Matrix metalloproteinase-7 could be a predictor for acute inflammation in psoriatic patients.

Purpose: The pathogenesis of psoriasis is characterized by a disruption of extracellular matrix (ECM) in which matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) participate actively. We aimed to determine MMP-7 level and its association with the inflammatory response in order to determine its usefulness as a biomarker for psoriasis prediction. We also aimed to determine its distribution in uninvolved and involved psoriatic skin to evaluate the probable role of MMP-7 in psoriasis pathogenesis.

Serum lipid level in Tunisian patients with psoriasis.

Background: Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disorder that has been associated with oxidative stress, abnormal plasma lipid metabolism, and high frequency of cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was to determine lipid profile variations in Tunisian psoriatic patients.

Methods: This study was designed and conducted as a case-control assay with 91 psoriatic patients and 91 controls.

Clarithromycin induced psoriasis in a 37-year old man.

Many drugs may induce psoriatic lesions or exacerbate preexisting psoriasis. We report an exceptional case of psoriasis vulgaris probably induced by clarithromycin. A 37-year-old man was prescribed for pharyngitis clarithromycin 500mg twice a day.

Psoriasis is associated with increased Framingham ten-year risk score for coronary heart disease in Tunisians.

Background: To assess the ten-year cardiovascular risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) in psoriatic patients and to test the impact of psoriasis severity and duration on cardiovascular risk.

Methods: A case-control study included 202 adult psoriatic patients and 202 controls.

Results: Risk CHD was estimated using the Framingham risk score algorithm.

Dermatologic manifestations in inflammatory bowel disease in Tunisia.

Background: Cutaneous manifestations are the most common extra intestinal manifestations associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Aim: To assess the epidemio-clinical profile of skin manifestations in IBD.

Methods: A prospective and descriptive study was conducted.

[Erythrodermic psoriasis: epidemiological clinical and therapeutic features about 60 cases].

Background: the erythrodermic psoriasis (EP) is a rare but severe form of psoriasis that may be potentially life-threatening.

Aim: To study the characteristics of this severe form of psoriasis.

Methods: We present a retrospective study, including all cases of EP followed in the dermatology department of the La Rabta hospital of Tunis over a 31-year-period from January, 1980 to June, 2010.

Dermatomyositis and breast cancer: a multicenter Tunisian retrospective study of 13 cases.

Aim: To evaluate the epidemiological, clinical, biological features and prognostic factors in patients presenting an association of dermatomyositis (DM) and breast cancer (BC).

Methods: Medical records of 13 patients with DM and BC among 210 DM collected from January 1982 to march 2009 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results: Mean age was 47 ± 18 years.

[Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis. Study of 22 cases].

Background: Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is an uncommon but severe dermatosis, characterized by acute occurrence of fever, and erythemato-oedematous rash, covered by sterile nonfollicular pustules. Most cases of AGEP have been described in association with the intake of drugs.

Aim: To determine clinical and prognostic features of AGEP in our patients.

Actinic lichen planus of unusual presentation.

Actinic lichen planus (ALP) is a distinct variant of lichen planus mainly involving teenagers with an Asian racial profile. Three clinical types of ALP have been described: annular, pigmented, and dyschromic. We report an ALP with unusual presentation in a 56-year-old woman with no relevant medical history, which was clinically suggestive of actinic keratosis.

Tinea capitis in adults in Tunisia.

Objective: To determine the pattern of infectious agents causing tinea capitis (TC) in adult patients in the center of Tunisia.

Methods: From January 1990 to December 2005, we have retrospectively collected all cases of adult TC, confirmed by the mycological examination.

Results: Sixty patients (18 male, 42 female) with a mean age of 34.

Hidradenitis suppurativa: a disease with male predominance in Tunisia.

Background: hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory, suppurating, fistulizing, and scar-producing disease of apocrine gland-bearing skin. The diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on the presence of both sinus tracts and abscesses with a characteristic distribution.

Objective: Review of epidemiological, clinical, and prognostic characteristics of HS and discussion of the etiopathogenic aspects of this chronic problem.

Childhood linear IgA bullous dermatosis in Tunisia.

The objective was to determine the demographic characteristics, the clinical features, the immuno-histological findings and response to treatment of childhood linear IgA bullous dermatosis (LABD) in Tunisia. We collected all the cases of auto-immune bullous diseases of childhood, diagnosed from January 1987 to December 2006. Based on clinical, histological, and immunofluorescent features, we identified 25 cases of LABD.

Post traumatic amelanotic subungual melanoma.

Subungual melanomas are rare; a delay in the diagnosis is common and is associated with advanced stage. Part of the reason for a delay in presentation to the physician is that patients often attribute the lesion to trauma. Trauma may play a role in the pathogenesis or just draw attention to a skin tumor that may be more susceptible to injury.

[Lyell's syndrome: a report of 16 cases].

Background: Lyell's syndrome (SL) or toxic epidermal necrolysis is a rare mucocutaneous eruption, which is characterised by an acute necrosis of the totality of the epidermis +/- the mucosal epithelium. This is a serious affection considering the severity of systemic manifestations, the unpredictable evolution, and the absence of specific therapy.

Aim: To assess epidemiological and clinical features of this condition in our departments.

Methotrexate-induced papular eruption following treatment of psoriasis.

Objective: To report a case of a diffuse papular eruption following treatment of psoriasis with methotrexate injections.

Case Report: A 52-year-old woman presented with an extensive flare of psoriasis associated with joint pain, especially in her knees and elbows. She was treated with intramuscular injections of methotrexate 20 mg/wk.

Undifferentiated sebaceous carcinoma: an unusual childhood cancer.

Sebaceous carcinoma is an aggressive, adnexal, rare malignant tumor that may arise in ocular or extra-ocular sites. Extraorbital sebaceous carcinoma is exceptional in childhood. We report a 12-year-old boy with an ocular sebaceous carcinoma who was first seen with an asymptomatic firm, cutaneous nodule on the right eyebrow.

A retrospective analysis of thalidomide therapy in non-HIV-related Kaposi's sarcoma.

Background: Thalidomide has antiangiogenic and immunomodulatory properties and has recently been used in the management of human malignancies. Several studies have suggested its interest for treating AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the efficacy and toxicity of thalidomide, an antiangiogenic agent, for the treatment of non-HIV-related Kaposi's sarcoma.