Search

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) has been reported to be associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, the exact time course is unclear, and no previous studies have been reported in the Asian population. This nationwide population-based cohort study examined the risk of VTE among BP patients in Taiwan between 2007 and 2018. A total of 12 692 BP patients were 1:2 matched with non-BP patients by age, sex, and propensity score of comorbidities. Cumulative incidence and Cox proportional hazards models were used to investigate the risk of VTE. The BP cohort had a significantly higher VTE rate than the non-BP cohort (0.17% vs. 0.08%, p = 0.015) in 1 year; the finding was more prominent within the first 6 months after diagnosis. BP was a significant risk factor for VTE (hazard ratio [HR], 2.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-4.06); the association mildly diminished but remained significant after extending the follow-up period to 2 years (HR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.06-2.81). Other significant risk factors for VTE included cancer, chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, and female sex. In conclusion, this study revealed a 2.02-fold increased risk of VTE in patients with BP in Taiwan.

Psoriasis has been associated with the risk of several ocular complications; however, its relationship with retinal diseases remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the risk of developing retinal diseases in patients with psoriasis. Study participants were recruited from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. A total of 11 729 psoriasis patients and 117 290 matched controls were included, showing an incidence rate of 121.15 and 28.34 cases of retinal diseases per 100 000 person-years, respectively. Compared with controls, patients with psoriasis had an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 3.40 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.63-4.39) for retinal diseases after adjustment for potential confounders. Regarding the individual retinal disease, psoriasis patients had a significantly higher risk of developing retinal detachment (aHR, 5.07; 95% CI, 2.92-8.79), retinal vascular occlusion (aHR, 3.75; 95% CI 2.42-5.82), and retinopathy (aHR, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.99-4.05) than controls. In conclusion, patients with psoriasis had a significantly higher risk of retinal diseases than controls. Further studies are necessary to investigate the pathophysiology underlying the relationship between psoriasis and retinal diseases.

Increasing evidence suggests a positive association between autoimmune disorders and the subsequent risk of dementia, supporting the idea that neuroinflammation is a major contributor to dementia. However, whether or not adults with vitiligo have an increased risk of dementia remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the association between vitiligo and the subsequent risk of dementia. A total of 1320 patients with vitiligo and 5280 matched controls were identified from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database between 1998 and 2011. Dementia was diagnosed by board-certificated psychiatrists or neurologists in the follow-up period. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) after controlling for age, sex, income-related monthly premium, residence and comorbidities associated with dementia. The incidence rate of dementia (per 100 000 person-years) was 502.8 among patients with vitiligo and 101.9 among the controls. Patients with vitiligo were more likely to develop any type of dementia (aHR, 5.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.30-8.51), Alzheimer's disease (aHR, 12.22; 95% CI, 3.71-40.28) and vascular dementia (aHR, 3.99; 95% CI, 1.31-12.15) compared with the controls. In conclusion, middle-aged and old patients with vitiligo are more likely to develop dementia compared with those without vitiligo. This novel finding reminds physicians to be more careful about signs of dementia when managing patients with vitiligo and provides the basis for further investigations that clarify the underlying mechanisms.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are commonly used drugs. However, little is known about the association between PPI use and rosacea. This study aimed to investigate the association between PPI use and rosacea risk. Patients with prior PPI therapy, including 1067 rosacea cases and 4268 matched controls, were identified from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. The cumulative defined daily dose (cDDD) was used to quantify the PPI use. Logistic regression was used for the analyses. After adjustment for potential confounders, PPI use with cDDD of more than 365 was significantly associated with an increased risk of rosacea (odds ratio [OR], 1.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-2.15). Rosacea risk was significantly associated with PPI use of cDDD of more than 365 in women (OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.08-2.46) but not in men. Stratified by PPI indications, risk of rosacea was significantly associated with PPI use of cDDD of more than 365 for peptic ulcer (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.12-2.21). In conclusion, prolonged PPI use was associated with an increased risk of rosacea, particularly in women and patients with peptic ulcers.

Extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) is more frequently seen in Caucasian females than in males (3.2:1 female: male ratio). During the past 14 year period, we have collected 22 patients, all Chinese males, with EMPD. They presented with eczema-like lesions in the early stages in the genital or perianal regions. Histological sections showed Paget cells within the epidermis or skin appendages and even within the dermis. No underlying adnexal carcinoma or adjacent internal carcinoma could be detected after thorough examinations. Mode of therapy and outcome are presented. EMPD seems to affect more males than females in Orientals. The incidence of concomitant malignancy in Chinese male patients with genital Paget's disease seems to be much lower than that in Caucasians. However, if EMPD involves the glans penis or perianal area, a search for internal malignancy is still warranted.