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RESUMEN Introducción: la úlcera por presión es aquella lesión que se localiza a nivel de la piel y tejidos más profundos. El comienzo de la aparición de ulceras por presión puede constituir un problema importante en la salud de los pacientes, causar molestias físicas, aumentar el tiempo de hospitalización y los costos de tratamiento. Objetivos: describir la prevalencia de pacientes internados que presentan úlceras por presión en el servicio de clínica médica del bloque modular del Hospital Nacional, 2022 a 2023. Metodología: estudio de diseño observacional, descriptivo, de corte transversal, que incluyó a 223 pacientes adultos internados en el Servicio de Clínica Médica del Hospital Nacional (Itauguá, Paraguay) durante el periodo de 2022 a 2023. Resultados: la prevalencia encontrada fue de 9,4 %. La edad media fue de 64 años, con predominio del sexo masculino (58 %). La localización más frecuente de las ulceras fue a nivel sacro (64 %), fueron múltiples el 14 %. Se encontró como patología determinante para el desarrollo de ulceras por presión el accidente cerebrovascular (41 %). Las ulceras por presión grado 1 y 2 fueron las más frecuentes (41 %, ambos). Conclusión: las ulceras por presión son una patología frecuente en pacientes internados. Existen comorbilidades asociadas, siendo el accidente cerebrovascular una de las más frecuentes.

ABSTRACT Introduction: a pressure ulcer is an injury that is located at the level of the skin and deeper tissues. The beginning of the appearance of pressure ulcers can constitute a major problem in the health of patients, causing physical discomfort, increasing hospitalization time and treatment costs. Objectives: describe the prevalence of hospitalized patients with pressure ulcers in the medical clinic service of the modular block of the National Hospital, 2022 - 2023. Methodology: observational, descriptive, prospective design study, which included 223 adult patients admitted to the medical clinic service of the Hospital Nacional (Itauguá, Paraguay) during the period from 2022 to 2023. Results: the prevalence found was 9.4 %. The average age was 64 years, with a predominance of males (58 %). The most frequent location of the ulcers was at the sacral level (64 %), 14 % were multiple. Cerebrovascular accident was found as a determining pathology for the development of pressure ulcers (41 %). Pressure ulcers grade 1 and 2 were the most frequent (41 % both). Conclusion: pressure ulcers are a common pathology in hospitalized patients. There are associated comorbidities, stroke being one of the most frequent.

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Objetivo: Identificar la producción de conocimiento sobre el tratamiento de infecciones localizadas en heridas de difícil cicatrización. Método: Revisión integrativa de la literatura realizada en la Biblioteca Virtual en Salud; Base de datos de enfermería; Scientific Electronic Library; Web of Science; Biblioteca Cochrane; Catálogo de Tesis y Disertaciones de la Coordinación para el Perfeccionamiento del Personal de Educación Superior; y PubMed. Los artículos seleccionados no tienen límite de tiempo. Los estudios fueron exportados a la aplicación Rayyan y sometidos a evaluación doble ciego mediante la lectura del título y el resumen, según los criterios de inclusión y exclusión. La información fue analizada y sintetizada según el nivel de evidencia. Resultados: 19 estudios fueron incluidos para lectura completa. Se encontró como evidencia la higiene de la herida; la limpieza con ácido acético al 1%; la identificación y el tratamiento de biopelículas; el uso de cobertores y soluciones con acción antimicrobiana. Conclusión: La infección localizada de la herida ha sido objeto de varias investigaciones y las prácticas recomendadas se refieren a tratamientos tópicos. (AU)

Objective: To identify the knowledge production on the treatment of localized infections in hard-to-heal wounds. Method: An integrative literature review was conducted in the Virtual Health Library, Nursing Database, Scientific Electronic Library Online, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Catalog of Theses and Dissertations of the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel, and PubMed. The selected articles had no time limit. The studies were exported to the Rayyan application and subjected to double-blind evaluation through title and abstract reading, based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The information was analyzed and synthesized according to the level of evidence. Results: A total of 19 publications were fully analyzed. The evidence obtained on the topic includes wound hygiene, cleaning with 1% acetic acid, identification and treatment of biofilms, the use of dressings, and solutions with antimicrobial action. Conclusion: Localized wound infections have been the subject of various research studies, and the recommended practices refer to topical treatments. (AU)

Objetivo: Identificar a produção de conhecimento sobre o tratamento de infecções localizadas em feridas de difícil cicatrização. Método: Revisão integrativa da literatura realizada na Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, Base de Dados de Enfermagem, Scientific Electronic Library Online, Web of Science, Biblioteca Cochrane, Catálogo de Teses e Dissertações da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior e Public Medline. Os artigos selecionados não possuem limite temporal. Os estudos foram exportados para o aplicativo Rayyan e submetidos à avaliação duplo-cega por meio da leitura do título e do resumo, com base nos critérios de inclusão e exclusão. As informações foram analisadas e sintetizadas de acordo com o nível de evidência. Resultados: Foram analisadas 19 publicações em sua totalidade. Obteve-se como evidências acerca do tema a higienização da ferida, a limpeza com ácido acético 1%, a identificação e o tratamento de biofilmes, o uso de coberturas e as soluções com ação antimicrobiana. Conclusão: A infecção localizada de feridas tem sido objeto de várias pesquisas e as práticas recomendadas referem-se a tratamentos tópicos. (AU)

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Introduction and importance: Dermatomyositis (DM) is an autoimmune myopathy primarily affecting both muscles and skin. When muscle weakness is not clinically apparent, but characteristic skin lesions are present, the condition is referred to as clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis (CADM). Case presentation: The authors present the case of a 52-year-old female with a typical DM rash, interstitial pneumonia, and multiple skin ulcers. The skin biopsy was consistent with DM, and there were no signs of muscle involvement. Myositis-related and myositis-specific autoantibodies were also negative. Significant improvement was not observed until the patient received successive monthly pulses of methylprednisolone and the introduction of methotrexate. This treatment regimen allowed for the complete tapering of prednisone and resulted in sustained disease control. Clinical discussion: In addition to the case presentation, a narrative literature review was conducted using the MEDLINE database, and an evidence-based treatment flowchart is proposed. CADM is a subtype of DM, related to higher incidences of interstitial lung disease, skin vasculopathy and malignancy. When ulcers or interstitial pneumonia are present, treatment should be early and aggressive. Active screening for neoplasms is recommended, particularly within the first 5 years. Conclusion: The authors presented a case of seronegative CADM featuring skin vasculopathy, successfully treated with consecutive methylprednisolone pulses. Our literature review emphasized the importance of focused CADM management trials, highlighting the need for further research.

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Introdução: a Hanseníase é uma infecção granulomatosa crônica conhecida mundialmente como Lepra, causada pelo Mycobacterium leprae. Essa patologia afeta especialmente tecidos cutâneos, mucosas, nervos periféricos e as células de Schwann, podendo se manifestar em casos mais graves com comprometimento neural e com repercussão cutânea. Objetivo: realizar levantamento de dados, utilizando entrevistas e registros nos prontuários de pacientes portadores de úlceras cutâneas e diagnosticados com hanseníase em um Hospital Especializado em Dermatologia no interior de São Paulo, com o objetivo de analisar possíveis fatores relacionados ao processo de não cicatrização destas úlceras. Justificativa: considerando a complexidade envolvida na cicatrização das úlceras cutâneas, assim como as dificuldades dos pacientes em compreender esse problema, faz-se necessário entender os fatores que podem influenciar nesse processo e, consequentemente, capacitar pacientes e equipe multiprofissional envolvidos neste tratamento. Materiais e Métodos: estudo de campo, com abordagem qualitativa e quantitativa, utilizando-se um questionário semiestruturado, para conduzir uma entrevista, com pacientes portadores de úlcera cutânea, decorrente da hanseníase, em acompanhamento em um Hospital Especializado em Dermatologia no interior de São Paulo e subsequente coleta de dados no prontuário de cada participante para complementar as informações. Resultado: foram realizadas 30 entrevistas, no período de 25 de outubro de 2023 a 19 de dezembro de 2023. Nestas entrevistas foram convidados 32 pacientes para participarem do estudo, sendo que destes, dois não aceitaram participar. Considerações Finais: observou-se nesse estudo, que todos os participantes apresentam úlceras crônicas e fatores que influenciam negativamente no processo de cicatrização. Observou-se que a falta de informação sobre o diagnóstico, fatores sistêmicos, condições de higiene e o grau de incapacidade. Direcionando de forma mais assertiva as abordagens da equipe na realização da assistência a esses pacientes.

Introduction: Leprosy is a chronic granulomatous infection known worldwide as leprosy, caused by Mycobacterium leprae. This pathology especially affects skin tissues, mucous membranes, peripheral nerves, and Schwann cells, and may manifest in more severe cases with neural impairment and cutaneous repercussions. Objective: To carry out a data collection, using interviews and records in the medical records of patients with skin ulcers and diagnosed with leprosy in a Hospital Specialized in Dermatology in the interior of São Paulo, with the objective of analyzing possible factors related to the non-healing process of these ulcers. Justification: Considering the complexity involved in the healing of cutaneous ulcers, as well as the patients' difficulties in understanding this problem, it is necessary to understand the factors that can influence this process and, consequently, train patients and the multidisciplinary team involved in this treatment. Materials and Methods: field study, with a qualitative and quantitative approach, using a semi-structured questionnaire, to conduct an interview with patients with cutaneous ulcers resulting from leprosy, in follow-up at a Hospital Specialized in Dermatology in the interior of São Paulo, and subsequent data collection in the medical records of each participant to complement the information. Results: 30 interviews were conducted from October 25, 2023 to December 19, 2023. In these interviews, 32 patients were invited to participate in the study, and of these, two did not agree. Final Considerations: In this study, it was observed that all participants have chronic ulcers and factors that negatively influence the healing process. It was observed that there was a lack of information about the diagnosis, systemic factors, hygienic conditions and the degree of disability. Directing the team's approaches in a more assertive way in providing care to these patients.

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ABSTRACT Objective: To map the nanocomposites used in the treatment of skin lesions. Method: A scoping review, according to the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, carried out on eight databases, a list of references and Google Scholar to answer the question: "Which nanocomposites are used as a cover for the treatment of skin lesions?". Two independent reviewers selected the final sample using inclusion/exclusion criteria using the EndNote® and Rayyan programs. Data was extracted using an adapted form and reported using the PRISMA checklist extension, and the protocol was registered in the Open Science Framework (OSF). Results: 21 articles were selected, with nanofibers, nanogels and nanomembranes as the nanocomposites described in wound healing, alone or in association with other therapies: negative pressure and elastic. Silver nanomaterials stand out in accelerating healing due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action, but caution should be exercised due to the risk of cytotoxicity and microbial resistance. Conclusion: Nanocomposites used in wound treatment are effective in accelerating healing and reducing costs, and the addition of bioactives to nanomaterials has added extra properties that contribute to healing.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Mapear los nanocompuestos utilizados en el tratamiento de lesiones cutáneas. Método: Revisión de alcance, según la metodología del Instituto Joanna Briggs, realizada sobre ocho bases de datos, una lista de referencias y Google Scholar para responder a la pregunta: "¿Qué nanocompuestos se utilizan como cobertura para el tratamiento de lesiones cutáneas?". Dos revisores independientes seleccionaron la muestra final mediante criterios de inclusión/exclusión utilizando los programas EndNote® y Rayyan. Los datos se extrajeron mediante un formulario adaptado y se notificaron utilizando la extensión de la lista de comprobación PRISMA, y el protocolo se registró en el Open Science Framework (OSF). Resultados: Se seleccionaron 21 artículos, con nanofibras, nanogeles y nanomembranas como los nanocompuestos descritos en la cicatrización de heridas, solos o en asociación con otras terapias: presión negativa y elástica. Los nanomateriales con plata destacan en la aceleración de la cicatrización por su acción antimicrobiana y antiinflamatoria, pero se recomienda precaución en su uso por el riesgo de citotoxicidad y resistencia microbiana. Conclusión: Los nanocompuestos utilizados en el tratamiento de heridas son eficaces para acelerar la cicatrización y reducir costes, y la adición de bioactivos a los nanomateriales ha añadido propiedades adicionales que contribuyen a la cicatrización.

RESUMO Objetivo: Mapear os nanocompostos utilizados no tratamento de lesões cutâneas. Método: Revisão de escopo, conforme metodologia Joanna Briggs Institute, realizada em oito bases de dados, lista de referências e Google Scholar para responder à pergunta: "Quais os nanocompostos utilizados como cobertura para o tratamento de lesões cutâneas?". Dois revisores independentes, selecionaram a amostra final mediante critérios de inclusão/exclusão usando os programas EndNote® e Rayyan. Os dados foram extraídos com formulário adaptado e reportados pela extensão do checklist PRISMA, o protocolo foi registrado na Open Science Framework (OSF). Resultados: 21 artigos selecionados, trouxeram nanofibras, nanogéis e nanomembranas como os nanocompostos descritos na cicatrização de feridas, isolados ou em associação a outras terapias: pressão negativa e elástica. Os nanomateriais com prata destacam-se em acelerar a cicatrização pela ação antimicrobiana e anti-inflamatória, recomenda-se cautela no uso pelo risco de citotoxicidade e resistência microbiana. Conclusão: Os nanocompostos utilizados no tratamento de feridas são eficientes em acelerar a cicatrização e reduzir custos, a adição de bioativos aos nanomateriais agregaram propriedades extras que contribuem com a cicatrização.

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Background: Marjolin's ulcer is the malignant degeneration of any chronic wound, with a latency period from tissue injury to variable malignant transformation that may occur up to 30 years later. Among the associated neoplasms, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the predominant lineage in up to 71% of cases. The verrucous carcinoma variant has been estimated to have a low presentation, being described in the literature as 2% of all SCC and reported anecdotally in immunosuppressed patients, which justifies the objective of this publication. Clinical case: 65-year-old female patient with a history of being a carrier of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, who presented a verrucous carcinoma associated to a Marjolin ulcer secondary to herpes zoster and infection of soft tissues in the right leg, with a latency period of 10 years from the initial infectious process to histopathological confirmation. Conclusions: The finding of a verrucous carcinoma on a Marjolin ulcer has been little described in literature, with a lower incidence in the context of a patient with a history of being a carrier of HIV infection, finding 7 case reports, the oldest from 1998. For this reason, it is important to have diagnostic suspicion, to carry out an adequate study protocol and always making clinical-pathological correlation, in order to establish timely and individualized treatment.

Introducción: la úlcera de Marjolin es la degeneración maligna de cualquier herida crónica, con un periodo de latencia desde la lesión tisular a la transformación maligna variable que puede presentarse hasta 30 años después. De las neoplasias asociadas, el carcinoma espinocelular es la estirpe predominante hasta en 71% de los casos. La variante de carcinoma verrugoso se ha estimado con una presentación baja, pues ha sido descrito en la literatura como el 2% de todos los carcinomas espinocelulares y reportado de manera anecdótica en pacientes inmunosuprimidos, lo que justifica el objetivo de esta publicación. Caso clínico: mujer de 65 años con el antecedente de ser portadora de infección por virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH), que presentó un carcinoma verrugoso asociado a una úlcera de Marjolin secundaria a herpes zóster e infección de tejidos blandos en pierna derecha, con un periodo de latencia de 10 años desde el proceso infeccioso inicial hasta la confirmación histopatológica. Conclusiones: el hallazgo de un carcinoma verrugoso asentado sobre una úlcera de Marjolin ha sido poco descrito en la literatura, con una menor incidencia en el contexto de un paciente con antecedente de ser portador de infección por VIH, ante lo cual encontramos 7 reportes de caso, el más antiguo de 1998. Por este motivo es importante contar con la sospecha diagnóstica, para poder hacer un protocolo de estudio adecuado y siempre haciendo correlación clínico-patológica, con la finalidad de instaurar un tratamiento oportuno e individualizado.

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BACKGROUND: Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) patients may need hand surgery. OBJECTIVE: To develop a screening tool for rheumatologists to identify potential candidates with systemic sclerosis for hand surgery, optimizing referrals. METHODS: A pilot cross-sectional study from January 2015 to December 2016. SAMPLE SIZE: 51 participants. INCLUSION CRITERIA: ≥ 18 years old, meeting the 2013 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism (ACR/EULAR) classification criteria for SSc and hand impairment. DATA COLLECTED: age, sex, race, disease duration, SSc subtypes, vasodilator use, skin thickness, finger stiffness, presence of Digital Ulcers (DU) and/or calcinosis, presence of Raynaud's Phenomenon (RP) attacks, health status and disability, disease status, pain intensity and functional status of the hands. Data were analyzed by a multivariate logistic regression model. RESULTS: Fulfillment of surgical criteria: 68.8%. The surgical group had higher scores on the HAQ-DI (1.39 vs. 0.96, p = 0.032) and CHFS (25.0 vs. 12.0, p = 0.005) questionnaires, and a higher frequency of DU (91.43% vs. 18.75%, p < 0.0010), calcinosis (60.0% vs. 0.0%, p < 0.001), use of vasodilators (100.0% vs. 75.0%, p = 0.007) and digital stiffness (28.57% vs. 0.0%, p = 0.017). The presence of DU increased the chance of surgical indication by 46.2 times (ORIC 95% = 8.23 to 259.49). The statistical model showed good accuracy (86.3%, p < 0.001), sensitivity (91.4%), and specificity (81.2%). CONCLUSION: The presence of DU in SSc could be used as a screening feature for early identification and referral of potential candidates for hand surgery.

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Abstract Background: Livedoid vasculopathy (LV) manifests as ulcers and atrophic white scars on the lower extremities. The main known etiopathogenesis is hypercoagulability with thrombus formation, followed by inflammation. Thrombophilia, collagen and myeloproliferative diseases may induce LV, but the idiopathic (primary) form predominates. Bartonella spp. may cause intra-endothelial infection and skin manifestations caused by these bacteria may be diverse, including leukocytoclastic vasculitis and ulcers. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of bacteremia by Bartonella spp. in patients with difficult-to-control chronic ulcers diagnosed as primary LV. Methods: Questionnaires and molecular tests (conventional PCR, nested PCR and real-time PCR) were applied and liquid and solid cultures were performed in the blood samples and blood clot of 16 LV patients and 32 healthy volunteers. Results: Bartonella henselae DNA was detected in 25% of LV patients and in 12.5% of control subjects but failed to reach statistically significant differences (p = 0.413). Study limitations: Due to the rarity of primary LV, the number of patients studied was small and there was greater exposure of the control group to risk factors for Bartonella spp. infection. Conclusion: Although there was no statistically significant difference between the groups, the DNA of B. henselae was detected in one of every four patients, which reinforces the need to investigate Bartonella spp. in patients with primary LV.

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Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected disease caused by an intracellular parasite of the Leishmania genus. CL lacks tools that allow its understanding and treatment follow-up. This article presents the use of metrical and optical tools for the analysis of the temporal evolution of treated skin ulcers caused by CL in an animal model. Leishmania braziliensis and L. panamensis were experimentally inoculated in golden hamsters, which were treated with experimental and commercial drugs. The temporal evolution was monitored by means of ulcers' surface areas, as well as absorption and scattering optical parameters. Ulcers' surface areas were obtained via photogrammetry, which is a procedure that allowed for 3D modeling of the ulcer using specialized software. Optical parameters were obtained from a spectroscopy study, representing the cutaneous tissue's biological components. A one-way ANOVA analysis was conducted to identify relationships between both the ulcers' areas and optical parameters. As a result, ulcers' surface areas were found to be related to the following optical parameters: epidermis thickness, collagen, keratinocytes, volume-fraction of blood, and oxygen saturation. This study is a proof of concept that shows that optical parameters could be associated with metrical ones, giving a more reliable concept during the assessment of a skin ulcer's healing.

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Introduction: Marjolin's ulcer is a rare disease characterized by the malignancy of chronic wounds that present healing disorders, often due to chronic irritation and repetitive trauma in this area. The diagnosis is made mainly through clinical history and histopathological examination. The differential diagnoses of other diseases that course with ulcers must always be researched and ruled out. Method: The present work presents a bibliographic review to elucidate the subject's relevance for medical students, physicians and nurses, to assist in early diagnosis. Results: Nine observational studies were selected to compose the discussion. Conclusion: The most effective treatment for this condition is surgery, and lymph node dissection is suggested in some cases. Chemotherapy has not shown satisfactory results, while radiotherapy is used in selected cases. Given the rapid evolution, tissue damage, and worse prognosis, diagnosis, and excision should be performed early for a better clinical outcome.

Introdução: A úlcera de Marjolin é uma doença rara, caracterizada pela malignização de feridas crônicas que apresentaram distúrbios cicatriciais, muitas vezes devido à irritação crônica e a traumas repetitivos nesta área. O diagnóstico é realizado sobretudo através da história clínica e de exame histopatológico. Os diagnósticos diferenciais de outras doenças que cursam com úlceras devem sempre ser pesquisados e afastados. Método: O presente trabalho apresenta uma revisão bibliográfica, a fim de elucidar a relevância do tema para acadêmicos de medicina, médicos e enfermeiros, com o propósito de auxiliar no diagnóstico precoce. Resultados: Foram selecionados 9 estudos observacionais para compor a discussão. Conclusão: O tratamento mais eficaz desta condição é o cirúrgico, e o esvaziamento linfonodal é sugerido em alguns casos. A quimioterapia não demonstrou resultados satisfatórios, enquanto a radioterapia é utilizada em casos selecionados. O diagnóstico e a excisão devem ser feitos precocemente para melhor desfecho clínico, visto a rapidez da evolução, o prejuízo tecidual e pior prognóstico.

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Pederin is a vesicant toxic amide, found in the hemolymph of the beetle genus, Paederus. Physical contact with these insects produces a type of irritant dermatitis with variable clinical symptoms. It has been identified that Pederin (a vesicant toxic amide responsible for the ulcerative lesion) is produced by Gram-negative endosymbiotic bacteria of the Pseudomonas genus. The present study describes the case of a patient who had come into contact with the insect Paederus sp. and developed an ulcerative lesion. He was first treated with topical steroids, as part of the conventional management, and following no response to treatment, he was treated locally with a 5% potassium permanganate solution, in conjunction with systemic antibiotic therapy, obtaining a good response in the healing process. On the whole, the present study demonstrates that potassium permanganate solutions, in conjunction with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories, may be beneficial in the treatment of dermatitis or ulcerative lesions caused by insects of the Paederus genus. However, further research is required to fully determine the complete benefits and any side-effects.

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BACKGROUND: Livedoid vasculopathy (LV) manifests as ulcers and atrophic white scars on the lower extremities. The main known etiopathogenesis is hypercoagulability with thrombus formation, followed by inflammation. Thrombophilia, collagen and myeloproliferative diseases may induce LV, but the idiopathic (primary) form predominates. Bartonella spp. may cause intra-endothelial infection and skin manifestations caused by these bacteria may be diverse, including leukocytoclastic vasculitis and ulcers. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of bacteremia by Bartonella spp. in patients with difficult-to-control chronic ulcers diagnosed as primary LV. METHODS: Questionnaires and molecular tests (conventional PCR, nested PCR and real-time PCR) were applied and liquid and solid cultures were performed in the blood samples and blood clot of 16 LV patients and 32 healthy volunteers. RESULTS: Bartonella henselae DNA was detected in 25% of LV patients and in 12.5% of control subjects but failed to reach statistically significant differences (p = 0.413). STUDY LIMITATIONS: Due to the rarity of primary LV, the number of patients studied was small and there was greater exposure of the control group to risk factors for Bartonella spp. CONCLUSION: Although there was no statistically significant difference between the groups, the DNA of B. henselae was detected in one of every four patients, which reinforces the need to investigate Bartonella spp. in patients with primary LV.

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ABSTRACT Streptococcus constellatus is usually a benign, commensal bacteria but has increased incidence in blood cultures and abscesses. This pathogenic involvement is most prevalent in individuals with underlying medical conditions, such as solid tumors and type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as in cases of community-acquired infections. We report a 43-year-old male with a right medial thigh ulcer and necrotic scrotal skin. The wound culture from surgical debridement grew Streptococcus constellatus, and histology was consistent with stage III necrotizing fasciitis. Regardless of etiology, the mortality rate of patients with necrotizing fasciitis is greatly decreased with early intervention and thorough surgical debridement.

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Abstract Background Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) patients may need hand surgery. Objective To develop a screening tool for rheumatologists to identify potential candidates with systemic sclerosis for hand surgery, optimizing referrals. Methods A pilot cross-sectional study from January 2015 to December 2016. Sample size: 51 participants. Inclusion criteria: ≥ 18 years old, meeting the 2013 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism (ACR/EULAR) classification criteria for SSc and hand impairment. Data collected: age, sex, race, disease duration, SSc subtypes, vasodilator use, skin thickness, finger stiffness, presence of Digital Ulcers (DU) and/or calcinosis, presence of Raynaud's Phenomenon (RP) attacks, health status and disability, disease status, pain intensity and functional status of the hands. Data were analyzed by a multivariate logistic regression model. Results Fulfillment of surgical criteria: 68.8%. The surgical group had higher scores on the HAQ-DI (1.39 vs. 0.96, p =0.032) and CHFS (25.0 vs. 12.0, p =0.005) questionnaires, and a higher frequency of DU (91.43% vs. 18.75%, p <0.0010), calcinosis (60.0% vs. 0.0%, p <0.001), use of vasodilators (100.0% vs. 75.0%, p =0.007) and digital stiffness (28.57% vs. 0.0%, p =0.017). The presence of DU increased the chance of surgical indication by 46.2 times (ORIC 95% = 8.23 to 259.49). The statistical model showed good accuracy (86.3%, p <0.001), sensitivity (91.4%), and specificity (81.2%). Conclusion The presence of DU in SSc could be used as a screening feature for early identification and referral of potential candidates for hand surgery.

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Streptococcus constellatus is usually a benign, commensal bacteria but has increased incidence in blood cultures and abscesses. This pathogenic involvement is most prevalent in individuals with underlying medical conditions, such as solid tumors and type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as in cases of community-acquired infections. We report a 43-year-old male with a right medial thigh ulcer and necrotic scrotal skin. The wound culture from surgical debridement grew Streptococcus constellatus, and histology was consistent with stage III necrotizing fasciitis. Regardless of etiology, the mortality rate of patients with necrotizing fasciitis is greatly decreased with early intervention and thorough surgical debridement.

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Abstract Tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease that gradually poses a certain threat to public health and economic growth. Tuberculosis typically affects the lungs, pleura, and lymph nodes and rarely the skin. Cutaneous tuberculosis manifesting as ulcerated lesions is also rare and often misdiagnosed and missed by clinicians. Here, the authors report a 29-year-old female patient presenting a vulvar ulcer for 10 months, accompanied by irregular menstruation and increased vaginal secretions. After a skin biopsy and endometrial PCR testing, it was finally diagnosed as vulvar ulcerative cutaneous tuberculosis secondary to genital tuberculosis. Antituberculosis treatment was effective. Cutaneous tuberculosis is called a great imitator. In order to facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis by clinicians, the authors systematically reviewed this disease as well.

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Bullosis diabeticorum (BD) is an uncommon cutaneous manifestation of diabetes that can affect the upper limbs. It is characterized by spontaneous and painless non-inflammatory bloody blisters, which can progress to necrosis, requiring differential diagnosis to rule out other dermatological diseases, such as porphyria cutanea tarda, pseudoporphyria, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, and pemphigoid, and vascular diseases, such as vasculitis, peripheral arterial disease, and Buerger's disease, among others. In this report, we describe a 77-year-old male patient with poorly controlled diabetes and hypertension who presented with spontaneous onset of lesions on the upper limbs, initially with bullous characteristics, progressing to necrotic ulcers after spontaneous rupture. A biopsy revealed hyaline thickening of the dermal vessels and subcorneal bullae, consistent with a diagnosis of BD. After smoking cessation and optimization of glycemia control combined with topical corticosteroid therapy, the condition improved and lesions began to heal. This presentation of BD involving the upper limbs is rare, requiring differential diagnosis to rule out other cutaneous and vascular lesions.