Dermatology Department Of Hospital Research Articles

Long-term follow-up study of the efficacy of fosravuconazole in the treatment of onychomycosis in elderly patients.

Onychomycosis is a chronic and intractable disease whose prevalence increases during aging. In elderly patients, if onychomycosis is left untreated and progresses to a severe stage it may cause functional decline of the lower limbs due to foot pain. This could lead to a decline in activities of daily living and secondary impairment such as cognitive decline. Thus, the treatment of onychomycosis in elderly patients is important. We have previously shown that fosravuconazole is relatively safe and effective for onychomycosis in elderly patients. In the present study, we continued the follow-up study and investigated the efficacy of re-administration of fosravuconazole in patients with recurrent onychomycosis. One hundred and twenty-five patients aged ≥65 years who had been initially diagnosed with onychomycosis at our hospital's dermatology department, and who had responded well to fosravuconazole at 48 weeks after the initial treatment, were followed up until 144 weeks after the start of the initial treatment. Patients who experienced a recurrence within 24 weeks after the start of the follow-up were assigned to the short-term recurrence group, and those who experienced a recurrence after 24 weeks were assigned to the long-term recurrence group. All patients in both groups were re-treated with fosravuconazole to evaluate its efficacy. The short-term and long-term recurrence groups consisted of 17 (14.3%) and 10 (8.4%) patients, respectively. There were no significant differences in mean age and sex ratio between the two groups. There were no serious adverse effects in either group, and the toenail opacity ratio was significantly reduced after 12 weeks of re-treatment in both groups. The short-term and long-term recurrence groups were significantly more likely to have wedge-shaped onychomycosis and total dystrophic onychomycosis, respectively. The results suggest that re-administration of fosravuconazole is safe and as effective as the first administration for elderly patients with recurrent onychomycosis. This study was registered at UMIN-CTR (UMIN000053516).

A study of cutaneous adverse drug reactions in the dermatology department of a tertiary care teaching hospital in Gujarat

Background: Various drugs are responsible for different cutaneous adverse drug reactions (CADRs). Considering variation in drug responses and the day-to-day increasing burden of ADRs, this study was done with emphasis on the need for effective evaluation and the reporting of the ADR reporting programme. Methods: This was an observational cross-sectional study conducted for the duration of six months in the dermatology department to evaluate various clinical patterns of CADRs. Results: A total of 60 CADRs were reported. Among them, 51.67% were present in males and 48.33% were present in females. The most common CADR was FDE (35%), followed by macula-papular rash (25%). Antimicrobials were most commonly responsible for CADRs, followed by NSAIDs, antiepileptic, anti-gout, and anti-hypertensive medications. Conclusions: For better patient care, drug safety, and rational use of medicines, knowledge of various drugs responsible for CADRs can be useful for health care professionals to reduce mortality and morbidity by monitoring, reporting, and assessment of CADRs whenever detected.

The Impact of Shared Assistance between Dermatology and Internal Medicine on Patients with Psoriasis.

Background: The care of psoriatic patients requires a multidisciplinary approach that addresses not only skin involvement but also cardiovascular risk factors. Coordination between dermatology and internal medicine departments, with a specific focus on treatment and long-term follow-up, can substantially improve the course of a disease and its associated complications. Objective: to evaluate the effects of the holistic management of patients with psoriasis by a multidisciplinary team consisting of dermatology and internal medicine specialists. Methods: We conducted an observational, prospective, single-center case-control study between October 2016 and December 2019 in San Jorge University Hospital (Huesca, Spain). Cases included patients undergoing follow-up in the combined dermatology and internal medicine clinic. The control group consisted of an equivalent number of randomly selected, age- and sex-matched patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis who were seen in the general dermatology department of the same hospital during the same time period. Main outcomes and measures: The primary outcome was the control of psoriatic disease and cardiovascular risk factors such as weight, blood pressure, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), SCORE index (Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation), and blood test parameters, as well as diet, physical exercise, and habits such as tobacco and alcohol consumption. To compare data collected over time, data were grouped into three time periods: baseline (t1), intermediate (t2), and final (t3). Results: The case group consisted of 27 patients, and the control group consisted of 25 patients. Multivariate analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between the 10-year risk of experiencing a cardiovascular event (SCORE) and the clinical characteristics and analytical variables of patients with psoriasis and controls (n = 52). The variables that were significantly associated with a higher 10-year risk of experiencing a cardiovascular event were age (OR, 1.33; CI95% 1.21-1.50; p < 0.001); smoking (OR, 5.05, CI95% 1.07-27.37; p = 0.047); PASI (OR, 7.98, CI95% 2.32-35.86; p = 0.003); BSA (OR, 1.22, CI95% 1.01-1.49; p = 0.044); and being a control patient (OR, 3.26; CI95% 0.84-13.56; p = 0.029). Conclusions: Pharmacological and behavioral interventions carried out as part of the procedure of the multidisciplinary clinic resulted in improvements in the following variables relative to the control group: PASI, BSA, DLQI, PSOLIFE, lipid profile, insulin and HOMA-IR GGT levels, vitamin D levels, and SCORE. These findings indicate the beneficial effect of the multidisciplinary clinic, which reduced the risk of cardiovascular events in psoriatic patients with metabolic comorbidities.

Skin Cancer Referrals by Non-Medical Practitioners: A Prospective Observational Study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the appropriateness of suspected skin cancer referrals made by non-medical practitioners (NMPs) and compare this to referrals made by local General Practitioners (GPs). Data were collected prospectively from patients referred to a UK hospital dermatology department from primary care. The profession of the referrer was ascertained from review of referral letters and direct questioning. Patient records and subsequent histology reports were reviewed to determine ultimate diagnosis. 668/753 patients (88.7%) were referred by GPs versus 85/753 (11.3%) by NMPs. 340/668 (50.1%) of patients in the GP group and 47/85 (55.3%) in the NMP group were discharged without intervention (p = 0.45). An ultimate diagnosis of skin malignancy was made in 196/668 (29.3%) patients in the GP and 25/85 (29.4%)) in the NMP group (p = 0.99). These early data suggest significant potential for NMPs to become more involved in skin lesion assessment.

Clinical Profile of Patients with Lichenoid Drug Eruption: A Observational Study.

Lichenoid drug eruption (LDE) is an uncommon cutaneous adverse drug reaction, where a variety of drugs used in day-to-day clinical practice have been implicated. To describe the clinico-demographic characteristics of patients with LDE and to identify the most likely drugs involved. In this prospective, observational study, consecutive patients with LDE presenting to the dermatology department of a tertiary teaching hospital were included. The clinico-demographic profile of patients with LDE and implicated drugs was noted. Treatment of drug reaction along with outcome was also documented. Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale was used for causality assessment of the drug reactions. A thorough literature review on LDE was also undertaken due to the paucity of existing literature. A total of 15 patients (11 males and 4 females) with LDE were evaluated. Their age ranged from 37 to 61 years, with a mean of 51.53 ± 7.59 years. Anti-hypertensive medications (40%) were the most common culprit agent, followed by antitubercular drugs (33.4%), anti-diabetic agents (13.3%), and others (13.3%). The latent period (time from drug initiation to the appearance of a cutaneous eruption) varied from 15 days to 6 months (mean 2.2 months). Cutaneous involvement was generalized in 73.4% and photo-distributed lesions in 26.6%. Drug provocation test was done to identify the culprit drug. According to the Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale, one-third of LDEs were "definite," whereas two-thirds were designated as "probable." LDE is more common in the elderly population. The latent period is comparatively longer in LDE than in other common drug reactions. Prompt recognition and withdrawal of suspected drug are essential to minimize disease morbidity.

Comparison of Efficacy of 5% Tranexamic Acid vs 20% Azelaic Acid in Patients of Melasma

Background: Melasma is a significant cosmetic concern globally, affecting individuals across various ethnic backgrounds, particularly in South Asian populations. The condition's etiology is complex, involving genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors such as sun exposure. Despite numerous treatment options, melasma remains challenging to manage effectively. Recent studies have explored the efficacy of tranexamic acid and azelaic acid, both of which target the melanin synthesis pathway but through different mechanisms. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of topical 5% tranexamic acid versus 20% azelaic acid in the treatment of melasma, with a focus on changes in the Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) scores. Methods: This prospective comparative study was conducted at the Dermatology department of PIMS Hospital, Pakistan, over six months from August 2023 to January 2024. A total of 200 patients with melasma were enrolled and randomly assigned to two groups: Group A received 5% tranexamic acid cream, and Group B received 20% azelaic acid cream, both applied twice daily. Inclusion criteria included men and women aged 18 to 50 years with a diagnosis of melasma for at least six months. Pregnant women, patients with a history of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) or Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE), and those on hormonal therapy were excluded. The primary outcome measure was the change in MASI scores from baseline to the end of the study period. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 25. Results: The study found significant differences in treatment efficacy between the two groups. Group A (tranexamic acid) showed a reduction in MASI scores from 7.94 ± 1.88 at baseline to 5.50 ± 1.61 post-treatment. Group B (azelaic acid) demonstrated a decrease from 8.21 ± 1.96 to 5.89 ± 1.49. The proportion of patients experiencing excellent response was higher in Group A (36.0%) compared to Group B (19.0%), with a statistically significant difference in overall treatment efficacy (P&lt;0.0001). Conclusion: Topical 5% tranexamic acid was more effective than 20% azelaic acid in improving MASI scores in patients with melasma. This study supports the inclusion of tranexamic acid as a preferable treatment option for melasma, offering a promising alternative for those not responding to conventional therapies.

Profile of Teleconsultation in Dermatology at a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India during the First Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract Background: There was a rapid expansion of teledermatology around the world with the onset of COVID-19 pandemic. This helped to reduce hospital visits with better adherence to medication and overall costs, especially in chronic dermatoses. Methodology: A retrospective study of teleconsultations during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic at the dermatology department of a tertiary care hospital in South India was done from May to October 2020. Real-time video teleconsultations were done using the hospital’s teleconsultation portal. Demography, clinical profile of patients, and outcome of teleconsultation were studied. Results: During the study period, 476 teleconsultation sessions in 265 patients were carried out. The mean age of patients was 40.65 ± 16.79 years; geriatric population constituted 38 (14.3%) patients. Urban to rural population ratio was 1:1.3. Median disease duration was 2.5 years (interquartile range 4.75 years). Papulosquamous disorders and infectious diseases were the most common disorders constituting 52 (19.6%) and 51 (19.2%) cases, respectively. Patients with chronic dermatoses on systemic therapy constituted 268 (56.42%) teleconsultation sessions in 119 (44.9%) patients; common diseases being autoimmune blistering disorders (38; 31.9%), psoriasis (23; 19.3%), and leprosy (17; 14.3%). Optimization of therapy was done in 117 (44.2%) patients, initiation of new medication in 89 (33.6%), and continuation of therapy in 75 (28.3%) patients. An in-person review was advised in 46 (9.7%) sessions in 36 (13.6%) patients. Six (2.3%) patients were advised to have an urgent review. Conclusion: Teledermatology was an effective tool during the pandemic to extend hospital services. Optimization of therapy was the outcome in nearly half the sessions. This service can benefit patients from remote areas and geriatric population, especially with chronic dermatoses.

Drug utilization pattern evaluation and cost variation analysis of anti-fungal agents in tinea infected patients in dermatology department of a tertiary care teaching hospital

Background: Tinea infections are chronic superficial fungal infections, highly prevalent in tropical countries like India. Therefore, long-term therapy is needed and this can inflict a financial burden on the patients. Aim of the study was to assess drug utilization patterns in patients diagnosed with tinea infection and to evaluate the cost variability of anti-fungal agents. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in patients for 3 months after taking permission from IEC. All adult patients already diagnosed with tinea infection were enrolled. Evaluation of drug utilization pattern was carried out using WHO core drug prescribing indicators and percentage of cost variability was calculated between different brands of anti-fungal agents. Results: A total of 252 patients were enrolled. Tinea corporis and cruris were the most commonly diagnosed tinea infection. Pruritus was the most common presenting symptom. Past history of similar illness was seen in 74 (29.4%) patients mean of 3.83±0.87 drugs were prescribed per patient. Drugs prescribed from NLEM was only 42.1%. Most commonly prescribed drugs were oral itraconazole and topical miconazole. Percentage of cost variability was seen maximum with capsule itraconazole 200 mg (237.5%) by oral route and luliconazole 30 gm (175.6%) by topical route. Conclusions: Prescribing practices of drugs can be improved by promoting generic drug and prescribing drugs from NLEM. Wide range of cost variation can lead to high economic burden in tinea infected patients.

Risk Factors of Onset Time and Persistence of Atopic Dermatitis in Children Under Age 5 Years: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: The prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) is high among children, with development of AD occurring during early childhood in most affected children and some having a chronic disease course. Risk factors for AD in this group remain undefined. Objectives: We analyzed the medical records of children with AD under 5 years of age. We summarized characteristics of the natural course of AD in these children and explored relevant risk factors of AD in infancy and early childhood. Methods: Using a self-developed questionnaire, we investigated 716 children under 5 years of age who were treated for AD at the Dermatology Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China. We conducted the study from October 2021 to September 2022 using telephone and on-site interviews with the children's parents. In parental interviews, data were gathered on neonatal diseases, comorbidities, parental allergy history, maternal history of tobacco and alcohol use, and basic infant information at birth. Some children were tested for serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE) before this study. Results: Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS), neonatal infection, and infection during childhood had a significant impact on persistent symptoms and the onset of first symptoms in children with AD (P < 0.05). Allergic diseases as common comorbidities with AD, which had earlier onset of AD related to more obvious disease activity (P < 0.05). Parental history of allergy was also significant in AD (P < 0.05). Serum total iIgE levels in children with AD showed an impact on the clinical course of AD; neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and NRDS may affect IgE levels (P < 0.05). Persistent AD had a significant effect on the physical growth of children with height/length for age Z score ≤3 and weight for height/length Z score ≤3 (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Early adverse events in infants, infection before onset, and susceptibility to infection may affect the onset and clinical course of childhood AD. Serum total IgE levels affect the progression of AD. Persistent AD in childhood may have a slight impact on children's physical growth.

Efficient triaging of advice and guidance referrals using teledermatology via the UK National Health Service e-Referral service platform: reporting positive outcomes from the COVID era.

Substantial increases in the implementation and use of dermatology advice and guidance (A&G) services has been a legacy of the COVID pandemic. To evaluate the impact that a 45-month period of A&G use had on the health service outcomes in a university teaching hospital dermatology department. A&G data for June in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 were retrospectively analysed. Areas analysed included: total number of A&G requests; number of requests converted to referrals; percentage of discharges at first attendance; and referral-to-treatment (RTT) performance (defined as percentage of referrals seen by 18 weeks). A&G requests increased over the study period, from 45 requests in June 2019 to 1384 in June 2021. Increased request numbers were because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and then a subsequent change to the referral pathway. In January 2021, A&G became the obligatory referral route for all routine referrals to our department. The percentage of A&G requests converted to referral were 22.4%, 46.4%, 43.4% and 52.2% in June 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively. Between 2019 and 2022 our discharges at first attendance decreased from 36.7% to 29.0%. RTT performance remained consistently above the national average; local RTT performances were 95.2% (2543/2671), 59.8% (782/1308), 90.1% (1697/1884) and 87.9% (1660/1888), in June 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively, which compared favourably against RTT figures for England (90.2%, 56.5%, 78.2% and 65.1%). We highlight to other NHS dermatology departments the positive impact A&G triaging can have on outcomes, as observed for our service, reducing our discharges at first attendance and maintaining an RTT performance above the national average.

Pattern of pediatric dermatoses in a tertiary hospital in South India

Background: Several cross-sectional studies in the form of school surveys and studies on paediatric patients visiting dermatology OPD in tertiary care hospital has been conducted in the last three decades. This study was conducted to note the pattern of paediatric dermatoses and also to compare the difference in disease pattern with other studies conducted in southern India in last decade. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Dermatology department of MVJ teaching hospital to determine the pattern of pediatric dermatoses from May 2021 to October 2021 after obtaining institutional ethics committee clearance. Cases under the age of 18 years were included in the study. Cases with age above 18 years, incomplete data, dermatoses where diagnosis was uncertain were excluded from the study. A total of 150 children were included in the study. The results were entered and tabulated in MS-excel sheet and descriptive analysis was done. Results: 150 children were included in the study.36 types of dermatoses were noted overall. Eczematous diseases (32.7%) contributed to the maximum followed by infections and infestations (25.3%). The most frequent dermatoses found were Atopic dermatoses (10%), pityriasis alba (8.6%), scabies (8.6%), Acne vulgaris (8.6%). Eczematous diseases and hypersensitivity disorders were noted to have increased frequency when compared to other studies in last one decade Conclusions: Rising trend in atopic dermatitis has been noted which might be due to changing environmental factors and also due to better recognition of condition by physicians in last one decade. With respect to spectrum of skin infections and infestations not much of difference is appreciated when compared to previous studies

Successful treatment of disseminated granuloma annulare with adalimumab

Granuloma annulare (GA) is a chronic inflammatory necrobiotic granulomatous skin disease, which is based on a delayed hypersensitivity reaction caused by the production of interferon- (IFN-) by tissue macrophages and th1-limocytes, tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), which leads to the degradation of connective tissue.&#x0D; The most frequent form of GA if localized which is characterized clinically by grouped papules and plaques of red or pink color on the extremities. although disseminated variants of disease occur in 15% of all cases of ag. in contrast to the practically asymptomatic course of the localized form, typical signs of disseminated form are intensive sense of itching, the presence of at least ten foci of skin lesions, recurrent and resistance to treatment course.&#x0D; A 53-year-old female patient with a long-term recurrent course of annular granuloma after a weak clinical response to therapy with pentoxifilin, methotrexate and azathioprine turned to the dermatology department of the university hospital. In light of the lack of satisfactory treatment options anti-cytokine therapy with adalimumab was recommended at a daily dosage of 80 mg, once a week, for 2 weeks, then 1 time every two weeks for 1.5 months. Already on the 5th day after receiving the first injection, the patient reported that the feeling of itching disappeared. By the end of the second week of the induction phase of biotherapy, it became obvious that new rashes did not appear, and the old elements of the skin rash had significantly flattened, turned pale and decreased in volume. After the second week of consolidated therapy, the dermatologist confirmed the convalescence.

Determining the use of herbal treatment by dermatology patients

This descriptive study was conducted to determine the use of herbal treatment by dermatology patients. The study involved 146 patients who were treated in the dermatology department of a university hospital between 26/11/2017 and 26/05/2018 and agreed to participate in the study. Data were collected using a 29-question information questionnaire prepared by the researchers based on the literature. In addition, a list of plants was given to the patients in the appendix of the information sheet. The Mann-Whitney U test and the Kruskal-Walli’s test were used to compare the data. The Pearson Chi-square test was used to analyze the relationship between the variables. The present study found that the majority of patients were satisfied with the medical treatment they received. It was found that patients who use complementary alternative methods in addition to medical treatment told health professionals about their current situation or felt that information should be given.&#x0D; Keywords: Dermatology; herbal; nurses; therapy

Allergy activity in the dermatology department of a French university hospital over a 2-year period: A retrospective study of 1813 patients

Allergy activity in the dermatology department of a French university hospital over a 2-year period: A retrospective study of 1813 patients

Evaluation of skin barrier function based on skin dermoscopic features in patients with rosacea.

Evaluation of skin barrier function based on skin dermoscopic features in patients with rosacea.

A therapeutic evaluation of various modalities of treatment of keloid-A randomized open label study

Keloid and hypertrophic scar are the result of abnormal growth of fibrous tissue following healing of a cutaneous injury in predisposed individuals. Some treatment options are pressure garments, radiation therapy, excision, intralesional injections, cryotherapy, silicone gel dressing and lasers though no single modality is completely effective.To study the efficacy, to compare and to study the adverse effects of 4 different modalities of treatment of keloid namely, Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (TAC), Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide and 5-fluoro uracil (5-FU), Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide and silicone gel sheet (SGS) and Intralesional Radiofrequency (RF). Arandomized open label study was conducted in the dermatology department of a tertiary care hospital in Gujarat from Nov 2020 to December 2022. 108 patients were allocated to 4 groups, Group 1(TAC), Group 2( + 5FU), Group 3( + SGS) and Group 4(RF). Group 1 received Intralesional injections of Triamcinolone acetonide (alone), Group 2 received Intralesional injections of Triamcinolone acetonide and 5- fluorouracil, Group 3 was given Intralesional injections of Triamcinolone acetonide and topical silicone gel sheet and Group 4 was treated with intralesional radiofrequency.A total of 108 patients of age group 18-52 years were enrolled and was divided into 4 groups consisting of 27 patients each Improvement of pliability, vascularity, pigmentation and height of keloid was maximum in TAC + 5FU group and least was in TAC + SGS group. At the end of 4 weeks, excellent improvement was found highest in 29.6% of TAC+5FU group, 22.2% in TAC alone, 18.5% in RF group and 11.1% in TAC+SGS group. At the end of 8 weeks, excellent improvement was found highest in 51.8% of TAC+5FU group, 44.4% in TAC alone, 40.7% RF group and 25.9% in TAC+SGS group. The difference was statistically significant.Skin atrophy, telangiectasia, hypopigmentation and recurrence were observed more TAC group therapies whereas, ulceration and infection were more frequent with RF treatment, however few cases were also seen TAC+5FU group.In this study in terms of pliability and overall improvement maximum response was seen in group TAC + 5 FU and TAC + SGS was least effective.

Clinical observation of laser combined with 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy for female vulva condyloma acuminatum.

Condylomata acuminata, or genital warts (GW), are exceedingly prevalent, with human papilloma virus infection accounting for 90% of cases. It can be treated in a variety of methods, but the high recurrence rate and cervical scars make it difficult to choose the best treatment option. Hence, the study aims to find the effect of laser combined with 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) photodynamic therapy for condyloma acuminata in the vulva, vagina, and cervix. A total of 106 female patients with GW of the vulva, vagina, and cervical condyloma acuminata were treated in the Dermatology Department of Subei People's Hospital in Yangzhou from May 2020 to July 2021. All these patients were treated with laser combined with 5-ALA photodynamic therapy to observe the therapeutic effect. About 84.9% of patients responded to the first session of ALA-photodynamic treatment. Five patients relapsed in the 2nd week, two patients relapsed in the 4th week, one relapsed in the 8th week, one relapsed in the 12th week, and the relapsed patients were given 1-3 times of photodynamic therapy again, and no recurrence was seen in the 24th week. After four courses of treatment in 106 patients, the wart clearance rate was 100%. Laser combined with 5-ALA photodynamic therapy for female vulva, vagina, and cervix condyloma acuminata has a reliable curative effect, low recurrence rate, few adverse reactions, and less pain. It is worth promoting in female vulva, vagina, and cervical condyloma acuminata.

Evaluation of prescription pattern of antifungal drugs in the dermatology department of a tertiary care teaching hospital

Background: In general, fungal infections are one of the contributors of disease burden in the community, but irrational use of antifungal drugs can result in unwanted adverse events or antifungal drugs resistance. The present study was designed to analyze the prescription pattern of antifungal drugs prescribed in the dermatology department of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Methods: After getting permission from the ethics committee, this prospective observational cross-sectional study was conducted by analysis of prescriptions of 900 voluntary participant patients over a period of seven months in the dermatology outpatient department of a tertiary care teaching hospital in western India. Prescribed medicines’ parameters were analyzed as per WHO/INRUD prescription indicators. Results: Overall 900 prescriptions were analyzed, and among them around 50% patients were having tinea corporis and tinea cruris, making it the most common fungal infection. The most commonly prescribed antifungals were Clotrimazole (34.59%), followed by Fluconazole (31.61%) and Luliconazole (23.52%). Percentage of drugs prescribed from the WHO model list of essential medicines was 71.22%. Average number of antifungal drugs per prescription was 2.83 ± 0.57%. Conclusions: This study indicates prescribing practices of anti-fungal drugs and supportive medicines at tertiary care hospital that can be further improved by promoting prescribing by generic names. Overall final list of essential medicines at district level, state level and national level may vary as compared to the WHO list for anti-fungal drugs and doctors can consider alternative drugs as per domestic resistant pattern.

A Prospective Study On Corticosteroids Utilization Pattern In Dermatology Department Of A Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital, Bangalore, India

Corticosteroids are widely prescribed in dermatology department and a rational prescribing lead to maximum benefit and minimum untoward effects. The objectives of this study were to assess the corticosteroid prescribing pattern for various skin diseases and to identify, monitor and assess any drug interactions and adverse reactions if any associated with their use. A prospective cross-sectional study on corticosteroid utilization pattern in dermatology department of a tertiary care teaching hospital was done by reviewing 205 inpatient cases for a period of 6 months. The data was collected with respect to demographics, medical and medication history, laboratory data and drugs prescribed during hospitalization and at discharge. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed to report the findings in terms of number and percentage. Corticosteroids were prescribed in 129 cases with 72male patients most in 51-60-year age group and 57female patients with 28% in 31-40-year age group. The common indications were psoriasis, dermatitis, and pemphigus. Prednisolone (27.4%) followed by clobetasol (22.04%) were most commonly prescribed. 48.6% therapy was by topical route, 28.2% by oral and 23.03% parenteral route. At discharge prednisolone and clobetasol were mostly prescribed and topical route was the most preferred route. Drug interactions involving drugs like betamethasone, triamcinolone, dexamethasone, and prednisolone were observed but no adverse reactions were reported. With a wide choice of corticosteroids and dosage forms available to treat dermatological conditions the rational therapy should consider the appropriate choice of drugs, potency, effectiveness and the cost.

Increasing incidence of Trichophyton tonsurans in Munich-A single-centre observation.

Tinea capitis and tinea corporis are highly prevalent fungal skin infections, which globally are mainly caused by Microsporum canis and Trichophyton rubrum, respectively. While in the United States and Great Britain Trichophyton tonsurans is widely prevalent as a causative pathogen, it so far only plays a minor role in Germany. Since the frequency of pathogenic species varies regionally and temporally, this study assesses the proportion of Trichophyton tonsurans infections in the dermatology department of a large university hospital in Germany from 2019 to 2022 and thoroughly characterises the affected patient population. This retrospective study at the Technical University of Munich analyses mycological culture results regarding the identified dermatophyte and infection site. Detailed patient and disease-related information on Trichophyton tonsurans positive patients was obtained. In 2022, 23 patients of 111 dermatophyte culture-positive patients tested positive for Trichophyton tonsurans. This accounted for 20.7% and represented a tenfold increase from 2.1% in 2019. Contact sports were only practiced by 21.7% of patients, and no common hotspot or other linkage could be identified between the cases. Additionally, 47.8% of the patients received a systemic treatment, with 30.4% visiting the clinic more than three times. In 2022, 21.7% were diagnosed with a simultaneous infection of the capillitium and body, whereas this was only observed in 7.1% of cases in 2019 to 2021. This study suggests an increase of Trichophyton tonsurans infections via several routes of transmission.