Ciro Martins Gomes

Tuberous sclerosis complex

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, also known as Epiloia or Bourneville-Pringle disease is an autosomal dominant neurocutaneous syndrome with variable clinical expression. It is a multisystem disorder that may be associated with hamartomas in multiple organs in an unpredictable manner. The dermatologist plays an essential role in the history of the disease, since skin manifestations represent the most prevalent clinical features, enabling early diagnosis and intervention in its natural course. This article aims to inform the scientific community about advances made in the study of genetics and molecular biology. Recent findings regarding stimulation of tumor growth have been changing the history of this condition, making therapeutic trials with topical and systemic drugs possible. Knowledge of these topics enables better management of the patients affected, since tissue replacement by tumors can result in significant morbidity and mortality.

Complementary exams in the diagnosis of american tegumentary leishmaniasis

The diagnosis of American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis is a difficult but essential task when considering the high toxicity profile of the drugs available. Since the discovery of its etiologic agent, numerous diagnostic tests have been developed. None of the tests available today can be considered as the gold standard, since they do not add enough accuracy for the disease detection. Good epidemiological and clinical knowledge of the disease are fundamental precepts of the dermatology practice and precede the rational use of existing diagnostic tests. In this article we aim, through extensive literature review, to recall fundamental concepts of any diagnostic test. Subsequently, based on this information, we will weave important comments about the characteristics of existing diagnostic tests, including immunological tests such as Montenegros skin test, serology and detection of parasites by direct examination, culture or histopathology. Finally we will discuss the new technologies and options for the diagnosis of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis. The molecular biology technique is considered a promising tool, promoting the rapid identification of the species involved. We also aim to educate dermatologists about a disease with high morbidity and assist in its difficult recognition.

Diagnóstico e tratamento das lombalgias e lombociatalgias

DESCRICAO DO METODO DE COLETA DE EVIDENCIAS: Reuniao consensual e multidisciplinar para elaboracao do texto com inclusao das citacoes bibliograficas, numa colaboracao das especialidades de reumatologia, ortopedia e traumatologia, neurocirurgia, radiologia, medicina fisica e reabilitacao e patologia da coluna vertebral. A partir de um texto basico referencial elaborado pelo editor medico, os participantes, divididos em cinco grupos de trabalho, geraram, por acrescimos e subtracoes ao texto basico, recomendacoes aprovadas, posteriormente, em plenaria, que permitiram a edicao de um texto preliminar. O documento do consenso foi veiculado pela Internet, para consulta publica, tendo recebido varias sugestoes e comentarios de especialistas no assunto. As propostas foram devidamente avaliadas por uma comissao julgadora e revisora, que selecionou as que foram incorporadas ao texto preliminar. O editor medico, a partir da versao revisada, chegou ao texto final publicado, que recebeu da Biblioteca Nacional o ISBN n° 85-901548-1-5. Uma versao resumida do referido consenso, com algumas adequacoes, foi elaborada em trabalho colaborativo entre o editor medico e a comissao tecnica do projeto diretrizes AMB/CFM. GRAU DE RECOMENDACAO E FORCA DE EVIDENCIA: A: Grandes ensaios clinicos aleatorizados e meta-analises. B: Estudos clinicos e observacionais bem desenhados. C: Relatos e series de casos clinicos. D: Publicacoes baseadas em consensos ou opinioes de especialistas. OBJETIVOS: Oferecer informacoes sobre o diagnostico e tratamento das lombalgias e lombociatalgias. PROCEDIMENTOS: Diagnosticos e terapeuticos para as lombalgias e lombociatalgias.

Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis: accuracy and molecular validation of noninvasive procedures in a L. (V.) braziliensis–endemic area

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using Kinetoplastid DNA (kDNA) from nasal swabs (NSs), saliva, and oral filter paper imprints (OFPI) in diagnosing mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (ML) and cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Seventeen patients with ML, 19 patients with CL, and 33 controls were evaluated. In patients with ML, PCR from NS showed an 86% diagnostic accuracy (95% confidence interval [CI] = 73.81-93.05), followed by saliva 74% (95% CI = 60.45-84.13) and OFPI 68% (95% CI = 54.19-79.24). The highest sensitivity was reached by using the NS 58.82% (95% CI = 36.01-78.39), followed by saliva 23.53% (95% CI = 9.56-47.26) and OFPI 5.88% (95% CI = 1.05-26.98). The specificities of the tests were complete. The NS and OFPI were positive in 2 cases of CL. Mucous membrane samples exhibited a higher specificity compared to the Montenegro skin test and indirect immunofluorescence. NS sensitivity was higher than that of parasitological examinations.

The use of the Er:YAG 2940nm laser associated with amorolfine lacquer in the treatment of onychomycosis.

Onychomycosis is a common disease, accounting for up to 50% of all ungual pathologies. We have been developing a clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01528813) using a 2940nm Er:YAG laser to fractionally ablate human nails in vivo, aiming to increase topical amorolfine lacquer delivery to the nail unit, increasing the efficacy of topical treatment of distal and lateral subungual onychomycosis. Partial results have shown an increase in areas of nail plate free of disease. We believe that ablative lasers can increase the efficacy of topical onychomycosis treatment.

Accuracy of mucocutaneous leishmaniasis diagnosis using polymerase chain reaction: systematic literature review and meta-analysis

The diagnosis of mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL) is hampered by the absence of a gold standard. An accurate diagnosis is essential because of the high toxicity of the medications for the disease. This study aimed to assess the ability of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify MCL and to compare these results with clinical research recently published by the authors. A systematic literature review based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: the PRISMA Statement was performed using comprehensive search criteria and communication with the authors. A meta-analysis considering the estimates of the univariate and bivariate models was performed. Specificity near 100% was common among the papers. The primary reason for accuracy differences was sensitivity. The meta-analysis, which was only possible for PCR samples of lesion fragments, revealed a sensitivity of 71% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.59; 0.81] and a specificity of 93% (95% CI = 0.83; 0.98) in the bivariate model. The search for measures that could increase the sensitivity of PCR should be encouraged. The quality of the collected material and the optimisation of the amplification of genetic material should be prioritised.The diagnosis of mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL) is hampered by the absence of a gold standard. An accurate diagnosis is essential because of the high toxicity of the medications for the disease. This study aimed to assess the ability of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify MCL and to compare these results with clinical research recently published by the authors. A systematic literature review based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: the PRISMA Statement was performed using comprehensive search criteria and communication with the authors. A meta-analysis considering the estimates of the univariate and bivariate models was performed. Specificity near 100% was common among the papers. The primary reason for accuracy differences was sensitivity. The meta-analysis, which was only possible for PCR samples of lesion fragments, revealed a sensitivity of 71% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.59; 0.81] and a specificity of 93% (95% CI = 0.83; 0.98) in the bivariate model. The search for measures that could increase the sensitivity of PCR should be encouraged. The quality of the collected material and the optimisation of the amplification of genetic material should be prioritised.

Active search for leprosy cases in Midwestern Brazil: a serological evaluation of asymptomatic household contacts before and after prophylaxis with bacillus Calmette-Guérin

Leprosy is a disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae that carries a high risk of disability, making early diagnosis mandatory. This study aimed to determine the applicability of anti-PGL-1 IgM antibody detection, using the ML FLOW technique, as an assistant tool for the detection of leprosy infection in asymptomatic household contacts (AHHC) of multibacillary leprosy index cases from Midwest Brazil. Serological changes induced by the prophylaxis of these household contacts with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) were also verified. A total of 91 AHHC were assessed, among which, 18.68% (n = 17) presented both positive bacilloscopy and positive anti-PGL-1 IgM serology. Positivity concordance between these two laboratorial exams (Kappa Index = 1; p < 0.001) was indicated, however, one case did not demonstrate concordance between the semiquantitative assessment of anti-PGL-1 IgM and the bacilloscopy index (Kappa Index = 0.96; p < 0.001). Among the 17 AHHC with positive bacilloscopy, eight were reassessed after prophylaxis with BCG and two of them presented negative anti-PGL-1 IgM serology, being these patients who had presented a bacilloscopy index of < 2[+] in the initial assessment. This study shows that anti-PGL-1 IgM detection may be used as a tool to determine the bacillary load in AHHC and to detect immune changes related to prophylaxis by nonspecific vaccination.

The use of ablative lasers in the treatment of facial melasma

Melasma represents a pigmentary disorder that is difficult to treat. This study aims to broadly review the use of ablative lasers (Er:YAG and CO2) in the treatment of melasma, presenting the level of evidence of studies published to date. A total of 75 patients were enrolled in four case series studies (n=39), one controlled clinical trial (n=6) and one randomized controlled clinical trial (n=30). Studies on the Er:YAG laser showed better results with the use of short square-shaped pulses, which determined low rates of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and long-lasting maintenance of results. Likewise, studies on the CO2 laser proved the benefits of short pulse duration along with low-density energy. Post-treatment maintenance with the use of antipigmenting creams was necessary and effective to sustain long-term results. Ablative lasers may represent another useful and effective tool against melasma. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and difficulty in sustaining long-term results still represent the main limitations to a broader use of ablative lasers. Based on actual evidence, the use of this technology should be restricted to patients with recalcitrant disease. Further studies will help establish optimal laser parameters and treatment regimens.

Infection of the lymphatic system by Aureobasidium pullulans in a patient with erythema nodosum leprosum

Aureobasidium pullulans is a causal agent of phaeohyphomycosis, occasionally found in men and animals. As an agent of different opportunistic fungal processes, it may cause fungemia, systemic infections and abscesses in different viscera. This paper aims to report a case of a patient with infection of the lymphatic system by A. pullulans. A 23-year-old patient being treated for erythema nodosum leprosum presented a 60-day complaint of daily fever, hoarseness, odynophagia and weight loss. Laboratory tests showed pancytopenia with severe neutropenia, cervical adenomegaly and solid contrast uptake lesion in the oropharyngeal region. Due to neutropenia and sepsis the patient was initially treated with cefepime and vancomycin, but there was no clinical improvement. Lymph node puncture-aspiration showed yeast-form fungus identified as A. pullulans by sequencing ITS region. The patient was treated with amphotericin B deoxycholate, leading to complete recovery of bone marrow function and regression of adenomegaly and the oropharyngeal lesion.

The influence of treatment on the development of leishmaniasis recidiva cutis: a 17-year case-control study in Midwestern Brazil.

The recurrence of American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) in patients experiencing a long‐term cure is often called leishmaniasis recidiva cutis (LRC). LRC is considered an unusual form of ACL.