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Ng HJ, Alata MK, Nguyen QT, Huynh Duc Vinh P, Tan JY, Wong CL. Managing and treating COVID-19 in patients with hematological malignancies: a narrative review and expert insights. Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:119. [PMID: 38833206 PMCID: PMC11150206 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-024-01381-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Patients with hematologic malignancies (HMs) are at a significantly higher risk of contracting COVID-19 and experiencing severe outcomes compared to individuals without HMs. This heightened risk is influenced by various factors, including the underlying malignancy, immunosuppressive treatments, and patient-related factors. Notably, immunosuppressive regimens commonly used for HM treatment can lead to the depletion of B cells and T cells, which is associated with increased COVID-19-related complications and mortality in these patients. As the pandemic transitions into an endemic state, it remains crucial to acknowledge and address the ongoing risk for individuals with HMs. In this review, we aim to summarize the current evidence to enhance our understanding of the impact of HMs on COVID-19 risks and outcomes, identify particularly vulnerable individuals, and emphasize the need for specialized clinical attention and management. Furthermore, the impaired immune response to COVID-19 vaccination observed in these patients underscores the importance of implementing additional mitigation strategies. This may include targeted prophylaxis and treatment with antivirals and monoclonal antibodies as indicated. To provide practical guidance and considerations, we present two illustrative cases to highlight the real-life challenges faced by physicians caring for patients with HMs, emphasizing the need for individualized management based on disease severity, type, and the unique circumstances of each patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Joo Ng
- Department of Haematology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Quang The Nguyen
- Stem Cell Transplantation Department, Blood Transfusion Hematology Hospital, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | - Phu Huynh Duc Vinh
- Stem Cell Transplantation Department, Blood Transfusion Hematology Hospital, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | - Jing Yuan Tan
- Department of Haematology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chieh Lee Wong
- Department of Haematology, Sunway Medical Centre, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Wasai Y, Yamada N, Ariyoshi N, Haraguchi A, Funatsu M, Mikuni M, Nakamura R, Sakuma A, Higashijima F, Iwamoto N, Teranishi S, Nishioka M, Yamasaki T, Kimura K. SARS-CoV-2 infection status in corneal preservation solution and COVID-19 prevalence after corneal transplantation. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3766. [PMID: 38355742 PMCID: PMC10866865 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53863-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The potential risks associated with organs from COVID-19-infected donors were unclear. To determine the SARS-CoV-2 infection status of corneas transplanted during the COVID-19 pandemic, we performed a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the corneal preservation solution that was used for corneal transplantation. We also examined the postoperative health status of the recipients. This study included 144 transplants in 143 eyes. Ninety-nine eyes of imported corneas and 10 of the 14 corneas donated in the prefecture were PCR tested at our hospital, and all were SARS-CoV-2 negative. All corneal transplants were performed after confirming their SARS-CoV-2 negativity by a PCR using a corneal preservation solution at our hospital or a nasopharyngeal swab at a previous facility. Despite postoperative steroid administration, no patient developed COVID-19 infection until discharge. Hence, if the donor's nasopharyngeal swab test is SARS-CoV-2 negative, COVID-19 infection in the recipient due to corneal transplantation may be prevented. Since corneal transplant recipients are susceptible to infection due to prolonged steroid administration and are at high risk for severe diseases if infection occurs, SARS-CoV-2 detection testing using nasopharyngeal swabs in donors should be performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Wasai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 MinamiKogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Naoyuki Yamada
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 MinamiKogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Ariyoshi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 MinamiKogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Aiko Haraguchi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 MinamiKogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Masahiko Funatsu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 MinamiKogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Masanori Mikuni
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 MinamiKogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Riku Nakamura
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 MinamiKogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi, 755-8505, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kyushu University Hospital, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Ayano Sakuma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 MinamiKogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Fumiaki Higashijima
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 MinamiKogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Nanako Iwamoto
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 MinamiKogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Teranishi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 MinamiKogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Mitsuaki Nishioka
- Division of Laboratory, Yamaguchi University Hospital, 1-1-1 MinamiKogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Takahiro Yamasaki
- Division of Laboratory, Yamaguchi University Hospital, 1-1-1 MinamiKogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi, 755-8505, Japan
- Department of Oncology and Laboratory Medicine, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 MinamiKogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kimura
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 MinamiKogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi, 755-8505, Japan.
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Choi UW, Ai X, Li H, Hao Y, Yao X, Guan Y. Immunosuppressive therapy and COVID-19 infection in patients with NMOSD. Immun Inflamm Dis 2024; 12:e1128. [PMID: 38270296 PMCID: PMC10790678 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To evaluate whether treated with immunosuppressants in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) shows an effect on the severity and outcomes of COVID-19 Omicron variant. METHODS This is a substudy of a single-center clinical trial involving human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) in NMOSD patients. NMOSD patients with hUC-MSCs treatment, NMOSD patients without hUC-MSCs treatment, and matched healthy controls (HC) were included. Demographic information, NMOSD-related clinical features, comorbidities, use of disease-modifying therapy, COVID-19 vaccination status, COVID-19 clinical features, COVID-19 clinical outcomes, and NMOSD-related disease activity were obtained through online questionnaires or phone calls. RESULTS The majority of NMOSD patients received long-term treatment with mycophenolate mofetil (68.8%) or azathioprine (22.9%), and 50% received oral glucocorticoid. During the epidemic, 97.4% of NMOSD patients infected with COVID-19 had asymptomatic or mild forms, with only two patients (2.6%) requiring hospitalization. None of these patients required tracheal intubation or admission to the intensive care unit. Clinical symptoms were found to be more prevalent in HC groups. Additionally, the HC groups had higher fever-recorded temperatures. NMOSD patients who received hUC-MSCs treatment had shorter disease duration than patients who did not receive hUC-MSCs treatment. DISCUSSION Immunosuppressant-treated patients with NMOSD have a similar risk of COVID-19 infection as the general population, but the disease duration is shorter and the clinical symptoms are less severe. Among our NMOSD patients who received hUC-MSCs treatment, COVID-19 outcomes were favorable, with no increased risk of severe COVID-19. Prospective studies on immunotherapies are needed to help determine best treatment practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Un Wai Choi
- Department of Neurology, Ren Ji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Xiwen Ai
- Department of Neurology, Ren Ji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Hongyan Li
- Department of Neurology, Ren Ji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Yong Hao
- Department of Neurology, Ren Ji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Xiaoying Yao
- Department of Neurology, Ren Ji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Yangtai Guan
- Department of Neurology, Ren Ji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
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Droc G, Martac C, Buzatu CG, Jipa M, Punga MD, Isac S. Orthotopic Liver Transplantation of a SARS-CoV-2 Negative Recipient from a Positive Donor: The Border between Uncertainty and Necessity in a Pandemic Era- Case Report and Overview of the Literature. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:medicina59050836. [PMID: 37241068 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59050836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
(1) Introduction: Liver transplantation represents the gold-standard therapy in eligible patients with acute liver failure or end-stage liver disease. The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically affected the transplantation landscape by reducing patients' addressability to specialized healthcare facilities. Since evidence-based acceptance guidelines for non-lung solid organ transplantation from SARS-CoV-2 positive donors are lacking, and the risk of bloodstream-related transmission of the disease is debatable, liver transplantation from SARS-CoV-2 positive donors could be lifesaving, even if long-term interactions are unpredictable. The aim of this case report is to highlight the relevance of performing liver transplantation from SARS-CoV-2 positive donors to negative recipients by emphasizing the perioperative care and short-term outcome. (2) Case presentation: A 20-year-old female patient underwent orthotropic liver transplantation for Child-Pugh C liver cirrhosis secondary to overlap syndrome, from a SARS-CoV-2 positive brain death donor. The patient was not infected nor vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, and the titer of neutralizing antibodies against the spike protein was negative. The liver transplantation was performed with no significant complications. As immunosuppression therapy, the patient received 20 mg basiliximab (Novartis Farmacéutica S.A., Barcelona, Spain) and 500 mg methylprednisolone (Pfizer Manufacturing Belgium N.V, Puurs, Belgium) intraoperatively. Considering the risk of non-aerogene-related SARS-CoV-2 reactivation syndrome, the patient received remdesivir 200 mg (Gilead Sciences Ireland UC, Carrigtohill County Cork, Ireland) in the neo-hepatic stage, which was continued with 100 mg/day for 5 days. The postoperative immunosuppression therapy consisted of tacrolimus (Astellas Ireland Co., Ltd., Killorglin, County Kerry, Ireland) and mycophenolate mofetil (Roche România S.R.L, Bucharest, Romania) according to the local protocol. Despite the persistent negative PCR results for SARS-CoV-2 in the upper airway tract, the blood titer of neutralizing antibodies turned out positive on postoperative day 7. The patient had a favorable outcome, and she was discharged from the ICU facility seven days later. (3) Conclusions: We illustrated a case of liver transplantation of a SARS-CoV-2 negative recipient, whose donor was SARS-CoV-2 positive, performed in a tertiary, university-affiliated national center of liver surgery, with a good outcome, in order to raise the medical community awareness on the acceptance limits in the case of COVID-19 incompatibility for non-lung solid organs transplantation procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Droc
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care I, 'Fundeni' Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care I, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristina Martac
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care I, 'Fundeni' Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristina Georgiana Buzatu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care I, 'Fundeni' Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Miruna Jipa
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care I, 'Fundeni' Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Maria Daniela Punga
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care I, 'Fundeni' Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sebastian Isac
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care I, 'Fundeni' Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
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Prasad N, Yadav B, Prakash S, Yadav D, Singh A, Gautam S, Bhadauria D, Kaul A, Patel MR, Behera MR, Kushwaha RS, Yachha M. Association of Human Leucocyte Antigen Polymorphism with Coronavirus Disease 19 in Renal Transplant Recipients. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:1840. [PMID: 36366349 PMCID: PMC9697220 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10111840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Human leucocyte antigens (HLAs) are highly polymorphic glycoproteins expressed at the surface of all nucleated cells. It is required for the SARS-CoV-2 peptide antigen presentation to immune cells for their effector response. However, polymorphism in HLA significantly impacts the binding of SARS-CoV-2 antigenic peptide to the HLA pocket and regulates immune activation. In this study, 514 renal transplant recipients (RTRs) were recruited from the outpatient department and categorized either into symptomatic (n = 173) or asymptomatic groups (n = 341) based on Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) symptoms. The anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-specific IgG antibody titer was measured by chemiluminescent microparticle immune-assay methods in 310 RTRs. The HLA details of 514 patients were retrieved from the electronic medical records and analyzed retrospectively. We found that HLA antigen allele A*24 was significantly associated with asymptomatic infection in 22.78%, HLA C*02 in 4.51%, DRB1*12 in 10.85%, and HLA DQA1*02 in 27.74% of RTRs. Whereas HLA A*29 in 3.46%, A*33 in 26.01%, B*13 in 10.40%, DRB1*10 in 4.62%, DRB1*15 in 39.30%, DRB1*30 in 1.15%, and DQA1*60 in 3.57% of RTRs were associated with symptomatic infection. HLA DRB1*13 and DRB1*15 were associated with moderate to severe degrees of COVID-19 disease. The seroconversion rate in asymptomatic patients was 118/137 (86.13%), had a median titer of 647.80 au/ml, compared to symptomatic patients 148/173 (85.54%) with a median titer of 400.00 au/ml, which was not significant between the two groups (P = 0.88 and 0.13). In conclusion, HLA alleles A*24, C*02, DRB1*12, and DQA1*02 were significantly associated with asymptomatic infection, and A*29, A*33, B*13, DRB1*10, DRB*15, and DRB1*30 were significantly associated with symptomatic infection. HLA DRB1*13 and DRB1*15 were associated with moderate to severe degrees of COVID-19 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narayan Prasad
- Department of Nephrology and Renal Transplantation, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow 226014, India
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du Preez HN, Aldous C, Kruger HG, Johnson L. N-Acetylcysteine and Other Sulfur-Donors as a Preventative and Adjunct Therapy for COVID-19. Adv Pharmacol Pharm Sci 2022; 2022:4555490. [PMID: 35992575 PMCID: PMC9385285 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4555490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The airway epithelial glycocalyx plays an important role in preventing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 entry into the epithelial cells, while the endothelial glycocalyx contributes to vascular permeability and tone, as well as modulating immune, inflammatory, and coagulation responses. With ample evidence in the scientific literature that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is related to epithelial and endothelial dysfunction, preserving the glycocalyx should be the main focus of any COVID-19 treatment protocol. The most studied functional unit of the glycocalyx is the glycosaminoglycan heparan sulfate, where the degree and position of the sulfate groups determine the biological activity. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and other sulfur donors contribute to the inorganic sulfate pool, the rate-limiting molecule in sulfation. NAC is not only a precursor to glutathione but also converts to hydrogen sulfide, inorganic sulfate, taurine, Coenzyme A, and albumin. By optimising inorganic sulfate availability, and therefore sulfation, it is proposed that COVID-19 can be prevented or at least most of the symptoms attenuated. A comprehensive COVID-19 treatment protocol is needed to preserve the glycocalyx in both the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. The use of NAC at a dosage of 600 mg bid for the prevention of COVID-19 is proposed, but a higher dosage of NAC (1200 mg bid) should be administered upon the first onset of symptoms. In the severe to critically ill, it is advised that IV NAC should be administered immediately upon hospital admission, and in the late stage of the disease, IV sodium thiosulfate should be considered. Doxycycline as a protease inhibitor will prevent shedding and further degradation of the glycocalyx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi N du Preez
- Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa
| | - Colleen Aldous
- College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Hendrik G Kruger
- Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa
| | - Lin Johnson
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Ciolfi C, Sernicola A, Alaibac M. Role of Rituximab in the Treatment of Pemphigus Vulgaris: Patient Selection and Acceptability. Patient Prefer Adherence 2022; 16:3035-3043. [PMID: 36387051 PMCID: PMC9651071 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s350756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab is an approved adjuvant treatment, in combination with oral corticosteroids, for patients with pemphigus vulgaris, a severe and potentially life-threatening autoimmune blistering skin disorder. Updated approaches to the management of pemphigus vulgaris support rituximab as a first-line adjuvant treatment to induce remission early in the course of disease; however, its feasibility in the clinical setting is often reduced by a series of limitations, including high cost of this biological drug, physician and patient concern for the risk of adverse reactions, and uncertainty regarding the optimum dosing and schedule of administration. The standard approved rituximab dosages, which are derived from lymphoma protocols, have been recognized to exceed the effective dose required for inducing B cell depletion, since the B cell burden in pemphigus vulgaris is much lower than in lymphoproliferative disorders. To overcome these limitations, recent research has investigated alternative regimens of rituximab, using lower doses of the drug. Moreover, differences in patient and disease characteristics that are highlighted in the literature strongly suggest that therapy should be tailored individually on a case-by-case basis: personalized treatment schedules may be necessary to optimize response to treatment and tolerability in different subjects, with the possibility of repeated infusions for severe forms and in case of relapse. Finally, low-dose regimens of rituximab were suggested to be favorable during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing a lesser degree of immune cell depletion while retaining a sufficient response. In conclusion, the current literature suggests that lower-dose regimens of rituximab are not only tolerable and cost-effective but may also be associated with a positive response in pemphigus vulgaris, comparable to that achieved with higher doses especially in early disease. Further evidence from rigorous clinical trials will be required to optimize lower-dose regimens of RTX and establish their position within the treatment scenario of pemphigus vulgaris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Ciolfi
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Alvise Sernicola
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Correspondence: Alvise Sernicola, Dermatology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Via Vincenzo Gallucci, 4, Padua, 35121, Italy, Tel/Fax +39 049 821 2924, Email
| | - Mauro Alaibac
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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