Insignificant Correlation between Thyroid Hormone and Antithyroid Peroxidase Antibodies in Alopecia Areata Patients in Northern Rajasthan

Background

Alopecia areata (AA) is a common, recurrent form of nonscarring alopecia which often presents as circumscribed patches of spontaneous hair loss. The global prevalence of this disease varies from 0.1% to 0.2% in general population and 7-30 cases per 1000 dermatological patients. The etiology of AA still remains uncertain; however, genetic or environmental factor and autoimmunity are claimed responsible for it. Various autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, diabetes mellitus, vitiligo, and lupus erythematosus, have been reported in association with AA.

Aim

The index study was aimed at estimation of serum T3, T4, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and antithyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies.

Material and Methods

Similar age/sex-matched AA patients and controls (110 in each group). Enhanced chemiluminescence immunoassay for thyroid profile and anti-TPO antibody level estimation in veinous blood sample.

Observations

The mean/standard deviation (SD) of T3 was 3.30 ± 0.84 pg/ml in AA while 3.27 ± 0.67 pg/ml in controls (P = 0.302). Serum mean/SD of T4 level was1.23 ± 0.76 ng/dl in AA patients while 1.17 ± 0.34 ng/dl in controls (P = 0.522). The mean/SD of anti-TPO levels in AA patients was 21.52 ± 35.09 while 56.43 ± 140.72 in controls (P = 0.136).

Limitation

The limitation of this study was moderate number of AA patients and different genotype of study population.

Conclusion

Occurrence of thyroid dysfunction and evidence of anti-TPO antibodies in AA is rare event in this study population.

Cardiofacio-cutaneous syndrome: Classical presentation of a rare genodermatoses

Cardiofacio-cutaneous syndrome is a rare genodermatoses with multiple congenital anomalies (MCA) and mental retardation. Although various mutations have been described, the diagnosis can be made clinically based on constellation of symptoms. Herein, we report a classical case with typical craniofacial features and atrial septal defect.

Christ-Siemens-Touraine syndrome with palmoplantar keratoderma: A rare association

Christ–Siemens–Touraine syndrome is a form of anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (ED) characterized by triad of hypodontia, hypotrichosis, and hypohidrosis. Palmoplantar keratoderma is a characteristic feature of hidrotic forms of ED. Till date, only two cases have been reported of Christ–Siemens–Touraine syndrome with palmoplantar keratoderma; here we report a similar case emphasizing this rare association.

A clinico-bacteriological study of pyodermas at a tertiary health center in southwest Rajasthan

Background:

The spectrum of pyoderma changes constantly, and so does the antibiotic susceptibility pattern.

Aims:

This study was done to assess the magnitude and clinical patterns of pyodermas, their causative micro-organisms, and the antibiotic susceptibility patterns.

Materials and Methods:

Five hundred consecutive, clinically diagnosed and untreated cases of pyoderma, attending the Dermatology OPD of RNT Medical College and MB Government Hospital, Udaipur, from October 2010 to September 2011 were the subjects of this study. A detailed clinical examination, and relevant investigations including bacterial culture and sensitivity, were carried out and recorded.

Statistical Analysis:

For statistical analysis of data, the software ‘EPI-INFO Version 6’ was used, and Chi-square (χ²) test was applied.

Results:

Of 19576 cases attending skin OPD during the study period, pyoderma was seen in 500 patients; the incidence being 2.55%. Males outnumbered females. The highest number of cases (109; 21.8%) was observed in 1st decade. Lower extremities were the commonest site of predilection. Primary pyodermas outnumbered secondary pyodermas. Furuncle (136; 27.2%) and infectious eczematoid dermatitis (62; 12.4%) were the commonest entities among primary and secondary pyoderma respectively. Staphylococcus aureus was the commonest causative agent in both primary and secondary pyoderma. It showed high susceptibility to amoxycillin + sulbactam, aminoglycosides and cefoperazone, moderate susceptibility to linezolid, while low susceptibility to fluoroquinolones and cephalexin.

Conclusion:

Such studies help to assess the changing trend of bacterial infections, their causative organisms and antibiotic susceptibility pattern.

Pattern of childhood onset vitiligo at a tertiary care centre in south- west Rajasthan

Context:

Onset of vitiligo during childhood is not uncommon but the data is limited on this subject.

Aims:

This study was planned to assess the magnitude of childhood onset vitiligo (COV) and adulthood onset vitiligo (AOV), and compare their clinical pattern.

Settings and Design:

A cross sectional hospital based clinical study.

Materials and Methods:

Consecutive patients with vitiligo attending the Dermatology OPD of RNT Medical College and MB Government Hospital, Udaipur, from April 2012 to September 2012 were the subjects of this study. A detailed history taking followed by general, systemic and cutaneous examination, and relevant investigations were carried out. The findings were recorded in a proforma for analysis and interpretation of data.

Statistical analysis used:

Statistical analysis of data was done using chi- square and Z test.

Results:

Of the 295 patients seen during the study period, 109 (36.95%) were patients with COV while 186 (63.05%) had AOV; the COV: AOV ratio being 1: 1.71. Amongst COV patients, females (65/109; 59.63%) outnumbered males (44/109; 40.37%). Maximum (51; 46.79%) patients of COV had onset of their disease on head and neck, out of which eyelid was the initial site of lesion in 29 (26.61%) patients. None of COV patients had universal and isolated mucosal vitiligo.

Conclusions:

Female predominance, affection of eyelids as initial site, and less frequent mucosal involvement in COV were the clinical features different from AOV.

Phacomatosis cesioflammea with Klippel Trenaunay syndrome: A rare association

A 30-year-old Indian male presented with bilateral Nevus of Ota, extensive nevus flammeus over the trunk and left lower limb with soft tissue hypertrophy and varicosities affecting the left lower limb. He was otherwise in good general health. A diagnosis of Phacomatosis cesioflammea or Phacomatosis pigmentovasularis Type II with Klippel Trenaunay syndrome was made. The case is being reported on account of its rarity.

Pattern of pediatric dermatoses in a tertiary care centre of South West Rajasthan

Background:

The evaluation for skin disorders forms an important component of primary health care practice for all including children. The prevalence of certain skin diseases in children can reflect status of health, hygiene, and personal cleanliness of a community.

Aims:

This study was planned to evaluate the magnitude of skin diseases, pattern of various dermatoses, factors contributing to these dermatoses and concurrent systemic disease among children up to five years of age.

Materials and Methods:

Consecutive 1000 children, aged up to five years, attending the Dermatology OPD of RNT Medical College and MB Government Hospital, Udaipur were the subjects of this study. A detailed general, systemic and cutaneous examination followed by relevant investigations were carried out. The findings were recorded in a proforma for analysis and interpretation of data.

Results:

One thousand twenty seven (1027) diagnoses were made in 1000 children. Etiological analysis revealed that majority (417; 40.60%) of dermatoses belonged to infection and infestation group followed by eczematous (358; 34.86%) and hypersensitivity (105; 10.22%) groups. Of the infection and infestation group, bacterial infection (141; 13.72%) was the most common entity followed by scabies (107; 10.42%), fungal (67; 6.52%), and viral infection (35; 3.40%).

Conclusion:

This study provides a preliminary baseline data for future clinical research. It might also help to assess the changing trends of pediatric dermatoses.

Terminal 4q deletion syndrome

Terminal deletion of the long arm of chromosome 4, (4q) is a rare event. It is characterized by spectral phenotypic manifestations, depending upon the site and quantity of chromatin lost. The chromosomal loss which span 4 (q31-q35) segment often manifests as craniofacial anomalies, mental retardation with ocular, cardiac, genitourinary defects and pelvic/limb dysmorphism. These abnormalities are usually unilateral. We report a female child (46, XX), aged 11 months, born to nonconsanguineous parents, bearing chromosomal deletion of 4 (q31.2-35.2) segment, which has manifested as craniofacial hypoplasia of left side of face, ipsilateral ptosis, erythroderma and bilateral thumb anomalies.

Randomized comparison of topical betamethasone valerate foam, intralesional triamcinolone acetonide and tacrolimus ointment in management of localized alopecia areata

BACKGROUND

Alopecia areata (AA) is a common, non-scarring, patchy loss of hair at scalp and elsewhere. Its pathogenesis is uncertain; however, auto-immunity has been exemplified in various studies. Familial incidence of AA is 10-42%, but in monozygotic twins is 50%. Local steroids (topical / intra-lesional) are very effective in treatment of localized AA.

AIM

To compare hair regrowth and side effects of topical betamethasone valerate foam, intralesional triamcinolone acetonide and tacrolimus ointment in management of localized AA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

105 patients of localized AA were initially registered but 27 were drop out. So, 78 patients allocated at random in group A (28), B (25) and C (25) were prescribed topical betamethasone valerate foam (0.1%) twice daily, intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (10mg/ml) every 3 weeks and tacrolimus ointment (0.1%) twice daily, respectively, for 12 weeks. They were followed for next12 weeks. Hair re-growth was calculated using "HRG Scale"; scale I- (0-25%), S II-(26-50%), S III - (51-75%) and S IV- (75-100%).

RESULTS

Hair re-growth started by 3 weeks in group B (Scale I: P<0.03), turned satisfactory at 6 weeks in group A and B (Scale I: P<0.005, Scale IV: P<0.001)), good at 9 weeks (Scale I: P<0.0005, Scale IV: P<0.00015), and better by 12 weeks of treatment (Scale I: P<0.000021, Scale IV: P<0.000009) in both A and B groups. At the end of 12 weeks follow-up hair re-growth (>75%, HRG IV) was the best in group B (15 of 25, 60%), followed by A (15 of 28, 53.6%) and lastly group-C (Nil of 25, 0%) patients. Few patients reported mild pain and atrophy at injection sites, pruritus and burning with betamethasone valerate foam and tacrolimus.

CONCLUSION

Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide is the best, betamethasone valerate foam is better than tacrolimus in management of localized AA.

Kaposi's sarcoma as a presenting manifestation of HIV

Kaposi's sarcoma is a multi-focal vascular tumor involving skin and the other organs. HIV associated Kaposi's sarcoma is one of the AIDS defining condition. It is rarely reported from India. We report a 40-year-old heterosexual married male with widespread cutaneous lesions of Kaposi's sarcoma without any oral lesions or systemic association as a presenting manifestation of HIV.

Isolated pemphigus vegetans of the tongue

Pemphigus vegetans affecting only the tongue is reported in a 35-year-old woman.

Giant congenital nevomelanocytic nevus with satellite lesions, vitiligo and lipoma : a rare association

A case of giant congential nevomelanocytic nevus with satellite lesions, vitiligo and lipoma is described, owing to the rarity of the association. The constellation of finding can be explained on the basis of a defect in the neural crest, which is considered to be a common origin of melanoblasts, Schwann cells, sensory ganglia, bone, fat, muscle and blood vessels.

Congenital bilateral sensory neural deafness, postaxial polydactyly, scrotal tongue and recurrent pyogenic infections

A case report of a 40-year-old male with congenital bilateral sensory neural deafness, postaxial polydactyly involving hands and feet, scrotal tongue and recurrent pyogenic infections is described.

Livedo reticularis with acute rheumatic fever

A 10-year-old boy, a diagnosed case of acute rheumatic fever, presented with livedo reticularis involving whole of body except face. Livedo reticularis has been very rarely reported in rheumatic fever.

Chloroquine-induced toxic epidermal necrolysis

Two female patients aged 25 and 12 years suffering from malaria presented with picture of Stevens Johnson syndrome. Each of them had received daily doses of chloroquine phosphate by intramuscular injection for 3 days. They progressed to toxic epidermal necrolysis and could not be saved despite best of efforts.

Trichotillomania in a 2-year-old child

A case report of a 2-year-old child with trichotillomania is described.

Herpes associated erythema multiforme annularis concentricum

A young man had large, concentric plaques over the back and extensors of forearms for eight weeks. Past history suggested recurrent herpes labialis. Serum anti HSV-1 IgG titre was raised to 32 micrograms/l and histopathology of an active lesion suggested erythema multiforme. Symptomatic treatment and oral zinc therapy subsided EM lesions but concentric depigmentation developed after healing.

Symmetrical Progressive Erythrokeratoderma

A 6 year old boy had gradually progressive, asymptomatic well defined, bilaterally symmetrical, erythematohyperkeratotic plaques over dorsa of hands, feet, shins, popliteal fossae, natal cleft, both axillae and anterior aspect of abdomen, suggestive of symmetrical progressive erythrokerato derma. Palms and soles were spared. Involvement of multiple flexural areas in addition to the classical sites was unusual.