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Introduction: Actinic keratoses (AK) are preneoplastic lesions secondary to chronic sun exposure, whose risk of becoming malignancy is greater than 20%. Prevalence studies of AK are uncommon. Here we describe clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of patients with AK assessed in a dermatology center from Bogota, Colombia. Materials and methods: A descriptive retrospective study was performed. Data were collected from January 2014 to July 2020. These included age at diagnosis, sex, occupation according sun exposure (inside-job, outside-job and inside/outside-job), dwelling place, Fitzpatrick phototype, anatomical location, progression time, skin cancer (SC) history and development. We used relative and absolute frequencies to describe patients. Data analysis was performed in Epi Info. Results: Of 820 patients, 61% were women. Mean age was 66 years (SD ± 12). Of all patients, 5.4 out of 10 were phototype III. The median progression time was 34 months. The 57% (n = 468) of patients had inside-jobs. The face was the most commonly affected area in 750 patients (91%). History of SC was observed in 27% of patients, and 2.56% (n = 21) developed SC, from which five cases were squamous cell carcinoma. Conclusion: Actinic keratosis may evolve into SC in a considerable percentage conversely to our study. We found that most of the patients with AK had an inside-job, which might reinforce the impact of genetic load, artificial lights exposure and the effect of protection barriers on AK development. Further studies are needed to improve clinical characteristics knowledge associated with AK.

PubMed: 30270054, 2-s2.0-85053666909, Background and aims: Management of familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) may vary across different settings due to factors related to population characteristics, practice, resources and/or policies. We conducted a survey among the worldwide network of EAS FHSC Lead Investigators to provide an overview of FH status in different countries. Methods: Lead Investigators from countries formally involved in the EAS FHSC by mid-May 2018 were invited to provide a brief report on FH status in their countries, including available information, programmes, initiatives, and management. Results: 63 countries provided reports. Data on FH prevalence are lacking in most countries. Where available, data tend to align with recent estimates, suggesting a higher frequency than that traditionally considered. Low rates of FH detection are reported across all regions. National registries and education programmes to improve FH awareness/knowledge are a recognised priority, but funding is often lacking. In most countries, diagnosis primarily relies on the Dutch Lipid Clinics Network criteria. Although available in many countries, genetic testing is not widely implemented (frequent cost issues). There are only a few national official government programmes for FH. Under-treatment is an issue. FH therapy is not universally reimbursed. PCSK9-inhibitors are available in ?2/3 countries. Lipoprotein-apheresis is offered in ?60% countries, although access is limited. Conclusions: FH is a recognised public health concern. Management varies widely across countries, with overall suboptimal identification and under-treatment. Efforts and initiatives to improve FH knowledge and management are underway, including development of national registries, but support, particularly from health authorities, and better funding are greatly needed. © 2018 Elsevier B.V., Universidade de São Paulo, USP European Atherosclerosis Society, EAS Amgen Merck Sharp and Dohme, MSD, The ELSA Study suggests heterozygous FH (HeFH) may affect 1:263 Brazilians (?766,000 individuals). Currently, the only active genetic cascade screening program in Brazil is Hipercol Brasil in Sao Paulo (genetic testing for adults with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) ?230?mg/dL, to maximise cost-effectiveness), with 1719 heterozygotes, 25 homozygotes, 13 compound-heterozygotes and one double-heterozygote identified by March 2018. To date, 4340 individuals from 440 families were screened. Genetic testing is funded by a government tax reduction programme (PROADI-SUS), and cascade screening by partnering between Samaritano Hospital and Heart Institute (InCor) University of Sao Paulo. Most FH patients are under non-specialist care and currently under-treated., Prevalence is unknown but assumed at 1:250. There is no state programme and few patients were diagnosed before the Latvian FH Registry was established in 2015. To date, the Registry has identified 181 cases (2.3% of 7876 estimated HeFH cases; no HoFH). Cascade screening is performed in first-degree relatives of index cases with probable/definite FH. Genetic testing is not reimbursed but has been funded by research grants for a few patients/relatives. About 5% of patients had LDL-C at target before inclusion in the Registry [ 61 ]. Statins are reimbursed 50% in primary prevention; statins and ezetimibe, 75–100% in secondary prevention; PCSK9i are available, but not reimbursed., Estimated prevalence is 1:250 (based on a meta-analysis of 6 observational studies) or 136,300 adults (only 2% diagnosed) [ 69 , 70 ]. Based on LIPIDOGRAM studies (2004–2015, ?50,000 participants), prevalence might be?1:200 [ 71 , 72 ]. Five HoFH cases are described [ 73 , 74 ]. Patients with DLCN ?3 are referred for genetic testing, funded by the National Health Program. The National Centre for FH at University Clinical Hospital, Medical University of Gdansk, was established in 2017, financed by the Ministry of Health. From August 2017, 345 patients underwent genetic testing (153 positive, including 46 relatives; 1 HoFH). Since 1999, 1884 patients (562 families) have undergone genetic testing and cascade diagnosis (data from the National Polish FH Registry, Medical University of Gdansk, established in 2000). PCSK9i are not reimbursed (under discussion with the Ministry of Health)., The EAS FHSC project has received support from a Pfizer Independent Grant for Learning & Change 2014 (No: 16157823 ) and from investigator-initiated unrestricted research grants to the European Atherosclerosis Society from Amgen , MSD , and Sanofi-Aventis .