Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland)最新文献

{"title":"Peripheral Prosthetic Vascular Graft Infection: A 5-Year Retrospective Study.","authors":"Giovanni De Caridi, Mafalda Massara, Chiara Barilla, Filippo Benedetto","doi":"10.3390/medsci13020071","DOIUrl":"10.3390/medsci13020071","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> Peripheral prosthetic vascular graft infection represents a very serious complication after lower limb revascularization, with amputation and mortality rates up to 70% and 30%, respectively. This study was designed to determine the incidence of prosthetic graft infection, amputation, and mortality rate in our institution, analyzing different types of treatment. <b>Methods:</b> A retrospective cohort single institution review of peripheral prosthetic bypass grafts evaluated patient demographics, comorbidities, indications, location of bypass, type of prosthetic material, and case urgency and evaluated the incidence of graft infections, amputations, and mortality. <b>Results:</b> Between January 2016 and December 2021, a total of 516 bypasses were recorded (318 male, 198 female, mean age 74.2): 320 bypasses in venous material and 196 prosthetic bypasses using Dacron or PTFE. Among patients with a prosthetic bypass, 16 (8.2%) presented a graft infection at a mean follow-up of 39 months. Thirteen other patients who submitted to prosthetic peripheral bypass in other centers presented to our institution with a graft infection, so a total of 29 infected grafts were treated. Infected grafts were removed in 20 patients (68.9%), while a conservative treatment was helpful in nine cases (31.1%). The germs involved were Gram-negative in 27.6% and Gram-positive in 41.4%. During follow-up, we recorded five deaths (17.2%) and six amputations (20.7%) directly after bypass excision; another two amputations (6.9%) occurred after failure of the new bypass replacing the prosthesis removed. <b>Conclusions:</b> Redo-bypass, active infection at the time of bypass, and advanced gangrene were associated with a higher risk for prosthetic graft infection and major extremity amputation. Complete graft removal and replacement by venous material or Omniflow II represents the typical treatment. However, aggressive local treatment including drainage, debridement, vacuum-assisted closure therapy application, and muscle transposition seem to be a better solution in selected patients without the need for graft removal and with rates of limb salvage superior to those obtained with excisional therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":74152,"journal":{"name":"Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12194823/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144487433","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sonographic Evaluation of Peripheral Nerves and Cervical Nerve Roots in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Anas Elgenidy, Ibrahim A Hassan, Yasser Hamed, Hassan Ahmed Hashem, Osama Abuel-Naga, Hazem I Abdel-Rahman, Kawashty R Mohamed, Belal Mohamed Hamed, Mennatullah A Shehab, Mohamed Zeyada, Somaia Kassab, Shaimaa Sabri Abdelkarim Abdelgawad, Abdelbaki Idriss Ibrahim, Ekram Hassan Hasanin, Amira A Elhoufey, Khalid Hashim Mahmoud, Khaled Saad","doi":"10.3390/medsci13020067","DOIUrl":"10.3390/medsci13020067","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that leads to nerve atrophy. Ultrasonography has a significant role in the diagnosis of ALS.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>We aimed to sonographically assess the size of all peripheral nerves and cervical nerve roots in ALS compared to controls.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We searched MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Embase, and Scopus using comprehensive MeSH terms for the keywords nerve, ultrasound, and ALS. We extracted data regarding cross-sectional area (CSA) or diameter for the following nerves: vagus, phrenic, tibial, fibular, sural, radial, ulnar, and median nerves, and the roots of C5, C6, C7, and C8 in both ALS patients and controls.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our study included 2683 participants, of which 1631 were ALS patients (mean age = 60.36), 792 were healthy controls (mean age = 57.79), and 260 were patients with other neurological disorders. ALS patients had significantly smaller nerve size compared to controls. Nerve size differences were observed in the vagus nerve [MD = -0.23], phrenic nerve [MD = -0.25], C5 nerve root [SMD = -0.94], C6 nerve root [SMD = -1.56], C7 nerve root [SMD = -1.18], C8 nerve root [MD = -1.9], accessory nerve [MD = -0.32], sciatic nerve [MD = -11], tibial nerve [MD = -0.68], sural nerve [MD = -0.32,], ulnar nerve [MD = -0.80], and median nerve [MD = -1.21].</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our findings showed that ALS patients have a sonographically smaller nerve size than healthy controls. Therefore, this is a potential marker for neuronal diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":74152,"journal":{"name":"Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12194937/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144487434","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Combined Effects of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, Metals, and Behavioral and Social Factors on Depressive Symptoms.","authors":"Olamide Ogundare, Emmanuel Obeng-Gyasi","doi":"10.3390/medsci13020069","DOIUrl":"10.3390/medsci13020069","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Background:</i> This study investigates the combined effects of PFAS metals (PFOA and PFOS), heavy metals (lead, cadmium, and mercury), behavioral factors (smoking and alcohol consumption), and social factors (income and education) on depressive symptoms. <i>Methods:</i> Using cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2017-2018), blood samples were analyzed to determine the exposure levels of PFOA, PFOS, lead, cadmium, and mercury, and self-reported behavioral and social factors were evaluated in relation to PHQ-9 scores among 181 adults. <i>Results:</i> Education was associated with lower odds of depressive symptoms (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.43-1.07). Although the result was not statistically significant, the estimate suggested a potential protective effect that warranted further investigation. Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression demonstrated that heavy metals collectively had the strongest evidence for influencing depression (group PIP = 0.6508), followed by socioeconomic factors (group PIP = 0.642). Bivariate exposure-response analyses revealed complex interaction patterns whereby exposure effects varied substantially depending on co-exposure contexts. <i>Conclusions:</i> These findings highlight that depressive symptoms are shaped by complex interplays between environmental contaminants, behavior, and social determinants, underscoring the importance of mixture-based approaches in environmental mental health research and the need for integrated interventions addressing both environmental and social factors.</p>","PeriodicalId":74152,"journal":{"name":"Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12194989/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144487435","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Artificial Intelligence in the Histopathological Assessment of Non-Neoplastic Skin Disorders: A Narrative Review with Future Perspectives.","authors":"Mario Della Mura, Joana Sorino, Anna Colagrande, Maged Daruish, Giuseppe Ingravallo, Alessandro Massaro, Gerardo Cazzato, Carmelo Lupo, Nadia Casatta, Domenico Ribatti, Angelo Vacca","doi":"10.3390/medsci13020070","DOIUrl":"10.3390/medsci13020070","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming diagnostic approaches in different fields of medical sciences, demonstrating an emerging potential to revolutionize dermatopathology due to its capacity to process large amounts of data in the shortest possible time, both for diagnosis and research purposes. Different AI models have been applied to neoplastic skin diseases, especially melanoma. However, to date, very few studies have investigated the role of AI in dermatoses. Herein, we provide an overview of the key aspects of AI and its functioning, focusing on medical applications. Then, we summarize all the existing English-language literature about AI applications in the field of non-neoplastic skin diseases: superficial perivascular dermatitis, psoriasis, fungal infections, onychomycosis, immunohistochemical characterization of inflammatory dermatoses, and differential diagnosis between the latter and mycosis fungoides (MF). Finally, we discuss the main challenges related to AI implementation in pathology.</p>","PeriodicalId":74152,"journal":{"name":"Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12195539/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144487403","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Trends and Disparities in Liver Transplantation in the United States: A Nationwide Analysis of Demographic, Clinical, and Socioeconomic Factors (2016-2021).","authors":"Vignesh Krishnan Nagesh, Vivek Joseph Varughese, Marina Basta, Emelyn Martinez, Shruthi Badam, Lokaesh Subramani Shobana, Abdifitah Mohamed, Alin J, Simcha Weissman, Adam Atoot","doi":"10.3390/medsci13020066","DOIUrl":"10.3390/medsci13020066","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Liver transplantation has become the standard of care for patients with end-stage liver disease. Despite advances in surgical techniques, immunosuppression, and perioperative care, disparities in access and outcomes persist across demographic and socioeconomic lines.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To assess trends and disparities in liver transplant admissions in the United States from 2016 to 2021, examining demographic patterns, in-hospital mortality, hospital charges, length of stay, and socioeconomic factors.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2016 to 2021, we identified liver transplant admissions using ICD-10 PCS codes 0FY00Z1 and 0FY00Z2. Demographic characteristics (age, sex, race, insurance status, and income quartile), clinical outcomes, and resource utilization metrics were analyzed. One-way ANOVA and Hensel's test were used to assess variance and distribution homogeneity, with a significance threshold of <i>p</i> < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 9677 liver transplant admissions were analyzed. The mean recipient age remained stable (51-52 years), with males comprising ~62% of transplants. White patients constituted the largest group of recipients (~66-68%), followed by Hispanic (~14-17%) and Black patients (~7-10%). The proportion of transplants relative to liver failure admissions remained stable across racial groups, indicating no widening racial gap during the study period. In-hospital mortality post-transplant remained low (2.37-3.52%) and did not differ significantly by race (<i>p</i> = 0.23), sex (<i>p</i> = 0.24), or income quartile (<i>p</i> = 0.13). Similarly, Charlson Comorbidity Index > 5 did not predict inpatient mortality (<i>p</i> = 0.154). Hospital charges ranged from $578,000 to $766,000, with an average stay of ~21 days.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Liver transplantation outcomes, including in-hospital mortality, appear consistent across demographic and socioeconomic groups once patients are admitted for transplant. However, broader disparities in access persist, necessitating further research into pre-transplant barriers and long-term outcomes. These findings support the need for equitable healthcare strategies aimed at optimizing transplant candidacy and survival across all populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":74152,"journal":{"name":"Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12195059/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144487454","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Adherence to Mediterranean Diet and Ocular Dryness Severity in Sjögren's Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Celine Chaaya, Elie Raad, Francesca Kahale, Elias Chelala, Nelly Ziade, Georges Maalouly","doi":"10.3390/medsci13020064","DOIUrl":"10.3390/medsci13020064","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a multifaceted clinical condition characterized by various features, including ocular dryness (OD), which plays a substantial role in shaping the clinical presentation of the disease and has detrimental effects on quality of life. Recent research has acknowledged the advantages of the Mediterranean diet (MD) for its positive impact on various autoimmune diseases. This study aims to investigate the correlation between the severity of ocular symptoms in individuals with SS and adherence to the MD. <b>Methods</b>: This was a cross-sectional observational study of previously diagnosed SS patients recruited from the histopathological and immunological archives of a university hospital. The data were collected through a telephone questionnaire, including demographic and disease data, the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score to evaluate the OD severity, and the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) score to determine adherence to the MD. The primary outcome of the study, the correlation between OSDI and MEDAS scores, was evaluated using Spearman's correlation coefficient. <b>Results</b>: The study included 114 patients, with a mean age of 51 (±13.4) years and a female proportion of 86%. OD was documented in 80.7% of the patients. The median OSDI and MEDAS scores were 23 (IQR 10-40) and 8 (IQR 5-11), respectively. A strong negative correlation was observed between the MEDAS and the OSDI scores (ρ = -0.73, <i>p</i> < 0.01). Additionally, there was a significant negative relationship between the richness of diet in fatty acids and the OSDI score (ρ = -0.67, <i>p</i> < 0.01). <b>Conclusions</b>: The study results suggest an association between lower OD severity in patients with SS and adherence to the MD, particularly the components related to polyunsaturated fatty acids consumption. This approach may serve as a complementary strategy with multiple health benefits, alongside conventional treatment options.</p>","PeriodicalId":74152,"journal":{"name":"Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12195104/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144487402","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Potential Effects of Sensor-Based Virtual Reality Telerehabilitation on Lower Limb Function in Patients with Chronic Stroke Facing the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Case-Control Study.","authors":"Mirjam Bonanno, Maria Grazia Maggio, Paolo De Pasquale, Laura Ciatto, Antonino Lombardo Facciale, Morena De Francesco, Giuseppe Andronaco, Rosaria De Luca, Angelo Quartarone, Rocco Salvatore Calabrò","doi":"10.3390/medsci13020065","DOIUrl":"10.3390/medsci13020065","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>Individuals with chronic stroke often experience various impairments, including poor balance, reduced mobility, limited physical activity, and difficulty performing daily tasks. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, telerehabilitation (TR) can overcome the barriers of geographical and physical distancing, time, costs, and travel, as well as the anxiety about contracting COVID-19. In this retrospective case-control study, we aim to evaluate the motor and cognitive effects of balance TR training carried out with a sensor-based non-immersive virtual reality system compared to conventional rehabilitation in chronic stroke patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Twenty chronic post-stroke patients underwent evaluation for inclusion in the analysis through an electronic recovery data system. The patients included in the study were divided into two groups with similar medical characteristics and duration of rehabilitation training. However, the groups differed in the type of rehabilitation approach used. The experimental group (EG) received TR with a sensor-based VR device, called VRRS-HomeKit (n. 10). In contrast, the control group (CG) underwent conventional home-based rehabilitation (n. 10).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>At the end of the training, we observed significant improvements in the EG in the 10-m walking test (10MWT) (<i>p</i> = 0.01), Timed-Up-Go Left (TUG L) (<i>p</i> = 0.01), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) (<i>p</i> = 0.005).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In our study, we highlighted the potential role of sensor-based virtual reality TR in chronic stroke patients for improving lower limb function, suggesting that this approach is feasible and not inferior to conventional home-based rehabilitation.</p>","PeriodicalId":74152,"journal":{"name":"Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12195538/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144487453","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of Left Atrial Appendage Morphology and Function on Thrombosis Risk in Acute Ischemic Stroke: Insights from Transesophageal Echocardiography.","authors":"Dung N Q Nguyen, Dung Thuong Ho, Thanh N H Tran","doi":"10.3390/medsci13020063","DOIUrl":"10.3390/medsci13020063","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objective:</b> This study aims to investigate the correlation between the morphological and functional characteristics of the left atrial appendage (LAA) and the incidence of thromboembolic events by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in patients with acute ischemic stroke. <b>Methods</b>: This cross-sectional study included 171 patients with acute ischemic stroke, running from November 2022 to September 2024. Transesophageal echocardiography was performed to evaluate the presence of LAA thrombus. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for LAA thrombus. <b>Results:</b> Of the 171 patients, 19 (11.1%) were found to have LAA thrombus. Multivariable logistic regression identified two independent predictors of LAA thrombus formation: (1) left atrial spontaneous echo contrast (OR = 8, 95% CI: 3-19, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and (2) atrial fibrillation (OR = 8, 95% CI: 1.057-76.095, <i>p</i> = 0.044). <b>Conclusions:</b> Left atrial spontaneous echo contrast and atrial fibrillation are independent predictors of LAA thrombus in patients with acute ischemic stroke. The use of transesophageal echocardiography for early detection of LAA thrombus may help improve treatment strategies and prevent recurrent strokes.</p>","PeriodicalId":74152,"journal":{"name":"Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12194862/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144487430","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Idiopathic Scoliosis Progression: Presenting Rib and Segmental Rib Index as Predictors-A Literature Review.","authors":"Theodoros B Grivas, Elias Vasiliadis, Konstantinos Soultanis, Marios Lykissas, Galateia Katzouraki, Nikolaos Sekouris, Dimitrios Lykouris, Christina Mazioti, Aristea Mamzeri, Despina Papagianni, Eleni Potamiti, Alexandros Kastrinis, Evangelos Theodosopoulos","doi":"10.3390/medsci13020062","DOIUrl":"10.3390/medsci13020062","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This report provides a concise selective representative overview of the predictor factors for progression in Idiopathic Scoliosis (IS). The Cobb angle method, rib hump deformity, imaging and advanced techniques for assessing skeletal maturity serve as key elements in evaluating prognostic factors for IS progression based on the patient's age at diagnosis-particularly in Infantile Idiopathic Scoliosis (IIS), Juvenile Idiopathic Scoliosis (JIS), and Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). The commonly used approaches for determining skeletal maturity include the assessment of the iliac apophysis and scoliosis curve deterioration, the Sanders skeletal maturity staging system, the distal radius and ulna (DRU) classification for predicting growth spurts and curve progression in IS, as well as the ossification of vertebral epiphyseal rings, the humeral head, and the calcaneal apophysis. Prognostic factors influencing IS progression are further discussed in relation to the patient's age at onset-whether in infancy, childhood, or adolescence-as well as in both untreated and braced AIS patients. Additionally, the apical convex rib-vertebra angle in AIS is explored as an indicator of progression. Predictors for curve progression at skeletal maturity are outlined, along with various models for forecasting IS deterioration. Lastly, the Rib and Segmental Rib Index, a rib cage deformity parameter, is introduced as a predictor of scoliosis progression. In conclusion, this concise and selective overview of predictor factors for progression in IS highlights the current understanding of IS progression factors. It also introduces the Rib and Segmental Rib Index-a rib cage deformity parameter-as a predictor of IS progression.</p>","PeriodicalId":74152,"journal":{"name":"Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101284/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144128411","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Relationship Between Facial Melasma and Ocular Photoaging Diseases.","authors":"Lunla Udomwech, Chime Eden, Weeratian Tawanwongsri","doi":"10.3390/medsci13020061","DOIUrl":"10.3390/medsci13020061","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> Facial melasma is a common, chronic, and relapsing hyperpigmentation disorder, affecting up to 40% of adult women in Southeast Asia. Although most cases are mild, the condition may have a considerable psychological impact. Ocular photoaging diseases are also common and have been increasingly recognized in aging populations exposed to chronic sunlight. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is implicated in both melasma and ocular photoaging; however, their relationship remains unclear. <b>Methods:</b> This cross-sectional study investigated the association between facial melasma and UV-induced ocular conditions among 315 participants aged 30-80 years at Walailak University Hospital, Thailand. Facial melasma was diagnosed clinically and dermoscopically, with severity assessed using the modified Melasma Area Severity Index. Ophthalmological examinations evaluated UV-related ocular conditions, including pinguecula, pterygium, climatic droplet keratopathy, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration. Logistic regression analyses were performed, adjusting for age, sex, and sun exposure. <b>Results:</b> Facial melasma was identified in 66.0% of participants (n = 208), and nuclear cataracts were significantly associated with melasma (adjusted odds ratio, 2.590; 95% confidence interval, 1.410-4.770; <i>p</i> = 0.002). Additionally, melasma severity correlated with nuclear cataract severity (ρ = 0.186, <i>p</i> = 0.001). Other ocular conditions were not significantly associated with melasma. <b>Conclusions:</b> These findings suggest a shared UV-related pathogenesis between facial melasma and nuclear cataracts. Sun protection measures, including regular sunscreen use, UV-blocking eyewear, and wide-brimmed hats, may help mitigate the risk of both conditions. Further multicenter studies are warranted to confirm these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms.</p>","PeriodicalId":74152,"journal":{"name":"Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101396/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144129562","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}