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A subtype of cutaneous lupus erythematosus known as lupus erythematosus tumidus (LET) is characterized by sun-exposed areas that typically display urticaria-like papules and plaques. For LET, systemic therapy with antimalarials – particularly hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) – is the first line of treatment. Even though the safety profile of these medications appears to be high, there have been very few reports of side effects in the literature, including hemolytic anemia, retinal toxicity, maculopapular rash, gastrointestinal disturbance, and blue-gray discoloration of the skin or mucous membranes. Here, we report a unique instance of a 46- year-old LET smoker who, following HCQ treatment, developed a generalized myopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a case of bullous pemphigoid (BP), a skin disorder characterized by blistering and erosions. The standard diagnostic method for BP involves the detection of IgG autoantibodies and/or C3 complement fraction at the dermo-epidermal junction (DEJ). However, this particular case presented with linear deposits of IgM at the DEJ, along with non-classical clinical features. The significance of IgM in cutaneous immunopathology is not well understood, and the existence of IgM-mediated BP has been a topic of debate. The patient was treated with oral corticosteroids and eventually achieved complete clinical remission. [Extracted from the article]

Background: since January 2017, a multidisciplinary research group, involving the Local Health Authority, the Municipality, and the University of Bologna, carried out a city-wide action-research project on health inequalities consisting of an ecological study over the years 2011-2015 based on indicators that are routinely available within health and social services., Objectives: to document existing geographical inequalities in health outcomes and use of healthcare services in the city of Bologna (Emilia-Romagna Region, Northern Italy), with the aim to suggest policy action to tackle them., Design: the results of the first phase of the above-mentioned project were reported: five related to the social determinants of health (exposure) and five related to the social determinants of ill-health (outcomes). For each municipal statistical area, the distribution of the exposures as well as rates and Bayesian Relative Risks of the outcomes were plotted on the city map. To evaluate the association between social determinants and health outcomes, Spearman correlation coefficients were estimated., Setting and Participants: residents in the city of Bologna aged >=18 years in the period 2011-2015, grouped into 90 statistical areas., Results: a North-South divide was apparent for most of the socioeconomic and ill-health indicators, with a high concentration of adverse outcomes in the North-Western part of the city. Adherence to cancer screening represented an exception, being greater in the areas with higher proportion of unfavourable health outcomes. An inverse association between education level and health outcomes was found. Low family income was weakly to moderately correlated with health outcomes. Proportion of residents in council houses and of the teenage foreign population showed a moderate to strong association with all outcomes, but mortality and screening adherence., Conclusions: an ecological analysis based on data that are routinely collected by local health and social institutions can be effective in revealing the geographical patterns of health inequalities. When accompanied by strategic choices aimed at bridging knowledge and action, this approach may facilitate the direct engagement of local actors towards health equity.