Correlation of antimuscarinic acetylcholine receptor antibody titers and antidesmoglein antibody titers with the severity of disease in patients with pemphigus.

Background: Acetylcholine receptor (AchR) antibody levels significantly correlate with disease severity at initial pemphigus diagnosis and during follow-up. However, it is not clear if they are just an epiphenomenon or a potential trigger of the known pathogenic process in pemphigus vulgaris.

Objective: We sought to assess the changes in anti-muscarinic (M3) AchR and anti-desmoglein (Dsg) antibody titers with therapy.

Effect of antiretroviral therapy on mucocutaneous manifestations among Human Immunodeficiency Virus-infected patients in a tertiary care centre in South India.

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection produces a wide range of infectious and noninfectious dermatoses which correlate with the degree of immunodeficiency. Since the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), there has been a dramatic decrease in the incidence of HIV-associated dermatoses. However, HAART itself causes various cutaneous adverse drug reactions.

A retrospective audit of skin biopsies done in a tertiary care center in India.

Background: Skin biopsies are an invaluable tool in the diagnostic armamentarium of a dermatologist and have several factors that determine outcome.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to retrospectively assess the quality of data included in the pathology request forms and reports and to assess the level of clinicopathological correlation in the reported biopsy specimens.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 3006 histopathology request forms and reports of skin, mucosal, and nail biopsies to assess the quality of data included in them and assessed the level of clinicopathological correlation in these biopsies.

Spectrum of vaginal discharge in a tertiary care setting.

Introduction: Vaginal discharge is one of the common reasons for gynecological consultation. Many of the causes of vaginitis have a disturbed vaginal microbial ecosystem associated with them. Effective treatment of vaginal discharge requires that the etiologic diagnosis be established and identifying the same offers a precious input to syndromic management and provides an additional strategy for human immunodeficiency virus prevention.