UVA/UVA1 phototherapy and PUVA photochemotherapy in connective tissue diseases and related disorders: a research based review

BACKGROUND: Broad-band UVA, long-wave UVA1 and PUVA treatment have been described as an alternative/adjunct therapeutic option in a number of inflammatory and malignant skin diseases. Nevertheless, controlled studies investigating the efficacy of UVA irradiation in connective tissue diseases and related disorders are rare. METHODS: Searching the PubMed database the current article systematically reviews established and innovative therapeutic approaches of broad-band UVA irradiation, UVA1 phototherapy and PUVA photochemotherapy in a variety of different connective tissue disorders. RESULTS: Potential pathways include immunomodulation of inflammation, induction of collagenases and initiation of apoptosis. Even though holding the risk of carcinogenesis, photoaging or UV-induced exacerbation, UVA phototherapy seems to exhibit a tolerable risk/benefit ratio at least in systemic sclerosis, localized scleroderma, extragenital lichen sclerosus et atrophicus, sclerodermoid graft-versus-host disease, lupus erythematosus and a number of sclerotic rarities. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the data retrieved from the literature, therapeutic UVA exposure seems to be effective in connective tissue diseases and related disorders. However, more controlled investigations are needed in order to establish a clear-cut catalogue of indications

Chemically induced hair loss/alopecia

Increased shedding of hair and noticeable hair thinning or baldness (alopecia) are increasingly cited as side effects of exogenous chemicals/drugs. This chapter reviews some drugs implicated as well as mechanisms that may be responsible, describes criteria for defining the mechanism, and proposes animal and human assay models. This background provides the basis of similar judgment as relates to percutaneous penetration (and inhalation) of chemicals at the work site. Hair anatomy: Hair represents complete maturation of follicular matrical cells and is a fully cornified structure that emanates from a follicle and extends above the surface of the skin from varying distances. It has three components: an outer cuticle, a cortex, and an inner medulla. Hair grows in three phases: (1) growing or anagen, (2) involution or catagen, and (3) resting or telogen. Nonchemical-related hair loss: Few endogenous events affecting hair growth are delineated. Extreme starvation or protein deprivation may result in formation of sparse or brittle hair through diminished mitotic activity. Also major systemic insult, such as high fever, major surgery, illness, or trauma may result in hair follicles being thrown into an untimely telogen effluvium. Anagen versus telogen hair loss: Chemicals or medications may either cause excessive hair shedding by precipitating telogen development, directly poison the anagen root, or work in other undetermined ways. The phase of hair loss may be determined by examining the shed or easily plucked hair. Proving that alopecia in an individual is caused by a chemical/drug may be difficult; the most conclusive demonstration of chemical-/drug-related hair loss is reproduction of hair loss with repeated administration of the putative materials. However, the pathobiology of the response of the human hair follicle to chemotherapy is largely unknown. Hair loss is discussed in detail. Among the subjects of discussion are types of hair loss (e.g., anagen, medications precipitating telogen), chemicals causing hair loss (e.g., antimitotic agents, phenyl glycidyl ether), medications causing hair loss of unknown type (e.g., antithyroid drugs), medications possibly associated with hair loss, as well as chemically induced cosmetic alopecia, and typical scenarios in alleged occupational hair loss

Erythrodermic psoriasis: Current and future role of biologicals

Erythrodermic psoriasis (EP) is a severe form of psoriasis that may be associated with serious and sometimes fatal complications. The treatment of EP is often a challenge, since several factors, including treatment failure or possible complications, may limit favorable outcomes with traditional drugs. Recent evidence suggests that biological drugs, including both anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha agents and ustekinumab, may be useful in improving the management of EP. Unfortunately, since subjects with EP are usually excluded from pivotal trials involving biological agents, this evidence is currently dispersed in small case series and single case reports. In this paper, we briefly analyze conventional therapies for EP, before going on to critically evaluate the existing clinical evidence for the role of current biological drugs, namely infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab, and ustekinumab. Finally, we discuss the potential benefits that newer/developmental biological agents could bring to the management of EP