bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined treatment of epidermodysplasia verruciformis with etretinate and α‐interferon*
Authors: Aricò M. , Noto G. , Pravatà G. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractEpidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV) is an uncommon cutaneous disease in which a focal and genetically determined immunological impairment is associated with chronic human papilloma virus (HPV) infection. In sun‐exposed areas, when an oncogenic HPV type is the agent, skin cancer may occur. The treatment of EV is difficult and often unsatisfactory; etretinate has been reported in some instances as effective in improving lesions. We report a typical case of EV with pityriasis versicolor‐like lesions on the trunk and many flat, erythematous wart‐like lesions on the face, dorsal areas of the hands and legs. We performed a treatment with etretinate (1 mg/kg/day for 6 weeks) and subsequently with etretinate and α2r‐interferon (3 MU, 3 times per week for 2 weeks, then 6 MU, as above, for 4 weeks). After 4 weeks of therapy with etretinate we observed moderate improvement; we did not observe any further clinical improvement in the final 2 weeks. The subsequent combined treatment with etretinate and a‐interferon achieved further improvement. We conclude that the association of etretinate and a‐interferon may represent an efficacious treatment of EV.
Photosensitivity due to isotretinoin: a possible allergic mechanism
Authors: Amichai Boaz , Grunwald Marcelo H. , Livni Ella , Halevy Sima 
Published: July 2006

AbstractPhotosensitivity is listed as a side effect to isotretinoin, but reports in the literature are contradictory. Only a few cases of photosensitivity, phototoxicity and photoallergy, have been reported. We describe herein a case of a photosensitivity due to isotretinoin. The possible role of an allergic mechanism in this reaction has been suggested by a positive mast‐cell degranulation (MCD) test toward the drug.
Hydroa vacciniforme
Authors: Benci M. , Lorusso B. , Comacchi C. , Lotti T. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractA case of a young female patient with hydroa vacciniforme is reported. Blisters, bullae and papules healing with scarring appeared on light‐exposed areas and were accompanied by fever, malaise and photophobia. The patient improved with use of high protection sunscreens and per os hydroxychloroquine (200 mg/day).
Alopecia areata and stress in children
Authors: De Waard‐Van der Spek F.B. , De Raeymaecker D.M.J. , Root H.M. , Oranje A.P. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackground The role of psychological factors is conflicting in alopecia areata (AA). Acute as well as chronic stress have been observed in patients with AA.Design A descriptive study of psychological and social factors which may play a role in the pathogenesis and prognosis of childhood AA. Seventeen patients with AA were dermatologically examined and psychosocially studied. Behavioral and emotional problems and possible psychopathology in the child's actual functioning were scored with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and a life events scale. Fifteen patients with visible atopic dermatitis (AD) formed a reference group.Results Although, on average, children with AA do not have higher behavior problem scores than children in the normative group, more children had scores in the clinical range. However, AA and AD children did not differ in this respect. More AA and AD children than children in the normative group had low social competence scores. Thus, although some AA children differ from children from the normative group, this difference is not specific compared with other children with affected skin, i.e., the AD group. The mean total score and the mean number of life events did not differ significantly from the corresponding data on the international control population.Conclusion A tendency was observed that psychosocial factors play a role in maintaining or inducing AA and AD.
β‐Endorphin serum levels in patients with vitiligo
Authors: Katsambas A.D. , Schulpis K.H. , Antoniou Ch. , Rigopoulos D. , Papakostandinou E.D. , Stratigos J. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAim The aim of this study is to correlate the β‐endorphin levels at the early and more chronic stages of the disease in an attempt to find or confirm an etiological factor of vitiligo.Background The exact pathogenesis of vitiligo is still unclear. The most important theories are the self destruction, the autoimmune and the neural theories.Methods Patients with vitiligo (n= 28) were divided into two groups according to the duration of their disease. A group of 15 members of medical staff was the control group. β‐endorphin levels were determined with a radioimmunoassay (125I‐β‐endorphin IncstarCo).Results The mean β‐endorphin levels (11.88 ± 2.25 pmol/l) in patients at the early years of the disease (Group A) were statistically elevated compared to those of patients with ‘chronic’ vitiligo (9.27 ± 2.73 pmol/l) and to those of controls (8.53 ± 2.53) pmol/l).Conclusion We suggest that high β‐endorphin levels play a role in the pathogenesis of vitiligo as well as in the prognosis of the disease.
Autoantibody profile in cutaneous lupus erythematosus subsets: correlations between various autoantibodies of the same isotype
Authors: Kroumpouzos Georgios , Tosca Androniki , Konstadoulakis Manoussos M. , Avgerinou Georgia , Varelzidis Antony , Stratigos John 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe objective of the present study was an extensive analysis of the autoantibody profile in the most common subsets of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (LE), acute and subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (ACLE, SCLE) as well as discoid lupus, localized or disseminatus (DLE loc, DLE dis). Antibodies (Abs) against glomerular extracts, actin. myosin and cardiolipin were examined in the various cutaneous lupus subgroups, in addition to ANA and Abs against DNA, ENA and IgG (rheumatoid factor). Abs against glomerular extracts were detected mainly in ACLE and SCLE, whereas Abs against actin, myosin and cardiolipin were found in all cutaneous lupus subsets. The detailed record of the autoantibody profile helped in the serological differential diagnosis of the various cutaneous lupus subsets, suggesting also that SCLE and DLE dis are distinct subsets in the spectrum of cutaneous LE. Finally, correlations between autoantibodies of the same isotype were carried out, providing implications for regulation of autoantibody production.
Loratadine and cetirizine in the treatment of chronic urticaria
Authors: Guerra L. , Vincenzi C. , Marchesi E. , Tosti A. , Pretto E. , Bassi R. , Fubbian P. Ruetta , De Costanza F. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAim This study was designed to compare loratadine and cetirizine in controlling the symptoms of chronic urticaria.Subjects One hundred and sixteen adult patients with chronic urticaria.Methods In this double‐blind study the patients were randomly divided into three therapeutic groups: 38 received loratadine (10 mg), 40 cetirizine (10 mg) and 38 placebo tablets once daily for 28 days. Steroid‐dependent subjects and patients with physical urticaria or with angioncurotic hereditary oedema as well as pregnant or breast‐feeding women were excluded from the study. A suitable wash‐out period was observed in case of previous treatments for the same disease. Itching, erythema, number of lesions and diameter of the largest one were evaluated according to a scale from 0 (absent) to 3 (severe). The minimum entry study score for itching plus number of lesions had to be at least equal to three. Control visits were scheduled after 3, 7 and 14 days of therapy. Symptoms, disease status, therapeutic response, side effects and compliance were evaluated at each visit. Diary cards were filled in by patients at home.Results Active drugs compared to placebo significantly reduced global clinical symptoms (p < 0.05). Loratadine was more rapid in developing its activity than the other two agents (p < 0.01 at day 3). Each single symptom showed the same trend. At the end of the study 24 (63%) patients treated with loratadine, 18 (45%) with cetirizine and 5 (13%) with placebo were free from symptoms. Four failures occurred with loratadine, six with cetirizine and seventeen with placebo. The tolerability profile was similar for all three groups. One patient receiving cetirizine dropped out due to severe gastric pain.Conclusions Loratadine is more active and safer than cetirizine in the treatment of chronic urticaria.
Toxic epidermal necrolysis: a study of 22 cases
Authors: Ioannides D. , Vakali G. , Chrysomallis F. , Chaidemenos G. , Mpatsios K. , Mourellou O. , Minas A. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractToxic epidermal necrolysis leads to extensive exfoliative epidermal slough, fever, systemic toxic reactions, conjunctivitis and severe mucous membrane involvement. As it evolves many other organs can be affected. Whether or not toxic epidermal necrolysis is the most severe form of erythema multiform is still a subject of discussion. The pathophysiological events involved are not well understood. Indirect evidence suggests a hypersensitivity reaction, but the search for potential immunological mechanisms has resulted in little data to support this hypothesis. Drug reactions remain the most common associated factor. Twenty‐two patients, 3‐84 years old, have been included in this retrospective study. In 15 patients, clinical evidence points to drugs as the most important cause of toxic epidermal necrolysis. Recent infections were implicated in three patients and ulcerative colitis and lymphoma in one case each. Symptomatic therapy included fluid replacement, nutritional support and local treatment. Steroids were administered in 13 patients, followed by plasmapheresis in three. The mortality rate was approximately 27%. Elderly patients and patients with extensive lesions were at greater risk. Results of immunofluorescence and immunoblot analysis were of no significant interest.
Twenty MHz B‐scan sonography for visualization and skin thickness measurement of human skin
Authors: Hoffmann Klaus , Stuücker Markus , Dirschka Thomas , Goörtz Sabine , El‐Gammal Stefan , Dirting Kay , Hoffmann Andrea , Altmeyer Peter 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAs a non‐invasive method, ultrasound is a suitable diagnostic procedure for routine in vivo examination of the human skin in dermatology. In this study 40 healthy test subjects were examined with a 20‐MHz ultrasound scanner in order to determine the thickness and morphology of normal skin at 51 different sites. B‐mode ultrasonography permits us to measure both the individual layers of the skin and deeper structures and to assess their definition and echogenicity. In both sexes the greatest skin thicknesses were found on: the shoulder‐blade (mean thicknesses (mm), males 3.07/ females 2.47); the upper back (m, 3.04/f, 2.85); the chin (m, 3.04/f, 2.69); the lower lip (m, 2.66/f,2.50) and in the region of the lower back (m, 2.64/f, 2.39). Particularly thin skin was found on: the upper eyelid (m, 0.59/f, 0.64); the lower eyelid (m, 0.99/f, 0.86); in the groin (m. 0.97/f, 0.90); in the armpit (m, 1.01/f, 1.09) and on the forearm (m, 1.13/f. 1.00 mm). Knowledge of differences in the characteristic reflex patterns depending on the sex and age of the subject and the site of the skin examined forms the basis for assessment of pathological sonograms.
Skin disorders and Epstein Barr virus primary infection: results of a 31 month survey
Authors: Baldari Urbano , Cancellieri Claudio , Celli Barbara , Zanelli Rossella , Raccagni Antonio Ascari 
Published: July 2006

AbstractObjectives To investigate skin disorders related to Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) seroconversion and review the literature on this topic.Patients and methods 77 patients admitted to three Departments (Dermatology, Infectious Diseases, Pediatrics) presented clinical and laboratory (Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay) findings of EBV primary infection. 54/77 (70.1%), ranging in age from 9 months to 41 years and suffering from various skin disorders, were selected.Results 8/54 presented Infantile papular acrodermatitis (Gianotti‐Crosti syndrome); 42/54 exanthema, 2/54 acute urticaria, 1/54 erythema multiforme, 1/54 erythema nodosum.Conclusion After reviewing the available literature on the subject and in the light of these findings, it is possible to assert that EBV‐primary infection is not infrequently associated with skin symptoms. Clinicians may sometimes understimate the problem, and it would be useful to include EBV serology among the tests for the diagnosis of reactive cutaneous diseases occurring in subjects under 3D years old.
Pemphigus vulgaris during pregnancy–a multistep triggered disease
Authors: Ophir Joseph , Bialy‐Golan Anat , Wolf Ronnie , Brenner Sarah 
Published: July 2006

AbstractPemphigus vulgaris (PV) during pregnancy is exceedingly rare. Only 16 cases have been reported in the English literature. Some of the etiologic factors that may induce pemphigus are well known while others are only suspected or unknown. We present a patient with pemphigus during her second pregnancy and in whom several factors might have induced the disease.
Coexistence of rheumatoid arthritis, myasthenia gravis, and pemphigus superficialis⋆
Authors: Lo Schiavo Ada , Guerrera Vincenzo , Migliaresi Sergio , Lombardi Maria Luisa , Ruocco Vincenzo 
Published: July 2006

Abstract d‐Penicillamine (DP) is widely used nowadays in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, despite its well known side effects of an autoimmune nature, often associated with specific histocompatibility antigens (HLA). We report the case of a woman, suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), treated with DP, who developed myasthenia gravis (MG) and pemphigus foliaceus (PF) and whose phenotype has only antigens usually associated with pemphigus. This may he the second published case of concurrent pemphigus and myasthenia gravis induced by d‐penicillamine therapy, in the absence of thymoma.
Multinodular keratoacanthoma and T cell lymphoma
Authors: Vanhooteghem O. , Wiart Th. , Creusy C. , de Beer P. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThis is a report of a case of multinodular keratoacanthoma (MNKA), a rare variety of solitary keratoacanthoma (KA) characterized by a collection of multiple KA nodules on the margins of a necrotic ulcerative lesion spreading centrifugally for 3 weeks in a patient with malignant non‐Hodgkin's T‐cell lymphoma. The very infiltrative nature of the main lesion made differential diagnosis difficult in the presence of extremely differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Later, a KA lesion was to appear opposite a cutaneous lymphoma. The authors discuss the close links between the MNKA and the KA lesions and the immunosuppressed state of the patient.
Acquired ichthyosis associated with Sézary's syndrome
Authors: de la Torre Carlos , Losada Antonio , Cruces Manuel J. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractWe report a case of a 70‐year‐old woman affected by acquired ichthyosis. Morphologic studies of mononuclear cells in peripheral blood revealed that 50% were Sezary cells, and analyses of surface phenotype disclosed a CD4 predominance. Reports of association with cutaneous T cell lymphoma. mycosis fungoides type, have been described, but we have found no reports with Sézary's syndrome.
Possible involvement of partial biotinidase deficiency in alopecia areata
Authors: Georgala S. , Schulpis K. , Papakonstantinou E.D. , Kalogirou S. , Michas T. 
Published: July 2006

Abstract Background The many factors which appear to be implicated in alopecia areata (AA) include genetic and autoimmune disorders as well as emotional stress. Biotinidase deficiency, an inborn error of metabolism, causes alopecia in infants, children and adults. Subjects and methods A fluorimetric method was used to evaluate biontinidase activity in 19 patients before and after 40 days treatment with biotin (20 mg/day p.o). Nineteen members of the medical staff were the controls. Results The mean biotinidase activities in our patients before treatment (3.0 ± 1.50 mmol/1/min) were statistically significantly decreased compared to those of controls (4.75 ± 0.80 mmol/1/min) as well as to those after treatment (4.40 ± 0.84 mmol/1/min). Consequently, 12 of our 19 patients showed a clinical remission of the disease after treatment, and thin white hair appeared on the frontal area of the scalp. Conclusions An evaluation of biotinidase activity is suggested in all patients with AA and supplements of biotin are recommended.
Leonardo da Vinci: beauty or human suffering in the world. Notes on pathological cutaneous alterations in the ‘Adoration of the Magi’
Authors: Marchetti C. , Panconesi E. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe authors have individuated and evidenced in this study some of a series of very suggestive minute figures and signs of pathological conditions, including common cutaneous lesions, portrayed by Leonardo da Vinci in his famous painting ‘The Adoration of the Magi’ (‘L'Adorazione dei Magi’) which is in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. These figures and lesions are mostly ‘hidden’ and become visible only by close, attentive observation of specific points extrapolated from the vision of this magnificent picture as a whole. Possible clinical interpretations are attributed to the ‘lesions’ evidenced, with the conviction the they were portrayed consciously by Leonardo and the they represent a confirmation of his extraordinary capacity for observation and ability to reproduce faithfully the which he saw, including the obvious signs of diseases which it is known he had ample occasion to observe. In this painting, as in others, Leonardo presents the horrors of life and sickness manifestly and skillfully disguised behind the mantle of beauty. We wonder if the monks who had commissioned the painting and then refused to take it did not recognize the ugly truth under the beautiful surface representation.
A new generation of hydrocolloid dressings in combination with topical corticosteroids in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris
Authors: Dézfoulian B. , de la Brassinne M. , Rosillon D. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAim A clinical, randomized, parallel, multicenter study was undertaken to compare the efficacy and the tolerability of two known steroid creams, betamethasone 17‐valerate and clobetasol propionate, alone or left under a hydrocolloid dressing (Contreet° Derma Cover), in the treatment of chronic plaques of psoriasis.Methods A total of 70 patients with symmetrical localized psoriasis were divided randomly into two groups for the study. Each patient applied the corticosteroid preparation under Contreet° Derma Cover once a week on one plaque and the same topical corticosteroid alone b.i.d on the other plaque; the treatment lasted 3 weeks for betamethasone 17‐valerate. and 2 weeks for clohetasol propionate.Results The healing rate reached 79% with the Contreet° combined treatment versus 15% (P < 0.0001) with the standard treatment for betamethasone 17‐valerate (group I) and 86% versus 14% (P < 0.0001) for clobetasol propionate (group II). The mean difference in healing rate was 65% (95% confidence interval (C.I), 46–84%) and 69% (95% C.I., 50–87%) in groups I and II, respectively.Conclusion The use of the new generation of hydrocolloid dressings in combination with steroid preparations can be considered as another therapeutic option for the treatment of chronic localized psoriatic lesions. Furthermore, with this method the amount of the topical corcicosteroid used can he reduced.
Necrolytic migratory erythema: a classical cutaneous presentation of the glucagonoma syndrome
Authors: Jones S.A. Vaughan , Dunnill M.G.S. , Wilding J. , Liddell K. , Gorsuch A.N. , Bloom S.R. , Black M.M. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractWe report a case of necrolytic migratory erythema secondary to an underlying pancreatic glucagonoma causing the glucagonoma syndrome. We discuss the differential diagnosis of necrolytic migratory erythema and the importance of recognising this rare endocrine tumour with its marked cutaneous features. Patients with glucagonoma syndrome can present late in a debilitated suite and often require much nutritional support. Treatment with a new long‐acting somatostatin analogue, Lanreotide (Somatuline S.R.) 30 mg once weekly, has in our case so far produced encouraging results. We would like to emphasise the importance of the insidious onset of this syndrome and the high incidence of metastatic disease at presentation.
A pilot study on the efficacy of mometasone furoate fatty cream on clinical parameters, time to relapse and microbial flora in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Faergemann Jan 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAim To study the antimicrobial effect in vitro of hexylene glycol and mometasone furoate fatly cream (contains 12% hexylene glycol) and to study the effect of mometasone furoate fatty cream on clinical parameters and microbial flora in patients with atopic dermatitis.Methods The effect of hexylene glycol and mometasone furoate fatty cream against Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Pityrosporum ovule and Candida albicans was studied in vitro. Twenty patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis were treated with mometasone furoate 0.1 % fatty cream once daily for 3 weeks and then intermittently for 3 weeks. Quantitative cultures for bacteria and fungi were taken at baseline, during treatment and 4 weeks after end of treatment.Results Both hexylene glycol and mometasone furoate fatty cream were effective in vitro against the studied microorganisms. Thirteen of 18 patients who returned for control were cleared after 3 weeks of treatment and 15/18 patients or 83% were cleared after 6 weeks. Four weeks after end of treatment only one patient remained cleared. However, 11/14 patients who returned for this control were still improved compared to baseline. S aureus was cultured in 16/20 patients at baseline but in only 7/18 patients after 6 weeks of treatment. The number of S. aureus dropped significantly but increased two‐fold 4 weeks after end of treatment. The number of cultured P. ovale was also significantly reduced after 6 weeks.Conclusion This study clearly demonstrate the good effect of mometasone furoate fatty cream, which contains 12% hexylene glycol, in the treatment of atopic dermatitis paralleled by a significant reduction in the number of S. aureus and P. ovale.
Generalized destructive, ulcerating and debilitating necrobiosis lipoidica sine diabetes in a young male recalcitrant to therapy
Authors: Bruns Marco , Haustein Uwe‐Frithjof 
Published: July 2006

AbstractWe present the case of a 26‐year‐old Caucasian male with an ulcerative necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) affecting approximately 30% of the skin including the scalp and face. The disease started at (he age of six and has progressed constantly since then. Over the last 20 years no diabetes mellitus or diabetic disposition was found. Up to now all treatments, e.g. oral corticosteroids and pentoxifylline have failed to stop the progression of the disease. To the best of our knowledge this is the most extensive case of NL described so far.
The development of Kaposi's sarcoma during immunosuppressive therapy for temporal arteritis
Authors: Libow Lester F. , Fraser Susan L. , Casey Thomas J. , James Richard 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackground The appearance of Kaposi's sarcoma during iatrogenic immnunosuppression for renal transplantation is well known. A growing number of patients undergoing immnunosuppressive therapy for conditions other than organ transplanation have also developed this neoplasm, and temporal arteritis is emerging as one of the more common of those conditions. Case: We report a case of Kaposi's sarcoma complicating corticosteroid therapy for temporal arteritis, summarize the previously reported cases and consider the possible association between these two disorders. Conclusion: Although inconclusive from the available data, patients with temporal arteritis may be predisposed to iatrogenic Kaposi's sarcoma due to a shared antigen specific immune response.