Penile warts: an update on their evaluation and management

Successful combination therapy of trichloroacetic acid, podophyllin, and electrocautery on giant condylomata acuminata

Introduction: Giant condylomata acuminata (GCA) is a rare presentation of anogenital wart (AGW), invasive locally but does not metastasize. Combination therapy for GCA is suggested based on modalities and experiences. The combination of TCA and podophyllin has showed good efficacy, followed by electrocautery to eradicate warts. Case: A 24-year-old male had a chief complaint of large warts on the base of the penis that had started to bleed for 4 weeks. The initial lesion appeared 8 months prior as a small varucose papule. The patient is unmarried and has history of sexual contact with sex workers. Physical examination showed multiple verrucous papules, flesh-coloured, cauliflower-like shaped, 5 × 2 × 1 cm in size. The patient tested negative for HIV infection. Histopathological examination showed acanthosis, exophytic growth, parakeratosis, and koilocytosis with no signs of malignancy. This patient received a combination of TCA 90% and podophyllin 25% to initially reduce the tumor size, followed by electrocautery to eradicate the remaining lesions. The tumor showed complete clearance. Discussion: There is no definitive evidence that one therapy is superior to completely eliminating warts. Combination therapy of TCA and podophyllin leads to complete wart clearance, followed by electrocautery to destroy smaller warts.

The Effectiveness of Chemical Cautery and Electrosurgery on Anogenital Wart: Systematic Review

Introduction

Anogenital warts (AGW) is one of the sexually transmitted infections (STIs) caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Treatment modalities of AGW yield low clearance and recurrence rate, so that chemical cautery with trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and electrosurgery are widely used to remove the lesions without any severe side effects.

Objective

To investigate the efficacy of chemical cautery with TCA and electrosurgery in AGW based on clinical trials or case series.

Methods

The systematic review was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) but not registered to the International Prospective Register of Systematic Review (PROSPERO). To acquire proper and accurate information from relevant literature, two databases PubMed and the Cochrane Library were searched from January 2013 to March 2023.

Results

Thirteen studies were included in this systematic review, comprising seven articles on chemical cautery and six electrosurgery articles. The highest cure rate of chemical cautery with TCA was 94.1% while electrosurgery was 100%. A relatively low recurrence rate during 1 year follow-up was observed in electrosurgery with 14.6%, whereas the chemical cautery was 27.6%.

Conclusion

Electrosurgery for AGW treatment had higher cure rate with lower recurrence rate compared to chemical cautery with TCA. Numerous adverse effects of electrosurgery were reported include bleeding and scar formation as high risk of HPV infection.

A Comprehensive Review of Treatment Approaches for Cutaneous and Genital Warts

Cutaneous and genital warts are common in both developed as well as developing countries. Human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a double-stranded DNA virus, is the causative agent of wart infection. Different types of HPV viruses are responsible for the different severity of diseases. Some types are associated with malignancy of the anal region and cervix. HPV is a common sexually transmitted disease in the United States. The incidence is most common in the younger age groups and the elderly population. Our main goal is to describe the different treatment modalities available for warts. Treatment modalities are divided into primary, secondary, and tertiary options. Topical medications, and physical excision of warts via cryotherapy, electrocautery, lasers, or photodynamic therapy are all common forms of treatment. Various clinical trials and randomized control trials have been seen as effective treatment against HPV infection. Higher remission rates are seen irrespective of different treatment options. Warts can be treated but the HPV virus cannot be completely removed. Older age, immunocompromised state, diabetes mellitus, and HIV are the predisposing factors for the disease. There is currently a large variety of medicines in use, all of which can differ significantly in terms of price, side-effect profiles, dosing regimens, length of therapy, and overall effectiveness. The best course of treatment has not yet been identified, and patients are often treated according to their unique needs.

Organ-sparing treatment for T1 and T2 penile cancer: an updated literature review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Penile cancer (PeCa) is an orphan disease due to its rare incidence in high-income countries. Traditional surgical options for clinical T1-2 disease, including partial and total penectomy, can dramatically affect patient's quality of life and mental health status. In selected patients, organ-sparing surgery (OSS) has the potential to remove the primary tumor with comparable oncologic outcomes while maintaining penile length, sexual and urinary function. In this review, we aim to discuss the indications, advantages, and outcomes of various OSSs currently available for men diagnosed with PeCa seeking an organ-preserving option.

RECENT FINDINGS

Patient survival largely depends on spotting and treating lymph node metastasis at an early stage. The required surgical and radiotherapy skill sets cannot be expected to be available in all centers. Consequently, patients should be referred to high-volume centers to receive the best available treatments for PeCa.

SUMMARY

OSS should be used for small and localized PeCa (T1-T2) as an alternative to partial penectomy to preserve patient's quality of life while maintaining sexual and urinary function and penile aesthetics. Overall, there are different techniques that can be used with different response and recurrence rates. In case of tumor recurrence, partial penectomy or radical penectomy is feasible, without impacting overall survival.

Intralesional cidofovir for the management of refractory cutaneous verrucae: a review of applications and opportunities

Viral warts - manifestations of cutaneous infection by human papilloma virus - can be a significant physical and emotional burden for patients when common treatments fail, particularly for individuals who are immunocompromised or with multiple lesions. Cidofovir, an antiviral agent typically used for the treatment of cytomegalovirus infection, has emerged as an alternative treatment option for viral warts when administered topically or intralesionally. In this review, we highlight the scientific rationale, published evidence, and practical clinical uses of intralesional cidofovir for the management of cutaneous warts as well as ongoing questions requiring further research and exploration of this emerging therapy for refractory verrucae.

Febrile seizures: A review

Febrile seizures are common, occurring in up to 5% of children in the United States. Frequently perceived by caregivers as a life-threatening event, febrile seizures are a common cause of emergency department visits. The concern for permanent neurologic sequelae and future epilepsy after febrile seizures has resulted in a significant amount of research on these topics. The development of childhood vaccines over the past several decades has led to a significant reduction in childhood bacterial meningitis. This in turn has led to a dramatic change in the evaluation and treatment of febrile seizures. In this review, the different types of febrile seizures as well as the evaluation and prognosis of each are discussed.

Efficacy and Safety of Clinacanthus nutans Lindau Cream vs. Podophyllin for the Treatment of Adults with Condyloma Acuminata

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection causes condyloma acuminata (CA). Podophyllin is the standard treatment. Clinacanthus nutans Lindau (C. nutans), a medicinal plant, has potent anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects. C. nutans cream is widely used in Thailand to treat the herpes simplex virus. We proposed that C. nutans might also induce CA clearance. There are no studies of C. nutans treatment of CA. This randomized controlled trial at Siriraj Hospital, Thailand, was conducted between January 2018 and December 2019. CA samples were obtained from 10 men with at least two CAs 1 centimeter apart. Each wart was randomized to a 4-week treatment with either C. nutans or podophyllin. The participants were 24 to 72 years old. Most HPV types were low-risk HPVs (HPV 11, HPV 6). Median CA clearance with podophyllin was a 97% CA clearance with podophyllin and 82% with C. nutans. C. nutans may be an alternative treatment for CA.

Breastfeeding and risk of febrile seizures in the first 3 years of life: The Japan Environment and Children's Study

OBJECTIVE

Our study was conducted to examine the association between breastfeeding and febrile seizures (FS) in the first 3 years of life.

METHODS

We analyzed the dataset of the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS), which is a birth cohort study undertaken to elucidate the influence of environmental factors on children's health during the fetal period and early childhood. Information on feeding duration and feeding pattern, as well as information on febrile seizures, were obtained from questionnaires sent to mothers/caregivers. We categorized a child as having experienced FS if the child was reported as having been diagnosed with FS in the first 3 years. Modified Poisson regression with a robust error variance was used to estimate the effect of duration of breastfeeding and the risk of FS.

RESULTS

Of the 84,321 children included in the analysis, 6264 (7.4%) were reported to have experienced FS at least once in the first 3 years of life. Multivariate analyses showed that the risk of FS during the first 3 years of life tended to decrease as the duration of breastfeeding increased. Male sex and frequent fever episodes were also associated with an increased risk of FS.

CONCLUSIONS

Continued breastfeeding until 2 years of age, the most susceptible age for FS, had a small but protective effect on FS.

Prehospital capillary lactate in children differentiates epileptic seizure from febrile seizure, syncope, and psychogenic nonepileptic seizure

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to examine prehospital capillary lactate in children as a diagnostic biomarker to differentiate epileptic seizures from febrile seizures, syncope, and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES).

METHODS

Capillary lactate concentrations taken in a pediatric prehospital setting within 2 h of the paroxysmal event were compared retrospectively between patients with epileptic seizure, febrile seizure, syncope, and PNES, based on the final diagnosis from the hospitalization report.

RESULTS

One hundred and two patients were included, 53 (52%) with epileptic seizures, 41 (40%) with febrile seizures, and 8 (8%) with syncope or PNES. Capillary lactate in patients with a final diagnosis of epileptic seizure was significantly increased in comparison to the concentrations in patients with febrile seizure (p < 0.0007) and in comparison to the concentrations in patients with syncope or PNES (p < 0.0204). The area under the ROC-curve was 0.71 (95% CI 0.61-0.80). For a cutoff concentration of prehospital capillary lactate >3.9 mmol/l (Youden index), the sensitivity was 49% and the specificity 92%.

CONCLUSION

Prehospital capillary lactate concentrations are a useful tool for differentiating the nature of a paroxysmal event in children.

Soluble Factors and Receptors Involved in Skin Innate Immunity-What Do We Know So Far?

The pattern recognition receptors, complement system, inflammasomes, antimicrobial peptides, and cytokines are innate immunity soluble factors. They sense, either directly or indirectly, the potential threats and produce inflammation and cellular death. High interest in their modulation has emerged lately, acknowledging they are involved in many cutaneous inflammatory, infectious, and neoplastic disorders. We extensively reviewed the implication of soluble factors in skin innate immunity. Furthermore, we showed which molecules target these factors, how these molecules work, and how they have been used in dermatological practice. Cytokine inhibitors have paved the way to a new era in treating moderate to severe psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.

Holmium:YAG Laser for the Treatment of Genital and urethral Warts: Multicentre Prospective Evaluation of Safety and Efficacy

Introduction: Genital condylomatosis is a highly contagious disease caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). The aim of this prospective multicentre study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Holmium:YAG (yttrium-aluminium-garnet) laser in the treatment of genital and intra-urethral warts; the secondary aim was to assess the patients' postoperative satisfaction and cosmetic results. Methods: From December 2016 to March 2019, patients with genital warts were prospectively enrolled in three hospitals. The inclusion criteria were male gender, age over 18 years-old and treatment-naïve. External and urethral genitalia warts were treated by the Holmium YAG laser. The follow-up analysis consisted of physical examination, flexible urethro-cystoscopy in case of meatal lesions, and administration of Dermatology Quality of Life Index (DLQI) and Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) questionnaires at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery and subsequently yearly. Results: Sixty patients were enrolled. The single treatment was effective in 57/60 patients (95%). At a mean follow-up of 26 months, recurrences occurred in 8 patients (13.3%). No peri- or post-operative complication occurred. An improvement in pre-operative condition was highlighted with PGI-I and DLQI questionnaires. Conclusion: Our prospective multicentre study showed that holmium laser surgery seems to be a safe and effective treatment for external genital and urethral warts. Good dermatological outcomes aid to further improve patient satisfaction.

Correlation of the ALA-PDT Treatment Efficacy and the HPV Genotype Profile of Genital Warts after Cryotherapy Failure and Podophyllotoxin Therapy in Male Patients

Background: Genital warts are the manifestation of the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which may last for weeks or months before the clinical presentation. The primary aim of the study was the correlation of the DNA HPV genotypes eradication with the treatment response in male patients with persistent genital warts. Methods: Twenty-one male patients (age range: 22–58) after failure of cryotherapy and podophyllotoxin treatment were enrolled in the study. Genetic tests (Real Time - PCR method) analyzed the presence of DNA-HPV before and 6 months after four sessions (4 weeks apart) of photodynamic therapy with 5-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA-PDT). The treatment efficacy was evaluated before each PDT session and at the end of the study. Results: The single HPV DNA type was present in 15/21 of the patients (13/15 HPV6). The high-risk HPV types were found in 8/21 subjects, of which 6/8 had several types. Six months after four sessions of PDT, complete response was found in 16/21 (76.19%; p = 0.0007) of patients, and DNA HPV clearance was found in 66.67% (p = 0.03). The eradication rate differed among patients with primary low-risk and high-risk HPV types—76.92% (10/13; p = 0.0003) and 50% (4/8; p = 0.05) respectively. Conclusion: ALA-PDT is an effective treatment even after the failure of previous modalities. The persistence of clinical lesions and high oncological risk HPV types should be an indication for treatment prolongation.

Clinical and molecular characterization of four patients with Robinow syndrome from different families

Robinow syndrome (RS) is a rare heterogeneous disorder characterized by short stature, short-limbs, craniofacial, oro-dental abnormalities, vertebral segmentation defects, and frequently genital hypoplasia. Both autosomal dominant and recessive patterns of inheritance are observed with many causative genes. Here, we present the phenotypes and genotypes of four children with RS from different Indian families. Sequence variants were identified in genes ROR2, DVL1, and DVL3. Our results expand the mutational spectrum of RS and we also highlight the radiological changes in the radius and ulna in patients with ROR2 sequence variants which are primarily characteristic for ROR2 related RS but have been reported in WNT5A related RS.

Penile Sparing Techniques For Penile Cancer

Penile cancers are rare malignancies. Traditional surgical options, including partial and total penectomy, can dramatically affect a patient's quality of life and mental health. In select patients, penile sparing techniques (PST) have the potential to remove the primary tumor with comparable oncologic outcomes while maintaining penile length, sexual function, and urinary function. In this review, we aim to discuss the indications, advantages, and outcomes of the various PST currently available for men seeking an organ-preserving option for their penile cancer.

Coenzyme Q10, Zinc and MDA levels in verruca vulgaris

Background/aim

Verruca vulgaris is a benign disease characterized with papillomas on the skin and mucosa. The aim of this study was to investigate the serum levels of coenzyme Q10, MDA, and zinc as well as the lipid profile of verruca vulgaris patients and examine the relationship between these parameters and clinical manifestations of the disease.

Materials and methods

The study included 49 verruca vulgaris patients (mean age: 32.01 ± 14.20 years; 22 males, 27 females) and 40 healthy volunteers (mean age: 31.63 ± 8.98 years; 21 males and 19 females). Coenzyme Q10 levels were assessed by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum MDA levels were measured spectrophotometrically. Zinc levels were measured using a Perkin Elmer AAnalyst 800 atomic absorption spectrometer with a deuterium background correction and additional standard techniques.

Results

The coenzyme Q10 levels were found to be higher in the verruca vulgaris group compared to the healthy volunteers. However, this increase was not statistically significant (P = 0.195). Zinc levels were significantly lower in the verruca vulgaris group compared to the healthy volunteers (P = 0.002). In the patient group, MDA levels and HDL levels were significantly higher compared to the healthy volunteers (P = 0.023 and P = 0.004, respectively). Additionally, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in the CoQ10/Total cholesterol ratio (P = 0.433).

Conclusion

Reduced serum zinc levels and increase of oxidative stress in verruca vulgaris may be a factor responsible for development of verruca vulgaris.

Effects of Diazepam and Ketamine on Pilocarpine-Induced Status Epilepticus in Mice

Status epilepticus (SE) is a life-threatening condition needing immediate care to prevent brain damage. SE with electrographic and behavioral features similar to those seen in humans is reproduced in rodents by i.p. pilocarpine injection, and can be terminated by diazepam and ketamine treatment but only behaviourally, not electrographically. Little is known on the behavioral and EEG effects induced by a delayed administration of ketamine (25 mg/kg) after diazepam (10 mg/kg) or vice versa. Therefore, we analysed behavior and EEG activity recorded from the mouse hippocampal CA3 region before, during SE and after anticonvulsant treatments. In the first group (n = 4), diazepam was administered one hour before ketamine whereas in the second group (n = 4) ketamine was administered one hour before diazepam. The EEG SE did not disappear after each of the two treatments but progressed within 4 h to a pattern of interictal discharges. However, diazepam administration before ketamine significantly shortened the time of behavioral recovery compared to when ketamine was administered before diazepam (p < 0.05). The two protocols were also associated to distinct EEG changes in gamma and high frequency oscillations. In conclusion, although diazepam and ketamine are not effective in stopping EEG SE, diazepam administration one hour before ketamine shortens behavioral recovery in pilocarpine-treated mice.

Viral metagenomics updated the prevalence of human papillomavirus types in anogenital warts

To investigate the composition of human papillomavirus (HPV) types in anogenital warts (AGWs), viral nucleic acid in 110 AGWs, pooled into 11 specimen pools, were subjected to viral metagenomic analysis. After finding HPV7 in AGWs, conventional PCR screening was performed for HPV7 in other 190 individual AGW specimens. Viral metagenomic results indicated that 29 different types of HPV were recovered, with HPV11 and HPV6 showing the highest proportion of sequence reads. HPV7 was detected in 7 of 11 pools, 5 of which contained abundant HPV7 sequence reads. 24 complete genomes of HPV were acquired in viral metagenomic analysis, including 5 HPV7 genomes, based on which phylogenetic analysis and pairwise sequence comparison were conducted. PCR screening for HPV7 in other 190 individual AGW specimens revealed 25 positive cases (13.16%), of which the amplified fragments were sequenced and confirmed to be HPV7 sequences. Although HPV7 was generally found in hand warts and recently also in warts in toe webs, our data suggested that the role of HPV7 in AGW should be considered in the future clinical test and vaccine development for AGWs.