How effective is ustekinumab in controlling psoriatic arthritis?

Recently ustekinumab has been approved for the therapy of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Some case series have been published reporting new onset of inflammatory arthritis in psoriasis patients treated with ustekinumab. In addition, flare of joint inflammation in PsA patients has also been reported.

Clinical characteristics and systemic therapies administered to first-time patients at a tertiary psoriasis outpatient clinic.

Background: The aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics and the systemic therapies given to a cohort of patients attending for the first time our tertiary psoriasis outpatient clinic.

Methods: Data were extracted from an electronic database where the patients, mostly eligible for systemic therapies, are consecutively recorded. Based on skin disease severity the subjects were classified into three groups: group 1, mild psoriasis (MP; Psoriasis Area Severity Index [PASI]≤5); group 2, mild-to-moderate psoriasis (MMP; 510).

Reflectance confocal microscopy for plaque psoriasis therapeutic follow-up during an anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibody: an observational multicenter study.

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic recurrent inflammatory skin disease that affects 2-3% of the world population. Biologics are relatively new systemic treatments that block molecular steps important in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. In vivo Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a non-invasive, imaging technique already reported to be useful in the evaluation of the follow-up of PP under treatment with topical actives and phototherapy.

Randomized, double-blinded, vehicle-controlled, split-face study to evaluate the effects of topical application of a Gold Silk Sericin/Niacinamide/Signaline complex on biophysical parameters related to skin ageing.

Objective: To investigate the effects of topical application of a Gold Silk Sericin (GSS) complex on biophysical parameters related to skin ageing.

Methods: A range of non-invasive bioengineering methods were deployed in an 8-week randomized, double-blinded, vehicle-controlled, split-face study among 40 female subjects aged 40-70. Endpoints measured included expert grades of skin condition, stratum corneum (SC) hydration, SC barrier function, elasticity and surface topography.

Clinical remission of psoriatic arthritis in patients receiving continuous biological therapies for 1 year: the experience of an outpatient dermatological clinic for psoriasis.

Background: The data in the literature concerning the frequency of remission of inflammatory arthritis in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are limited and conflicting.

Aim: To evaluate the frequency of clinical remission in inflammatory arthritis in a cohort of patients with PsA receiving continuous treatment (1 year) with tumour necrosis factor-α inhibitors or ustekinumab, as well as the clinical covariates affecting remission.

Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 74 patients with PsA attending our psoriasis outpatient dermatology clinic.

External auditory canal defect management and reconstruction.

Background: The external auditory canal (EAC) is an area commonly involved by skin cancers. Knowledge of the anatomy of this area and proper evaluation and management of patients with these malignancies is essential.

Objective: The purpose of this article is to provide the reader with an understanding of the anatomy of the EAC, the options available for the treatment of EAC cancers, and repair of the resulting surgical defects.

Mannan induces ROS-regulated, IL-17A-dependent psoriasis arthritis-like disease in mice.

Psoriasis (Ps) and psoriasis arthritis (PsA) are poorly understood common diseases, induced by unknown environmental factors, affecting skin and articular joints. A single i.p.

Integrating Structured Learning and Scholarly Activities into Clerkship Rotations: A Win-Win for Students and Preceptors.

To merge scholarly activity into the curriculum developed for medical students electing a rotation in wound care and/or dermatology. The authors adapted the unique wound care curriculum developed for medical student rotators and residents to incorporate structured scholarly projects, opportunities for mentorship, and feedback for continued improvement. Benefits have been observed to both students and to the clinic, as reflected by online survey results, increased productivity in the form of posters and manuscripts, and opportunities for professional networking.

Clinical and Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Echography Outcomes in Psoriatic Arthritis Patients after One Year of Continuous Therapy with Anti-TNF Drugs.

Background. We wanted to verify retrospectively the proportion of patients with psoriatic arthritis who were in remission after 1 year of continuous therapy with either etanercept or adalimumab. Remission was defined as the absence of both clinical and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) findings suggestive of joint inflammation.

A comparison of intense pulsed light and laser treatment of telangiectases in patients with systemic sclerosis: a within-subject randomized trial.

Objective: Cutaneous telangiectases are a characteristic and psychologically distressing feature of SSc. Our aim was to assess the efficacy of two light-based treatments: pulsed dye laser (PDL) and intense pulsed light (IPL).

Methods: Nineteen patients with facial or upper limb telangiectases underwent three treatments with PDL and IPL (randomly assigned to left- and right-sided lesions).

Capillaroscopy in psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis: a useful tool for differential diagnosis.

Impairment of capillaries permeability and changes of microcirculation are associated with inflammatory arthritis. In order to demonstrate microvascular differences between psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) we analyzed capillaroscopic abnormalities such as megacapillaries, haemorrhages, ramifications, and avascular areas in patients affected by these two rheumatic disorders. Moreover to identify specific capillaroscopy patterns we analyzed the following parameters: venous limb diameter, arterial limb diameter, capillary loop diameter, amplitude of the capillary loop, linear density of capillaries (on 2 mm), and number of twisted capillaries (on 4 mm).

Psoriatic Arthritis during Treatment with Bevacizumab for Anaplastic Oligodendroglioma.

Bevacizumab is a recombinant humanised monoclonal antibody directed against the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The drug, alone or in combination with other anticancer agents, has been shown to be effective against several types of neoplasms. We report a case of a woman with a history of severe psoriasis who developed psoriatic arthritis during a course of bevacizumab, which was administered for a malignant glioma.

An effective night slimming topical treatment.

So-called 'sex-specific fat' appears to be physiologically advantageous, but it has a cosmetic downside as well. A pool of functional ingredients, principally represented by botanical extracts, was selected to treat this condition, specifically for people intimidated by other more invasive approaches. The topical product was formulated using ingredients aimed at two specific actions; adipolysis and microcirculation stimulation [1-4].

The diagnosis of early psoriatic arthritis in an outpatient dermatological centre for psoriasis.

Background: Most of the data currently available on early psoriatic arthritis (EPsA) derive from studies performed in rheumatological settings. However, in recent years, there has been an increase in the amount of data from dermatologic centres.

Objectives: To describe the prevalence, clinical, laboratory and imaging characteristics of psoriatic patients with EPsA seen at a dermatological outpatient psoriasis centre.

Association between basal, squamous cell carcinomas, dysplastic nevi and myotonic muscular dystrophy indicates an important role of RNA-binding proteins in development of human skin cancer.

Myotonic muscular dystrophy (MMD) is caused by an abnormal function of RNA-binding proteins (RBP) resulting in DNA spliceopathy. A case of a patient, with MMD multiple basal and squamous cell carcinomas and dysplastic nevi, is described. The association between MMD and non-melanoma skin cancer has been reported before; however, this association was described before the genetic defect of myotonic dystrophy has been fully elucidated.

Midface lift using a minimally invasive technique and a novel absorbable suture.

Background: Midface rejuvenation is a minimally invasive procedure designed to correct early ptosis of the cheeks and deepening nasolabial folds. Implementation of this technique requires a detailed understanding of the anatomy of this region in addition to recognizing the vectors of change that occur over time as one matures. Finally, aesthetic competence and requisite surgical skills are required to restore the midface in a minimally invasive fashion.

[Expression of toll-like receptors in human epidermal keratinocytes].

Objective: To investigate the toll-like receptors (TLR) profile of human epidermal keratinocytes.

Methods: We cultured the immortalized human epidermal keratinocyte cell line HaCaT cells and normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) and separated epidermis with dispase from foreskins. TLR 1-10 mRNA expression was detected with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

The methylation pattern of p16INK4a gene promoter in psoriatic epidermis and its clinical significance.

Background: Alteration of the p16INK4a gene by epigenetic changes has been described in some hyperproliferative skin diseases, but its importance in psoriasis has not yet been established.

Objectives: To investigate the methylation status of the p16INK4a gene in psoriatic epidermis, its clinical significance and the possible epigenetic mechanisms of psoriasis.

Methods: DNA and RNA specimens were obtained from the lesional epidermis of 56 patients with plaque psoriasis.

Clinical outcome measures of psoriasis.

Several tools have been introduced in clinical trials to quantify the severity and the response to a given therapeutic regimen of both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Each method present specific advantages and limitations. Here we will discuss some of the most popular clinical outcome measures of both psoriasis (Psoriasis Severity Index, Physician Global Assessment, National Psoriasis Fundation-Psoriasis Score, Dermatology Life Quality Index) and psoriatic arthritis (American College Rheumatology response criteria, Psoriatic Arthritis Response Criteria).

Ultrapotent topical corticosteroid treatment of hemangiomas of infancy.

Background: Superficial cutaneous hemangiomas of infancy represent a therapeutic challenge. Two small case series using ultrapotent topical corticosteroids for periocular hemangiomas were reported in the ophthalmologic literature. The use of this therapy for hemangiomas of infancy at other sites on the body has not been reported.