Forum for Nordic Dermato-Venereology Nr 2, 2018 | Page 14

University Clinics in the Nordic Countries Academic Projects in Dermatology at the Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Northern Norway, Tromsø D agfinn M oseng Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Northern Norway, Tromsø, Norway. E-mail: [email protected] Being a small department, with only 6–7 dermatologists and 4 interns, we are in a challenging situation with a heavy clinical workload; however, in the last 5 years we have esta­ blished academic research projects funded by grants from our regional health authorities. Our research has focused mainly on psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Other projects in hidradenitis suppurativa Psoriasis Naevi and melanoma For years, the Tromsø population-based investigation has offered the general public the opportunity to have medical ex- aminations and answer questions about their health. We have participated in this investigation with questions on dermato- logical issues. This has led to projects on the epidemiology of psoriasis in our region (1), on metabolic disease and psoriasis (2, 3), and on the epidemiology of HS and comorbidities. There is an ongoing randomized controlled trial (RCT) of vitamin D substitution vs. placebo in patients with psoriasis who have low vitamin D levels due to the dark winter season in the north. Hidradenitis suppurativa In 2012 we established the Scandinavian Registry for HS (HISREG) (4) as a basis for determining the epidemiology and efficacy of treatment of the disease. The results have been presented at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) congress, most recently in Geneva. We are working to expand the registry, and in due course, we will present further results. Current clinical studies • Proof of concept study on the effect of botulinum toxin type B on HS. • Wound healing after CO 2 laser surgery of patients with HS, comparing portable negative pressure vacuum therapy with conservative treatment. 44 • Genetic analysis of families with severe HS-like pheno- types. • Analysis of data from HISREG. • Studies on pathophysiology and inflammation in HS. • Ongoing RCT project: “Naevus doctor” – clinical decision support for general practitioners in diagnosis of skin cancer based on dermatoscopic images. Hyperhidrosis • Primary hyperhidrosis: Currently ongoing treatment with microinjections of botulinum toxin in all skin areas with and without anaesthesia. Effect measurements based on the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and duration of effect. Follow-up for 5–10 years. Developing new tech- niques for treatment of extremities with sedative methods. Other projects • Characterization of inflammatory biomarkers in Merkel cell carcinoma. • Clinical studies of interleukin (IL) inhibitors in HS and psoriasis. PhDs and postdoctoral candidates in the last 5 years Grimstad Ø. On certain toll receptors in dermatology. Danielsen K. Epidemiology of psoriasis and comorbidity of metabolic disease. Schopf T. Telemedicine and atopic dermatitis: treatment fol- low-up by telemedical consultations. Jenssen M. Vitamin D and psoriasis in the northern hemi- sphere. Forum for Nord Derm Ven 2018, Vol. 23, No. 2