Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common allergic diseases in children. The aim of the study was to evaluate the ultrasound picture of lesional and non-lesional skin in children with AD. Materials and Methods: The study included a group of children with AD and a control group. Inclusion criteria were as follows: age 0-8 years and clinical diagnosis of AD. An ultrasound scanner with a 75 MHz transducer probe was used to produce B-mode skin images in lesions and non-lesional skin. The thickness and the echogenicity of epidermis, dermis, and subepidermal low-echogenic band (SLEB) were measured, and the ratio coefficient per body site was calculated. Results: Ultrasonography of non-lesional skin in children with AD showed uneven epidermis contour, a tendency to increased epidermis and decreased dermis thickness, and the SLEB was observed in 77% of cases. In lesions, there was an increased thickness and a decreased echogenicity of epidermis and dermis, and epidermis had irregular contours in most cases. The SLEB was in all lesions, showing greater thickness and lower echogenicity compared with non-lesional skin. Conclusion: HF-USG of the skin allows visualizing the epidermal barrier disruption and inflammation in dermis in children with AD on the entire surface of the skin.

The results of epidemiological studies of risk factors for the development of dystrophic diseases of the vulva (DDV) in women of reproductive and perimenopausal age are presented. Authors executed the testing of DDV patients according to specially developed questions of the questionnaire, aimed at the obtaining of the most complete information about the lifestyle of patients, social and medical factors, possibly contributing to the occurrence and formation of DDV. Also, the authors performed an examination of patients for the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and urogenital infections in order to clarify the infectious factor in the genesis of dystrophy of the vulva. Direct and indirect factors that contribute to the formation of dystrophic diseases of the vulva in women are established to be as follows: perimenopausal age; endocrine diseases; emotional stress of a social character; more than 3 pregnancies in anamnesis; presence of STIs (herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus) and inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs; presence of Candida fungi, Ureaplasma urealyticum bacteria, human papillomavirus - HPV 16/18, HPV 31/33 and some other infections on the background of DDV; lack of information about the disease; discharge from the genital tract; lack of treatment-effect; inappropriate treatment. The identified factors should be taken into account in the development of therapeutic and preventive measures in relation to DDV in women.

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Actual problems of etiopathogenesis, clinic, diagnostics and treatment of Behcet’s disease are described. The importance of a comprehensive analysis of the causes and characteristics of the course of Behcet’s disease is shown. The need to take into account the appropriateness and financial capabilities of the patient when prescribing various diagnostic and treatment techniques is described. The importance of uniform diagnostic algorithm for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease in order to avoid iatrogenic complications and deaths is shown.

The results of a microbiological and PCR survey of patients with Behcet’s disease, as well as the results of intravenous laser irradiation of the blood (ILIB) are presented. According to the authors, the clinical picture of the disease was represented by the presence of single and multiple repeatedly recurring erosive and ulcerative defects in the area of the oral mucosa (cheek area and lateral surface of the tongue) and/or external genitalia. 4 patients noted soreness in the area of rashes, in 2 rashes were accompanied by a rise in temperature and the symptoms of malaise, weakness. Signs of catarrhal conjunctivitis and uveitis were present in 3 patients, while there was no reduction in visual acuity in the course of the disease. 3 patients had pain in large joints without visible changes on the radiograph and an increase in ESR up to 18-24 mm/h. As a result of the complex therapy with antibacterial, antiprotozoal, antiviral, antifungal therapy depending on the detected pathogen, as well as procedures of ILIB, the resorption of the infiltration zone was noted on the 10-11th day of treatment. Ulcerative elements began to epithelize. Erythema, feelings of burning and pain were absent.