IADVL SIG Recalcitrant Dermatophytosis Position Statement on Super Bioavailable Itraconazole

Itraconazole (ITZ) has been the mainstay of oral antifungal treatment for the current epidemic of recalcitrant dermatophytosis (RD) in India. Recently, a newer formulation of ITZ, super bioavailable itraconazole (SUBA-ITZ), is made available in the market by many pharmaceutical companies. It is important for dermatologists to understand the pharmacokinetic properties of SUBA-ITZ vis-a-vis conventional pellet formulation to use it effectively and safely. Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL) has established a special interest group for recalcitrant dermatophytosis (SIG-RD) to strengthen research, continuing medical education, and industry collaboration on the subject. This position statement on SUBA-ITZ by SIG-RD is an attempt to address current pieces of evidence and the position of this new formulation in the management of RD.

A study on the multidisciplinary diagnostic approach of leprosy: Can we prevent the recrudescence in the post-elimination Indian scenario?

Introduction

Leprosy also widely known by the name Hansen's disease is a chronic disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae affecting mankind with various clinico-pathological forms. It remained a major public health issue due to associated case load, morbidity and stigma attached to it. India declared elimination of leprosy in the year 2005. However, it is surprising to see that in some parts of the country, the prevalence is still significant. The objective of the study is to describe the spectrum of histopathological profile of leprosy and compare its correlation with clinical diagnosis in this post elimination era.

Methods

A 24-months prospective study was conducted with clinically diagnosed leprosy cases in a tertiary care hospital in eastern India. Lesions were graded and the histopathological slides along with its bacteriological index (BI) on slit skin smears where possible was reviewed and analyzed. Agreement of histopathological finding with clinical finding was established.

Results

A total of 220 cases were included in the study. On histopathology, borderline category was the most frequently reported with borderline tuberculoid the most common subtype. Most common clinical feature was hypopigmented plaque, followed by erythematous skin lesions, nodules, macules etc. Bacteriological index was studied in 192 slit skin smears. Moderate agreement between clinical and histopathological diagnosis with kappa measure of inter-rater agreement as 0.457 was noted.

Conclusion

Clinico-histopathological correlation is pivotal in the accurate diagnosis of leprosy to prevent, treat, and control the resurgence of the disease in the post-elimination era.

A Study of Onychomycosis at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Eastern Bihar

Background:

Onychomycosis (OM) is a major public health problem which is increasing worldwide. It is associated with high morbidity and causes physical, psychological, and occupational problems in patients.

Aims:

This study aims to study the pattern of etiological agents, clinical features, and severity assessment of OM in this part of India.

Materials and Methods:

Sixty eight clinically suspected patients with positive potassium hydroxide and fungal culture were studied.

Results:

Males were infected more often than females (1.61:1). The most common age group affected was 21–40 years. Finger nails were affected more frequently than toe nails. Distal and lateral subungual OM was the most common (48 cases, 70.59%) clinical pattern. For most of the patients (66.18%), nail involvement was severe. Discoloration was the most common (67 cases, 98.53%) change, followed by subungual hyperkeratosis (51 cases, 75%). Principal causative agents were dermatophytes (55 cases, 80.88%) with Trichophyton rubrum being the most common one (35 cases, 51.47%). In 9 (13.23%) cases, Candida albicans, in 6 (8.82%) Aspergillus niger and in 1 (1.47%) case Acremonium sp. (AC) have been isolated as the sole causative agent. In 2 (2.94%) cases, mixed infection with dermatophyte and Aspergillus and in 1 (1.47%) case dermatophyte and Candida were noted.

Conclusion:

Although dermatophytes were the most common causative agent of OM, nondermatophytic molds, and yeasts were also encountered. The genus and species identification helps in the proper diagnosis and management. Morphological changes in nail may help in presumptive diagnosis of OM.

Porokeratotic eccrine ostial and dermal duct nevus - revisited

We hereby report a rare case of a 14-year-old girl presenting with asymptomatic pitted papules over the flexor aspect of her right 4th and 5th digits. This was histopathologically proven to be porokeratotic eccrine ostial and dermal duct nevus (PEODDN).

Acquired universal melanosis (carbon baby syndrome)

Generalized pigmentation in a child may be attributed to a wide range of disorders. Acquired universal melanosis (AUM), also known as carbon baby syndrome, is one such rare condition, characterized by progressive hyperpigmentation of the skin since infancy with histopathologic features of heavy melanization of the entire epidermis. Since its initial description, only a few cases of AUM have been described in the English-language literature. We describe here a case of a young child with AUM for its rarity and a few unusual features.

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma with unusual eschar-like crusting

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is a rare subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the skin. Clinically, SPTCL presents as subcutaneous tumors located on the extremities or trunk, often associated with systemic symptoms like fever or fatigue. The therapeutic regimen for SPTCL is at present not standardized. We describe herein a case of a young woman who presented with intermittent fever and skin rash and was diagnosed later with SPTCL. The case is reported here for its rarity and rapidly changing unusual clinical manifestations. This case also highlights that monotherapy with systemic steroid can be a valuable treatment option for the management of SPTCL, especially in those without hemophagocytic syndrome.