Evaluation of ear, nose and throat involvement in pemphigus vulgaris in comparison with pemphigus severity scoring systems: a cross-sectional study

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) frequently affects the mucous membranes of the ear, nose, and throat (ENT). Since ENT examination is not a routinely performed procedure, the exact involvement of PV remains unrecognized. The available severity scoring systems (Pemphigus Disease Area Index (PDAI) and Autoimmune Bullous Skin Disorder Intensity Score (ABSIS)) for PV do not include a full ENT examination. This study was designed to evaluate the real extent of PV in ENT areas and to find out the specific scores which indicate the need for ENT examination. The patients were evaluated for ENT manifestations by endoscopic examination whether or not they exhibited symptoms. PDAI, ABSIS, and ENT scores were calculated, and the results were compared for correlation and significance. The mucosal involvement was more severe when scored by ENT examination than when assessed by PDAI or ABSIS. The ENT score was significantly associated with symptoms and endoscopic findings, especially when PDAI ≥15 and/or ABSIS ≥17. ENT endoscopic examination could result in more accurate grading in PV. In particular, performing such an examination should be considered in patients, especially when PDAI ≥15 and/or ABSIS ≥17, regardless of ENT symptoms. </p

Epidemiology of pemphigus in Turkey: One-year prospective study of 220 cases

Pemphigus is a group of rare and life-threatening autoimmune blistering diseases of the skin and mucous membranes. Although they occur worldwide, their incidence shows wide geographical variation, and prospective data on the epidemiology of pemphigus are very limited. Objective of this work is to evaluate the incidence and epidemiological and clinical features of patients with pemphigus in Turkey. All patients newly diagnosed with pemphigus between June 2013 and June 2014 were prospectively enrolled in 33 dermatology departments in 20 different provinces from all seven regions of Turkey. Disease parameters including demography and clinical findings were recorded. A total of 220 patients were diagnosed with pemphigus during the 1-year period, with an annual incidence of 4.7 per million people in Turkey. Patients were predominantly women, with a male to female ratio of 1:1.41. The mean age at onset was 48.9 years. Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) was the commonest clinical subtype (n=192; 87.3%), followed by pemphigus foliaceus (n=21; 9.6%). The most common clinical subtype of PV was the mucocutaneous type (n=83; 43.2%). The mean Pemphigus Disease Area Index was 28.14±22.21 (mean ± Standard Deviation).  The incidence rate of pemphigus in Turkey is similar to the countries of South-East Europe, higher than those reported for the Central and Northern European countries and lower than the countries around the Mediterranean Sea and Iran. Pemphigus is more frequent in middle-aged people and is more common in women. The most frequent subtype was PV, with a 9-fold higher incidence than pemphigus foliaceus.   </p

Clinical Manifestations of Alopecia in Autoimmune Blistering Diseases: A Cross-sectional Study

Supplementary material 1. Alopecia registration and assessment toolSupplementary material 2. The main quantitative and qualitative independent variables for data analysis and their definitions.Supplementary material 3. Clinical findings in AIBD patients with alopecia

Clinical Manifestations of Alopecia in Autoimmune Blistering Diseases: A Cross-sectional Study

Supplementary material 1. Alopecia registration and assessment toolSupplementary material 2. The main quantitative and qualitative independent variables for data analysis and their definitions.Supplementary material 3. Clinical findings in AIBD patients with alopecia.THIS DATASET IS ARCHIVED AT DANS/EASY, BUT NOT ACCESSIBLE HERE. TO VIEW A LIST OF FILES AND ACCESS THE FILES IN THIS DATASET CLICK ON THE DOI-LINK ABOV

Effects of on bacterial translocation in thioacetamide-induced liver injury in rats

Background and study aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of Lycium barbarum (LB) on bacterial translocation (BT) frequency in thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver injury in rats. Materials and methods: Group 1 was the control. In group 2 (TAA), rats received TAA daily for 3 days. In group 3 (TAA+LB), Lycium barbarum was administered orally 25 mg/kg for 21 days prior to the first TAA injection. In group 4 (LB), rats received only Lycium barbarum . Results: In our study, Lycium barbarum treatment did not attenuate liver damage. Lycium barbarum treatment decreased ileal E. coli counts and intestinal damage but it did not alter BT frequency. Conclusions: In conclusion, the effects of Lycium barbarum on BT may be related to ongoing severe liver damage in this model