Pre-natal folic acid and iron supplementation and atopic dermatitis in the first 6 years of life.

Exposure in utero has been suggested to influence health later in life. The aim of this study was to investigate, if the use of prenatal food supplements was associated with atopic dermatitis in the offspring. Mothers who gave birth in the hospital G.

The combination of overweight and smoking increases the severity of androgenetic alopecia.

Introduction: Even though androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of alopecia, factors associated with AGA severity have been poorly investigated.

Objectives: The objective of our study was to investigate risk factors for AGA severity among a Caucasian population.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among AGA subjects in the outpatient clinic of a reference hospital for skin diseases in Rome, Italy.

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes predict cutaneous melanoma survival.

Understanding differences in survival across distinct subgroups of melanoma patients may help with the choice of types of therapy. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are considered a manifestation of the host immune response to tumor, but the role of TILs in melanoma mortality is controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate independent prognostic factors for melanoma mortality.

Health status, coping strategies, and alexithymia in subjects with androgenetic alopecia: a questionnaire study.

Background: Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is viewed as a relatively mild dermatologic condition; however, affected individuals feel that alopecia is a serious condition with major consequences in their life.

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the health status, the risk of anxiety/depression, the coping strategies, and alexithymia in subjects with AGA.

Methods: Consecutive subjects referred to the outpatients department of the Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IDI IRCCS) dermatologic hospital with a diagnosis of AGA were enrolled.

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-C in primary cutaneous melanoma predicts sentinel lymph node positivity.

Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C), a lymphatic vessel growth factor, has been involved in the formation of lymph nodal metastases in different tumor types. Early evidences indicate that VEGF-C expression in human primary melanoma could be predictive of lymph nodal metastases, whereas the role of lymphangiogenesis is still controversial.

Methods: By immunohistochemical analysis, we investigated VEGF-C or CC chemokine receptor 7 expression, together with the lymphatic and blood vessel network, in 36 patients with primary skin melanomas and metastases at the sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLN-positive), and 26 melanoma patients with negative SLN biopsy (SLN-negative).

Reliability of self-reported information on skin cancer among elderly patients with squamous cell carcinoma.

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate reliability of self-reported information on skin cancer among individuals aged > 65 years with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Methods: A test-retest was performed with patients completing two questionnaires one month apart.

Results: Among 102 recruited patients the response rate was 97.

Timely diagnosis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: the GP's role.

Background: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most frequent skin cancer among Caucasians. Advanced cases determine significant tissue destruction and they can metastasize.

Objectives: To evaluate the role of GPs in timely diagnosis of SCC, examining the probability of delay before the diagnosis and treatment of SCC among patients having first seen a GP compared to patients having accessed directly a dermatologist.

Delay in diagnosis and treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin.

Advanced squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) of the skin can cause significant tissue destruction and may metastasize. Understanding the determinants of patient delay could help prevent advanced presentation. The purpose of the present study was to examine patient- and healthcare-related factors associated with delay before the detection and treatment of SCC.

Factors associated with large cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas.

Background: Large cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is associated with a higher risk of disfigurement, local recurrence, and metastasis; however, little is known about factors associated with tumor size at diagnosis.

Objectives: We sought to evaluate factors associated with SCC size, including diagnostic/treatment delay and patient and tumor characteristics.

Methods: We studied a stratified sample of 308 patients with SCC recently treated at a dermatologic referral center in Italy.

Skin cancer knowledge and preventive behaviors among patients with a recent history of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

Aims: To evaluate skin cancer knowledge and preventive behaviors of patients recently treated for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and to examine the factors associated with the adoption of preventive behaviors.

Methods: Telephone survey on 315 SCC patients treated at a large dermatological hospital in Italy, evaluating skin cancer knowledge, sun protection and skin examination practices as well as medical recommendations received after SCC removal.

Results: Skin cancer knowledge was fair/low for 48.