Deniz Aksu Arica

Assessment of demodex presence in acne-like rash associated with cetuximab

Abstract Context: Cetuximab is an epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor. It is frequently used in the treatment of solid tumors. However, it has a high potential to cause acne-like rash. Demodex mites, which are known to increase in number in immunosuppressive circumstances, are closely related to the acneiform lesions. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the presence of demodex mites in acne-like rash that appears under the treatment of Cetuximab. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of patients who applied to our clinic with cetuximab induced papulopustular rashes between November 2014 and March 2016. Demodex sampling was performed by standardized skin surface biopsy (SSSB) in a total of 11 patients (eight males and three females). Infestation was defined as at least 5 living parasites/cm2 of skin. Results: Upon the SSSB examination in 10 out of the 11 patients, no demodex mites were detected. Demodex mites were found in only one of the patients. This patient, in whom two dead Demodex folliculorums were found through facial sampling, was also regarded as negative since his demodex density was under the threshold limit value. Conclusion: In this study, it has been concluded that acne-like rash that develops under the treatment of cetuximab is not related to the presence of demodex mites. Papulopustular eruptions that develop under cetuximab treatment should not be directly correlated with the presence of demodex; first SSSB and demodex presence should be evaluated.

The prevalence of sacroiliitis in patients with acne vulgaris using isotretinoin

Abstract Background/Objective: Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the pilosebaceous unit in the skin. Isotretinoin is a synthetic vitamin A derivative regarded as the most effective agent in the treatment of acne. There have recently been increasing reports of adverse effects of isotretinoin on the skeletal system. Our aim in this study was to evaluate the rheumatic side-effects triggered by this drug, and particularly the prevalence of sacroiliitis. Materials and methods: A total of 73 patients receiving isotretinoin due to moderate or severe acne vulgaris were included. All patients were questioned about inflammatory low back pain and musculoskeletal pains during the treatment process. Inflammatory low back pain was evaluated using Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) criteria. Patients meeting ASAS criteria were evaluated with radiography and when necessary with sacroiliac magnetic resonance. Results: The dose range for isotretinoin was between 0.4 and 0.8 mg/kg/day (mean 0.53 mg/kg/day). Treatment lasted for 6–8 months (mean 6.8 months). Lethargy was determined in 37 (50.7%) patients, myalgia in 31 (42.5%) and low back pain in 36 (49.3%). Mechanical low back pain symptoms were present in 20 of the patients describing low back pain and inflammatory low back pain in 16. Acute sacroiliitis was determined in six patients (8.2%) following a sacroiliac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Five (83.3%) of the patients with sacroiliitis were female and one (16.7%) was male. No statistically significant difference was determined between male and female patients in terms of prevalence of sacroiliitis (p = 0.392). Conclusion: The incidence of sacroiliitis in patients using isotretinoin is quite high. Patients using isotretinoin must be questioned about sacroiliitis findings and must be subjected to advanced assessment when necessary. Further studies regarding the development of sacroiliitis under isotretinoin therapy are now needed.

Correlations Between the Clinical and Sociodemographic Characteristics of Patients with Alopecia Areata

132 lopecia areata (AA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects hair follicles and, in certain cases, nails. The etiopathogenesis of the disease is not clearly known, but AA is considered to be an autoimmune disease that occurs due to genetic predisposition.1-4 Genetic structure and nonspecific immune and organ-specific autoimmune reactions, particCorrelations Between the Clinical and Sociodemographic Characteristics of Patients with Alopecia Areata

Lupus Vulgaris Zemininde Gelişen Skuamöz Hücreli Karsinom Olgusu

76 Lupus vulgaris, deri tüberkülozlarının en sık görülen tipi olup, tüm olguların %55’inden fazlasını kapsamaktadır. Genellikle kronik ve progresif bir seyir izlemektedir. Olguların %80’inde çocukluk çağında başlamakta ve en sık baş (burun, yanak ve kulak) bölgesine yerleşmektedir. Derinin diğer tüberküloz formları; tüberküloz şankr, tüberkülozis verrükoza kütis, skrofuloderma, periorifisyel tüberküloz ve derinin miliyer tüberkülozudur.1 Tüm deri kanserleri içerisinde skuamöz hücreli karsinom (SHK), bazal hücreli karsinomdan sonra ikinci sıklıkta görülen deri kanseridir. Genellikle uzun süreli güneş maruziyeti ile ilişkili olarak baş-boyun bölgesinde görülmektedir.2 Uzun süre (10-30 yıl) devam eden,1,2 lupus vulLupus Vulgaris Zemininde Gelişen Skuamöz Hücreli Karsinom Olgusu

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 level in patients with Behçet's disease.

Background  Behçet’s disease (BD) is a chronic multisystem inflammatory disorder characterized by vasculitis. Vasculitis is thought to underlie many of the clinical manifestations of Behçet’s disease. Lipoprotein‐associated phospholipase A2 (Lp‐PLA2) is a highly specific biomarker for vascular inflammation, and has low biological variability. Those features make it more attractive than other inflammatory markers including C‐reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), which may reflect systemic inflammation non‐specifically.