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Gómez-Fernández C, López-Sundh AE, González-Vela C, Ocejo-Vinyals JG, Mayor-Ibarguren A, Salas-Venero CA, Gutiérrez-Larrañaga M, Tejerina-Puente A, Fariñas MC, Cabero-Pérez MJ, López-Hoyos M, González-López MA. High prevalence of cryofibrinogenemia in patients with chilblains during the COVID-19 outbreak. Int J Dermatol 2020; 59:1475-1484. [PMID: 33070314 DOI: 10.1111/ijd.15234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many cutaneous manifestations have been described in possible association with the COVID-19 pandemic, including acral lesions resembling chilblains. The underlying pathomechanisms of COVID-19 chilblains are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical, pathological, and laboratory findings of a series of patients who developed chilblains during the COVID-19 outbreak and to investigate the possible factors that could be involved in the pathogenesis of these lesions. METHODS We conducted a prospective cohort study that included 54 patients who presented with chilblains during the highest peak in the incidence of COVID-19 in Cantabria (northern Spain). Skin biopsies were performed on 10 of these patients who presented with recent lesions. Laboratory investigations, including immunological analysis, serological studies, and the assessment of cryoproteins, were also performed. RESULTS Most patients presented erythematous plaques located on the toes and/or purpuric macules located on the feet. Histopathological findings were compatible with those of idiopathic chilblains. Immunohistochemical evaluation showed C3d and C4d deposits in the vessel walls in seven cases. The autoimmunity panel was negative in most of our series. Cryoprotein testing showed positive cryofibrinogen in two-thirds (66.7%) of the patients assessed. On follow-up, most patients presented almost complete resolution, although six patients required prednisone and antiaggregant drug treatment. CONCLUSIONS This study shows, for the first time to our knowledge, a high prevalence of cryofibrinogenemia in patients with chilblains during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cryofibrinogenemia could be implicated in the pathogenesis of chilblains related to COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Gómez-Fernández
- Division of Dermatology, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, University of Cantabria, IDIVAL, Santander, Spain
| | - Ana E López-Sundh
- Division of Dermatology, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, University of Cantabria, IDIVAL, Santander, Spain
| | - Carmen González-Vela
- Division of Pathology, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, University of Cantabria, IDIVAL, Santander, Spain
| | - Javier Gonzalo Ocejo-Vinyals
- Division of Immunology, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, University of Cantabria, IDIVAL, Santander, Spain
| | | | - Carlos A Salas-Venero
- Division of Microbiology, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, University of Cantabria, IDIVAL, Santander, Spain
| | - María Gutiérrez-Larrañaga
- Division of Immunology, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, University of Cantabria, IDIVAL, Santander, Spain
| | - Ana Tejerina-Puente
- Unit of Pediatrics, Health Center La Marina (Santander), Cantabrian Health Service, Santander, Spain
| | - María Carmen Fariñas
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, University of Cantabria, IDIVAL, Santander, Spain
| | - María Jesús Cabero-Pérez
- Division of Pediatrics, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, University of Cantabria, IDIVAL, Santander, Spain
| | - Marcos López-Hoyos
- Division of Immunology, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, University of Cantabria, IDIVAL, Santander, Spain
| | - Marcos A González-López
- Division of Dermatology, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, University of Cantabria, IDIVAL, Santander, Spain
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