Dimensionality and psychometric analysis of DLQI in a Brazilian population.

Background: The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) is the most commonly used instrument for clinical evaluation of the impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in dermatological research protocols. The DLQI's classical psychometric properties have been considered adequate in validation studies from several countries. However, the structure of the DLQI is a matter of discussion, especially concerning the dimensionality and informative properties of its questions according to the item response theory (IRT).

Efficacy of Microneedling Versus Fractional Non-ablative Laser to Treat Striae Alba: A Randomized Study.

Background: Striae distensae (SD), an unsightly cutaneous condition characterized by epidermal atrophy, can affect the quality of life of women.

Objectives: The aim of our study was to compare the efficacy of a neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-perovskite 1340 nm non-ablative fractional laser (NAFL) and the microneedling (MN) technique to treat striae alba (SA).

Materials And Methods: NAFL and MN were used to treat striae on the longitudinally divided abdominal surface of 20 women classified as Fitzpatrick skin type III or IV (five sessions at monthly intervals).

Association between clinical characteristics, quality of life, and sleep quality in patients with periorbital hyperchromia.

Introduction: Periorbital hyperchromia (POH) is a multifactorial condition, precipitated or aggravated by sleep disorders, which negatively affects quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of POH on QoL, sleep quality, and dissatisfaction of affected patients.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study of male and female patients over 18 years, participants were examined, their demographic data were registered, and Dermatology Quality of Life Index (DLQI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI-BR), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used to assess dissatisfaction.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the vitiligo-specific health-related quality of life instrument (VitiQoL) into Brazilian Portuguese.

Background: Vitiligo, although asymptomatic, highly compromises patients' quality of life (QoL). Therefore, an adequate evaluation of QoL is essential.

Objectives: Translation, cultural adaptation and validation of VitiQol (Vitiligo-specific health-related quality of life instrument) into Brazilian Portuguese.

Brazilian consensus on photoprotection.

Brazil is a country of continental dimensions with a large heterogeneity of climates and massive mixing of the population. Almost the entire national territory is located between the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn, and the Earth axial tilt to the south certainly makes Brazil one of the countries of the world with greater extent of land in proximity to the sun. The Brazilian coastline, where most of its population lives, is more than 8,500 km long.

Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis-like Skin Eruption in an HIV-positive Patient.

Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis-like skin eruption is a rare syndrome that usually occurs in patients with immunodeficiency, predisposing them to infections with human papilloma β virus (HPV). We report here an HIV patient presenting with this syndrome.

Case for diagnosis. Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia.

The Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome or Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) is a systemic fibrovascular dysplasia characterized by defects in the elastic and vascular walls of blood vessels, making them varicose and prone to disruptions. Lesions occur in different organs and can lead to hemorrhage in the lungs, digestive tract and brain. We describe the case of a patient with cutaneous manifestations and severe impairment of the digestive tract.

Translation into Brazilian Portuguese and validation of the psoriasis family index.

Psoriasis Family Index is a quality of life instrument for family members of patients with psoriasis developed in English. The aims of this study were to translate the Psoriasis Family Index into Brazilian Portuguese, culturally adapt it and verify its reliability and validity. The study followed these two steps: 1) Translation, linguistic and cultural adaptation, 2) Validation.

Effects of age (neonates and elderly) on skin barrier function.

Skin, together with its appendages, forms an organ with several defensive roles; among them it acts as a barrier, which is one of its very important protective functions. There has been increased interest in studying the effects of age on these functions. There are different intensities and timing involved in this process and also differences between men and women, all relating to skin structure.

Experimental dermatological surgery: an animal model for developing skills with dermal fillers.

The importance of laboratory experiments in the formation of physicians is well recognized since they facilitate scientific development and enhance technical skills. Dermal filling procedures are performed for the correction of wrinkles, rhytids, scars, and lipodystrophy. Till date, experimental models for the training of dermal filling techniques have not been studied.

Cybertutor: a teaching tool in Dermatology.

It was developed a teaching tool in Dermatology for undergraduate medical students, using an interactive website, the Cybertutor. Clinical cases, lectures and updated bibliography were selected. Photographies of dermatological lesions were taken from ambulatory patients.

Masked hypertension, urinary albumin excretion rate, and echocardiographic parameters in putatively normotensive type 2 diabetic patients.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of masked hypertension in normotensive type 2 diabetic patients on microvascular complications and echocardiographic parameters.

Research Design And Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 135 normotensive patients with type 2 diabetes. Patients underwent urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) measurement, echocardiography, and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM).