Carmen Tiutiuca

Background and Objectives: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) persists as a major global cause of preventable childhood blindness. While early diagnosis and timely intervention can significantly mitigate visual loss, research is increasingly focused on identifying novel prognostic factors, with hematological markers emerging as a promising avenue for refining ROP risk prediction. This study aimed to assess the association of hemoglobin levels, red blood cell count, platelet count, and blood transfusions with the risk of developing ROP. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study involving 140 preterm infants (gestational age ≤ 34 weeks) admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit between 2021 and 2024. Hematological parameters were monitored sequentially during the first 28 days of life, and ROP screening was performed in accordance with international guidelines. Statistical analyses evaluated associations between hematological markers and the risk of developing ROP. Results: Anemia prevalence was significantly higher in infants who developed ROP (83.1%) compared with those who did not (60.3%), conferring an increased risk of ROP (OR = 3.239; p = 0.001). Red blood cell transfusions were linked to a higher likelihood of developing ROP (OR = 3.088; p = 0.001), while platelet transfusions showed a similar association (OR = 2.807; p = 0.027). Platelet counts were significantly lower on days 7, 14, and 21 in the ROP group, and thrombocytopenia was associated with an elevated risk of disease (OR = 3.542; p = 0.001). Conclusions: Early hematological imbalances (anemia, thrombocytopenia) and the requirement for blood product transfusions are significantly associated with an increased risk of ROP. Integrating the monitoring of these specific parameters into existing ROP screening protocols could enhance early identification of vulnerable preterm infants, enabling more targeted surveillance and potential preventative strategies.

Background and Objectives: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, and biologic therapies have revolutionized treatment by targeting key cytokine pathways. While these therapies effectively control psoriatic lesions, their impact on other cutaneous structures, such as cherry angiomas and solar lentigines, remains unclear. Angiomas are benign vascular proliferations influenced by systemic inflammation and hormonal factors, whereas solar lentigines are UV-induced pigmentary lesions associated with aging and sun exposure. This study aimed to assess the impact of biologic therapies on the development of these lesions in psoriasis patients. Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted over a five-year period (2019–2024) at a tertiary dermatological center in Southeastern Europe. Clinical and demographic data, including treatment history, were extracted from medical records, while digital dermoscopy was used to assess lesion progression. Statistical analyses evaluated associations among biologic therapy classes, systemic inflammation, and cutaneous lesion development. Results: Angioma prevalence was significantly higher among postmenopausal women and those with osteoporosis, suggesting a hormonal influence on vascular proliferation. Patients with psoriatic arthritis had a greater angioma burden, reinforcing the role of chronic inflammation in angiogenesis. IL-23 inhibitors were linked to increased angioma formation compared to TNF-α inhibitors, while methotrexate and UVB therapy appeared to have a protective effect. Solar lentigines were more frequent in postmenopausal women and in patients with systemic inflammatory conditions. In contrast, smoking and moderate alcohol consumption were associated with lower lesion counts. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that biologic therapies, particularly IL-23 inhibitors, may contribute to angiogenesis and pigmentary changes in psoriasis patients, highlighting the influence of systemic inflammation on vascular and melanocytic activity. Additionally, TNF-α inhibitors and NSAIDs were associated with an increased prevalence of solar lentigines, while methotrexate and UVB therapy appeared to have a protective effect. Given these associations, further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and refine treatment strategies to optimize dermatologic care for psoriasis patients.

Psoriasis is one of the most frequent immune-mediated chronic inflammatory cutaneous disease that exerts a considerable psychological impact, including low self-esteem, stigmatization, and depression. In recent years, biologic therapies have substantially transformed the therapeutic landscape for individuals with moderate-to-severe psoriasis, shifting treatment towards a more targeted and personalized approach. Seborrheic keratoses (SKs) are common benign skin lesions, and their association with psoriasis and biologic therapy remains poorly understood. Our retrospective study evaluated a small cohort of patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis undergoing biologic therapy at a tertiary dermatology center in Southeastern Europe to evaluate potential correlations with SK development. Smokers had fewer SKs, whereas postmenopausal women and osteoporosis patients had significantly higher SK counts, implicating hormonal influences. PUVA therapy was linked to an increased SK count, whereas UVB and methotrexate treatments had a lesser effect. These findings suggest that biologic therapy and systemic factors may influence SK development, emphasizing the need for further prospective research.

Kaposi’s sarcoma is an AIDS-defining illness and remains the most frequent tumor arising in HIV-infected patients with multifactorial etiology. We present a case of a 30-year-old Caucasian male with an 18-year history of HIV infection. The patient was presented with a one-week history of fever, non-productive cough, and skin lesions. There was an associated weakness and weight loss in a duration of 6 months. Clinical examination showed fever, generalized lymphadenopathy, lower limb edema, ascites, and violaceous cutaneous eruption comprising patches, plaques, and nodules. He also had a red nodule on the left conjunctiva, as well as on his oral mucosa. His CD₄₊ count was below 10/mm³ and ARN-HIV viral load was above 100,000 c/mL, in relation to the antiretroviral failure after five drug regimens. The role of co-infections in oncogenesis and the course of Kaposi’s sarcoma were considered in recent studies. Delayed diagnosis of Kaposi’s sarcoma in the present case resulted in a negative impact for this patient during the COVID-19 pandemic.