RESUMEN
Background: Parry-Romberg syndrome (PRS) is a rare condition characterized by a progressive shrinkage and degeneration of the tissues beneath the skin, usually on one side of the face. Managing this disease presents numerous challenges due to its heterogeneity and unpredictable outcomes. The existing literature is primarily composed of case reports and series, leading to a lack of comprehensive guidelines on surgical intervention for the various manifestations of PRS. We propose an approach to address these challenges and optimize surgical outcomes. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of all patients who underwent surgical correction for PRS between 2012 and 2022. Surgical interventions were determined based on the location and severity of the facial defect. The revision procedures were tailored to each patient until they were satisfied with the results. Results: Eleven patients underwent surgical correction, with an average of 3.2 procedures per patient. Fat grafting or dermal fat grafting was sufficiently effective for mild deficits in all areas and for upper-third deficits regardless of severity. For moderate to severe defects in the mid and lower face, a combination of buried free flaps and fat grafting yielded satisfactory results. Upon final revision, all patients rated their results as satisfactory or excellent. Conclusions: We propose an approach to surgical management that takes into account the specific deficits of each patient. Our approach has proven to yield aesthetically pleasing and reliable results, aligning with findings in the existing literature. This method could provide a foundation for standardized guidelines and improve the prognosis for individuals with PRS.
RESUMEN
Gender Affirmation Surgery (GAS) is a super specialized subset within the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS) that is ever evolving and of increasing interest to the PRS community. It is a multifaceted process which, in addition to surgical therapy, involves mental health therapy and hormonal therapy. One rapidly emerging interest within GAS is the role that gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) plays in enhancing surgical outcomes. GAHT has been used adjunctively with GAS as a comprehensive therapy to ameliorate gender dysphoria. This literature review will examine the positive effects of GAHT on the surgical outcomes on GAS, as well as other important considerations prior to surgery. As such, the primary objective of this literature review is to evaluate and assess the current evidence concerning the efficacy and safety of GAHT, as it relates to Gender Affirmation Surgery procedures.
RESUMEN
Calciphylaxis is a unique medical condition characterized by calcification of the medial layer of arterioles and soft tissues in a patient's skin at the level of the dermis and subcutaneous adipose tissue. The rate of progression of calciphylaxis is rapid, starting with a reduction of blood flow that leads to ischemic changes in the skin that can manifest as painful cutaneous erythematous nodules or plaques and later as skin ulceration. The majority of patients affected by calciphylaxis have predisposing comorbidities such as end-stage renal disease with a long history of hemodialysis and electrolyte abnormalities in calcium, phosphate, and parathyroid hormone levels. This report presents the case of a 72-year-old female patient on hemodialysis who developed calciphylaxis. The methods for early prognosis (the methods of early diagnosis), including clinical presentation, risk factors, imaging techniques, and laboratory investigations, are discussed. The presented case is particularly noteworthy given the onset of calciphylaxis within a mere three months of initiating hemodialysis, a timeline significantly shorter than the typically observed period in most patients. (The case detailed in this report outlines the rapid onset of calciphylaxis in a patient who was receiving hemodialysis for only three months.) This patient with early-onset calciphylaxis highlights the unpredictable nature of calciphylaxis and the need for increased clinical vigilance even in the initial stages of hemodialysis.
RESUMEN
Background: Androgenic alopecia (AGA), a prevalent and extensively studied condition characterized by hair loss, presents a significant global issue for both men and women. Stem cell therapy has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for AGA due to its regenerative and immunomodulatory properties. The primary objective of this systematic review was to assess the current literature on the efficacy and safety of cellular and acellular stem cell-derived therapies in the management of AGA. Methods: A computerized literature search was conducted in ClinicalTrials.gov, PubMed, and Cochrane Library in October 2023. The online screening process was performed by three independent reviewers with the Covidence tool. The protocol was reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses, and it was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews of the National Institute for Health Research. Results: The search yielded 53 articles from 2013 to 2023. Twelve randomized controlled trials were included. Stem cells and their derivatives were isolated from human adipose tissue, hair follicles, bone marrow, umbilical cord blood, and exfoliated deciduous teeth. These trials showed that stem cell-derived treatments can promote hair regeneration and density. Conclusions: Both cellular and acellular stem cell-based therapies are safe and effective in improving hair regeneration and density in AGA patients. Although the outcomes may be temporary in some cases, regenerative treatments may become useful adjuncts in combination with traditional methods of hair transplantation. Future research should focus on protocol optimization to enhance long-term patient outcomes.