Publications by authors named "Meah N"

Article Synopsis
  • Small studies suggest that low-dose oral minoxidil (LDOM) might be effective and safe for hair loss, but more extensive research and guidelines are needed.* -
  • An expert consensus statement was developed involving 43 dermatologists to standardize LDOM prescribing practices, covering various aspects like indications, dosing, and monitoring.* -
  • The consensus reached includes 76 relevant points, but topics related to pediatric use and titration protocols need further investigation, highlighting gaps in research for younger patients.*
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Patients presenting with chest pain represent a significant proportion of Emergency Department (ED) attendances but only a minority, typically 10%, have a final diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI). Prompt discharge of patients without MI will alleviate ED overcrowding as well as improve patient satisfaction and reduce exposure to risk of hospital acquired infections such as Covid 19. The measurement of cardiac troponin (cTn) by a high sensitivity method is recommended by the National Institute for health and Care Excellence (NICE) for rapid categorization of patients presenting with chest pain.

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Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune hair loss disorder characterised by collapse of hair follicle immune privilege and mediated by autoreactive CD8+ T lymphocytes and natural killer cells. Treatment is often unsatisfactory. The Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway is implicated in the pathogenesis of AA and Janus Kinase inhibitor (JAKi) medications are promising emerging treatments for AA.

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Introduction: Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a primary lymphocytic cicatricial alopecia that represents a form of follicular lichen planus.

Case Presentation: We describe a case of coexisting diffuse LPP and female pattern hair loss masquerading as diffuse alopecia areata in a 32-year-old female.

Discussion: In complex cases such as this, dermoscopy-guided vertical and horizontal biopsies from androgen sensitive and insensitive areas are helpful in increasing diagnostic yield.

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Importance: Current measures of alopecia areata (AA) severity, such as the Severity of Alopecia Tool score, do not adequately capture overall disease impact.

Objective: To explore factors associated with AA severity beyond scalp hair loss, and to support the development of the Alopecia Areata Severity and Morbidity Index (ASAMI).

Evidence Review: A total of 74 hair and scalp disorder specialists from multiple continents were invited to participate in an eDelphi project consisting of 3 survey rounds.

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We report the case of a 45-year-old man presenting with worsening shortness of breath and chest tightness on a background of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension and stable angina. He felt generally unwell and had a productive cough two weeks prior to presentation. Initial examination found quiet heart sounds and reduced air entry bi-basally on auscultation.

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A 23-year-old woman presented with a hyperpigmented intertriginous eruption unresponsive to topical steroids and to topical and systemic antifungals. Histopathological assessment demonstrated patchy inflammatory infiltrate at the demoepidermal junction with pigment incontinence. Click here for the corresponding questions to this CME article.

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We present a case of cyclical periorbital angio-oedema, and highlight the appropriate investigations to support the clinical diagnosis of this rare dermatosis.

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Hair is a deeply rooted component of identity and culture. Recent articles in this series have focused on scientific evidence relating to hair growth and new insights into the pathogenesis and mechanism of hair loss. This article reviews emerging evidence that has advanced our understanding of hair growth in both of these areas to provide a context for outlining current and emerging therapies.

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Background: The lack of validated and responsive outcome measures in the management of frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) significantly limits assessment of disease progression and treatment response over time.

Aim: To understand how FFA extent and progression is currently assessed in UK specialist centres, to validate components of the International FFA Cooperative Group (IFFACG) statement on FFA assessment, and to identify pragmatic advice to improve FFA management in clinic.

Methods: Consultant dermatologists with a specialist interest in hair loss (n = 17) were invited to take part.

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, rapid, real-world evidence is essential for the development of knowledge and subsequent public health response. In dermatology, provider-facing and patient-facing registries focused on COVID-19 have been important sources of research and new information aimed at guiding optimal patient care. The 7 dermatology registries included in this update now include more than 8000 case reports sourced from physicians and patients from countries all over the world.

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High-quality dermatology patient registries often require considerable time to develop and produce meaningful data. Development time is influenced by registry complexity and regulatory hurdles that vary significantly nationally and institutionally. The rapid emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic has challenged health services in an unprecedented manner.

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As of July 9, 2020, there were more than 12 million confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) across the globe, with more than 550,000 deaths. Many European countries, including Belgium, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain, have had the highest numbers of fatalities per capita. This indicates the potential for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus to overwhelm even the most advanced health care systems despite extreme societal interventions.

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Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune nonscarring alopecia that has variable clinical patterns, most commonly patchy disease. We report a case of AA with unusual involvement of the frontal hairline, mimicking frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA), a form of scarring alopecia. Dermoscopic findings and response to treatment favored a diagnosis of AA.

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Importance: A recent expert consensus exercise emphasized the importance of developing a global network of patient registries for alopecia areata to redress the paucity of comparable, real-world data regarding the effectiveness and safety of existing and emerging therapies for alopecia areata.

Objective: To generate core domains and domain items for a global network of alopecia areata patient registries.

Evidence Review: Sixty-six participants, representing physicians, patient organizations, scientists, the pharmaceutical industry, and pharmacoeconomic experts, participated in a 3-round eDelphi process, culminating in a face-to-face meeting at the World Congress of Dermatology, Milan, Italy, June 14, 2019.

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