Publications by authors named "Alpalhao M"

Background: The percentage of Portuguese psoriasis patients with psoriatic arthritis is unknown but musculoskeletal complaints related to PsA affect up to a third of patients. Dermatologists can identify early PsA as skin symptoms often precede joint symptoms in 80% of patients. Efficient and easy to perform screening tools are needed to help dermatologists effectively discriminate between Pso and PsA patients.

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Purpose: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and psoriasis (Pso) are highly heterogeneous inflammatory diseases. Multidisciplinary approaches are associated with improved results in both musculoskeletal (MSK) and skin manifestations. We describe the experience and main diagnostic and therapeutic outcomes of one of the largest and longest-running Rheumatology/Dermatology multidisciplinary PsA Clinic.

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  • * The study employed a SEIR model to analyze transmission dynamics and found that MSM with high sexual activity contributed significantly more to mpox spread than those with low sexual activity, but vaccinated individuals were less likely to spread the virus.
  • * Findings suggest that ongoing vaccination efforts, increased awareness in at-risk communities, and regular genomic surveillance are essential for managing future mpox outbreaks and potential threats from new viral clades.
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  • - The study investigates cutaneous (CL) and mucosal leishmaniasis (ML) cases in mainland Portugal from 2010 to 2020, identifying 43 CL and 7 ML cases, predominantly in immunosuppressed individuals.
  • - Most cases were autochthonous, with common symptoms including papules/nodules, particularly on the head, and a varied treatment approach noted, mainly using liposomal amphotericin B for ML.
  • - The findings highlight a need for better surveillance, clinical awareness, and diagnostic capabilities for leishmaniasis, advocating a One Health approach to tackle the complexities of the disease in Portugal and globally.
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  • * By sequencing 52% of confirmed cases, researchers uncovered key sublineages of the mpox virus and found evidence of early emergence and spread in Portugal, particularly among men who have sex with men.
  • * The findings emphasize the importance of sexual networks and events like saunas in the virus's spread, showcasing genomic epidemiology as a valuable tool for monitoring and controlling mpox outbreaks and informing vaccine strategies.
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Vemurafenib (VB), a BRAF inhibitor and a first-line treatment for unresectable or metastatic melanoma, is strongly phototoxic towards normal skin cells. Herein, we show that in cultured HS 68 human diploid dermal fibroblasts, low concentrations of VB suffice to promote photosensitization to low doses of UVA (∼ 5 J/cm), as evidenced by a significant decrease in cell viability. In contrast to data obtained in chemico our results support a role for ROS (reactive oxygen species).

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A retrospective study was conducted on pediatric patients examined via dermatology emergency consultation over 1 year. A total of 1352 diagnoses, including 100 distinct disorders, were recorded. Regardless of the diversity of skin conditions observed, a relatively small number of disorders were found repeatedly.

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Background: The impact of psoriasis, response to treatment, and patients' perceptions of treatment satisfaction vary by body area.

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the level of response in lower limbs versus other body regions in patient with moderate to severe psoriasis treated with secukinumab and ustekinumab.

Methods: Data were pooled from CLEAR and CLARITY trials, which included patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index [PASI] score of ≥ 12) aged ≥ 18 years and a diagnosis of ≥ 6 months before randomisation.

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A 33-year-old female, Fitzpatrick IV phototype, developed varicella zoster eruption over the ophthalmic dermatome of the right trigeminal nerve, confirmed through Polymerase Chain Reaction, 4 weeks after recovering from COVID-19 disease. After the resolution of the acute manifestations, she developed significant atrophic scars on the forehead, about 2 mm deep, with marked post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. She came to our clinic looking for treatment, as the scars caused significant psychological distress.

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Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a difficult-to-treat inflammatory skin disease with a high impact on patients' quality of life. Dupilumab, an IL-4 and IL-13 inhibitor, was the first monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe AD and is currently approved in patients aged 6 or older.

Methods: This is a nationwide, multicenter, retrospective, 48-week study designed by the Portuguese Group of AD to assess real-world efficacy and safety of dupilumab for the treatment of AD.

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Article Synopsis
  • Psoriatic disease (PsD), which includes psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, negatively impacts patients' quality of life and requires a multidisciplinary approach involving dermatology and rheumatology for effective management and treatment.
  • In Portugal, five hospitals have established specialized clinics for assessing PsD, each with unique operational models while agreeing on core assessment criteria that include all disease manifestations and quality of life.
  • The main goal of these clinics is to achieve remission or minimal disease activity, though they face challenges such as financial limitations, time management, and resource constraints in implementing effective integrated care.
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Vitiligo is a chronic pigmentary skin disorder that results in white, hypopigmented macules and patches. It causes a considerable psychological and emotional burden on the affected individuals and their families. Several therapeutic options have been employed in vitiligo including topical and oral drugs, surgical techniques, and phototherapy which is considered the cornerstone treatment.

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