A retrospective analysis of factors influencing response to omalizumab treatment in Indian patients with antihistamine refractory chronic spontaneous urticaria.

Background: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) presents as a persistent and distressing condition, with varying treatment responses. Omalizumab, a monoclonal anti-IgE antibody, has shown efficacy in managing antihistamine (AH)-refractory CSU, but its varied response patterns and associated factors remain understudied, particularly in India.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study involving 81 antihistamine-resistant CSU patients treated with omalizumab at a tertiary care center in Northern India between 2018 and 2023.

Analysing efficacy of low-dose oral minoxidil, topical minoxidil, and platelet-rich plasma with topical minoxidil combination in patients with androgenetic alopecia: a randomized controlled observer blinded trial.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is commonly treated with topical minoxidil, while platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and oral minoxidil offer alternative options. To compare the efficacy and safety of low-dose oral minoxidil (group 1) (G1), topical minoxidil (group 2) (G2), and PRP with topical minoxidil (group 3) (G3) in AGA. Seventy-five participants were randomly assigned to three treatment groups (n = 25),.

Dickkopf 1 and Neuregulin 1 as cutaneous biomarkers for dermal pigmentation activity in acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation (ADMH): a case control study.

Lichen planus pigmentosus (LPP), ashy dermatosis, and Riehl's melanosis are all referred to by the general term acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation (ADMH). These conditions are distinguished clinically by hyperpigmented macules and patches of unknown cause. Melanogenesisis regulated by multiple dermal factors secreted by fibroblasts and among them are neuregulin1 (NRG1) and dickkopf1 (DKK1).

Disease severity assessment in hidradenitis suppurativa: A single-centre cross-sectional study utilising clinical evaluation, high-resolution ultrasound and colour doppler.

Background Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterised by recurrent painful nodules, abscesses, and sinus tract formation in intertriginous areas. Accurate staging of this disorder is crucial for appropriate management and prognosis. The role of imaging in the staging of HS is still evolving.

Syphilis renaissance: Truth or mirage. Analysis of syphilis trends and possible factors from a tertiary care centre in North India.

Background Syphilis has shown a recent resurgence globally, including in India. However, inconsistency in the data and diagnostic criteria used, especially in India and developing countries, hinders ideal understanding. Factors responsible for this surge need to be explored.

Outcome measures in chronic urticaria: A comprehensive review.

Chronic urticaria, characterised by pruritic wheals, angioedema or both significantly impacts individuals' quality of life. This review article examines the patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in chronic urticaria assessment, aiming to enhance understanding and management of this condition The review categorises PROMs into urticaria-specific and angioedema-specific tools. Urticaria-specific PROMs such as the Urticaria Activity Score (UAS), Urticaria Control Test (UCT), Chronic Urticaria Quality of Life Questionnaire (CU-QoL) and Urticaria Severity Score (USS) focus on disease activity, control, severity and quality of life.

Topical Tacrolimus in Vitiligo: Consensus Paper from the Pigmentary Disorders Society.

Background: Tacrolimus, a topical calcineurin inhibitor (TCI) with immunomodulatory effects, is considered a viable treatment option for vitiligo. A consensus building exercise was undertaken to determine the role and clinical utility of topical tacrolimus in the management of vitiligo using input from experts in the field of dermatology.

Methods: Seventeen experts collaborated to create consensus statements using a modified Delphi methodology.

Veronaea botryosa induced cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis in a renal transplant recipient- An intriguing report from India.

We describe a rare case of cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis by Veronaea botryosa in a renal transplant recipient from India. The patient presented with a nodule on the dorsum of right hand which resolved completely after 6 months of voriconazole therapy. The identity of the fungus was confirmed by sequencing internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA.

Cold urticaria in tropics: A clinico-epidemiological study from North India.

Background Cold urticaria (ColdU) is classified as a subtype of chronic inducible urticaria characterised by recurring pruritic wheals and/or angioedema upon exposure to cold stimuli. However, very limited data is available on ColdU specifically among Indians. Objectives The aim of this study was to describe the clinico-epidemiological characteristics and treatment response in North Indian patients diagnosed with ColdU.

Whole-body and targeted narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy effectively stabilize acral vitiligo with negligible repigmentation beyond wrists and ankles: Results from a split-body randomized controlled trial.

Background: Narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy promotes stability and repigmentation in vitiligo. No studies have compared targeted NB-UVB with whole-body NB-UVB in treatment of acral vitiligo.

Objectives: This randomized split-body study compared whole-body NB-UVB with targeted NB-UVB in inducing stability and repigmentation in acral vitiligo.

A prospective observational study validating the CET score as a screening tool in suspected DRESS syndrome.

Background: Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is an idiosyncratic severe cutaneous adverse reaction that may be potentially life-threatening. Recently, a simple scoring system for the early screening of DRESS patients was derived by combining hsCRP levels, the eosinophil count, and the total body surface area (CET score). The objectives of this study were validating the CET score, and calculating its lead time advantage and cost-benefits compared to RegiSCAR scoring.