This cross-sectional multicenter study aimed to evaluate serum CXCL-10, as an activity marker for vitiligo, and compare it with other putative serum and tissue markers. Serum CXCL-10 was compared to interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and IL-17 using ELISA in 55 non-segmental vitiligo patients (30 active and 25 stable) and 30 healthy controls. Marginal skin biopsy was taken for immunohistochemical evaluation of CD8+T cells and CXCL-10+ve cells. Serum levels of CXCL-10, IL-17, and IL-6 were elevated in all vitiligo patients compared to controls (p < .05). All investigated serum markers were higher in active versus stable vitiligo. Tissue expression of CXCL-10+ve cells and CD8+ve T cells was stronger in vitiligo patients compared to controls, and tissue CXCL-10+ve cell expression was stronger in active versus stable cases. Positive correlations were noted between the different serum and tissue markers. CXCL-10 was the most specific, whereas IL-6 was the most sensitive serum marker to distinguish active from stable disease.

Background NB‐UVB has long been the vitiligo management pillar with capability of achieving the main treatment outcomes; repigmentation and stabilization. Its stabilizing effect in dark skin has been debatable. However, randomized controlled trials regarding NB‐UVB ability to control disease activity are lacking. Purpose To assess stabilizing effect of NB‐UVB in comparison to systemic corticosteroids, the mainstay in vitiligo stabilization, in skin photo‐types (III‐V). Methods This is a multicenter, placebo‐controlled, randomized, prospective study. Eighty patients with active nonsegmental vitiligo (NSV) (Vitiligo disease activity (VIDA) ≥2) were randomized to either NB‐UVB and placebo (NB‐placebo) or NB‐UVB and dexamethasone oral mini‐pulse (OMP) therapy (NB‐OMP) for 6 months. Sixty four patients completed the study, 34 in the NB‐OMP group and 30 in the NB‐placebo group. Patients were evaluated fortnightly according to presence or absence of symptoms/signs of activity. Results In spite of earlier control of disease activity observed in the NB‐OMP group, it was comparable in both groups by the end of the study period. Disease activity prior to therapy, but not extent, was found to influence control of activity in both groups. Thus, NB‐UVB is a safe sole therapeutic tool in vitiligo management. Not only does it efficiently achieve repigmentation, but also it is a comparable stabilizing tool for systemic corticosteroids in spite of slightly delayed control. Conclusion NB‐UVB is the only well‐established vitiligo therapy that can be used solely whenever corticosteroids are contraindicated or immune‐suppression is unjustified. Nonetheless, its combination with corticosteroids expedites response and improves compliance.

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Background:Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a relatively rare type of neoplasms. In Egypt, it represents 2.5% of gastrointestinal tumors and 0.3% of all malignancies. Most of the GISTs develop in the stomach.Aim:To reveal the significance of Her2/neu immunohistochemical expression in GIST and its correlation with other histopathologic parameters and tumor relapse after regular follow-up.Patients and methods:This study is a retrospective and prospective cohort. It included 32 patients with GISTs, who were resectable with no distant metastasis. Immunohistochemical staining by Her2/neu was performed after complete surgical resection of the tumors with preservation of the pseudocapsule.Results:In total, 53.1% of cases were men and 46.9% women. Tumors were classified into low-risk (25%), intermediate-risk (21.9%), and high-risk groups (53.1%). Her2/neu expression was negative in 56.3% of GISTs and positive in 43.7%. Its expression was significantly correlated with risk grade (P = .04), tumor size (P = .001), mitotic count (P = .00), and increased risk of relapse (P = .00). Furthermore, tumor relapse was significantly correlated with the tumor mitotic counts (P = .00). Using kappa agreement test, it showed that 4 mitotic counts/50 high-power fields (HPF) was the cutoff value with which the tumor might be associated more with relapse, with 83% sensitivity, 70% specificity, and P value of .003.Conclusions:Her2/neu might be used as an independent prognostic marker for tumor recurrence after complete resection of GIST, and the cutoff value of mitotic count that might predict tumor relapse is 4/50 HPF. However, more clinical studies with greater number of cases with fluorescent in situ hybridization integration are recommended.