1.Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma in a 73-year-old Filipino male
Juan Antonio D. Cervantes ; Eunice Kaye M. Rayos-Lopez ; Ma. Teresita G. Gabriel ; Reynaldo L. Ugalde ; Johannes F. Dayrit
Journal of the Philippine Dermatological Society 2019;28(2):55-57
Introduction:
Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (PCALCL) is an uncommonly encountered subtype
of cutaneous lymphoma under the classification of CD30-positive lymphoproliferative disorders which presents
histologically as large atypical lymphocytes with pleomorphic and anaplastic cytology that localizes to the dermis.
Although recurrent, PCALCL usually carries a good prognosis, with 5-year survival rates ranging from 85% to 95%.
Case Summary:
We report a 73-year-old elderly male who consulted at our out-patient department with a 3-year
and 6-month history of multifocal, gradually enlarging, erythematous nodules with dry, necrotic areas on the scalp,
right auricular area, left axillary area, right forearm, and right thigh, accompanied by loss of appetite and nontender
cervical, left axillary, and right inguinal lymphadenopathy. Previous skin punch biopsy and immunohistochemical
stain done by the patient’s preceding dermatologist was signed out as “suggestive” of pseudolymphoma. However,
management with intralesional corticosteroid injections provided no improvement. Skin punch biopsy done at our
institution revealed ALK negative (-) anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Patient was then referred to an oncologist,
however, the patient was lost to follow-up and succumbed to community acquired pneumonia.
Conclusion
This case highlights the importance of a thorough diagnostic assessment as recent studies indicate a
poorer prognosis of ALK (-) cases, with overall 5-year survival rates consistently below 50%.
Lymphoma
;
Lymphoma, Large-Cell, Anaplastic
2.Cross-sectional survey on the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Philippine Dermatological Society members related to HIV/AIDS
Emmerson Gale S. Vista ; Ma. Teresita G. Gabriel ; Lunardi Bintanjoyo ; Reynaldo L. Ugalde ; Abigael Villanueva ; Eunice Kaye Rayos-Lopez ; Ma. Angela Lavadia ; Ma. Kriselda Dar Santos-Cabrera
Journal of the Philippine Dermatological Society 2018;27(2):41-51
Background:
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) remains a major challenge
worldwide. Physicians have a crucial role in the struggle against HIV/AIDS and must be equipped with proper knowledge, attitude and
practices (KAP). No study has been done to assess the KAP of dermatologists related to HIV-AIDS.
Objective:
The study’s objective was to determine the KAP of Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) members related to HIV/AIDS.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was done among PDS members from February to November 2017 utilizing a questionnaire consisting
of socio-demographic questions and KAP questions related to HIV.
Results:
Out of 210 participants, 71.43% show good working knowledge, 60.95% show negative attitudes, 55.71% show bad practices
related to HIV/AIDS. Members aged 29 to 37 years old, having worked as dermatologists for 1 to 8 years, and having worked in the
health care sector for 1 to 8 years have better working knowledge on HIV/AIDS. Although with lesser duration of work as dermatologist,
these members have more positive attitudes towards HIV/AIDS. These findings may be attributed to greater exposure to HIV cases and
better ability to access information by internet among younger dermatologists. Gender is not significantly associated with KAP related to
HIV/AIDS. Practice related to HIV/AIDS is not significantly associated with any demographic variables. Bad working knowledge related to
HIV/AIDS is associated with negative attitude and bad practices. This can be attributed to insufficient training in the field of HIV/AIDS.
Conclusion
Majority of PDS members show negative attitudes, bad practices, but good working knowledge related to HIV/AIDS.
HIV
;
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
;
Knowledge
;
Attitude
;
Dermatologists