Sandra Jerkovic Gulin

Dr. Sandra Jerkovic Gulin


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

16Years (2011-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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1 March 2015 in Infection and Drug Resistance
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
RCRomana Ceovic
Romana Ceovic
SGSandra Jerkovic Gulin
Sandra Jerkovic Gulin
Lymphogranuloma venereum is a sexually transmitted disease caused by L1, L2, and L3 serovars of Chlamydia trachomatis. In the last 10 years outbreaks have appeared in North America, Europe, and Australia in the form of proctitis among men who have sex with men. Three stages of disease have been described. The disease in primary stage may go undetected when only a painless papule, pustule, or ulceration appears. The diagnosis is difficult to establish on clinical grounds alone and frequently relies upon either serologic testing, culture, or more recently, nucleic acid amplification testing of direct specimens. A proper treatment regimen cures the infection and prevents further damage to tissues. Lymphogranuloma venereum causes potentially severe infections with possibly irreversible sequels if adequate treatment is not begun promptly. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential. Doxycycline is the drug of choice. Pregnant and lactating women should be treated with erythromycin or azithromycin. Patient must be followed up during the treatment, until disease signs and symptoms have resolved. Repeated testing for syphilis, hepatitis B and C, and HIV to detect early infection should be performed.

11 September 2023 in European Journal of Medical Research
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SGSandra Jerkovic Gulin
Sandra Jerkovic Gulin
FLFilippa Lundin
Filippa Lundin
OSOliver Seifert
Oliver Seifert
Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic lymphocyte mediated inflammatory mucocutaneous disease of unknown aetiology with a predilection for the anogenital region, and affecting both sexes. The disease is characterized by pain, intolerable itching and scarring. In late stages of LS, disfiguring scarring can drastically alter the structural anatomical architecture of the genitals. The association between genital LS and different malignant tumours is a concern that needs to be further investigated. An association between LS and several autoimmune diseases has been confirmed in recent studies. All registered citizens of Region Jönköping, Sweden were included in the present study. Patients diagnosed with LS (n = 5680) between 2001 and 2021 were identified using ICD-10 code L90.0 and selected as cases. All other individuals (n = 362 568) served as controls. Odds ratios (ORs) for the selected comorbidity were calculated and adjusted for age and sex. The cumulative incidence of LS for the entire population over a 20-year period was 1.54% (15.4 per 1000 people). The cumulative incidences over a 20-year period for females and males were 2.13% and 0.97%, respectively. This study confirmed the association between LS and vulvar cancer (OR = 17.4; 95% CI 12.1–25.3), penis cancer (OR = 9.1; 95% CI 4.3–18.9), prostate cancer (OR = 2.0; 95% CI 1.6–2.4) and breast cancer (OR = 1.6; 95% CI 1.4–1.8). LS was also associated with Crohn´s disease (OR = 2.0; 95% CI 1.6–2.6) and diabetes mellitus type 1 (OR = 1.9; 95% CI 1.6–2.1). The present study revealed novel important data regarding the association of LS with cancer and autoimmune diseases, emphasising the importance of sufficient treatment and follow-up of patients with LS. However, future studies are needed to confirm these results and the potential role of LS in the development of cancer.

31 May 2017 in Current Medicinal Chemistry
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
KKKresimir Kostovic
Kresimir Kostovic
SGSandra Jerkovic Gulin
Sandra Jerkovic Gulin
ZMZrinka B. Mokos
Zrinka B. Mokos
RCRomana Ceovic
Romana Ceovic
Background: Tofacitinib (formerly known as CP-690,550, CP690550, tasocitinib), a novel selective immunosuppressant, is a small molecule classified as Janus kinase inhibitor. The aim of this review article is to present updated data summary on the tofacitinib in the field of dermatology. Method: We undertook a structured search of bibliographic databases for peer-reviewed scientific articles, including review articles, original research articles as well as case report articles based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. Technical reports on tofacitinib from U.S. Food and Drug Administration and European Medical Agency were also included. Results: Forty-three papers were included in this review. We report current data on tofacitinib chemical properties, pharmacology, non-clinical toxicity, as well as efficacy and safety in potential new indications in dermatology: psoriasis, alopecia areata, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis and nail dystrophy associated with alopecia areata. Conclusion: JAK/STAT pathway has an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, alopecia areata, atopic dermatitis, and vitiligo. Despite encouraging efficacy, due to concerns about the overall safety profile of tofacitinib, additional studies will have to determine the adequate risk-to-benefit ratio.

Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SGSandra Jerkovic Gulin
Sandra Jerkovic Gulin
FLFilippa Lundin
Filippa Lundin
OEOlle Eriksson
Olle Eriksson
OSOliver Seifert
Oliver Seifert
Background: Data on the incidence and comorbidity of Lichen sclerosus (LS), based on validated nationwide population-based registries, remains scarce. Objective: To explore the incidence and association of comorbidities with LS in Sweden, emphasizing its potential links to malignancies and autoimmune disorders. Methods: A population-based retrospective open cohort study was conducted using the National Patient Register to identify all individuals diagnosed with LS (ICD-10 code L90.0) from 1 January 2001 to 1 January 2021. The study included 154,424 LS patients and a sex and age matched control group of 463,273 individuals to assess the incidence and odds ratios for various cancers and premalignant conditions. Results: The incidence of LS in Sweden was 80.9 per 100,000 person per year, with higher incidence in females (114.4) than in males (47.2). LS patients showed an increased odds ratio for vulvar cancer (OR = 8.3; 95% CI = 7.5–9.0), penile cancer (OR = 8.9; 95% CI = 7.3–11.0), prostate cancer (OR = 1.2; 95% CI = 1.1–1.2), testicular cancer (OR = 1.4; 95% CI = 1.1–1.7), bladder cancer (OR = 1.1; 95% CI = 1.1–1.2), breast cancer (OR = 1.4; 95% CI = 1.3–1.4), leukoplakia of the vulva (OR = 253.5; 95% CI = 221.9–289.6), and leukoplakia of the penis (OR = 5.1; 95% CI = 4.9–5.4). Conclusions: This study underscores the significantly increased association of various cancers and premalignant conditions in LS patients, highlighting the critical need for efficacious treatment and diligent follow-up. The association between LS and autoimmune diseases further necessitates comprehensive investigation to understand the underlying mechanisms and clinical management implications. Future research is essential to confirm these findings and elucidate the role of LS in cancer development.

2 October 2017 in Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
KKKresimir Kostovic
Kresimir Kostovic
SGSandra Jerkovic Gulin
Sandra Jerkovic Gulin
ZMZrinka Bukvic Mokos
Zrinka Bukvic Mokos
RCRomana Ceovic
Romana Ceovic
Background: Ingenol mebutate gel is a recent stirring weapon recommended for the treatment of multiple actinic keratoses (AKs) and field cancerization. This review brings a summary of recent data on the treatment of AKs with ingenol mebutate (IM) providing critical commentary with regard to drug's characteristics, drug's safety profile, treatment regimen, treatment outcome, patient compliance, AK recurrence, cost-effectiveness and cost-utility, as well as guidelines for the management of the treatment of AK. Method: We undertook a structured search of bibliographic databases for peer-reviewed scientific articles, including review articles, original research articles as well as case report articles based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. Reports on ingenol mebutate from U.S. Food and Drug Administration and European Medical Agency were also included. Results: Sixty-six papers were included in this review. We report current data on ingenol mebutate chemical properties, pharmacology, efficacy, safety, and tolerability, potential new indications in dermatology, costeffectiveness, and cost-utility analysis. Conclusion: Treatment of AKs is necessary in order to prevent possible transition to invasive SCC. Although the mechanism of action of ingenol mebutate is not fully elucidated, dual mechanism of action is presumed. Ingenol mebutate is an effective and cost-saving topical agent for the treatment of AK, especially multiple AKs and field cancerization, with acceptable safety profile. It may also have perspective in dermatology regarding the treatment of superficial BCC, Bowen disease, actinic cheilitis, and anogenital warts that has to be evaluated in clinical trials. Patients' adherence to recommended treatment regimen and auspicious safety profile make this drug attractive.

18 January 2024 in International Journal of Women's Dermatology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
SGSandra Jerkovic Gulin
Sandra Jerkovic Gulin
LLLinnea Liljeberg
Linnea Liljeberg
OSOliver Seifert
Oliver Seifert
Background: Genital lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that affects both sexes of all ages. The clinical characteristics include erosions, redness, and white plaques with atrophic skin, with symptoms such as pruritus, pain, dysuria, and dyspareunia. Objective: This prospective cohort study aimed to assess quality of life (QoL) in men and women with genital LS, both before and after treatment, using the Dermatology Quality of Life Index (DLQI) questionnaire. Methods: Patients diagnosed with genital LS were enrolled continuously in the study and were asked to complete the DLQI questionnaire before treatment and again after individualized treatment 12 weeks apart. Results: This study included 136 patients (48 females and 88 males) diagnosed with genital LS, with a median age of 62 years (range 18–86). The results showed a statistically significant decrease (P < .001) in DLQI score before treatment (median 6.0 [interquartile range (IQR), 1.0–11.0]) compared to after treatment (median 2.0 [IQR, 0.0–4.0)]. In males and females, the median DLQI scores before treatment were 3.0 (IQR, 0.0–10.0) and 8.0 (IQR, 4.5–11.5), respectively, and after treatment were 1.0 (IQR, 0.0–3.0) and 4.0 (IQR, 0.0–9.0), respectively. Females scored significantly higher (P < .001) than males. Limitations: The study’s limited generalizability stems from a small sample size of 136 patients, potentially restricting the application of findings to a broader population with genital lichen sclerosus. Additionally, the 12-week follow-up period may not adequately capture the long-term effects of interventions on quality of life. Reliance on self-reported data through the DLQI questionnaire introduces the possibility of bias, as participants may not accurately represent their symptoms and quality of life. The absence of a control group hinders the ability to attribute observed changes solely to the treatment, and the lack of detail on specific interventions makes it challenging to assess the effectiveness of individualized treatment approaches. The wide age range among participants (18–86 years) introduces potential confounding variables, as different age groups may respond differently to treatment. Conclusion: The study findings confirmed that individuals with genital LS experience a small decline in QoL, as observed in both males and females. This study also highlights that effective management of genital LS can significantly improve QoL in both sexes.