The Efficacy and Safety of Topical Cyclosporine-A in Dermatology: A Systematic Review

Cyclosporine-A (Cyc-A) was initially prescribed as systemic therapy for patients receiving solid organ transplants or in patients with graft versus host disease (GVHD). Topical Cyc-A is an ideal form of Cyclosporine in the treatment of mucocutaneous disorders as it causes fewer systemic side effects and has more stable results than steroids; however, poor absorption through the skin makes the development of new formulations necessary to improve skin permeability. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical Cyc-A in different dermatological conditions. A thorough systematic review was performed on PubMed/Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases as well as Google Scholar, and relevant studies from 2000 until January 3rd, 2022, were selected. The study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). Topical Cyc-A was observed to be an effective medication in the treatment of oral lichen planus, psoriasis, burning mouth syndrome, Pyoderma Gangrenosum, and Zoon's balanitis. Adverse side effects such as dysphagia, burning sensation, lips swealing, and gastrointestinal upset were reported following Cyc-A mouthwash use, whereas mild erythema, dryness, and fissuring of the skin were observed following the Cyc-A lipogel application. Topical Cyc-A was found to be a good alternative to traditional treatment regimens for immune-mediated mucocutaneous conditions. Cyc-A can be considered as a safe and efficient option in cases of long-term treatment as it does not have the same adverse effects of long-term steroids. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

A systematic review on mucocutaneous presentations after COVD-19 vaccination and expert recommendations about vaccination of important immune-mediated dermatologic disorders

With dermatologic side effects being fairly prevalent following vaccination against COVID-19, and the multitude of studies aiming to report and analyze these adverse events, the need for an extensive investigation on previous studies seemed urgent,in order to provide a thorough body of information about these post-COVID-19 immunization mucocutaneous reactions. To achieve this goal, a comprehensive electronic search was performed through the international databases including Medline (PubMed), Scopus, Cochrane, Web of science, and Google scholar on July 12, 2021, and all articles regarding mucocutaneous manifestations and considerations after COVID-19 vaccine administration were retrieved using the following keywords: COVID-19 vaccine, dermatology considerations and mucocutaneous manifestations. A total of 917 records were retrieved and a final number of 180 articles were included in data extraction. Mild, moderate, severe and potentially life-threatening adverse events have been reported following immunization with COVID vaccines, through case reports, case series, observational studies, randomized clinical trials, and further recommendations and consensus position papers regarding vaccination. In this systematic review, we categorized these results in detail into five elaborate tables, making what we believe to be an extensively informative, unprecedented set of data on this topic. Based on our findings, in the viewpoint of the pros and cons of vaccination, mucocutaneous adverse events were mostly non-significant, self-limiting reactions, and for the more uncommon moderate to severe reactions, guidelines and consensus position papers could be of great importance to provide those at higher risks and those with specific worries of flare-ups or inefficient immunization, with sufficient recommendations to safely schedule their vaccine doses, or avoid vaccination if they have the discussed contra-indications. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Topical sucralfate for treatment of mucocutaneous conditions: A systematic review on clinical evidence

Sucralfate is an aluminum salt of sucrose octasulfate, generally considered safe in terms of adverse effects. Systemic sucralfate is FDA-approved for the treatment of duodenal ulcers. Since 1991, topical sucralfate has been used in various mucocutaneous conditions, but it is not approved by the FDA yet. In this systematic review, the online databases were searched with appropriate keywords, and the papers were screened by the authors. After screening steps, the relevant articles were selected according to the inclusions and exclusions criteria. Finally, the full texts of 18 articles were included for final evaluations. In conclusion, topical sucralfate has some clinical benefit in several mucocutaneous conditions, including mucocutaneous inflammatory conditions (e.g., post-radiotherapy reaction, diaper dermatitis, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, etc.), mucocutaneous infectious disorders (e.g., peristomal wound reaction / Infection); ulcers; burns, and also pain relief.

Some Scaffolds as Anti-leishmanial Agents: An Review

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic infectious neglected tropical disease transmitted to humans by the parasites of Leishmania species. Mainly three types of leishmaniasis cases such as visceral (VL), cutaneous (CL) and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis are usually observed. In many western countries, almost 700,000 to 1million peoples are suffering from leishmaniasis and it is estimated that around 26000 to 65000 deaths occurs annually. For its treatment few drugs are available however none of them are ideal to treat leishmaniasis due to long treatment, discomfort mode of administration, risk of high level toxicity, high resistance against etc. Hence so many patients are unable to take complete treatment due to the high drug resistance. The present review will focus on antileishmanial activity of reported derivatives of betacarboline, chalcone, azole, quinoline, quinazoline, benzimidazole, benzadiazapine, thiaazoles, semicarbazone and hydontoin analogues. We believe that this present study will helpful to researcher to design new antileishmanial agents.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis and the vicious cycle of neglect

Cutaneous leishmaniasis remains a widespread poorly controlled disease, also seriously affecting travellers and migrants. Resources for diagnosis and management are lacking in endemic areas, timely recognition of cases is problematic everywhere, and we lack evidence to support guidelines for treatments, which are incompletely effective and often toxic, despite scores of publications.

Systematic Review of Blood-Borne Pathogen Exposure Rates Among Medical Students

BACKGROUND

Blood-borne pathogen exposures (BBPEs) pose a risk to health care workers (HCWs). Needlestick injuries (NSIs) have declined overall, but not for surgical HCWs. There are limited data regarding BBPEs among medical students (MSs) in their clinical years. We aimed to quantify this risk for third- and fourth-year MSs.

METHODS

A literature review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. The PUBMED database was searched to identify studies of third- and fourth-year MSs using the terms BBPE, NSI, and MS. Studies of other HCWs were excluded if MS data were not extractable. Additional studies were identified from references. Descriptive analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Seven of 171 articles published from 2002 to 2018 met study criteria. All used self-reported data from surveys/questionnaires. One-third of MSs reported BBPEs (n = 194/600, 32.3%) with a mean of 1 in 3.09 and a median of 1 in 3.53 (range: 1 in 1.9-8.3 students). Most events were NSIs (144/194, 74%) with a mean of 1 NSI per 4.05 MSs and median of 1 in 4.625 (range: 1 in 2.47-10.71). The remaining BBPEs reported included blood and bodily fluid splashes (n = 37, 19%), other mucocutaneous exposures (n = 7, 3.6%), and uncategorized injuries (n = 2, 1%).

CONCLUSIONS

One-third of senior MSs reported BBPEs during clinical rotations. Most BBPEs were NSIs. Quantifying this risk allows for anticipatory education and protocol development to protect students and other new HCWs. Educational efforts focused on NSI prevention before and during clinical rotations may help reduce BBPEs.

Case of Incomplete Kawasaki Disease with No Symptoms Except Fever Causing the Development of Coronary Aneurysm

Incomplete Kawasaki disease (iKD), which does not satisfy the standard KD diagnostic criteria because the required number of principal symptoms is not met, sometimes causes coronary aneurysms. Here we report the case of a patient with iKD who presented with only one principal symptom that resulted in the development of coronary aneurysm, as evidenced by angiography.

Orofacial manifestations of mucocutaneous leishmaniasis: a case series from Brazil

Dentists play a fundamental role in the early diagnosis of oral leishmaniasis. Although these lesions are rare at oral mucosa, this is one of the manifestations sites of the disease This study reports seven clinical cases of orofacial mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. All had leishmaniasis diagnosis confirmed by laboratory tests, with orofacial involvement. Five out of the seven cases were males, and in four cases, patients had associated comorbidities. Late diagnosis was observed, resulting in treatment delay and increased hospitalization stay. One patient had severe psychological consequences due to facial deformity. The lack of differential diagnosis due the great variability of clinical presentation of the lesions and frequent unspecific histopathology represent a challenge for the dentist. In two reported cases, there were unspecific biopsy results. This series of cases highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the diagnosis and treatment of oral and perioral leishmaniasis. Patients with atypical lesions, originating from or living in endemic regions, should be investigated for leishmaniasis. These procedures could avoid delays in diagnosis and decrease the risk of disease dissemination.

Primary classic Hodgkin lymphoma of the ileum and Epstein-Barr virus mucocutaneous ulcer of the colon: two entities compared

Primary classic Hodgkin lymphoma of the gastrointestinal tract represents a rare occurrence. A full patient's work-up is essential in order to exclude a secondary intestinal involvement. Histologically Epstein-Barr virus mucocutaneous ulcer closely resembles Hodgkin lymphoma. The differential diagnosis between these two entities is relevant, since both the therapeutic approach and the clinical behavior are different. Herein, we describe a case of primary classic Hodgkin lymphoma arising in the ileum and a case of Epstein-Barr virus mucocutaneous ulcer of the colon, focusing on the main clinicopathological differences.

An Atypical Presentation of Disseminated Mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania major In Iran

Although leishmaniasis is an endemic disease in Iran the mucosal involvement is rare. Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL) mainly caused by Leishmanial braziliensis infection, reported with other Leishmania species such as L. major. Herein a 78 yr old man with MCL from Iran is presented who referred to Razi Hospital Dermatology Clinic, Tehran, Iran, for multiple ulcerative lesions on mid face skin, mucosa of upper lip and anterior fossa of nose, dorsal aspect of the hands and the posterior aspect of heels. Skin biopsy revealed necrotizing and granulomatous tissue pattern that suggested infection pathogenesis but the smear for leishmaniasis, Mycobacterium spp, and fungal elements was negative at first. In order to a positive PPD test, he was treated by anti-tuberculosis treatment. A month after starting drugs for tuberculosis, the prepared microscopical smears were positive for Leishman bodies this time. The skin biopsy revealed amastigote forms of Leishmania sp. and the PCR assay on specimens of lesions proved L. major as the principal pathogenic agent. There was good response to systemic treatment with meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime®) 3 gr per day until one week followed by 4.5 gr per day for another week. We forced to discontinue of drug because of cardiac toxicity at the end of 2^nd wk of treatment.

Seroconversion rates among health care workers exposed to hepatitis C virus-contaminated body fluids: The University of Pittsburgh 13-year experience

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission to health care personnel (HCP) after exposure to a HCV-positive source has been reported to occur at an average rate of 1.8% (range, 0%-10%). We aimed to determine the seroconversion rate after exposure to HCV-contaminated body fluid in a major U.S. academic medical center.

METHODS

A longitudinal analysis of a prospectively maintained database of reported occupational injuries occurring between 2002 and 2015 at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center was performed. Data collected include type of injury and fluid, injured body part, contamination of sharps, resident physicians' involvement, and patients' hepatitis B virus (HBV), HCV, and HIV status.

RESULTS

A total of 1,361 cases were included in the study. Most exposures were caused by percutaneous injuries (65.0%), followed by mucocutaneous injuries (33.7%). Most (63.3%) were injuries to the hand, followed by the face and neck (27.6%). Blood exposure accounted for 72.7%, and blood-containing saliva accounted for 3.4%. A total of 6.9% and 3.7% of source patients were coinfected with HIV and HBV, respectively. The HCV seroconversion rate was 0.1% (n = 2) because of blood exposure secondary to percutaneous injuries.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides the largest and most recent cohort from a major U.S. academic medical center. The seroconversion rates among HCP exposed to HCV-contaminated body fluids was found to be lower than most of the data found in the literature.

Seroconversion rate among health care workers exposed to HIV-contaminated body fluids: The University of Pittsburgh 13-year experience

BACKGROUND

The studies enumerating the risk of HIV transmission to health care workers (HCWs) as 0.3% after percutaneous exposure to HIV-positive blood, and 0.09% after a mucous membrane exposure, are weakened by dated literature. Our study aims to demonstrate the seroconversion rate after exposure to HIV-contaminated body fluids in a major academic center in the United States.

METHODS

A prospectively maintained database of reported occupational injuries occurring between 2002 and 2015 at an academic medical center was analyzed. Data collected included the type of injury, injured body part, type of fluid, contamination of sharps, involvement of resident physicians, use of postexposure prophylaxis, and patients' HIV, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus status.

RESULTS

A total of 266 cases were included in the study. Most exposures were caused by percutaneous injuries (52.6%), followed by 43.2% mucocutaneous injuries. Of the injuries, 52.6% were to the hand and 33.5% to the face and neck. Blood exposure accounted for 64.3% of all cases. Of the patients, 21.1% received postexposure prophylaxis. None of the HCWs exposed to HIV-contaminated body fluids seroconverted (seroconversion rate, 0%).

CONCLUSIONS

HIV does not seem to be as easily transmitted by needlestick, laceration, or splash injuries as previously surmised. Further large-scale and multicenter studies are needed for a more accurate estimation of the risk of transmission of HIV in U.S. health care workers.

Mucocutaneous Manifestations in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Cross-sectional Study from Eastern India

BACKGROUND

Cutaneous manifestations are fairly common in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and they can help in early diagnosis, prompt treatment, and hence reduced morbidity from the disease.

AIMS

The objective of the present study was to find out the different patterns of dermatoses in a group of patients with RA from Eastern India.

METHODOLOGY

Consecutive patients fulfilling the American Rheumatism Association 1987 revised criteria for the classification of RA and who had different dermatoses were included in this cross-sectional study done over a period of 8 years in a tertiary care hospital in Eastern India. Thorough clinical examination and appropriate laboratory investigations were performed as needed. Data were recorded in a predesigned schedule, and appropriate statistical analysis was done.

RESULTS

We studied 111 evaluable patients with an age range of 19-71 years and a female to male ratio of 7:1. The mean disease duration of RA was 6.5 years. Cutaneous infections as a group was the most common mucocutaneous manifestation (34.2%) followed by xerosis including ichthyotic skin changes (27%), pigmented purpuric dermatoses (14.4%), leg ulcer (9.9%), periungual telangiectasia (9.9%), rheumatoid nodules (RNs) (8.1%), purpura and ecchymoses (7.2%), small vessel vasculitis in (7.2%), corn and callosities (6.3%), palmar erythema (4.5%), and neutrophilic dermatosis (4.5%). Raynaud's phenomenon was found in 3.6% patients and panniculitis in (3.6%) patients. Rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides antibody were positive in 74.8% and 88.3% patients, respectively. No statistically significant difference of incidence of leg ulcer, small vessel vasculitis, RN, or Raynaud's phenomenon could be noted between RF positive and negative groups.

LIMITATIONS

Being an institution-based study, the study findings may not reflect the true situation in the community which remained a limitation of this study.

CONCLUSION

While some of the features of this study were analogous to Western data, other features showed discordance which may be due to ethnic variations among the patients with RA.

Therapeutic options and vaccine development in the treatment of leishmaniasis

Early treatment of leishmaniasis is critical to achieve cure, prevent psychological and social distress, and prevent transmission of disease. Untreated Leishmaniasis-cutaneous leishmaniasis, mucocutaneous leishmaniasis and visceral leishmaniasis - results in disfiguring scars and high rates of morbidity and mortality in highly endemic regions of the world. However, cure rates with available therapeutics are limited due to cost, therapeutic toxicity and the growing rate of resistance. New therapeutic targets for medications and vaccine development are under investigation to provide improved healing and efficacy for the treatment of Leishmania spp.

Age-related Epstein-Barr virus-positive mucocutaneous ulcer: a case report

Key Clinical Message

The oral manifestations of EBV-positive mucocutaneous ulcers have a worrisome clinical appearance but relatively benign clinical course, responding well to conservative treatment. Elderly patients who develop an unexplained, persistent ulcer of the oral mucosa should have the lesion examined for EBV.