Fluid platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) versus platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of atrophic acne scars: a comparative study
Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) was created for the purpose of delivering on the shortcomings of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP). This is known as the second generation of platelet concentrate. PRF creates a higher amount of growth factors than PRP. As this release is a lot slower and prolonged than PRP, this is seen as being more suitable for tissue regeneration and growth stimulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of PRF either as a standalone treatment or in combination with skin needling versus PRP as a standalone treatment for the treatment of atrophic acne scars.
To conduct this study, the authors did a comparative study. They included a total of 30 patients who all had atrophic acne scars. These patients were then split into two groups. Group I had a total of 15 patients in it and they all had the left side of their faces treated with intradermal injections of PRP and their right side was treated with a combination of skin needling and PRP.
Group II had a total of 15 patients in it and they all had the left side of their faces treated with intradermal injection of fluid PRF and the right side was treated with a combination of skin needling and fluid PRF. All of the 30 patients had a total of four treatments each with a 3 week interval between each treatment. The results showed that the acne scars had dramatically improved in both sides of the faces in both groups. The authors conclude that the combination of skin needling definitely increases the efficacy of PRF and PRP.
Dermatology apps powered by artificial intelligence (AI)
Globally smartphone usage is surging with mobile apps being used more in healthcare. Dermatology apps which are powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), set to offer immediate responses with diagnostic guidance and educational resources for skin diseases, are all on the rise.
The aim of this article which was authored by the EADV AI Task Force, sets out to look at this app and to offer recommendations and clinical insight for using these AI-assisted smartphone applications. The article also looks at the AI web-based services for skin diseases with a particular emphasis on detecting skin cancer.
A literature review was conducted and a statement was compiled based on the findings which underwent vicarious analysis and discussion by the EADV AI Task Force. This was to ensure accuracy and relevance of data for this study.
» AI apps have great potential in diagnosing skin conditions «
Following investigation, the EADV AI Task Force identified eight applications that were crucial, these included risks associated with inaccuracy, the improper use for education purposes, a huge decline in professional skills, the influence of non-medical interests, data security, regulatory approval and the necessity of multidisciplinary implementation.
Following these considerations, the EADV AI Task Force recommended three main components:
- Is to ensure that there is trust between the developers of the app and the end user. They recommend that developers need to prioritise data quality, accuracy, the intended use, privacy and costs and be transparent.
- That all the Apps and web-based services should ensure a similar experience for all users including diverse groups of patients using the apps.
- That European authorities need to implement a rigorous and consistent regulatory framework for all dermatology apps which would ensure their accuracy and safety for everyone using these apps.
In conclusion to the article, the EADV AI Task Force conclude that AI apps have great potential in diagnosing and treating skin conditions. They believe that patients will benefit from these. Further development and prioritisation is required to ensure the safe and successful integration of these apps into clinical practice.
The personalised acne treatment tool
Acne is a common skin disease which can have an impact on the quality of life. And due to its varying levels of presentation by patients this needs to have a patient centred approach to management of this skin disease. Consequently the evidence based clinical guidelines available to health care professionals still focus primarily on the severity of facial acne clinically and not on the importance of the patient and the disease related factors which including the ongoing management of acne.
The aim of this study was to evaluate and make recommendations which would greatly support the patient and offer centered acne management. This the authors believe would include diagnosis and prognosis and factors that would be above the normal grading of the appearance of visible lesions and clinical severity.
The experts group consisted of 17 dermatologists. They used a modified Delphi approach to help them reach the consensus which was based on statements regarding patients and their treatments in relation to patient centered management. The Consensus was defined as ≥75% voting ‘agree’ or ‘strongly agree’. There were recommendations made which were based on the following factors: The location of the acne, the burden of disease, and the individual patient features which were generated and incorporated into the Personalized Acne Treatment Tool. These recommendations were all based on the expert opinion, which could differ from patients, to patient experience.
In conclusion, the Consensus of Experts panel provided practical recommendations to facilitate the individual management of acne. This was based on the patient features, which can be implemented to improve treatment outcomes, adherence, and patient satisfaction.
RNA-based therapeutic approaches for photoaging
Photoaging is caused by environmental factors including ultraviolet radiation, deep skin burns, smoking, active oxygen, chemical substances, and trauma. This can have an affect the quality of a patients life. Over the years research has been carried out on skin aging and there have been several studies and developments in medicine for the treatment of aging. One study in particular is mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). These non-coding RNAs are involved in a variety of physiological processes and they have a broad clinical application that has advantages. The aim of this article was to review the research available on five types of stem cell, exosomes, non-coding RNA with a view to treatment of photoaging. The article looked at the following: adipose-derived stem cell, human umbilical cord MSCs, epidermal progenitor cells, keratinocyte stem cells, and hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs). The article also includesdstem cell related exosomes and their non-coding RNA research.
The authors concluded that the results of this study have shown great potential of clinical significance in the prevention and control of the onset and development of photoaging. The authors' research found that the stem cells secrete cytokines, cell growth factors, non-coding RNA, exosomes and proteins which help to repair aging skin tissues and help to achieve skin rejuvenation. In particular, stem cell exosomes and non-coding RNA have been found to have significant potential. Exosomes have the added benefits of their source cells without any disadvantages which include immune rejection and granuloma formation.