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Botulinum toxin type A in chronic non‐dyshidrotic palmar eczema: A side‐by‐side comparative study

Abstract
New indications are being reported for intradermal botulinum toxin type A (BTX‐A) owing to its anti‐inflammatory and antipruritic actions. Its successful use for dyshidrotic hand eczema and lichen simplex has been reported in a few cases, while its utility in dry palmar eczema not associated with hyperhidrosis has not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was the assessment of the additive efficacy and tolerability of BTX‐A in chronic dry palmar eczema. This prospective non‐randomized side‐by‐side comparative study included 30 cases of chronic bilateral dry palmar eczema with no associated hyperhidrosis. Combined emollients and topical mid‐potency steroid on one side were compared with an additive 100 units of intradermal BTX‐A on the other side for efficacy and tolerability using both patient‐ and physician‐oriented scores over a period of 6 months. Timing and extent of improvement and relapse were recorded on both sides, together with the frequency of development of side‐effects. Both lines were effective and well tolerated, with significantly greater reduction of symptom and sign scores and higher overall patient satisfaction on the side receiving BTX‐A, an effect which lasted for a significantly longer duration on this side (4 months) as compared with the other side (1 month). In conclusion, intradermal BTX‐A at a dose of 100 units/palm is beneficial and well tolerated in chronic dry palmar eczema. Compared with topical steroid and emollients alone, its addition yielded superior efficacy that was longer lasting and more satisfactory to the patients, while exerting a steroid‐sparing effect.
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New‐generation, non‐SSRI antidepressants: Drug‐drug interactions and therapeutic drug monitoring. Part 2: NaSSAs, NRIs, SNDRIs, MASSAs, NDRIs, and others

Abstract
After the development of “classical” tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, numerous other classes of antidepressant drugs have been introduced onto the market. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor class is the best‐known one, but many others exist, usually identified by their mechanism of activity. In this second part of the review, focused on new‐generation antidepressants not included among selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, the following classes are considered: noradrenergic and selective serotonergic antidepressants; norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors; serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors; melatonergic agonists and selective serotonergic antagonists; norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors; and so forth. These different mechanisms underlie tolerability and safety profiles that can be very different among the classes, with each one providing significant advantages and disadvantages in comparison with others. The main characteristics of the following antidepressants are described: mianserin, mirtazapine, setiptiline, reboxetine, viloxazine, teniloxazine, atomoxetine, nefazodone, agomelatine, bupropion, esketamine, and tianeptine. The paper is focused on their metabolism and interactions, but also includes brief notes on analytical methods useful for their therapeutic drug monitoring.
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Psychotropic drugs in dermatology: A dermatologist’s approach and choice of medications

Abstract
Psychiatric symptoms in dermatology practice are increasingly being recognized. The use of psychiatric medications by dermatologist is dealt with caution and uncertainty in several psychodermatological conditions. Several skin conditions are associated with anxiety, depression, and obsessive‐compulsive symptoms. Some conditions such as delusion of parasitosis require antipsychotic medication treatment. Keeping in mind the importance of psychotropic medications and its use in dermatology, following brief review will familiarize dermatologists about the ease of understanding and prescribing psychotropic medications to help their patients with psychiatric symptoms and increase the compliance in treatment.
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The effect of freeze‐thaw cycles on determination of immunoreactive plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone concentrations in horses

Abstract

Background
Determination of plasma adrenocotrophic hormone (ACTH) concentration (endogenous or thyrotropin‐releasing hormone [TRH] stimulation test) is the most commonly used diagnostic test for pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) in horses. Because ACTH is unstable, samples often are frozen to be shipped to laboratories or to allow for batch analysis of research samples. However, the effect of multiple freeze‐thaw cycles on equine ACTH is unknown.

Objective
To determine the effects of multiple freeze‐thaw cycles on immunoreactive ACTH concentration.

Animals
Twenty‐eight horses ranging from 10 to 27 years of age were used.

Methods
Prospective study. Horses were divided into 4 groups: group 1, PPID‐negative, without TRH stimulation; group 2, PPID‐negative, with TRH stimulation; group 3, PPID‐positive, without TRH stimulation; and group 4, PPID‐positive, with TRH stimulation. Whole blood was collected from each horse at baseline or 30 minutes after TRH stimulation. Immunoreactive plasma ACTH concentration was determined using a chemiluminescence assay. Plasma samples then were frozen at −80°C >24 hours, thawed at 4°C and reanalyzed for 5 freeze‐thaw cycles. Changes in plasma ACTH concentration were analyzed using a linear mixed‐effect model.

Results
Significant effects of freeze‐thaw cycles (P = .001) and PPID status (P = .04) on plasma ACTH concentration were observed, but no significant effect of TRH stimulation was identified.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance
The plasma ACTH concentration is altered by freeze‐thaw cycles, and the effect is observed sooner in horses with PPID. To diagnose PPID, multiple freeze‐thaw cycles should be avoided when measuring plasma ACTH concentration.

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Ventricular arrhythmia suppression with ivabradine in a patient with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia refractory to nadolol, flecainide, and sympathectomy

Abstract
Conventional treatment strategies for catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) include avoidance of strenuous exercise and competitive sports, drugs such as ß‐blockers and flecainide and, cervical sympathectomy. An implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) has been utilized if the response to these strategies is inadequate; however, ICD use in CPVT patients, in addition to usual complications, is associated with an increased risk of life‐threatening electrical storm. Ivabradine is a selective inhibitor of hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide‐gated potassium channel 4 generated funny current (If), which has been shown to be efficacious in suppression of inappropriate sinus tachycardia, junctional tachycardia, atrial tachycardia, and ventricular ectopy in humans. We report an 18‐year‐old male with a severe CPVT phenotype refractory to flecainide, nadolol, and sympathectomy who exhibited suppression of ventricular arrhythmias after initiation of ivabradine. These findings are of importance as ivabradine could be an important add‐on therapy in CPVT patients who are drug refractory or are unable to continue conventional therapies at the recommended doses.
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Successful treatment of Pachyonychia congenita with Rosuvastatin

Abstract
Pachyonychia congenita (PC) is a rare genetic disorder affecting nails, skin, oral mucosae, larynx, hair and teeth. Patients with PC present with nail thickening and painful plantar keratoderma. Additional features include hyperhidrosis, oral leukokeratosis, follicular keratosis, palmar keratoderma, cutaneous cysts, hoarseness or laryngeal involvement, coarse or twisted hair and abnormalities of the teeth 1. Current treatment focuses on symptom relief 2. Several experimental therapies (including siRNA, mTOR‐inhibition) have been developed but did not reach clinical use 3, 4. We herein report on the effective therapy of a 9‐year‐old female with PC due to a heterozygous KRT6A mutation. After failed efficacy of common available therapies, our patient was successfully treated with Rosuvastatin.
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Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Patients With Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Feasibility Trial

Objectives
Preclinical studies have shown that surgically implanted vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) promotes recovery of consciousness and cognitive function following experimental traumatic brain injury (TBI). The aim of this study is to report the feasibility and safety of a noninvasive transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) in patients with persistent impairment of consciousness following severe TBI.

Materials and Methods
The feasibility of tVNS was evaluated in five patients presenting with diffuse axonal injury and reduced dominant EEG activity one month following severe TBI. tVNS was applied to the left cymba conchae of the external ear using a skin electrode four hours daily for eight weeks. Possible effects of tVNS on physiological parameters and general side effects were recorded. In addition, we report the rate of recovery using coma recovery scale revised (CRS‐R).

Results
The tVNS regime of four hours daily for eight weeks was feasible and well tolerated with little side effects and no clinically relevant effects on physiological parameters. Three patients showed improvements (>3 points) in the CRS‐R following eight weeks tVNS.

Conclusion
We demonstrated that tVNS is a feasible and safe VNS strategy for patients following severe TBI. Controlled studies are needed to clarify whether tVNS has a potential to promote recovery of consciousness following severe TBI.

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Ischemic ulcers of the toes secondary to Raynaud’s phenomenon in a child successfully treated with botulinum toxin

Abstract
Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) is an episodic vasospastic response to cold or emotional stress causing color changes and pain. These attacks can lead to digital ischemia, ulcers, and gangrene. Severe and refractory RP in children is a therapeutic challenge for clinicians because there are no standardized treatment protocols for these patients. We present a case of RP involving the toes of a child successfully treated with botulinum toxin A.