Journal of Drugs in Dermatology articles from February 2007

Journal of Drugs in Dermatology archives from February 2007

Hydroquinone and the FDA--the debate?(Letter to the editor)
February 1, 2007... Recently you may have received e-mails, telephone calls, letters, or read articles stating that within the next few months, hydroquinone--our workhorse bleaching cream--will be banned in the US. Point of clarification, on August 29, 2006 the US...

Safety and efficacy of poly-L-lactic acid in HIV lipoatrophy and lipoatrophy of aging.
February 1, 2007... Abstract Background: Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) is an injectable filler used for the treatment of facial fat loss secondary to HIV and aging. The US FDA approved PLLA for the treatment of HIV lipoatrophy in August 2004. Observations:...

Panfacial botulinum toxin improves patient retention.(Clinical report)
February 1, 2007... Abstract The injection of botulinum toxin (Botox[R], Allergan, Irvine, CA) is the most common cosmetic procedure in the US. In the past 5 years, its use has climbed over 388%. In 2005, business development managers from Allergan audited...

Efficacy of microdermabrasion preceding ALA application in reducing the incubation time of ALA in laser PDT.
February 1, 2007... Abstract Topical 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and various light sources have been used to treat actinic keratoses and acne. Many of these regimens have required long incubation times due to the penetration qualities of ALA. This study...

Comparison of 5% 5-fluorouracil cream and 5% imiquimod cream in the management of actinic keratoses on the face and scalp.
February 1, 2007... Abstract It is timely to compare the efficacy and tolerability of 2 actinic keratosis (AK) therapies--5% 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) cream and imiquimod cream. Thirty-six patients with 4 or more AKs were randomly assigned to receive 5% 5-FU...

Truncal acne vulgaris: the relative roles of topical and systemic antibiotic therapy.(Clinical report)
February 1, 2007... Abstract Information is limited on the management of truncal acne vulgaris. Survey results suggest that most dermatologists commonly prescribe oral antibiotic therapy when treating acne involving the chest and back. This article reports...

Cost-effectiveness of a fixed combination of hydroquinone/tretinoin/fluocinolone cream compared with hydroquinone alone in the treatment of melasma.(Clinical report)
February 1, 2007... Abstract Background: A once-daily fixed combination of hydroquinone, tretinoin, and fluocinolone acetonide (Tri-luma) is a newly available treatment for melasma. Objective: To assess cost-effectiveness of triple combination therapy...

Colloidal oatmeal: history, chemistry and clinical properties.
February 1, 2007... Abstract Oatmeal has been used for centuries as a soothing agent to relieve itch and irritation associated with various xerotic dermatoses. In 1945, a ready to use colloidal oatmeal, produced by finely grinding the oat and boiling it to...

Safety and efficacy of desonide hydrogel 0.05% in pediatric subjects with atopic dermatitis.
February 1, 2007... Abstract Low to mid potency corticosteroids remain a cornerstone of therapy for atopic dermatitis (AD). Since AD is most prevalent in the younger pediatric population and is chronic in nature, safety is of particular concern especially for...

Pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus following topical application of tacrolimus ointment in adult and pediatric patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis.
February 1, 2007... Abstract Objective: To characterize the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus after topical application in adult and pediatric patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis from all clinical trials in which tacrolimus blood levels were...

Efficacy of novel skin cream containing mixture of human growth factors and cytokines for skin rejuvenation.
February 1, 2007... Abstract The crucial role of growth factors and cytokines in cutaneous wound healing is well described, but there has been little investigation into their use for skin rejuvenation. A novel skin cream containing a mixture of human growth...

Palliative treatment of fingernail lichen planus.(CASE REPORTS)(Clinical report)
February 1, 2007... Abstract Lichen planus of the nails is a destructive inflammatory onychodystrophy that is often difficult to treat. We report a case of treatment with combined topical therapy of tazarotene gel and clobetasol gel. This modality may be...

Osteomyelitis occurring during infliximab treatment of severe psoriasis.(CASE REPORTS)
February 1, 2007... Abstract Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-[alpha]) inhibitors, such as infliximab, decrease the body's inflammatory response and thus the body's reaction to infection. Given the immune-mediated processes in psoriasis and psoriatic...

Skin tightening with a combined unipolar and bipolar radiofrequency device.(CASE REPORTS)
February 1, 2007... Abstract Monopolar radiofrequency (RF) devices are well established treatment modalities for tightening facial skin. A 60-year-old woman presented with a desire to tighten the lax skin and improve the appearance of both upper arms. A...

Bexarotene and interferon-[alpha] combination therapy in a patient affected by relapsing anaplastic large cell lymphoma with cutaneous involvement.(CASE REPORTS)
February 1, 2007... Abstract A 74-year-old man presented with relapsing systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) with cutaneous involvement who had a third recurrence of cutaneous lesions associated with inguinal lymphonodes enlargement. Due to severe...

Potential foreign body emboli associated with botulinum toxin a injections.(CASE REPORTS)
February 1, 2007... Abstract Although the injection of Botox Cosmetic for the treatment of dynamic rhytids is safe and effective, there is a potential risk for foreign body embolization. This case report documents the presence of a rubber particle in the...

Dermoscopy as a tool for rapid diagnosis of monilethrix.(CASE REPORTS)
February 1, 2007... Abstract Monilethrix is a rare cause of hair loss. We present a case of a 44-year-old female, in whom dermoscopy enabled a rapid diagnosis of monilethrix. Dermoscopy images in this patient showed hair shafts with uniform elliptical nodes...

Use of a tongue depressor for eye protection.(CRYOSURGERY PEARL)
February 1, 2007... Pearls is a periodic feature that will present brief tips and words of wisdom on techniques in dermatology. Please submit your pearls to: editor@drugsindermatology.com. Cryosurgery is a procedure frequently employed for the treatment of...

Searching for a safe and effective therapy for pemphigus vulgaris--the rituximab IVIg combination.(WASHINGTON WHISPERS)
February 1, 2007... Searching for a Safe and Effective Therapy for Pemphigus Vulgaris--the Rituximab IVIg Combination Commentary on: Treatment of pemphigus vulgaris with rituximab and intravenous immune globulin. Ahmed AR, et al. N Engl J Med....

Cyclosporine for the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria.(WASHINGTON WHISPERS)
February 1, 2007... Cyclosporine for the Treatment of Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria Commentary on: Cyclosporine in chronic idiopathic urticaria: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Vena GA, et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2006;55:705-709. ...

Dutasteride for androgenetic alopecia.(WASHINGTON WHISPERS)(Clinical report)
February 1, 2007... Dutasteride for Androgenetic Alopecia Commentary on: The importance of dual 5 alpha-reductase inhibition in the treatment of male pattern hair loss: results of a randomized placebo-controlled study of dutasteride versus finasteride....

FDA Fast Track designation for Ipilimumab for metastatic melanoma.(PIPELINE PREVIEWS)
February 1, 2007... The FDA recently granted a Fast Track designation to Medarex's Ipilimumab (MDX- 010). Ipilimumab will be used with dacarbazine as a first-line therapy for metastatic melanoma or as monotherapy for second-line therapy for metastatic melanoma....

Expansion of clinical trial Belinostat for Cutaneous T cell Lymphoma.(PIPELINE PREVIEWS)
February 1, 2007... CuraGen Corporation and TopoTarget recently announced that they will expand enrollment into their clinical trial for Belinostat (PXD101) for treatment of Cutaneous T cell Lymphoma (CTCL). Interim results of an open-label trial of Belinostat for...

Phase II study of ARYS-01 for herpes zoster.(PIPELINE PREVIEWS)
February 1, 2007... Janus Pharmaceuticals Inc recently reported positive results of its topical ARYS-01 cream for the treatment of primary herpes zoster. These results are based on a phase II, placebo-controlled evaluation of the safety, efficacy, and absorption...

Phase III study of Nexavar fails to meet primary endpoint.(PIPELINE PREVIEWS)(Clinical report)
February 1, 2007... Bayer Pharmaceuticals Corporation and Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc recently announced that a phase III clinical trial examining Nexavar[R] (sorafenib) in the treatment of advanced melanoma did not meet its primary endpoint. The primary endpoint...

Genasense[R] as a first-line therapy for advanced melanoma.(PIPELINE PREVIEWS)(Clinical report)
February 1, 2007... Genta Incorporated recently announced the start of a new pilot clinical study to evaluate the dosing schedules, safety, and efficacy of Genasense injection (oblimersen sodium) in the treatment of advanced melanoma. Genasense acts by inhibiting...

FDA approves CTA for cosmetic augmentation.(PIPELINE PREVIEWS)
February 1, 2007... Anika Therapeutics, Inc recently received FDA approval for its CTA (cosmetic tissue augmentation) product. CTA is based on Anika's chemically modified hyaluronic acid technology and incorporates lidocaine. It is expected that the product will...

Cefprozil for uncomplicated skin and skin-structure infections.(PIPELINE PREVIEWS)
February 1, 2007... The FDA recently granted approval to Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals, Inc to manufacture and market Cefprozil tablets USP, 250 mg and 500 mg. This medication is the generic bioequivalent of Bristol Myers Squibb Company's Cefzil tablets, 250 mg and 500...

Phase II melanoma trial with positive survival data.(PIPELINE PREVIEWS)
February 1, 2007... Positive interim survival data from a phase II clinical trial treating patients with stage IV melanoma was recently reported. The study evaluated the addition of Zadaxin[R] (thymalfasin or thymosin alpha 1) to standard chemotherapy with...

Study comparing the safety and efficacy of tigecycline with ampicillin-sulbactam or amoxicillin-clavulanate to treat skin infections.(CLINICAL TRIAL REVIEW)
February 1, 2007... Sponsored by Wyeth. The purpose of this study is to compare the safety and efficacy of the antibiotic tigecycline with other antibiotics, ampicillin-sulbactam, and amoxicillin-clavutanate in the treatment of a complicated skin and/or skin...

Computer-based continuing education for doctors in examination and counseling of patients on skin cancer or weight control.(CLINICAL TRIAL REVIEW)
February 1, 2007... Sponsors and Collaborators: Rhode Island Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center and National Cancer Institute (NCI). This randomized clinical trial is studying how well computer-based continuing education courses work in improving doctors'...

Reconstitution with pimecrolimus cream 1% of steroid-damaged skin in adults with atopic dermatitis.(CLINICAL TRIAL REVIEW)
February 1, 2007... Sponsored by Novartis. Topical steroid use may lead to skin deterioration and spider veins. This study will examine long-term management of atopic dermatitis (AD) over 12 months with pimecrolimus cream 1% and its effect on skin reconstitution...

The effect of Efudex treatment on photoaged skin.(CLINICAL TRIAL REVIEW)
February 1, 2007... Sponsors and Collaborators: University of Michigan and Valeant Pharmaceuticals International. The purpose of this study is to determine if skin improvements will be seen following a course of Efudex, (5-fluorouracil). In addition, this research...

Study of cetuximab in squamous cell carcinoma of the skin expressing EGFR.(CLINICAL TRIAL REVIEW)
February 1, 2007... Sponsors and Collaborators: Centre Hospitalier of Chartres and Hospital of Chartres- France. The purpose of this study is to determine whether cetuximab is effective in the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of...

Clinical usefulness of optical skin biopsy.(CLINICAL TRIAL REVIEW)
February 1, 2007... Sponsors and Collaborators: National Taiwan University Hospital, National Science Council, Taiwan, and National Health Research Institutes, Taiwan. This study will examine the harmonics optical biopsy of a human skin sample using a femtosecond...

Effect of bosentan on skin fibrosis in patients with systemic sclerosis.(CLINICAL TRIAL REVIEW)
February 1, 2007... Sponsored by Heinrich-Heine University, Duesseldorf. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of bosentan treatment on skin fibrosis and functionality in patients with systemic sclerosis. Condition Intervention ...

Topical morphine for analgesia in patients with skin grafts.(CLINICAL TRIAL REVIEW)
February 1, 2007... Sponsored by Rambam Health Care Campus. The purpose of this study is to determine if topically applied morphine provides an effective and safe analgesia for skin-graft donor wounds. If found to be effective this could be an appealing...

Photodynamic therapy using silicon phthalocyanine 4 in treating patients with actinic keratosis, Bowen's disease, skin Cancer, or stage I or stage II mycosis fungoides.(CLINICAL TRIAL REVIEW)
February 1, 2007... Sponsors and Collaborators: Case Comprehensive Cancer Center and National Cancer Institute (NCI). This phase I trial is studying the side effects and best dose of photodynamic therapy using silicon phthalocyanine 4 in treating patients with...

Neuroskin Forte for dry skin relief in eczema and psoriasis.(CLINICAL TRIAL REVIEW)
February 1, 2007... Sponsors and Collaborators: University of Medicine and Dentistry New Jersey and AVVAA World Healthcare Products, Inc. The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of Neuroskin Forte in relieving the symptoms of dry skin in adults with...

Common allergens in skin tests for adult atopic dermatitis.(CLINICAL TRIAL REVIEW)
February 1, 2007... Sponsored by National Taiwan University Hospital. The purpose of this study is to analyze the common allergens revealed by skin tests in adult atopic dermatitis patients. Condition Atopic Dermatitis Study ID Numbers: 9461700672...

Split-thickness skin graft donor site wound healing study.(CLINICAL TRIAL REVIEW)(Medical condition overview)
February 1, 2007... Sponsored by University of Mississippi Medical Center. The purpose of this research study is to discover whether instruments widely used in skin research can be used to measure wound healing in split-thickness skin graft donor sites and whether...

The effects of microdermabrasion on skin remodeling.(CLINICAL TRIAL REVIEW)
February 1, 2007... Sponsored by University of Michigan. This research project aims to study the effects of microdermabrasion. We are interested in determining how microdermabrasion works at rebuilding the skin. Condition Intervention Healthy Skin...

ZD1839 (Iressa) for recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the skin.(CLINICAL TRIAL REVIEW)
February 1, 2007... Sponsored by M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of ZD1839 (Iressa) on patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. Patients will receive 250 mg ZD1839 daily by mouth...

Sunless tanning products as a substitute for sunbathing in healthy participants.(CLINICAL TRIAL REVIEW)
February 1, 2007... Sponsors and Collaborators: UMASS Memorial Cancer Center-University Campus and National Cancer Institute (NCI). This phase I/II trial is studying attitudes about the use of sunless tanning products and how well sunless tanning products work as...

Efficacy and safety study of dermal-living skin replacement to treat diabetic foot ulcers.(CLINICAL TRIAL REVIEW)
February 1, 2007... Sponsored by University of California, Davis. The purpose of this study is to test the efficacy and side effects, if any, of Dermal--LSR combined with standard treatment. We hypothesize the treatment will provide beneficial results for diabetic...

Determining the photoadaptation (tolerance) of depigmented skin to targeted phototherapy using UVB in patients with vitiligo.(CLINICAL TRIAL REVIEW)
February 1, 2007... Sponsored by Henry Ford Health System. The purpose of this study is to determine if vitiligo patients develop a tolerance (photoadaptation) to ultraviolet light therapy. Condition Intervention Vitiligo Procedure: 6 targeted...

Comparison of cephalexin versus clindamycin for empiric treatment of suspected CA-MRSA skin infections.(CLINICAL TRIAL REVIEW)
February 1, 2007... Sponsored by Johns Hopkins University. The purpose of this study is to help define the role of antibiotics in the treatment of pediatric skin infections caused by CA-MRSA. We hypothesize that treatment with cephalexin, a penicillin-like...

Genetic and clinical study of patients with xeroderma pigmentosum, Cockayne syndrome, or trichothiodystrophy.(CLINICAL TRIAL REVIEW)(Clinical report)
February 1, 2007... Sponsored by National Cancer Institute (NCI). The purpose of this clinical trial is to study the genetic and clinical features of patients who have xeroderma pigmentosum, Cockayne syndrome, the xeroderma pigmentosum/Cockayne syndrome complex,...

Photodynamic therapy in treating patients with skin cancer.(CLINICAL TRIAL REVIEW)
February 1, 2007... Sponsors and Collaborators: Roswell Park Cancer Institute and National Cancer Institute (NCI). This randomized phase II trial is studying how well photodynamic therapy that includes aminolevulinic acid works in treating patients with skin...