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C Gelmetti

Publications and source records attributed to C Gelmetti.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

The value of SCORAD and beyond. Towards a standardized evaluation of severity?

The clinical scoring systems of atopic dermatitis were analysed and compared. Some biological parameters that can correlate with the clinical score were also reviewed. After the definition of the disease based on validated clinical criteria, the second necessity was the availability of reliable severity scores to allow clinicians to verify the course of the disease and the efficacy of treatments. After many proposals, the SCORAD (SCORing Atopic Dermatitis), that required more than three years of work, was the first one that was validated. SCORAD is freely available from an internet site and can be easily calculated using dedicated software. EASI (Eczema Area and Severity Index) score has also been validated but it has been modified twice. Simpler systems include SASSAD (Six Area, Six Sign Atopic Dermatitis) and TIS score (Three-Item Severity score). In parallel, biological parameters were investigated. Eosinophil cationic protein, circulating basophils, major basic protein, soluble E-selectin, antistaphylococcal enterotoxin B, immunoglobulin E titres and macrophage-derived chemokine, can correlate significantly with the clinical score. The clinicians will not benefit directly from laboratory techniques and will employ clinical scores.

Dermatitis, Atopic↗
PubMed2003

The epidemiology of atopic dermatitis in Italian schoolchildren.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is common in children in industrialized countries. Only one large population study on its prevalence has been conducted in Italy, based on self-report questionnaire. The present study was designed to estimate the prevalence of AD in schoolchildren in Italy by dermatologists' assessment and by UK Working Party criteria, and to investigate associated symptoms and factors. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey on a random sample of 9-year-old schoolchildren from seven Italian cities. Children were examined by experienced dermatologists. Parents and teachers answered standardized questionnaires. RESULTS: Of the 1369 children examined, 88 had a diagnosis of AD, with an estimated point prevalence of 5.8% (95% CI 4.5-7.1) in the reference population. The reported lifetime prevalence was 15.2 (95% CI 12.2-18.2) for AD, 11.9% (95% CI 9.0-14.8) for asthma, and 17.6% (95% CI 14.6-20.7) for rhino-conjunctivitis. The strongest associated factor was the presence of AD in at least one parent. No association of AD with maternal smoking during pregnancy, birth weight, maternal age at the time of the child birth and breast-feeding was observed. The environmental characteristics of the house and the school did not correlate with the prevalence of AD. Episodes of lower respiratory tract infections were associated with asthma, and to a lower extent also with AD and rhinitis. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of doctor-diagnosed AD in Italian schoolchildren is comparable to those reported for other developed countries. Family history of atopy was the single most important associated factor, while the complex interplay of environmental factors remains to be elucidated.

Asthma↗
PubMed2001

Skin cleansing in children.

The problems of skin cleansing in infants have been re-evaluated in recent years on the basis of current understanding of cosmetology and skin physiology. The anatomical and functional peculiarities of infant's skin have been elucidated and, although it is known that the barrier function is established at birth in normal babies, it remains the case that children's skin is more delicate and therefore more prone to irritant and allergic contact dermatitis. These factors determine the choice of cleansing agents during infancy. The products available on the market differ markedly. Indeed detergents, bath oils, bath powders, due to their distinctive properties, have different indications and different benefits. The method of cleansing the skin, i.e. bathing or showering, is also important. The frequency of cleansing should take into account the age and the degree of exposure to pollutants. For special purposes, e.g. impetiginized dermatoses, antiseptics such as potassium permanganate or chlorhexidine can be added to the water in appropriate concentrations. The ideal paediatric detergent should be very mild to avoid irritant dermatitis, and very simple to avoid allergic dermatitis.

Baths↗
PubMed2001

Heterochromia of the scalp hair: a result of pigmentary mosaicism?

Five patients who presented stable bands of hair of a different color with respect to the surrounding hair are reported. In 4 patients this was an isolated finding. One patient also had diffuse linear skin hypopigmentation and other abnormalities. We hypothesize that these 5 cases represent a distinct type of hair heterochromia, possibly because of somatic mosaicism for genes affecting pigmentation.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Clear cell papulosis (pagetoid papulosis) in a non-Asian patient.

Clear cell papulosis is a recently described disorder which is characterized by multiple flat, slightly elevated, hypopigmented papules, distributed mainly on the lower part of the trunk of healthy children. Histologically, the disease shows 'clear cells' with a pagetoid appearance spread among keratinocytes in basal and suprabasal layers of the epidermis. These cells stain for AE1, CEA and EMA, making a relationship to eccrine or apocrine elements likely. All cases reported until now describe Asian children. The first European child with clear cell papulosis is presented.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed1999

Congenital cutaneous multifocal kaposiform hemangioendothelioma.

Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma is a rare vascular neoplasm in children often associated with Kasabach-Merritt syndrome. The tumor usually presents in retroperitoneal location and is rarely present at birth. Cutaneous lesions manifest after birth and must be clinically differentiated from infantile hemangiomas and diffuse neonatal hemangiomatosis. Histologically, it bears similarities with Kaposi sarcoma. We present a case of congenital cutaneous multifocal kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE).

Antigens, CD34↗
PubMed1998

Skin dimpling as a consequence of amniocentesis.

No reports of cutaneous lesions after amniocentesis have been published after the advent of real-time ultrasonography. Two infants with multiple skin dimpling caused by needle puncture during fetal life are described. They had pitted scars on the thighs and abdomen that were not associated with internal injury. Both mothers had undergone a diagnostic amniocentesis at the beginning of the second trimester of pregnancy. Real-time ultrasound monitoring of amniocentesis has not completely eliminated the risk of needle puncture scarring of the fetus.

Abdomen↗
PubMed1998

Steatocystoma multiplex and leuconychia in a child with Alagille syndrome.

Alagille syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant developmental disorder, characterized by congenital paucity of interlobular bile ducts, peculiar facies, posterior embryotoxon, bone abnormalities, and peripheral pulmonary artery stenosis. Cutaneous involvement in this disorder is quite rare and the association of Alagille syndrome with multiple comedones and cysts has been described only once. Here, we report the clinical and histological findings of a 7-year-old patient affected by Alagille syndrome who presented multiple cystic lesions and comedones reminiscent of steatocystoma multiplex and a congenital total true leuconychia. Although unexplained, the association of this syndrome with a developmental disorder of the pilosebaceous unit may not be fortuitous.

Alagille Syndrome↗
PubMed1998

Hairy elbows.

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Child↗
PubMed1998

Uncommon clinical presentations of juvenile xanthogranuloma.

Two unusual clinical presentations of juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG), the most common non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis, are described: a flat 'plaque-like' and a 'paired' form. This report confirms the great variability of JXG. Besides representing a dermatological curiosity, the recognition of these atypical forms of presentation should facilitate the clinical diagnosis of the disorder.

Diagnosis, Differential↗
PubMed1998

[Sun and skin].

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Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Severe self-healing nail dystrophy in a patient on peritoneal dialysis.

The unusual case of a patient on peritoneal dialysis who progressively developed onychodystrophy of the hands 2 months after Acinetobacter peritonitis had been reported. The nail disease consisted of acute pseudoclubbing, elkonyxis, severe Beau's lines and onychomadesis and showed spontaneous recovery within 4 months. Although reminiscent of severe Beau's lines and reflex sympathetic dystrophy, this observation shows a peculiar nail disorder of unknown cause.

Acinetobacter Infections↗
PubMed1997

Ichthyosis congenita type IV: a new case resembling diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis.

The wide phenotypical heterogeneity within the ichthyosis congenita group of diseases is well known. We report a case of a very rare and unusual autosomal recessive ichthyosis congenita, type IV, according to the ultrastructural classification. Our case presented the triad clue for the diagnosis, characterized by follicular hyperkeratosis, prematurity and perinatal complications, but the clinical diagnosis was further complicated by hypereosinophilia and a strongly positive Darier's sign suggesting diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis. The diagnosis was provided only by electron microscopy, which showed the pathognomonic markers of ichthyosis congenita type IV, namely a large number of membrane structures in the stratum corneum and stratum granulosum. As a consequence, correct genetic counselling for the parents was carried out, and they were informed about the benign course of the disease after the complications of the perinatal period. This case is a further example of the reliability of ultrastructural markers in the diagnosis of inherited keratinization disorders, especially those with an unusual clinical appearance.

Humans↗