) (dys)function in SSc.

METHODS

A sensitive search on behalf of the EULAR study group on microcirculation in Rheumatic Diseases was developed in Pubmed, The Cochrane Library and Web of Science to identify articles on SSc vasculopathy and the role of ECs using the following Mesh terms: (systemic sclerosis OR scleroderma) AND pathogenesis AND (endothelial cells OR marker). All selected papers were read and discussed by two independent reviewers. The selection process was based on title, abstract and full text level. Additionally, both reviewers further searched the reference lists of the articles selected for reading on full text level for supplementary papers. These additional articles went through the same selection process.

RESULTS

In total 193 resulting articles were selected and the identified biomarkers were categorized according to description of EC (dys)function in SSc. The most representing and reliable biomarkers described by the selected articles were adhesion molecules for EC activation, anti-endothelial cell antibodies for EC apoptosis, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), its receptor VEGFR-2 and endostatin for disturbed angiogenesis, endothelial progenitors cells for defective vasculogenesis, endothelin-1 for disturbed vascular tone control, Von Willebrand factor for coagulopathy and interleukin (IL)-33 for EC-immune system communication. Emerging, relatively new discovered biomarkers described in the selected articles, are VEGF₁₆₅b, IL-17A and the adipocytokines. Finally, myofibroblasts involved in tissue fibrosis in SSc can derive from ECs or epithelial cells through a process known as endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review emphasizes the growing evidence that SSc is primarily a vascular disease where EC dysfunction is present and prominent in different aspects of cell survival (activation and apoptosis), angiogenesis and vasculogenesis and where disturbed interactions between ECs and various other cells contribute to SSc vasculopathy.

Adrenaline in anaphylaxis treatment and self-administration: experience from an inner city emergency department

BACKGROUND

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening emergency of which reliable epidemiological data are lacking. This study aimed to analyze how quickly patients presenting with anaphylaxis were treated in emergency and whether treatment followed the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) guidelines.

METHODS

Patient data were collected between April 2009 and April 2013. Emergency doctors completed a questionnaire for adult patients presenting at the emergency department (ED) of the St. Pierre hospital in Brussels with anaphylaxis. Inclusion criteria were based on the Sampson criteria of anaphylaxis. Data were analyzed using a Microsoft Excel database.

RESULTS

About 0.04% (100/230878) of all emergency visits in adults presented with anaphylaxis. 64% of patients received their first medical help later than 30 min after symptom onset. 67% of patients received adrenaline, 85% oral antihistamines, and 89% received IV glucocorticosteroids. 46/100 patients were discharged directly from the ED, of which 87% received further medical prescriptions for self-administration: 67% corticosteroids, 83% antihistamines, and 9% intramuscular adrenaline. 74% were instructed to consult an allergologist for adequate diagnosis. 54/100 patients were hospitalized.

CONCLUSION

The majority of patients were treated according to the EAACI guidelines for management of anaphylaxis, but only a minority received the recommended adrenaline auto-injector for self-administration at discharge. Because the majority of patients received medical help later than 30 min after symptom onset, adrenaline auto-injector prescription is a necessity. The low rate of doctors prescribing adrenaline auto-injectors in the ED setting underlines the need to train doctors of various backgrounds in prevention and treatment of anaphylaxis and the close collaboration with allergologists.

Pollen derived low molecular compounds enhance the human allergen specific immune response in vivo

BACKGROUND

Besides allergens, pollen release bioactive, low molecular weight compounds that modulate and stimulate allergic reactions. Clinical relevance of these substances has not been investigated to date.

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the effect of a non-allergenic, low molecular weight factors from aqueous birch pollen extracts (Bet-APE < 3 kDa) on the human allergic immune response in vivo.

METHODS

Birch and grass pollen allergic individuals underwent skin prick testing with allergen alone, allergen plus Bet-APE < 3 kDa, or allergen plus pre-identified candidate substances from low molecular pollen fraction. Nasal allergen challenges were performed in non-atopic and pollen allergic individuals using a 3 day repeated threshold challenge battery. Subjects were either exposed to allergen alone or to allergen plus Bet-APE< 3 kDa. Local cytokine levels, nasal secretion weights, nasal congestion and symptom scores were determined.

RESULTS

Skin prick test reactions to pollen elicited larger weals when allergens were tested together with the low molecular weight compounds from pollen. Similar results were obtained with candidate pollen-associated lipid mediators. In nasal lining fluids of allergic patients challenged with allergen plus Bet-APE < 3 kDa, IL-8 and IgE was significantly increased as compared to allergen-only challenged patients. These patients also produced increased amounts of total nasal secretion and reported more severe rhinorrhea than the allergen-only challenged group.

CONCLUSIONS

Low molecular compounds from pollen enhance the allergen specific immune response in the skin and nose. They are therefore of potential clinical relevance in allergic patients.

Anaphylaxis in an urban Belgian emergency department: epidemiology and aetiology

OBJECTIVES

Anaphylaxis is an emergency condition of which reliable epidemiological data are lacking. This study focusses on epidemiology and aetiology of anaphylactic reactions in an urban Belgian emergency department (ED).

METHODS

Patient data were collected from 04/2009 to 04/2013.During this period, emergency doctors completed a questionnaire for adult patients (>15 years) with anaphylaxis presenting at the ED. Inclusion criteria were based on the Sampson criteria of anaphylaxis. Data were analysed using a Microsoft Excel database.

RESULTS

Anaphylaxis accounted for 0.04% of all emergency visits in this 4-year period. In both women and men, dyspnoea and urticaria were noted most frequently. 51.7% of cases were possibly elicited by foods, 46.1% by drugs and 3.4% by hymenoptera stings. Women more often reported allergic diseases in their personal history. 55.7% of patients, who had a history of allergy, reported a suspected food-related allergy, 24.6% a drug-related allergy and 8.2% a hymenoptera venom-related allergy. In 76.5% of patients who reported a history of food allergy, food was the presumed elicitor of anaphylaxis. For patients with history of drug allergy, 88.2% had a presumed drug anaphylaxis at the time of presentation at the ED. 81% of cases presented with grade 4 or 5 anaphylaxis. With increasing age, the severity of anaphylaxis increased. Higher tryptase levels correlated with a higher grade of anaphylaxis.

CONCLUSION

In this Belgian urban population, foods and drugs were by far the most common suspected elicitors of anaphylaxis. Personal history of allergic diseases was present in more than half of the cases.

Pollen-derived nonallergenic substances enhance Th2-induced IgE production in B cells

BACKGROUND

B cells play a central role in IgE-mediated allergies. In damaged airway epithelium, they are exposed directly to aeroallergens. We aimed to assess whether direct exposure of B cells to pollen constituents affects allergic sensitization.

METHODS

B cells from murine splenocytes and from blood samples of healthy donors were incubated for 8 days under Th2-like conditions with aqueous ragweed pollen extracts (Amb-APE) or its constituents. Secreted total IgM, IgG, and IgE was quantified by ELISA. Additionally, birch, grass, or pine-pollen extracts were tested. The number of viable cells was evaluated by ATP measurements. B-cell proliferation was measured by CFSE staining. IgE class switch was analyzed by quantitation of class switch transcripts. In an OVA/Alum i.p.-sensitization mouse model, Amb-APE was intranasally instilled for 11 consecutive days.

RESULTS

Upon Th2 priming of murine B cells, ragweed pollen extract caused a dose-dependent increase in IgE production, while IgG and IgM were not affected. The low-molecular-weight fraction and phytoprostane E1 (PPE1) increased IgE production, while Amb a 1 did not. PPE1 enhanced IgE also in human memory B cells. Under Th1 conditions, Amb-APE did not influence immunoglobulin secretion. The IgE elevation was not ragweed specific. It correlated with proliferation of viable B cells, but not with IgE class switch. In vivo, Amb-APE increased total IgE and showed adjuvant activity in allergic airway inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

Aqueous pollen extracts, the protein-free fraction of Amb-APE, and the pollen-contained substance PPE1 specifically enhance IgE production in Th2-primed B cells. Thus, pollen-derived nonallergenic substances might be responsible for B-cell-dependent aggravation of IgE-mediated allergies.

Vemurafenib-associated Dupuytren- and Ledderhose palmoplantar fibromatosis in metastatic melanoma patients

BACKGROUND

The BRAF-inhibitor vemurafenib, used in patients with metastatic melanoma, induces multiple cutaneous side-effects.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this work was to evaluate the development of palmoplantar fibromatosis in a population of patients treated with the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib.

METHODS

Between April 2011 and February 2013, we initiated a treatment with vemurafenib in 53 patients with an unresectable stage IIIC or stage IV melanoma. The patients were followed-up on a regular base to monitor possible side-effects.

RESULTS

A plantar or palmar fibromatosis was observed in five of 53 patients treated with vemurafenib. In four of these patients other risk factors for the development of palmoplantar fibromatosis were absent.

CONCLUSION

The BRAF-inhibitor vemurafenib might induce palmoplantar fibromatosis.

Pollen-derived adenosine is a necessary cofactor for ragweed allergy

BACKGROUND

Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) is a strong elicitor of allergic airway inflammation with worldwide increasing prevalence. Various components of ragweed pollen are thought to play a role in the development of allergic responses. The aim of this study was to identify critical factors for allergenicity of ragweed pollen in a physiological model of allergic airway inflammation.

METHODS

Aqueous ragweed pollen extract, the low molecular weight fraction or the major allergen Amb a 1 was instilled intranasally on 1-11 consecutive days, and allergic airway inflammation was evaluated by bronchoalveolar lavage, lung histology, serology, gene expression in lung tissue, and measurement of lung function. Pollen-derived adenosine was removed from the extract enzymatically to analyze its role in ragweed-induced allergy. Migration of human neutrophils and eosinophils toward supernatants of ragweed-stimulated bronchial epithelial cells was analyzed.

RESULTS

Instillation of ragweed pollen extract, but not of the major allergen or the low molecular weight fraction, induced specific IgG1 , pulmonary infiltration with inflammatory cells, a Th2-associated cytokine signature in pulmonary tissue, and impaired lung function. Adenosine aggravated ragweed-induced allergic lung inflammation. In vitro, human neutrophils and eosinophils migrated toward supernatants of bronchial epithelial cells stimulated with ragweed extract only if adenosine was present.

CONCLUSIONS

Pollen-derived adenosine is a critical factor in ragweed-pollen-induced allergic airway inflammation. Future studies aim at therapeutic strategies to control these allergen-independent pathways.