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

Twenty-Nail Dystrophy in Vitiligo

Abstract Observation: Twenty-nail dystrophy (TND) is an uncommon nail disturbance that usually occurs in childhood. It may be accompanied by some dermatological and systemic diseases. Alopecia areata, psoriasis and eczema are commonly associated diseases with TND, however vitiligo is not frequently seen in TND. We report a patient with TND who also has vitiligo

The Turkish guideline for the diagnosis and management of atopic dermatitis-2018

WOS: 000435797400003Background and Design: Atopic dermatitis (AD) has a complicated etiopathogenesis and difficulties in diagnosis and treatment from time to time. Because of the disease which different approaches can be seen rationalize the need for an algorithm for the diagnosis, classification, etiopathogenesis, diagnostic tests and therapeutic approach. Therefore, authors from Dermatoallergy Working Group of the Turkish Society of Dermatology aimed to create an AD guideline for the diagnosis, treatment and followup. Materials and Methods: Each section of the guideline has been written by a different author. The prepared sections were evaluated in part by e-mail correspondence and have taken its final form after revision in the last meeting held by the participation of all authors. Results: The guideline includes the diagnosis, classification, etiopathogenesis, diagnostic tests and therapeutic approach of AD. Lesions show age-related morphology and distribution. There are no in vivo/in vitro tests that have high sensitivity and specificity that can be used to identify AD and trigger factors. The first step of treatment consists of moisturizers, topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors, respectively. Moisturizers are used therapeutically in all forms of AD. Topical corticosteroids are the first agents to be used when moisturizers are inadequate. Topical calcineurin inhibitors should be used in lesions resistant to corticosteroids, for proactive treatment, special areas. Antimicrobials agents and antiseptics should only be added to treatment when clinical signs of infection are present. And in topical treatment-resistant cases, second-line treatment is phototherapy or oral cyclosporine. The biologic agent, dupilumab, is promising in the treatment of severe AD. Conclusion: AD is a disease that can be challenging for the physician in terms of treatment and follow-up. Depending on evidence-based data (and individual experiences), this guideline will have a leading role in the diagnosis and treatment of AD and help the physician to overcome the challenges in the management

Effects of isotretinoin on serum vitamin E levels in patients with acne

Anecdotal reports suggest that using retinoids with vitamin E leads to improvements of some side effects due to isotretinoin. However, vitamin E blood levels have not been reported previously in patients with acne treated with isotretinoin. We aimed to investigate the serum vitamin E levels before and after isotretinoin therapy in patients with acne. A total of 70 patients treated with isotretinoin for acne in our dermatology department were included in this study. The serum vitamin E levels were measured as baseline before isotretinoin treatment. All patients received 0.60.8mg/kg/d isotretinoin. The treatment was finished within 57months while ensuring that the cumulative dose was 120mg/kg. Serum vitamin E levels were measured again in the last month of treatment. The mean serum vitamin E levels before and after treatment were compared. Forty-six patients completed the study. It was detected that the mean serum vitamin E level was 20.22mg/dl before isotretinoin treatment. In the last month of treatment, the mean serum vitamin E level was 16.24mg/dl. Serum vitamin E levels decreased in all patients except three. The mean serum vitamin E level after treatment was statistically decreased in comparison with the mean serum vitamin E level before treatment. Our results showed that vitamin E levels decreased during isotretinoin treatment. We considered that some of the side effects due to isotretinoin treatment might be related to this, and supplementation vitamin E may be useful during isotretinoin treatment