Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is an autosomal recessive condition characterized by an extreme sensitivity to UV rays from sunlight. It presents clinically with progressive pigmentary abnormalities and an increased incidence of skin and mucous membrane cancers at sun-exposed sites. Parental consanguinity is a significant risk factor.  Previously, cases of XP have been reported from various regions of Pakistan including Larkana, Sibbi, Karachi, Lahore, and District Dir in 1993, 2009, and 2010. Genetic studies have been conducted on seven consanguineous families with XP belonging to the Khosa tribe of Baloch ethnicity. In May 2018, XP was reported in four siblings in a family from a small village in Sindh Province, Pakistan.  Current surveillance has been carried out in the tribal village of Lundi Khosa, District Kachhi at Baluchistan, Pakistan. The disease has been endemic in the tribe since 1986, although it was brought under control in the last few years. This case report describes five patients (aged 3–12 years) with XP who have developed nonmelanoma skin malignancies.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of probiotics in the treatment of atopic dermatitis in children. Study Design: Comparative cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Dermatology Department, Pak Emirates Military Hospital Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from Jan to Sep2015. Methodology: A total of 170 patients with atopic dermatitis fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected. Patients were divided into two groups. The treatment Group (Group-A) received probiotics (Saccharomyces Boulardii) twice daily for six weeks. The Control Group (Group-B) received an equal volume of placebo (powdered milk without probiotics) twice a day for the same duration. Both groups were prescribed emollients as adjuvant therapy for atopic dermatitis. The treatment efficacy was assessed using the SCORAD index calculated at baseline (before starting treatment) and at the end of the study (6 weeks after treatment). Results: Clinical efficacy was seen in 51 patients (60.0%) of the Treatment-Group compared to 37 patients (43.53%) of the Control-Group at the end of six weeks of treatment. The results were statistically significant (p-value =0.03). Conclusion: Probiotics have a significant role in improving treatment outcomes in patients with atopic dermatitis.

Background: Allergic conjunctivitis is a common ocular disease which not only affects vision but can also compromise the quality of life of patients to a greater extent. If it is not properly managed it can lead to decreased vision due to corneal complications. This study was conducted to evaluate the epidemiological aspects of allergic conjunctivitis. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Ophthalmology department of Federal General Hospital, from June 2018 to June 2020. We enrolled 236 patients of allergic conjunctivitis. Data collection form consisted of a structured questionnaire, records of ocular findings using slit lamp biomicroscope and skin prick test results. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 23.0. Results: The mean age (±SD) of study population was 22.71±13.11 years, 60.2% were females. Most common type of conjunctivitis was vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) 46.2%, followed by perennial (27.1%), seasonal (17.4%) and atopic (9.3%). There was significant association of type of conjunctivitis with the age, p-value<0.001. VKC was prevalent in patients of age <20 years. There was a significant association of gender with type of conjunctivitis, p-value =0.000. Perennial variety was more prevalent in females while VKC was common in males. Collateral atopy was present in 52.1% patients. Corneal involvement was seen in 17.8% patients. There was a significant association between corneal involvement and interference with daily visual activities, p-value 0.034. SPT was positive in 79.7% patients. Conclusion: Ocular allergies/ conjunctivitis was more prevalent in female population. VKC is the most common type of allergic conjunctivitis, prevalent in males of age <20 yrs. Allergic rhinitis was the most common co-morbidity followed by dermatitis.

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