Journal of Drugs in Dermatology articles from July 2004

Journal of Drugs in Dermatology archives from July 2004

A letter from the Editor-in-Chief.
July 1, 2004... We are very fortunate this year that there has been a big increase in the number of new products that have become available to dermatologists--products for treating skin diseases, for the enhancement of the appearance of the face and body, and...

Imiquimod: a potential weapon against morphea and fibromatoses.(LETTERS TO THE EDITOR)(Letter to the Editor)
July 1, 2004... It has been shown that fibroblasts from morphoeic lesions and also fibromatoses (such as the Dupuytren's and Peyronie's diseases), like keloidal fibroblasts, secrete increased amounts of collagen due to the largely unknown causes. It is...

5 alpha-reductase and finasteride in pattern alopecia and acne.(LETTERS TO THE EDITOR)(Letter to the Editor)
July 1, 2004... The Food and Drug Administration approved finasteride (Propecia) in 1997 for male pattern baldness. The drug has successfully aided male androgenetic alopecia as well as prostatic hypertrophy, but its benefit for acne is still in question. The...

Theodore B. Sutnick, MD (1912-2004).(MEMORIAM)
July 1, 2004... Theodore (Ted) B. Sutnick, MD, one of the first Mohs surgeons, died on May 26, 2004, at the age of 92, following a long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Ted departed a busy dermatology practice in New York to train in "Mohs...

Clobetasol propionate shampoo 0.05%: a new option to treat patients with moderate to severe scalp psoriasis.(ARTICLES)
July 1, 2004... Abstract Psoriasis is a chronic, papulosquamous condition that affects up to 2% of the U.S. population. Approximately 50% of patients with psoriasis have involvement of the scalp. This was a multicentre, randomized, vehicle-controlled,...

Improved quality of life with effective Treatment of Facial Melasma: the PIGMENT trial.(ARTICLES)
July 1, 2004... Abstract/Summary Melasma is a common hyperpigmentation of the face or neck that can have severe adverse psychological and emotional effects on affected individuals. Although a variety of treatments have been used over the years, results...

Poly-L-lactic acid: a temporary filler for soft tissue augmentation.(ARTICLES)
July 1, 2004... Abstract A number of soft tissue filling agents are available in the U.S. and Europe. In Europe, poly-L-lactic acid was approved for soft tissue augmentation and correction of wrinkles in 1999. The clinical results from this synthetic...

Overview on desonide 0.05%: a clinical safety profile.(ARTICLES)
July 1, 2004... Abstract Desonide (as a cream, ointment, or lotion formulation) is widely used for the treatment of steroid-responsive dermatoses. This paper provides information on its safety record, as determined from adverse event reports and published...

Phase IV, open-label assessment of the treatment of actinic keratosis with 3.0% diclofenac sodium topical gel (Solaraze[TM]).(ARTICLES)
July 1, 2004... Abstract A clearance rate of all occurrences [greater than or equal to]75% for actinic keratoses (AK) lesions is an accepted efficacy endpoint for topical agents. This efficacy endpoint has not been assessed for 3.0% diclofenac sodium gel...

Telithromycin: a brief review of a new ketolide antibiotic.(ARTICLES)
July 1, 2004... Abstract Telithromycin (Ketek[TM], Aventis) is a semisynthetic antibacterial agent belonging to a class of drugs called ketolides, which are a variation on the existing class of antibiotics known as macrolides (e.g., erythromycin), whose...

A double-blinded randomized trial testing the tolerability and efficacy of a novel topical agent with and without occlusion for the treatment of cellulite: a study and review of the literature.(ARTICLES)
July 1, 2004... Abstract Cellulite is the unsightly dimpling and nodularity frequently found on the thighs and buttocks of post-adolescent women. The anatomy and pathophysiology of this unwanted condition is poorly understood. The paucity of research...

The use of sulfur in dermatology.(FOCUS ON: THE USE OF SULFUR IN DERMATOLOGY)
July 1, 2004... Abstract Sulfur has antifungal, antibacterial, and keratolytic activity. In the past, its use was widespread in dermatological disorders such as acne vulgaris, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, pityriasis versicolor, scabies, and...

Disseminate and recurrent infundibulofolliculitis: response to isotretinoin.(CASE REPORTS)
July 1, 2004... Abstract Disseminate and recurrent infundibulofolliculitis (DRIF) is a rarely-reported disorder. Here, the authors describe a case in which isotretinoin was successfully used to treat DRIF. ********** Case Report A...

Lichen planus pigmentosus presenting as diffuse facial melanosis.(CASE REPORTS)
July 1, 2004... Abstract Lichen planus pigmmentosus (LPP), an uncommon variant of lichen planus, has been characterized by hyperpigmented, dark brown macules in sun-exposed areas and flexural folds. In this paper, an unusual case of LPP showing diffuse...

Pustular psoriasis induced by infliximab.(CASE REPORTS)
July 1, 2004... Abstract Pustular psoriasis is an uncommon variant of psoriasis characterized by widespread pustules on an erythematous background. Recent reports document the efficacy of immunobiologic agents such as infliximab in the treatment of...

Treatment of pyoderma gangrenosum with etanercept.(CASE REPORTS)
July 1, 2004... Abstract We describe a patient with pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) whose lesions responded to etanercept therapy. This disease has been recognized for diverse underlying pathology and associated immune disturbances. Although the role of...

Elephantiasis nostrum verrucosa of the abdomen: clinical results with tazarotene.(CASE REPORTS)
July 1, 2004... Abstract Elephantiasis nostras verrucosa represents an uncommon yet distinct clinical entity resulting from chronic lymphedema of an extremity or body region. Characterized by profound non-pitting edema with cobblestone-like papules,...

Impetigo herpetiformis in a primigravida: successful treatment with etretinate.(CASE REPORTS)
July 1, 2004... Abstract Impetigo herpetiformis (IH) is a rare dermatosis which usually occurs during the third trimester of pregnancy. It is characterized by acute erythematosquamous plaques covered with tiny superficial pustules in a herpetiform...

A dramatic change in HIV treatment.(SKIN CANCER FOUNDATION UPDATE)
July 1, 2004... The course of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease has changed dramatically since the development of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Antiretroviral therapy, a combination of medicines, was introduced in the mid 1990s, and, although it does...

Etanercept (Enbrel) approved for treatment of psoriasis.(PIPELINE PREVIEWS)
July 1, 2004... Amgen Inc. and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals announced in April that the FDA has approved etanercept for the treatment of adult patients (18 years or older) with chronic moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or...

Imiquimod approved for treatment of actinic keratoses.(PIPELINE PREVIEWS)
July 1, 2004... The FDA has granted marketing approval for Imiquimod (Aldara) cream, 5%, a topical prescription treatment for clinically typical, nonhyperkeratotic, nonhypertrophic actinic keratoses (AK) on the face or scalp in immunocompetent adults....

Imiquimod receives nod from FDA for treatment of superficial basal cell carcinomas.(PIPELINE PREVIEWS)
July 1, 2004... 3M has received an "approvable" letter from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in response to its supplemental new drug application on Imiquimod (Aldara) Cream, 5% for the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC), a common...

FDA approves chewable antihistamine, Zyrtec (Cetirizine), for children.(PIPELINE PREVIEWS)
July 1, 2004... Cetirizine HCL (Zyrtec) will now be available in chewable form. The FDA approved the grape-flavored chewable tablets for children aged 2 years and up in the treatment of allergies and urticaria. This dosing alternative provides kids an...

TKT begins clinical trial for Gaucher disease.(PIPELINE PREVIEWS)
July 1, 2004... Transkaryotic Therapies (TKT) has initiated a clinical trial to evaluate the safety and clinical activity of GA-GCB, its enzyme replacement therapy for the treatment of Gaucher disease. TKT is a biopharmaceutical company with a major focus on...

FDA approves Nasacort HFA (triamcinolone acetonide) Nasal Aerosol for perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis.(PIPELINE PREVIEWS)
July 1, 2004... Aventis announced that the FDA has approved Nasacort HFA (triamcinolone acetonide) Nasal Aerosol for the treatment of nasal symptoms associated with seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis in adults and children age 6 and older. Nasacort HFA...

TransTech Pharma completes first Phase I clinical trial.(PIPELINE PREVIEWS)
July 1, 2004... TransTech Pharma has successfully completed a Phase I clinical testing of its first drug candidate, TTP889. An orally bioavailable selective inhibitor of the intrinsic coagulation pathway, TTP889 is being developed as an anticoagulant for the...

FDA approves pain-patch lidocaine delivery system.(PIPELINE PREVIEWS)
July 1, 2004... Vyteris announced the FDA has approved the company's LidoSite topical anesthetic system to provide local pain relief during superficial dermatologic procedures, such as venipuncture, intravenous cannulation and laser ablation of superficial...

Avanir completes Phase I study of experimental asthma/allergy drug.(PIPELINE PREVIEWS)
July 1, 2004... Avanir Pharmaceuticals has completed the initial Phase I clinical trial for its experimental asthma/allergy drug, AVP 13358. The company has identified a series of active, small molecule compounds that selectively inhibit or prevent the...

Corixa announces initiation of Phase I clinical trial of CRX-675.(PIPELINE PREVIEWS)
July 1, 2004... Corixa Corporation announced the initiation of a Phase I clinical trial to test the safety and immune response activity of CRX-675 for seasonal allergic rhinitis. CRX-675 is a member of Corixa's family of proprietary compounds that interact...

Thalidomode as a potential treatment for scleromyxedema.(WASHINGTON WHISPERS)
July 1, 2004... Caradonna S, Jacobe H. Arch Dermatol 2004 Mar; 140(3):277-80. The authors present a case of a 39-year-old female with a history of scleromyxedema for about one year. The patient's only complaint was of limited joint mobility. A skin biopsy...

Treatment of cutaneous sarcoidosis with thalidomide.(WASHINGTON WHISPERS)
July 1, 2004... Nguyen YT, et al. J Am Acad Dermatol 2004 Feb; 50(2):235-41. The authors set out to assess the efficacy and tolerance of thalidomide for cutaneous sarcoidosis. They performed a retrospective evaluation of thalidomide in 12 patients with...

The effect of inositol supplements on the psoriasis of patients taking lithium: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.(WASHINGTON WHISPERS)
July 1, 2004... Allan SJ, et al. Br J Dermatol 2004 May; 150(5):966-9. The authors state that lithium carbonate has the ability to trigger and exacerbate psoriasis. The authors set forth to determine if inositol supplements improve the psoriasis of...

Tertiary contact vaccinia in a breastfeeding infant.(WASHINGTON WHISPERS)
July 1, 2004... Garde V, Harper D, Fairchok MP. JAMA. 2004 Feb 11; 291(6):725-7. The authors present a case study of a US Army soldier who received primary smallpox vaccination and experienced a primary uptake reaction at the inoculation site on days 6...

Tacrolimus ointment in the treatment of eyelid dermatitis.(WASHINGTON WHISPERS)
July 1, 2004... Freeman AK, et al. Cutis 2004 Apr; 73(4):267-71. The authors present an open-label trial for safety and efficacy of tacrolimus ointment 0.1% (Protopic) for the treatment of atopic dermatitis of the eyelids. Twenty-one patients with moderate...

Bioengineered skin and wound healing.(CLINICAL TRIAL REVIEW)
July 1, 2004... This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsored by National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) This study will look at whether a graft of bioengineered skin (BSC), known commercially as...

Celecoxib in preventing skin Cancer.(CLINICAL TRIAL REVIEW)
July 1, 2004... This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsored by Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, National Cancer Institute (NCI) This is a randomized phase II trial to study the effectiveness of celecoxib in preventing skin cancer...

Photodynamic therapy in treating patients with skin cancer or solid tumors metastatic to the skin.(CLINICAL TRIAL REVIEW)
July 1, 2004... This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsored by Ireland Cancer Center, National Cancer Institute (NCI) This is a phase I trial to study the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy in treating patients who have either squamous...

The acquisition of blood and skin samples from normal volunteers to support research activities on dermatologic diseases.(CLINICAL TRIAL REVIEW)
July 1, 2004... This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsored by National Cancer Institute (NCI) This protocol is concerned with the acquisition of blood, skin, and mucosal samples from normal volunteers to support the basic science research...

Oral acyclovir for neonatal HSV disease of the skin, eyes, and mouth.(CLINICAL TRIAL REVIEW)
July 1, 2004... This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsored by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) The purpose of this study is to test whether long-term treatment with oral acyclovir improves the outcome for...

Characterizing serum protein patterns in selected skin diseases.(CLINICAL TRIAL REVIEW)
July 1, 2004... This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsored by National Cancer Institute (NCI) The purpose of this study is to determine whether computer-aided analysis of proteins found in the blood can distinguish between the serum...

Phase II randomized study of cultured skin substitutes versus split thickness skin grafts in patients with severe burn injuries.(CLINICAL TRIAL REVIEW)
July 1, 2004... This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsored by FDA Office of Orphan Products Development, University of Cincinnati The primary objective of this study is to determine the safety and efficacy of biosynthetic skin substitute...

Examination of clinical and laboratory abnormalities in patients with defective DNA repair: xeroderma pigmentosum, Cockayne syndrome, or trichothiodystrophy.(CLINICAL TRIAL REVIEW)
July 1, 2004... This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsored by National Cancer Institute (NCI) Four rare genetic diseases, xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), Cockayne syndrome (CS), the XP/CS complex and trichothiodystrophy (TTD) have defective...

Continuing care and treatment for patients with cancer/AIDS/skin disease.(CLINICAL TRIAL REVIEW)
July 1, 2004... This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsored by National Cancer Institute (NCI) This protocol is to provide continuing medical/surgical/radio-therapeutic care, treatment and follow-up for NCI patients not currently entered on...

Screening patients for NCI protocol eligibility.(CLINICAL TRIAL REVIEW)
July 1, 2004... This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsored by National Cancer Institute (NCI) The purpose of this protocol is to provide patients with adequate informed consent to understand that screening tests with minimal health risk...

Evaluation and treatment of patients with dermatologic diseases.(CLINICAL TRIAL REVIEW)
July 1, 2004... This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsored by National Cancer Institute (NCI) This is a training, natural history of disease, and screening protocol for the evaluation, treatment and follow-up of patients with dermatologic...

Radiation therapy in treating patients with head and neck cancer.(CLINICAL TRIAL REVIEW)
July 1, 2004... This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsored by Medical Research Council Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to damage tumor cells. It is not yet known which regimen of radiation therapy is more effective for head and...

Incidence.(DEFINING CHARACTERISTICS OF ACNE)
July 1, 2004... Dr. Robins: Approximately 17 million people in the United States currently have acne. Therefore, it constitutes a large part of the dermatologist's daily office visits. Dr. White: Traditionally, people consider acne a teenage condition,...

Clinical features.(DEFINING CHARACTERISTICS OF ACNE)
July 1, 2004... Dr. Robins: What are the observable clinical features of acne? Dr. Shalita: As Dr. Bernard Ackerman would say, "Zits and Goobers," which was the title of Dr. Ackerman's book for children. Actually, you can divide acne arbitrarily into...

Presentations at different stages.(DEFINING CHARACTERISTICS OF ACNE)
July 1, 2004... Dr. Berson: Acne has a different clinical presentation in adolescents than in adults, but it isn't cut and dried. Dr. Brand: Very often the first clinical presentations are comedones on the forehead and around the nose area. Those are often...

Influences.(DEFINING CHARACTERISTICS OF ACNE)
July 1, 2004... Dr. Robins: We should say more about the influence of various factors on acne. Dr. Shalita: We've already touched on stress, hormones, and genetics. Dr. Robins: Let's review them in detail. Dr. Berson: For starters, family history...

Skin care.(TREATMENT)
July 1, 2004... Dr. Shupack: The treatment of acne starts with skin care. Dr. White: And proper cleansing could be considered the most basic step in skin care. You wash gently, with no vigorous scrubbing. Dr. Berson: It is an important part of...

Topical retinoids.(TREATMENT)
July 1, 2004... Dr. Berson: I think we all try to incorporate a topical retinoid in our regimen whether the patient has predominantly comedonal acne or inflammatory acne. We were all originally taught that retinoids are comedolytic and can decrease comedonal...

Combination treatments.(TREATMENT)
July 1, 2004... Dr. Shalita: Benzoyl peroxide is the most potent topical antibacterial as a single agent because it is bactericidal, whereas the topical antibiotics are bacteriostatic. The only advantage topical antibiotics have, which is why I like to use...

Oral antibiotics.(TREATMENT)
July 1, 2004... Dr. Robins: We have to discuss oral antibiotics. Dr. Shalita: The problem I started alluding to before, the decreased sensitivity of bacteria to antibiotics, is getting to be a major issue. The bacteria are virtually all resistant to...

Hormones.(TREATMENT)
July 1, 2004... Dr. Brand: Hormones are an important category for a population that we often see--adult women with a lot of cyclic flares of their acne. Oral contraceptives can play a vital role for adult women who have not responded to topicals. It's a...

Office-based procedure.(TREATMENT)
July 1, 2004... Dr. Shalita: I never do comedo extraction on the first visit. Dr. Berson: Never. You want to loosen them up first with the topical retinoid. Dr. Shalita: Unless you want to antagonize the patient--extraction hurts. Dr. Berson:...

Laser treatment.(TREATMENT)
July 1, 2004... Dr. Robins: How is the laser used with acne? Dr. Shalita: Blue light, a visible light of 410-420 nm, activates the porphyrins in P. acnes. They have an action spectrum at a higher wavelength too, but the peak activity is there. We found...

Concluding remarks.(TREATMENT)
July 1, 2004... Dr. Robins: Does anyone have any concluding remarks? Dr. Shalita: The population is increasing, and acne is increasing along with it. Dr. Robins: Percentage-wise, do you see more and more acne today? Do people have more insurance that...