Development and validation of the International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System (IHS4), a novel dynamic scoring system to assess HS severity

Background A validated tool for the dynamic severity assessment of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is lacking. The aim of this study was to develop and validate such a novel scoring system. Methods A Delphi voting procedure was conducted among the members of the European Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation (EHSF) to achieve consensus towards an initial HS Severity Score System (HS4). Strengths and weaknesses of HS4 were examined by a multicenter prospective study. Multivariate logistic regression, discriminant analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves and examination for correlation (Spearman's rho) and agreement (Cohen's kappa) with existing scores were engaged to recognize the v…

Macrophage inflammatory protein-1.

Macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1alpha was identified 15 years ago as the first of now four members of the MIP-1 CC chemokine subfamily. These proteins termed CCL3 (MIP-1alpha), CCL4 (MIP-1beta), CCL9/10 (MIP-1delta), and CCL15 (MIP-1gamma) according to the revised nomenclature for chemokines are produced by many cells, particularly macrophages, dendritic cells, and lymphocytes. MIP-1 proteins, which act via G-protein-coupled cell surface receptors (CCR1, 3, 5), e.g. expressed by lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages (MPhi), are best known for their chemotactic and proinflammatory effects but can also promote homoeostasis. The encouraging results of preclinical studies in murine model…

Development of oil cysts after subcutaneous injection of interferon-α and interleukin-2

Resolving lesions in human cutaneous leishmaniasis predominantly harbour chemokine receptor CXCR3-positive T helper 1/T cytotoxic type 1 cells

Summary Background  Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an epidemic disease affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Treatment options have several side-effects and a vaccine does not exist at present. Objectives  To translate information about protection against CL from mice to man, we studied the local immune response in CL skin biopsies and correlated these findings with clinical information. Methods  The frequency of inflammatory cells was determined in skin biopsies of 20 patients diagnosed with CL using immunohistochemistry. In addition, the nature of the resulting adaptive immune response was assessed by (double) immunostaining against CD4 and chemokine receptors CXCR3 (T helper 1, T…