Journal of Drugs in Dermatology articles from December 1 2002

Journal of Drugs in Dermatology archives from December 1 2002

A letter from the editor-in-chief.
December 1, 2002... Dermatologic surgery has never played a larger role in our field than it does today. This is reflected in the fact that there are more surgery questions on the Dermatology Board Exam each year. Having been involved in dermatologic surgery...

Journal of drugs in dermatology.(Letters To The Editor)
December 1, 2002... To the Editor: We very much enjoyed reading the first few issues of the Journal. It is beneficial in teaching young doctors and it fills a void informing about new drugs and their effectiveness. The case reports are especially interesting,...

Case reports and case report contest.(Letters To The Editor)(Letter to the Editor)
December 1, 2002... Dear Dr. Robins: It is with much interest that I read my complimentary issue of the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, and I would like to thank you for arranging for residents to receive the journal. I enjoyed reading the detailed and...

Reassessment of combining benzoyl peroxide with clindamycin.(Letters To The Editor)(Letter to the Editor)
December 1, 2002... Dear Dr. Robins: I was most interested in the article by Tschen and Jones concerning the clinical and antimicrobial results of the topical combination product containing clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide (1). Previous publications have also...

Readers suggest ...(Letters To The Editor)(Brief Article)(Letter to the Editor)
December 1, 2002... Dear Editor: Even though the Journal focuses on new drugs, techniques and methods, it would be beneficial if you could include some material on drug reactions. This information is often difficult to come by. It would be beneficial when...

TNF-alpha and apoptosis: implications for the pathogenesis and treatment of psoriasis.
December 1, 2002... Abstract TNF-alpha is a key cytokine in innate immune responses and is increased in psoriatic lesions. TNF-alpha has many effects, ranging from inflammation to apoptosis. These effects are reviewed to better understand the role of...

The use of tumescent anesthetic solution for fat transfer donor and recipient sites.
December 1, 2002... Introduction The use of tumescent anesthetic solution first described by Jeffrey Klein, M.D. in 1986 for liposuction has made fat transfer a technique well suited to a dermatologic surgeon's office (1). Over the past 16 years the technique...

Surgical complications.
December 1, 2002... Introduction Dermatologic surgery is advancing at a very rapid pace. New procedures are being introduced and older techniques are being used for new applications every day, for both therapeutic and cosmetic purposes. Complications in...

The history of flaps.
December 1, 2002... A graft is a piece of detached skin which is dead when you put it on and comes to life later. A flap is a partly attached piece of skin which is alive when you put it on and may die later. --Sir Harold Gillies, circa...

The history of skin grafts.
December 1, 2002... The history of skin grafts has its beginnings in ancient India, where Sanskrit texts document skin transplants performed by Hindus in 3000-2500 BC (1-3). Potters and tilemakers of the Koomas caste were reconstructing noses which had been...

Biologic therapy for psoriasis--the first wave: infliximab, etanercept, efalizumab, and alefacept.
December 1, 2002... Abstract Over the last several years, a new generation of therapies for psoriasis has been in development. These biologic therapies target the activity of T lymphocytes and cytokines responsible for the inflammatory nature of this disease....

The new antihistamines--desloratadine and levocetirizine: a review.
December 1, 2002... Introduction Antihistamines are among the most commonly used medications by allergists and dermatologists worldwide. They are used to treat indications such as rhinitis, urticaria, seasonal allergies, and pruritus, and their potential role...

The Skin Cancer Foundation.(Focus on)
December 1, 2002... 1979 TO TODAY: WE'VE COME A LONG WAY The Way It Was Twenty-four years ago, the majority of melanomas and other skin cancers came to the attention of physicians when they were advanced and difficult to treat. It is not hard to see why....

A young boy with symmetric hyperkeratotic plaques: progressive symmetric erythrokeratoderma (PSEK).(Case Reports)
December 1, 2002... Abstract In this report, a case is presented of a child, descendent from parents originating in the Virgin Islands, with symmetric and progressive hyperpigmented, hyperkeratotic plaques consistent with progressive symmetric...

Irbesartan-associated persistent edema of the eyelids, face, and neck.(Case Reports)
December 1, 2002... Abstract Irbesartan, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist (AIIRA), is an antihypertensive agent that inhibits the activity of angiotensin II by selectively binding to angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptors. The new onset of sustained...

Management of obstructive airway hemangiomas in the neonate.(Case Reports)
December 1, 2002... Introduction Hemangiomas are benign neoplasms of vascular endothelium. They represent the most common pediatric tumor and are seen in 8-12% of Caucasian children by age 11. Hemangiomas have a female predilection, occur with greater...

Pemphigus foliaceus presenting as eruptive seborrheic keratosis and responding to oral gold treatment.(Case Reports)
December 1, 2002... Abstract Pemphigus Foliaceus (PF) is an antibody-mediated autoimmune disease. IgG directed against desmoglein-1 induces acantholysis in the superficial epidermis, leading to the classic presentation of crusted erosions in a seborrheic...

Pipeline previews.
December 1, 2002... PIPELINE PREVIEWS IS A FEATURE THAT WILL APPEAR IN EACH ISSUE. IT WILL BRING TO YOU INFORMATION ON THE NEWEST DRUGS AND MEDICAL PRODUCTS AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE TO THE DERMATOLOGICAL COMMUNITY. THESE FEATURES MAY INCLUDE ADDITIONAL...

Sweet's syndrome can be associated with lymphoproliferative disease as well as drugs and infections.(Washington Whispers)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2002... In this case report, a case of drug-induced Sweet's syndrome secondary to minocycline is presented. A review of the literature on drug-induced Sweet's is also covered. Khan Durani B, Jappe U. Drug-induced Sweet's syndrome in acne caused by...

High-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (hdIVIg) has been used in numerous skin conditions with success.(Washington Whispers)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2002... In this article, 3 patients with recalcitrant psoriasis were treated with hdIVIg and showed some improvement. Larger, controlled studies are needed to assess the true efficacy of hdIVIg in the treatment of psoriasis. Gurmin V, Rustin MH,...

Recalcitrant atopic dermatitis (AD) can be frustrating for both patients and dermatologists.(Washington Whispers)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2002... Intravenous immunoglobulin has shown benefits in numerous inflammatory skin conditions but its role in treatment of AD remains anecdotal. In this randomized, blinded study, 10 patients with severe AD were randomized to immediate or delayed...

Both topical isotretinoin and adapalene are efficacious in the treatment of acne.(Washington Whispers)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2002... This study compares the efficacy and tolerability of adapalene gel 0.1% and isotretinoin gel 0.05% in the treatment of acne vulgaris of the face. This was a randomized, open-label clinical trial involving 80 patients who were instructed to...

Few cost-effectiveness studies exist on the topic of psoriasis and its myriad of treatments.(Washington Whispers)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2002... In this study, the cost-effectiveness of treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis by dithranol short contact therapy, ultraviolet B phototherapy (UVB), or inpatient dithranol treatment (inpatient treatment) were compared. This was an open...

Given the chronic relapsing nature of atopic dermatitis (AD), little clinical evidence exists for the long-term control of this condition.(Washington Whispers)
December 1, 2002... The objective of this study was to compare an intermittent dosing regimen of fluticasone propionate (FP) cream 0.05% (twice per week) with its vehicle base in reducing the risk of relapse when added to regular daily emollient in adult and...

Genital lichen sclerosus (LS) is a condition that responds to high potency topical steroids.(Washington Whispers)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2002... However, their exact role in controlling this condition remains elusive. Investigators looked at biological markers in skin samples of patients with vulval LS that had been treated with topical corticosteroids, vulval LS that had not received...

Topical steroids, and more recently vitamin D analogs such as calcipotriol, have shown efficacy in the treatment and maintenance of patients with psoriasis vulgaris.(Washington Whispers)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2002... In this study, a new combination ointment containing both calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate was compared to betamethasone dipropionate ointment (Diprosone) and calcipotriol ointment (DovoNex) in patients with psoriasis vulgaris. ...

In the past, insulin preparations contained chemicals thought to be causative agents in insulin allergy.(Washington Whispers)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2002... Since the introduction of contaminant-free preparations, insulin allergies have decreased. This study investigates the possible allergens and the value of skin tests in the diagnosis of insulin allergy. Eleven patients with insulin allergy...

Latanoprost is a selective FP prostanoid receptor agonist used in the treatment of glaucoma which also has a hypertrichotic side effect.(Washington Whispers)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2002... In this study, the effects of latanoprost on hair growth were evaluated in macaque monkeys that are models of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). 8 monkeys were divided into two groups: one group received a daily topical application of 50microg/ml of...

It is known that ultraviolet radiation absorption generates free radicals in damaged cells.(Washington Whispers)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2002... It has also been previously shown that ascorbic acid and d-alpha-tocopherol function in scavenging reactive oxygen species. This study investigated the possible photoprotective effects of ascorbic acid and d-alpha-tocopherol in patients exposed...

The use of emollient and moisturizing creams are helpful in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD).(Washington Whispers)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2002... However, adverse reactions to these topical can occur, limiting their use. This study compared the effects of a new moisturizing cream with 20% glycerin, its cream base without glycerin as placebo, or a cream with 4% urea and 4% sodium chloride...

Based on recent findings that topical aspirin decreased histamine-induced itch in a human study, the investigators in this study sought to confirm this finding and to investigate whether topical aspirin had antipruritic properties in inflamed skin.(Washington Whispers)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2002... 24 volunteers with normal skin had inflammatory skin reactions induced at 5 different sites by sodium lauryl sulphate contained in Finn Chambers. Aspirin 10%, aspirin 1%, mepyramine 5% and vehicle were applied to the inflamed and corresponding...

Leishmania SPP. suppress macrophage activity.(Washington Whispers)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2002... Interferon-gamma (IFNgamma) on the other hand is a cytokine that activates macrophages and induces the killing of intercellular parasites such as Leishmania. Investigators looked at the immunologic processes that occur in local and systemic...

Minocycline, used in the treatment of many dermatologic disorders most notably acne vulgaris, has been associated with skin hyperpigmentation.(Washington Whispers)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2002... In this study, investigators evaluated multiple histological parameters in the lesional skin of a patient with hyperpigmentation secondary to doxycycline. Histopathologic investigation of lesional skin by light microscopy showed...

The effects of topical arnica in the resolution of laser-induced bruising.(Washington Whispers)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2002... This is a randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the effects of topical arnica in the resolution of laser-induced bruising. Nineteen patients with facial telangiectasias were enrolled in the study and were divided into pretreatment and...

Triamcinolone acetonide has been shown to decrease both cellular proliferation and collagen production by dermal fibroblasts.(Washington Whispers)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2002... This study looked at the effects of triamcinolone acetonide on normal human and keloid dermal fibroblasts in vitro. Normal human fibroblasts and keloid dermal fibroblasts were exposed in vitro to increasing amounts of triamcinolone...

Fluridil, a novel topical antiandrogen, suppresses the human androgen receptor.(Washington Whispers)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2002... While highly hydrophobic and hydrolytically degradable, it is systemically non-resorbable. In animals, fluridil has demonstrated high local and general tolerance. In this study, investigators evaluate the safety and efficacy of a topical...

Recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB (rhPDGF-BB or rhPDGF gel 0.01%) has been FDA-approved in the treatment of lower extremity and neuropathic, diabetic ulcers.(Washington Whispers)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2002... This topical agent has also been used in the treatment of chronic non-diabetic ulcers. This study investigates the effectiveness of topical rhPDGF gel in treating refractory chronic ulcers other than diabetic or neuropathic ulcers. This...

Living skin constructs or Graftskin are now being utilized extensively to promote expeditious wound healing and for difficult to treat wounds.(Washington Whispers)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2002... Studies continue to address the efficiency of Graftskin in wound healing. This study compares the use of Graftskin to standardized wound care in the treatment of difficult to heal diabetes-related neuropathic foot ulcers. This was a...

Cicatricial pemphigoid is a rare chronic, blistering disease of the mucous membranes and occasionally of the skin that heals with significant scarring.(Washington Whispers)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2002... Its pathogenesis is believed to be autoimmune in nature. This report shows the usefulness of thalidomide treatment in a patient with cicatricial pemphigoid recalcitrant to standard therapies. Duong DJ, Moxley RT 3rd, Kellman RM, Pincus SH,...

Narrowband UVB (NB-UVB) phototheraphy is effective in the treatment of many dermatoses.(Washington Whispers)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2002... Response rates to NB-UVB in patients with early stage mycosis fungoides (MF) were studied in this investigation. 24 patients with patch stage MF were treated three times per week with NB-UVB and followed for 29 weeks. 13/24 patients had a...

It is known that stratum corneum (SC) permeability barrier function is abnormal in atopic dermatitis (AD) in addition to a dysregulation of the immune system at the skin.(Washington Whispers)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2002... It has been hypothesized that the barrier abnormality could drive disease activity. This study assessed whether a ceramide-dominant lipid-based emollient used in conjunction with topical therapy (e.g., topical tacrolimus or corticosteroids),...

Previous reports have suggested the efficacy of topical vitamin K in both preventing and speeding the clearing of bruising after laser treatment.(Washington Whispers)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2002... However, no well-controlled studies exist that address this treatment. This study evaluates the effects of topical vitamin K versus placebo in the prevention and clearing of laser-induced purpura. A total of 22 patients were enrolled in...

Angioedema as a potential side effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.(Washington Whispers)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2002... This study of 2 cases highlights the rare adverse reaction of angioedema associated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Prompt recognition and management are addressed. Kaur S, Thami GP, Srinivasan V, Singh R, Kanwar AJ....

Many topical therapies exist for the treatment of alopecia areata.(Washington Whispers)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2002... Many work by inducing inflammatory reactions at the site of alopecia and their response rates vary widely. This study looked at the effectiveness of topical crude onion juice in the treatment of patchy alopecia areata in comparison with tap...

Effects of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) on treatment of extensive skin lesions secondary to subacute cutaneous LE (SCLE).(Washington Whispers)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2002... Two patients previously treated with azathioprine and anti-malarials without effect were subsequently treated with MMF 2 g daily. Skin lesions cleared on this regimen and one patient was in remission for more than one month. Patients tolerated...

Livedoid vasculitis is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent painful ulceration of the lower limbs, which heals to leave atrophie blanche surrounded by hyperpigmentation and telangiectasia.(Washington Whispers)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2002... This article reports two patients with livedoid vasculitis who, after failure of conventional therapies, responded to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg). There was healing of areas of active ulceration and improvement of erythema, swelling and...

Imiquimod (aldara) is an immune response modifier FDA-approved for the treatment of anogenital warts.(Washington Whispers)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2002... In this report, a 55-year-old non-immunocompromised woman with extensive, human papillomavirus (HPV) 16-positive anogenital Bowen's disease was treated with imiquimod. After 5 months of local treatment with imiquimod, the lesions completely...

Sarcoidosis is a disorder characterized by macrophage--and T-cell-mediated responses to as yet unidentified infectious antigens or autoantigens.(Washington Whispers)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2002... This report describes a 62-year-old woman with a 10-year history of orange-yellow plaques of sarcoidosis on her lace that responded to topical tacrolimus ointment. No adverse effects were noted with topical tacrolimus. Katoh N, Mihara H,...

Liposomal doxorubicin potentially useful for the treatment of angiosarcoma.(Washington Whispers)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2002... In this article, an elderly man suffering from an angiosarcoma of the scalp, who was not a surgical candidate, was treated with liposomal doxorubicin (Caelyx(R)). After administration of two cycles of chemotherapy, the scalp angiosarcoma showed...

The management of acyclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections has become an issue, especially among immunocompromised human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients, as few alternatives exist.(Washington Whispers)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2002... This case report presents a case of an HIV-infected patient with a perianal ulcer secondary to HSV-2 that was resistant to treatment with acyclovir. The patient was treated with intravenous cidofovir at a dose of 5 mg kg-1 body weight once...

Topiramate is an anticonvulsant drug that was noted to improve psoriasis in a patient undergoing treatment with the medication for mood disorder.(Washington Whispers)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2002... This study looked at the effects of topiramate in the treatment of 6 patients who had mood disorders and concomitant psoriasis. Patients were treated with topiramate at 15 mg per day and gradually titrated by 15 mg per week to an average final...

Cyclosporin has become a powerful treatment option for patients with severe psoriasis.(Washington Whispers)
December 1, 2002... However, long-term use and high doses may lead to nephrotoxicity. It is unclear whether serum trough levels may be useful for monitoring this risk, similar to patients on cyclosporine for immunosuppression. This study attempts to addresses this...

Treatment for onychomycosis relies primarily on systemic agents for clearing of disease.(Washington Whispers)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2002... Given the generally low percentage cure seen even with oral agents, it is often unclear which of the many available systemic antifungals would best benefit patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of...

Cutaneous hyperpigmentation is a common finding in adults and can be a significant concern for people.(Washington Whispers)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2002... This paper investigates the use of niacinamide as a possible lightening agent. Investigators looked at effects of niacinamide on melanogenesis in vitro and on facial hyperpigmentation and skin color in vivo in Japanese women. For the in...

Chronic paronychia (CP) is considered an inflammatory condition in which Candida albicans has been thought to play a pathogenetic role.(Washington Whispers)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2002... This study challenges that premise and compares the efficacy of systemic antifungals (itraconazole or terbinafine) with a topical corticosteroid (methylprednisolone aceponate) in the treatment of patients with CP. A total of 45 patients...

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is known to be exacerbated by common skin flora such as staphylococci and streptococci.(Washington Whispers)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2002... However, little is known of the prevalence and antibiotic resistance of these pathogenic bacteria in children with atopic dermatitis and suspected skin infections. This was a retrospective chart review of 150 children with atopic...

Clinical trial review.
December 1, 2002... 1. HEALTH SERVICES IMPLICATIONS OF A TELEDERMATOLOGY CONSULT SYSTEM This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsored by: Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Veterans Affairs Health Services Research and Development...