Nevus Sebaceous with Multiple Basal Cell Carcinomas and Extracutaneous Abnormalities: Genetic Origin or Coincidence?

The association of cutaneous and extracutaneous abnormalities is a common phenomenon, widely described in a variety of genetic syn- dromes. Nevertheless, yet undescribed syndromic combinations may still exist. Herein we present a case report of a patient who was admitted to the Dermatology Department due to multiple basal cell carcinomas arising from nevus sebaceous. In addition to the cutaneous malignancies, the patient presented with palmoplantar keratoderma, prurigo nodularis, hypothyroid- ism, multiple lumbar abnormalities, uterine myoma, an ovarian cyst, and highly dysplastic colon adenoma. Such a combination of multiple disorders may indicate a genetic origin of the diseases

Nevus Sebaceous with Multiple Basal Cell Carcinomas and Extracutaneous Abnormalities: Genetic Origin or Coincidence?

The association of cutaneous and extracutaneous abnormalities is a common phenomenon, widely described in a variety of genetic syn- dromes. Nevertheless, yet undescribed syndromic combinations may still exist. Herein we present a case report of a patient who was admitted to the Dermatology Department due to multiple basal cell carcinomas arising from nevus sebaceous. In addition to the cutaneous malignancies, the patient presented with palmoplantar keratoderma, prurigo nodularis, hypothyroid- ism, multiple lumbar abnormalities, uterine myoma, an ovarian cyst, and highly dysplastic colon adenoma. Such a combination of multiple disorders may indicate a genetic origin of the diseases

Psychosocial Burden of Itch among Renal Transplant Recipients

Itch is the most common symptom of chronic dermatoses. Moreover, itch may be associated with systemic disorders. Chronic kidney disease—associated itch (CKD-aI) may affect up to 20% of renal transplant recipients (RTR). The aim of the study was to assess psychosocial burden of itch in RTR. The study was performed on a group of 129 RTR, out of which 54 (41.9%) experienced itch in the previous 3 days. A specially designed questionnaire assessing anxiety, depression, stigmatization, and quality of life was used. Results: Patients suffering from itch in the previous 3 days achieved significantly higher scores in GAD-7 (p p p p = 0.004), and HADS Anxiety (p < 0.001). Severity of itch correlated positively with HADS, stigmatization scale, and GAD-7. Itch in RTR was associated with higher incidence of depression assessed with BDI (OR 3.7). Moreover, higher prevalence of anxiety was found among patients suffering from CKD-aI, assessed with HADS A and GAD-7 (OR 2.7 and OR 4.8, respectively) The results of our study clearly demonstrate that itch among RTR is a significant burden. Higher prevalence of depression and anxiety in this groups indicate the necessity of addressing itch relief as a part of holistic approach to patients after renal transplantation

Neurotrophin-4 and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Serum Levels in Renal Transplant Recipients with Chronic Pruritus

Abstract Introduction Chronic pruritus (CP) is a common symptom defined as a sensation that provokes the desire to scratch and which lasts for at least 6 weeks. CP remains a problem for up to 21.3% of renal transplant recipients (RTRs). Our research aimed to establish the possible association between serum levels of neurotrophin-4 (NT-4) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the presence and intensity of CP in RTR. Methods The study was performed on a group of 129 RTRs, who were divided according to the presence or absence of pruritus in the previous 3 days. The assessment of pruritus was performed with the use of a numeric rating scale (NRS), 4-Item Itch Questionnaire (4IIQ), and Itchy Quality of Life (Itchy QoL). A total of 129 blood samples with a volume of 9 ml were drawn from RTRs during the monthly routine control. Serum levels (pg/mL) of NT-4 and BDNF were measured by the ELISA. Results Pruritic RTRs have statistically significantly higher serum concentrations of NT-4 serum level compared to non-pruritic RTRs (229.17 ± 143.86 pg/mL and 153.08 ± 78.19 pg/mL [p = 0.024], respectively). Moreover, a statistically significant difference between pruritic and non-pruritic RTRs with healthy controls was shown (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Although there was a numerically higher serum concentration of BDNF in pruritic RTRs (32.18 ± 7.31 pg/mL vs. 31.58 ± 10.84 pg/mL), the difference did not reach statistical significance. No statistically significant difference was also seen in BDNF serum levels between RTRs and healthy controls. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant, positive correlation between serum concentration of NT-4 and NRS score (p = 0.008, r = 0.357). Conclusions The results indicate higher NT-4 serum concentration in RTRs with pruritus compared to RTRs without pruritus. Furthermore, the study revealed a statistically significant, positive correlation between the serum concentration of NT-4 and NRS score