scholarly journals Ultrasound Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Use of Acitretin in the Treatment of Nail Psoriasis

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 2122
Author(s):  
Magdalena Krajewska-Włodarczyk ◽  
Zbigniew Żuber ◽  
Agnieszka Owczarczyk-Saczonek

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of retinoid treatment on the morphological changes in the nail apparatus in patients with nail psoriasis. Material and methods: 41 patients aged 32 to 64 with nail psoriasis, without clinical signs of psoriatic arthritis, started on acitretin 0.6 to 0.8 mg kg b.w./d, for six months and 28 people in the control group were included in the study. Both groups had ultrasound examination of fingernails and digital extensor tendon in the distal interphalangeal joints. In psoriatic patients, US examination was conducted before starting the treatment and after six months. A total of 685 nails were examined. Results: After six months of treatment, there was a reduction in the thickness of the nail bed and nail matrix (p = 0.046 and p = 0.031, respectively). The thickness of the nail plates decreased, although it was statistically insignificant (p = 0.059) and it was higher than in the control group (p = 0.034). The reduced severity of clinical nail changes after six months of retinoid treatment did not correlate with the reduction in extensor tendon thickness in any group of patients. Conclusions: In patients with nail psoriasis, acitretin treatment resulted in a rapid decrease in the thickness of the nail bed and matrix, but it did not affect the thickness of the nail plate after six months. There was no effect of acitretin on the digital extensor tendon thickness or the increased blood supply to the tendon area. The results of the study may indicate the usefulness of ultrasound nail examinations in patients with nail psoriasis not only to assess the advancement of morphological changes and response to treatment, but also to choose the potential treatment.

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 546 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalena Krajewska-Włodarczyk ◽  
Agnieszka Owczarczyk-Saczonek ◽  
Waldemar Placek ◽  
Maja Wojtkiewicz ◽  
Joanna Wojtkiewicz

To assess the effect of methotrexate on the development of distal interphalangeal joint extensor tendon enthesopathy in psoriasis, thirty-two people aged 34 to 57 years with nail psoriasis and distal interphalangeal joint extensor tendon enthesopathy (19 patients with Ps (psoriasis) and 13 with PsA (psoriatic arthritis) were started on methotrexate at 15 to 25 mg/week and the treatment was continued for 6 months). A total of 319 nails were examined. After six months of treatment, the thicknesses of the nail plate, nail bed and nail matrix were found to decrease in both groups of patients. Methotrexate treatment resulted in a decrease in the joint extensor tendon thickness only in patients with Ps (0.94 ± 0.05 vs. 0.96 ± 0.04, p < 0.001), where the tendon thickness after treatment correlated with the matrix thickness (r = 0.337, p = 0.018) and with the bed thickness (r = 0.299, p = 0.039). Methotrexate treatment resulted in a decrease in the extensor tendon thickness only in patients with Ps but not in PsA. The findings of this study may suggest the effectiveness of systemic treatment of nail psoriasis in patients without arthritis and the use of US nail examinations in Ps and PsA patients in morphological change assessment and response to treatment.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalena Krajewska-Włodarczyk ◽  
Agnieszka Owczarczyk-Saczonek ◽  
Waldemar Placek ◽  
Maja Wojtkiewicz ◽  
Andrzej Wiktorowicz ◽  
...  

Aim of the Study. The aim of the study was to conduct an ultrasound (US) assessment of changes in fingernails in psoriatic patients with nail involvement. Material. A total of 69 patients with psoriatic changes in nails participated in the study, including 38 patients with psoriasis (Ps) and 31 with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and 30 people in the control group. A total of 988 nails were examined. Results. The thickness of the nail plate, nail bed, and matrix as shown in an ultrasound examination increased with the mNAPSI index (r=0.328, p=0.021; r=0.219, p=0.036; and r=0.422, p=0.011, respectively). The thickness of nail plate, bed, and matrix in patients with onycholysis and hyperkeratosis-type changes (concomitant or present separately) was significantly greater than when only pitting-type changes occurred (p=0.007, p=0.035, and p=0.023, respectively). An examination of nails with only pitting-type changes showed an increase in the matrix thickness compared to the control group (p=0.018). The focal hyperechoic involvement of the dorsal plate (80%) was the change most often observed in an US examination in Ps patients, whereas loosening of the borders of the ventral plate was most often observed in PsA patients. The thickness of nail bed in PsA patients increased with the duration of arthritis (r=0.399, p=0.022) and was correlated with the number of swollen digits (r=0.278, p=0.041). Conclusions. The findings of this study may indicate an association of an inflammation in the nail bed with PsA development. Apart from a direct assessment of the described morphological changes of nails, a US examination could prove useful in an assessment of intensity of a local inflammation as a prognostic factor for PsA development.


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 169-176
Author(s):  
M.M. Tlish ◽  
◽  
M.E. Shavilova ◽  
A.A. Matishev ◽  
◽  
...  

Objective. To study echographic and hemodynamic features of the nail plate and surrounding tissues in patients with different clinical variants of onychomycosis of the feet using an ultrasonic transducer with a scanning frequency of 15–22 MHz and on this basis to define the most significant ultrasound signs of this pathology. Patients and methods. 52 patients with onychomycosis of the feet (the main group) and 20 volunteers (the control group) without a fungal nail infection were examined. Ultrasonic scanning was performed using a transducer with a frequency of 15–22 MHz. The sonographic structure and sizes of nail components were registered. Features of blood supply were studied in the area of the nail bed and root using duplex scanning. Results. In patients with onychomycosis in the nail plate, the change in lateral dimensions of its layers was revealed. Structural imperfection and uneven increase in the thickness of intermediate layer of the nail plate, misalignment of ventral and dorsal layers were detected. Discontinuity and blurring of the structure of the ventral layer were observed in this context. In patients with subungual onychomycosis, a thickening of the nail bed and change in its acoustic properties were revealed. When the nail root was involved in the pathological process, an increase in echogenicity and blurring of boundaries in the matrix area were recorded. Decreased value of hemodynamic indices and smoothing of the dopplerographic curve, in comparison with the control group, were observed. Conclusion. Detected ultrasound signs broaden the understanding of changes in the nail echostructure and hemodynamics indices under the influence of a fungal infection, and can be useful in comprehensive diagnostics of onychomycosis of the feet. Key words: sonographic and hemodynamic signs of onychomycosis, nail ultrasonography


2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Nguyen ◽  
George Cotserelis

The human nail is a complex unit that includes five major modified cutaneous structures: the nail matrix, nail bed, nail plate, nail folds, and cuticle (eponychium). This chapter discusses the function and structure of the five nail components and the pathophysiology affecting each. Also reviewed are nail findings associated with underlying systemic and dermatologic conditions: splinter hemorrhages, koilonychia, transverse nail-plate depressions (Beau’s lines), onycholysis, leukonychia, clubbing, nail-plate pitting, and longitudinal pigmented bands. Infections of the nail are discussed, which include bacterial paronychia, chronic paronychia, and onychomycosis. Figures illustrate the longitudinal section of the fingernail, multiple pigmented longitudinal bands, psoriasis involving the fingernail, late-stage lichen planus of the fingernail, transverse linear grooves, Pseudomonas aeruginosa causing a green nail, psoriasis of the nail, melanonychia striata, and a nail specimen for potassium hydroxide preparation. Tables describe antifungal treatment for toenail onychomycosis as well as selected dermatologic disorders that affect the nail unit. This chapter contains 50 references.


2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Nguyen ◽  
George Cotserelis

The human nail is a complex unit that includes five major modified cutaneous structures: the nail matrix, nail bed, nail plate, nail folds, and cuticle (eponychium). This chapter discusses the function and structure of the five nail components and the pathophysiology affecting each. Also reviewed are nail findings associated with underlying systemic and dermatologic conditions: splinter hemorrhages, koilonychia, transverse nail-plate depressions (Beau’s lines), onycholysis, leukonychia, clubbing, nail-plate pitting, and longitudinal pigmented bands. Infections of the nail are discussed, which include bacterial paronychia, chronic paronychia, and onychomycosis. Figures illustrate the longitudinal section of the fingernail, multiple pigmented longitudinal bands, psoriasis involving the fingernail, late-stage lichen planus of the fingernail, transverse linear grooves, Pseudomonas aeruginosa causing a green nail, psoriasis of the nail, melanonychia striata, and a nail specimen for potassium hydroxide preparation. Tables describe antifungal treatment for toenail onychomycosis as well as selected dermatologic disorders that affect the nail unit. This chapter contains 50 references.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalena Woźna-Wysocka ◽  
Marta Rybska ◽  
Beata Błaszak ◽  
Bartłomiej Maria Jaśkowski ◽  
Magdalena Kulus ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra complex (CEH-P) is one of the most common uteropathies in bitches. In diseases with mild or obscure clinical signs and normal uterine size, a diagnosis based on a clinical assessment might be incorrect. The main aim of the research was to determine the morphological variables accompanying uterine diseases in bitches in microscopic evaluation. Consequently, the obtained results can be used to create a new classification system for uterine pathological changes during the development of the CEH-P, diagnosed by microscopic examination in bitches. Material for the study consisted of the uteri of 120 female dogs, aged 1-16 years, obtained during routine ovariohysterectomies. Macroscopic observation after a longitudinal incision of the uterine horns, allowed a preliminary classification of the uteri into research groups: control group (physiological uteri), and groups GI-III uteri collected form bitches with varying degrees of endometrial pathology. These preliminary classifications were then verified by histological analysis (H&E stain).Results: The obtained results made it possible to determine and describe the prevalence (%) of pathological changes characteristic of the analyzed uterine diseases in the examined bitches. Histopathological analyses that were conducted have confirmed preliminary macroscopic evaluation for the control group, group GII (CEH), and group GIII (pyometra). In the uteri of the GI group, a severe congestion of endometrium has been observed – this is typical of inflammation – which was not confirmed during histopathological examinations. However, these examinations revealed acute endometrial haemorrhage of varying severity.Conclusions: Early reproduction disorders in bitches are, in general, not confirmed by clinical signs in the examined animals. The results show that during classification of typical morphological changes in endometrium over the development of the CEH-P complex in bitches microscopic examinations are required. The obtained results indicate a frequent lack of consistency in the macroscopic assessment and histological analysis of the endometrium, observed in the analyzed uterine diseases, which in most cases is not followed by clinical symptoms. The presented classification of uterine diseases may be useful as a diagnostic tool in reproductive disorders in bitches and in examination in the field of basic research.


2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (6) ◽  
pp. 811-817 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuanjiao Tang ◽  
Yujia Yang ◽  
Xi Xiang ◽  
Liyun Wang ◽  
Lingyan Zhang ◽  
...  

Objective.To evaluate the prevalence rates of peripheral joint, enthesis, tendon, and bursa abnormalities by power Doppler (PD) ultrasonic examination in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), psoriatic patients without clinical signs of arthritis (non-PsA psoriasis group), and healthy individuals, to detect subclinical PsA.Methods.A total of 253 healthy volunteers, 242 non-PsA psoriatic patients, and 86 patients with PsA were assessed by 2-dimensional and power Doppler (PD) ultrasound. Peripheral joint, enthesis, tendon, and bursa abnormalities were observed, characterizing abnormal PD. The affected patients and sites with abnormalities in various ages were compared among groups; PD signal grades for the abnormalities were also compared.Results.In the PsA group, significantly higher percentages of sites showing joint effusion/synovitis, enthesitis, and tenosynovitis in all age groups, and markedly higher rates of sites with bursitis were found in young and middle age groups, compared with the non-PsA and control groups (all p < 0.01). Meanwhile, the non-PsA group showed significantly higher rates of joint effusion/synovitis and enthesitis sites, and elevated PD signal grades of synovitis, enthesitis, and tenosynovitis in comparison with the control group, both in young and middle age groups (all p < 0.01).Conclusion.Patients with PsA have high percentages and PD signal grades of peripheral joint, tendon, enthesis, and bursa involvement. Young and middle-aged non-PsA patients have high synovitis and enthesitis percentages, and elevated PD signal grades of synovitis, enthesitis, and tenosynovitis.


Author(s):  
M. Gwamaka ◽  
J.A. Matovelo ◽  
M.M.A. Mtambo ◽  
G.K. Mbassa ◽  
R.M. Maselle ◽  
...  

The effects of dexamethasone and promethazine on the amelioration of pulmonary oedema in East Coast fever were investigated. The clinical effects of these drugs were further investigated when used in conjunction with the antitheilerial drug, buparvaquone. In the first experiment, 15 crossbred (Friesian x Zebu) steers were divided into four groups. With the exception of the animals in group IV, that served as a control group all the others were infected with Theileria parva sporozoites. On the second day of the febrile reaction, the steers in groups I and II were treated with dexamethasone (0.1 mg/kg) and promethazine (1 mg/kg), respectively. Group III steers served as the infected untreated controls. On the fifth day of the febrile reaction the animals in groups I, II and III were infused intravenously with tattoo ink suspension and 1 h later sacrificed for post-mortem examination and tissue sampling. The clinical picture indicated that both drugs significantly mitigated dyspnoea and the post mortem examination revealed a significant reduction in morphological changes. Tattoo ink particle count reflected a significant (P < 0.01) reduction in vascular leakage in the treated animals, with promethazine being significantly (P < 0.05) more effective than dexamethasone in this respect. In the second experiment, 18 steers were infected with T. parva sporozoites, and then were randomly allotted into three groups each of which contained six animals. After the onset of ECF clinical signs, the animals in the first two groups were treated with buparvaquone in combination with either dexamethasone (group I) or promethazine (group II), and the third group was treated with buparvaquone alone. The results indicated that all the animals in groups I, II and III recovered well and no significant differences were observed in clinical disposition between the groups. Two months later, serum samples were collected from the refractory animals and demonstrated the presence of antibodies against T. parva. When the animals were subsequently artificially challenged with T. parva, none of them succumbed to clinical disease. The same T. parva stabilate stock was used in both experiments and it proved to be infective in a separate batch of steers.


2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalena Woźna-Wysocka ◽  
Marta Rybska ◽  
Beata Błaszak ◽  
Bartłomiej M. Jaśkowski ◽  
Magdalena Kulus ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra complex (CEH-P) is one of the most common uteropathies in bitches. In diseases with mild or obscure clinical signs and normal uterine size, a diagnosis based on a clinical assessment might be incorrect. The main aim of the research was to determine the morphological variables accompanying uterine diseases in bitches in microscopic evaluation. Consequently, the obtained results can be used to create a new classification system for uterine pathological changes during the development of the CEH-P, diagnosed by microscopic examination in bitches. Material for the study consisted of the uteri of 120 female dogs, aged 1–16 years, obtained during routine ovariohysterectomies. Macroscopic observation after a longitudinal incision of the uterine horns, allowed a preliminary classification of the uteri into research groups: control group (physiological uteri), and groups GI-III uteri collected form bitches with varying degrees of endometrial pathology. These preliminary classifications were then verified by histological analysis (H&E stain). Results The obtained results made it possible to determine and describe the prevalence (%) of pathological changes characteristic of the analyzed uterine diseases in the examined bitches. Histopathological analyses that were conducted have confirmed preliminary macroscopic evaluation for the control group, group GII (CEH), and group GIII (pyometra). In the uteri of the GI group, a severe congestion of the endometrium has been observed – this is typical of inflammation – which was not confirmed during histopathological examinations. However, these examinations revealed acute endometrial haemorrhage of varying severity. Conclusions Early reproduction disorders in bitches are, in general, not confirmed by clinical signs in the examined animals. The results show that during classification of typical morphological changes in the endometrium over the development of the CEH-P complex in bitches microscopic examinations are required. The obtained results indicate a frequent lack of consistency in the macroscopic assessment and histological analysis of the endometrium, observed in the analyzed uterine diseases, which in most cases is not followed by clinical symptoms. The presented classification of uterine diseases may be useful as a diagnostic tool in reproductive disorders in bitches and in examination in the field of basic research.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 34-51
Author(s):  
Alaa K. Hamad ◽  
Mariam Kadhem

The study was performed to investigate the prophylactic role of Saussurea costus roots in the functional and histological changes caused by diazinon in the liver and kidneysin chickens. 18 chickens were used of Arbor Acres strain at 54 days of age and 1300-1500 gm average of body weight was used for this purpose. The birds were divided into 3 groups equally (6chicken in each groups), Group 1: served as a control negative received distilled water 1 ml. Group 2: served as a positive control group, received diazinon at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg/day. Group 3: were given an ethanolic extractof Saussurea costus at dose 300 mg/kg, then after one hour administrated diazinon at the dose of 0.2 mg/kg/day, this group served as a prophylactic group. The doses were given orally once daily for 4 weeks.The results of group 2 showed clinical signs such as ruffled feathers, salivation, diarrhea, breathing from the mouth, teary eyes, drooping of wings. The body weights of the chickens and weights of the liver and kidneys of group 2 significantly declined (p≤ 0.05) compared with groups 1 and 3. There was a significant decrease (p≤ 0.05) in WBC count, lymphocyte, total protein, albumin, GSH, SOD, CAT, and GPX levels, while a significant increase (p≤0.05) in heterophil, ALT, AST, creatinine, urea, uric acid, and MDA compared with group 1. The gross examination of the liver and kidney of group 2 were pale, easily crumbles and smaller than that of group 1. Histopathological changes of the liver of group 2 including congested and dilated central vein, vacuolated cytoplasm of hepatocytes, focal necrotic tissue filled with inflammatory cells, thickening of the bile duct, thickening wall of the portal artery. fibroblast in portal area, dilated sinusoid. Histopathological changes of the kidney including dilatation of renal tubule, hemorrhage, and atrophy in the glomerulus. we concluded that administration of ethanolic extractof Saussurea costus resulted in amelioration of the morphological changes in diazinon treated chickens, improved parameters and restored the parameters to near normal compared with group 1. These results revealed that Saussurea costus roots acts as an antioxidant substance and has a hepatic and renoprotective effect against toxicity induced by diazinon.


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