International journal of dermatology
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The reactivation of a latent tuberculosis infection is one of the possible major events that may occur during biologic therapies for inflammatory chronic diseases such as psoriasis. Although its main screening test is regularly used in clinical practice, there are few studies about the prevalence of this silent mycobacterial infection and the rate of positive convertors during treatment. ⋯ The use of a screening tool for LTBI is mandatory in patients taking biologic therapies to avoid severe infectious complications. Periodic follow-up is also crucial as positive results may be seen after prolonged use of these agents.
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Despite several studies investigating the association between the human leukocyte antigen HLA-B*1502 allele and lamotrigine-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) in Han Chinese subjects, the relationship remains unclear. ⋯ We found a statistical association between HLA-B*1502 and lamotrigine-induced SJS/TEN in Han Chinese subjects. Future studies with larger sample sizes are suggested to verify the results.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for chronic post-herpetic neuralgia.
Postherpetic neuralgia remains a therapeutic challenge for the clinician. Many modalities have been utilized with limited success. In this pilot randomized study of patients who were refractory to previous medicinal treatment, the patients were treated with transcutaneous nerve stimulation with a biofeedback capability. ⋯ The true device was chosen over the sham device by all patients. The majority of these patients treated by the true device reported a statistically significant decrease in pain scores (P < 0.001). Further investigation of this Food and Drug Administration, class 2 accepted, electronic device for relief of pain is warranted for patients with a history of recalcitrant postherpetic neuralgia.
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Observational Study
Herpes zoster-associated severity and duration of pain, health-related quality of life, and healthcare utilization in Taiwan: a prospective observational study.
To assess the severity and duration of herpes zoster (HZ)-associated pain (ZAP) and its impact on quality of life (QoL) and healthcare utilization (HCRU) from a patient perspective in routine care in Taiwan. ⋯ Severe morbidity and significant HCRU are associated with HZ in Taiwan, supporting the need for early intervention and preventive strategies to reduce the HZ-associated burden of illness.
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Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease characterized by the presence of non-caseating granulomas. Its etiology remains obscure. A plausible hypothesis suggests that a complex interplay of host factors, infectious processes, and non-infectious environmental factors, matched with a susceptible genetic background, results in a pathway that leads to systemic granulomatous inflammation. ⋯ Although corticosteroids remain the treatment of choice for initial systemic therapy, other nonsteroidal agents have proven effective and therefore useful for long-term management. Tumor necrosis factor-α antagonists such as infliximab may have a role in the treatment of cutaneous sarcoidosis, especially in refractory cases that are resistant to standard regimens. Elucidation of the relationship of sarcoidal granulomas with malignancy and immunity may facilitate a better understanding of some pathomechanisms operating in neoplastic and immunity-related disorders.