1. Relationship Between Seborrheic Dermatitis and Parkinson's Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective

Previous studies suggest an increased prevalence of seborrheic dermatitis (SD) among patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). This study further explores the relationship between SD and PD, particularly in patients with akinetic-rigid (AR) and tremor-predominant (TP) subtypes of PD.

Methods

The study included patients with AR-type and TP-type PD, as well as patients with essential tremor (ET) as a control group. Patients with HIV or undergoing immunosuppressive therapy were excluded. The prevalence and severity of SD were assessed using the Seborrheic Dermatitis Head and Neck Area and Severity Index.

Results and Conclusion

The prevalence of SD was significantly higher in PD patients, with AR-type PD patients exhibiting more severe SD than TP-type patients. These findings support previous research suggesting that autonomic dysfunction in PD may contribute to autonomic skin dysfunction.

2. Systemic Janus Kinase Inhibitors for Vitiligo: An Evidence-Based Evaluation

Objective

While topical JAK inhibitors have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating refractory non-segmental vitiligo, systemic JAK inhibitors remain in the early stages of clinical use. This systematic review summarizes the evidence regarding systemic JAK inhibitors for vitiligo treatment.

Methods

Following PRISMA guidelines, Embase and MEDLINE databases were searched. Studies with an evidence level of ≥4 and a sample size of ≥3 were included. The analysis focused on improvements in Total Vitiligo Area and Severity Index (T-VASI) and Facial Vitiligo Area and Severity Index (F-VASI), treatment duration, relapse rate, and adverse events associated with ritlecitinib, upadacitinib, tofacitinib, abrocitinib, and baricitinib.

Results and Conclusion

Tofacitinib (a JAK1/JAK3 selective inhibitor) demonstrated the best efficacy, showing superior response rates in both complete repigmentation and improvements in T-VASI and F-VASI. Ritlecitinib and abrocitinib were the next best options in terms of efficacy and response rates. Combining JAK inhibitors with phototherapy significantly enhanced treatment outcomes. Systemic JAK inhibitors were generally well-tolerated, with minor upper respiratory infections and nasopharyngitis being the most commonly reported adverse events.

3. Gastrointestinal Adverse Events Associated with Biologic Therapy for Psoriasis: A Pharmacovigilance Review

Objective

Clinical trials have reported diarrhea and gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort as common adverse events (AEs) associated with biologic therapy. This systematic review analyzes pharmacovigilance data on the incidence and timing of GI AEs linked to psoriasis biologics.

Methods

Following PRISMA guidelines, articles published from 2014 to 2023 were retrieved from Embase and MEDLINE using specific keywords. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess study quality. Reports of GI AEs related to IL-17 inhibitors, IL-23 inhibitors, and TNF inhibitors were extracted, and reporting odds ratios (RORs) were analyzed.

Results and Conclusion

The overall incidence of GI AEs associated with psoriasis biologics was 8.7%, consistent with clinical trial data. High-risk AEs included inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), eosinophilic esophagitis, diverticular perforation, and rectal adenocarcinoma. IL-17 inhibitors were linked to a higher risk of GI events, potentially increasing IBD incidence, whereas IL-23 and TNF inhibitors carried a relatively lower GI risk.

4. Circadian Rhythm Disruptions and Melasma: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective

This study investigates the relationship between circadian rhythm disruptions and the onset and exacerbation of melasma.

Methods

A total of 108 Chinese melasma patients with Fitzpatrick skin types III-IV and 111 healthy volunteers were recruited. Participants provided demographic information, emotional status, and lifestyle habits related to circadian rhythms. Sleep disorders were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS). The modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI) was used to evaluate melasma severity, while the melanin index (MI) and erythema index were measured in affected and unaffected skin.

Results and Conclusion

Factors such as stress, anxiety, irregular eating habits, fluctuating sleep schedules, frequent night shifts, and nighttime light exposure were associated with melasma onset. However, sleep disorders were not significantly correlated with melasma severity. Patients with irregular eating habits tended to develop melasma earlier, while fluctuating sleep schedules were linked to different types of melanization. Stress and anxiety significantly impacted the melanin index ratio.

5. Non-Thermal Atmospheric Plasma for Pediatric Verruca Vulgaris: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective

To compare the efficacy of non-thermal atmospheric plasma (NTAP) and standard cryotherapy (SOC) in treating pediatric verruca vulgaris (VV).

Methods

A prospective, open-label study randomly assigned lesions to NTAP or SOC in a 1:1 ratio. Treatments were administered every four weeks for up to three sessions. Lesion response was evaluated four weeks after the final treatment.

Results and Conclusion

The study included 14 pediatric patients (112 lesions) with an average age of 9.5 years, predominantly White (92.9%) and male (71.4%). The efficacy comparison between SOC and NTAP was as follows: no response (5.4% vs. 7.1%), partial response (33.9% vs. 41.1%), and complete resolution (60.7% vs. 51.8%; P = 0.679). Patients receiving SOC reported significantly more pain (P < 0.001). No severe AEs were observed. NTAP was found to be an effective and safe treatment for pediatric VV.

6. Cemiplimab in Advanced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Phase 2 Open-Label Study

Objective

This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of cemiplimab, a PD-1 inhibitor, in treating metastatic and locally advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC).

Methods

Patients received cemiplimab via weight-based or fixed-dose intravenous administration every 2-3 weeks. The study assessed objective response rate (ORR), duration of response (DOR), and progression-free survival (PFS).

Results and Conclusion

ORR was 47.2%, with a 12-month DOR of 88.3% and a median PFS of 26.0 months. The drug was well-tolerated with manageable side effects.

7. Vunakizumab for Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis: A Phase 3 Trial

Objective

This study assesses the efficacy and safety of Vunakizumab, a novel anti-IL-17A monoclonal antibody, in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

Methods

A total of 690 patients were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive either 240 mg of Vunakizumab or a placebo. The primary endpoints were Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 90 response and static Physician’s Global Assessment (sPGA) score of 0/1 at week 12.

Results and Conclusion

By week 12, Vunakizumab significantly improved PASI 90 and sPGA 0/1 response rates compared to placebo. The efficacy was maintained through week 52 with continued treatment. Vunakizumab demonstrated significant clinical benefits and was well tolerated for long-term management of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.