Leen Al lahham’s research while affiliated with Damascus University and other places

Introduction Aphthae are common lesions that occur inside the mouth on the mucous membrane, often associated with various diseases. The causal pathogenesis generally depends on the accompanying condition, but there is usually no serious underlying cause. Case presentation This case report describes a 33-year-old male patient with a 10-year history of recurrent oral ulcers and impaired glucose tolerance. The patient had previously been treated with glucocorticoids, which provided temporary relief. Laboratory tests and immune profiles were normal. After 1 week of treatment with metformin at a dose of 500 mg twice daily, the lesions were relieved, and the patient required further metformin treatment for three years without any recurrence. Discussion Metformin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical studies, making it a potential treatment option for mucocutaneous manifestations. This case report highlights the clinical effectiveness of metformin in treating oral ulcers and suggests its potential as an alternative treatment option for this condition. Conclusion Further studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of metformin in treating mucocutaneous manifestations.

Introduction and importance The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a post-acute syndrome that can persist for a prolonged period. Case presentation The authors’ case reported a 31-years-old male presented with the sensation of sand in his eyes and a dry mouth for 3 months after infection with COVID-19 confirmed by nasopharyngeal swab 3 months ago. Laboratory tests including immunological profile were normal. Schirmer’s test was positive. He was treated with artificial tears with corticosteroid drops and water drinking. Within 15 days he noticed an improvement in his sicca symptoms. Clinical discussion The post-acute COVID-19 syndrome can persist for a longer duration than expected, even after the acute onset of the disease. Some patients may experience ocular and oral symptoms such as dry mouth, dysgeusia, and dry eye diseases. The pathophysiology of these symptoms may be related to viral pathophysiologic changes, immunologic aberrations, and inflammatory reactions that destroy the tissue of salivary glands. Additionally, there is evidence of elevated autoantibodies in post-COVID-19 patients. Future studies are needed to understand the sequela of this infection. Conclusion What makes this case special is the combination of dry eyes and dry mouth with a negative immunological profile in a young patient who had COVID without severe symptoms.