Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

B Kalis

Publications and source records attributed to B Kalis.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

[Prevalence of asymptomatic sexually transmitted infections among high-risk patients attending a free anonymous HIV-screening center].

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among patients attending an anonymous HIV Screening Center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study was performed in the HIV Screening Center of University hospital in Reims (France) from May 1997 to December 1997. The inclusion criteria were the asymptomatic clinical presentation and the presence of risk factors for sexually transmitted infections referring to WHO criteria. The methods included clinical examination after application of acetic acid and urethral and endocervical swabs to identify:Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis, Gardnerella vaginalis, Trichomonas vaginalis in specific culture. Treponema pallidum and HIV-1 infection were both detected by Enzym Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA). RESULTS: One hundred and one patients (62 men and 39 women) were included in the study. Their mean age was 27 +/- 4 Years. Risk factors for sexually transmitted infections were: multiple sexual partners 81 p. 100; homo or bisexuality 16 p. 100; intravenous drug use 3 p. 100. The sexually transmitted infections were: HIV-1 infection 1 p. 100;Ureaplasma urealyticum 25 p. 100; genital warts 5 p. 100;Chlamydia trachomatis 3 p. 100; Gardnerella vaginalis 3 p. 100; Mycoplasma hominis 2 p. 100; Treponema pallidum 0 p. 100; Neisseria gonorrhoeae 0 p. 100; Trichomonas vaginalis 0 p. 100. The prevalence of sexually transmitted infections was significantly higher among women (p<0.05). DISCUSSION: Classical sexually transmitted infections and HIV infection were rarely detected in this study; but prevalence of other sexually transmitted infections (genital warts, Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum) was high. Ureaplasma urealyticum is considered as a possible pathogenic agent in pregnant women (preterm delivery, decrease of birth weight, chorioamniotitis). These results suggest that other than sexually transmitted infections in high risk patients attending a HIV Screening Center other sexually transmitted infections should also be systematically screened for.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Cryosurgery of basal cell carcinoma: a study of 358 patients].

INTRODUCTION: Cryosurgery is a well-established therapeutic modality for basal cell carcinoma. We report herein an important series of basal cell carcinoma treated by cryosurgery, with a five year cure rate evaluation. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Retrospective study with 395 basal cell carcinomas (over 358 patients - sex ratio H/F: 0.85) treated by cryosurgery between 1981 and 1992. For each patient the data were: age, sex, size of the lesion, location, clinical sub-type, tissue-temperature monitoring, recurrence date and esthetic outcome. RESULT: The lesions were located on the face (93 p. 100) and back (7 p. 100). Mean size was 17 mm. Clinical sub-types were known for 178 lesions; 11 p. 100 of BCC were morpheaform. Tissue-temperature monitoring was performed for 55 p. 100 of cases. 111 tumors were observed for more than 5 years. The 5-year actuarial failure rate was 9 p. 100. The 5-year cure rate was not significantly altered by sex, size of lesions, location and clinical sub-type. No frequent recurrences were observed when tissue-temperature monitoring had not been performed. Complications were rare and esthetic outcome was good. DISCUSSION: The 5-year actuarial recurrence rate with cryosurgery is similar to conventional surgery. It is not essential to control tissue-temperature for preventing recurrences. Cryosurgery is a reliable treatment and outcome depends on surgeon experience. Quickness and low cost of this procedure argue for choosing cryosurgery when treating elderly patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

EMLA cream as a topical anesthetic for the repeated mechanical debridement of venous leg ulcers: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: A granulating surface is important for skin grafting and healing of leg ulcers. Mechanical debridement to remove necrotic tissue often must be stopped before completion because of pain. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to assess the effect of EMLA cream on the number of debridements required to obtain a clean ulcer and on pain during debridement and to determine its safety after repeated doses. METHODS: In this randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 69 patients with venous leg ulcers received cream before debridement until a clean ulcer was obtained (or a maximum of 15 debridements). RESULTS: EMLA decreased the median number of debridements required for a clean ulcer (EMLA 11.5, placebo >15; P = .019) and decreased pain by 50% (P = .003). Plasma levels of lidocaine, prilocaine, and their main metabolites were low without any apparent accumulation. CONCLUSION: EMLA produces effective pain relief for the debridement of leg ulcers and shortens the time to a clean ulcer.

Administration, Cutaneous↗
PubMed1998

A comparative study of cryogenic lesions in organ-cultured human skin and in reconstituted human skin equivalent.

Cryosurgery is a technique that is widely used in the treatment of cutaneous tumors. However, there are still features of healing in cryosurgery wounds that are incompletely understood and necessitate further study. In the present paper, we describe two in vitro models that were developed to study the initial stages of development of the cryolesion: reconstituted human skin and organ-cultured human skin. Cryolesions were generated in both models by applying a 2-mm-diameter cryoprobe at -196 degrees C for 35 s. Histological features were analyzed at days 0, 3, 5, and 14 following cryotreatment and showed epidermal detachment and keratinocyte necrosis very close to the findings reported in vivo. Results were similar in the two models. Gross alteration of the dermal architecture was noticed beneath the cryolesion, particularly in the reconstituted skin model. Cell proliferation was investigated at days 0, 3, and 5 by [3H]thymidine incorporation and Ki-67 antigen immunolabeling. In the case of organ-cultured skin, a significant increase in keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation was observed at day 3, compared to the controls. At day 5, a return to the basic level was noticed. This was not observed in the reconstituted skin model at either day 3 or day 5. These data led us to propose that organ-cultured skin may be a useful model for evaluating the response of human skin to freezing; reconstituted skin was not adequate for this purpose.

Cryosurgery↗
PubMed1998

[Lichenoid contact dermatitis from the ink of a red pen].

INTRODUCTION: Numerous cutaneous inflammatory reactions have been reported in literature, after using red dyes; most of them are lichenoid reactions and occur after tattooing. Few reports have mentioned inflammatory complications after using red ink. CASE REPORT: A 21-year-old woman was examined for papular erythematous, pruritic lesions on the back of her left hand. They developed within the area of a red inked pen writing, a few days before. There was an isomorphic reaction on the cheek which was in contact with the hand during sleep. Diagnosis of lichen reaction to red ink was made, and histologically confirmed on the hand. DISCUSSION: We report the first case to our knowledge of lichen reaction to red inked pen, which can be compared to hypersensitivity reactions to red pigment reported in literature. A Koebner phenomenon by friction, usual with lichen, is possible, but doesn't explain the reaction on the cheek. A contact dermatitis to red pigment of ink can also be suggested, although mostly eczema-like reactions have so far been reported; it seems moreover that lichenoid reactions reported only occur after intradermal injection of pigment during tattooing. This contact mechanism would nevertheless explain both localizations of lichen reaction in our patient.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

[Multiple isolated cutaneous myxomas].

INTRODUCTION: Cutaneous myxomas are rare. They are more often single; when they are multiple, they may be one of the component of the Carney's syndrome. CASE REPORT: We report a case of multiple and isolated cutaneous myxomas arising at 19 year-old. Diagnosis was confirmed by histologic studies. Examination failed to reveal other cutaneous or visceral features. DISCUSSION: The multiplicity of cutaneous myxomas is an essential element for diagnosis of Carney's syndrome; other components and notably atrial myxomas can appeared over time. Normal visceral explorations don't eliminated the diagnosis, and follow-up including screening echocardiography must be ensured before concluding, as in our case, as multiple and isolated cutaneous myxomas.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

[Chronic depigmentation due to positive patch tests for methacryate derivatives].

INTRODUCTION: Many chemical products are known to induce depigmentation. This phenomenon was never reported with methacrylates which are components of acrylic resine. CASE REPORT: A female patient with artificial nails developed contact dermatitis. Localized depigmentation at the site of positive patch tests to methacrylates derivatives was observed. DISCUSSION: The chemical substance could have a direct influence either by its toxic effect or by the induced inflammatory reaction.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Antagonistic effects of interferon-gamma and interleukin-4 on fibroblast cultures.

A major characteristic of scleroderma (SSc) fibroblasts is an increased biosynthesis of extracellular matrix macromolecules that could be linked to impaired regulation by cytokines. We investigated the effects of two cytokines from T lymphocytes, interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), on normal and scleroderma fibroblast cultures. In both types of fibroblasts, IL-4 strongly stimulated collagen synthesis, whereas IFN-gamma was a potent inhibitor. The effects of these cytokines were localized at the pre-translational level, and both mRNA steady-state level and protein synthesis were equally affected. SSc fibroblasts responded to IL-4 and IFN-gamma as well as normal fibroblasts. When fibroblasts were incubated with combinations of both cytokines, IFN-gamma completely suppressed the stimulation of collagen gene expression induced by IL-4. Northern blot and western blot analyses demonstrated that IFN-gamma induced a rapid and strong decrease in the expression of the IL-4 receptor-alpha by fibroblasts. This effect might explain the antagonistic effects of IFN-gamma on the IL-4-dependent enhancement of collagen synthesis. Thus, our data suggest that the alteration of collagen production in scleroderma fibroblasts does not depend on an altered sensitivity of these cells to stimulatory or inhibitory cytokines but is more likely the consequence of an imbalance in the local production of autocrine or paracrine regulatory factors.

Cell Division↗
PubMed1997

[Palmoplantar filiform parakeratotic hyperkeratosis and digestive adenocarcinoma].

INTRODUCTION: There are very few observations of filiform palmo-plantar hyperkeratosis reported. Nevertheless it's worth knowing this entity for his potential association with a visceral neoplasia. CASE REPORT: We report the first case of filiform palmo-plantar hyperkeratosis associated with a digestive adenocarcinoma and a polycystic kidney disease. DISCUSSION: After a review of palmar and plantar filiform hyperkeratosis in the literature, we will discuss the possible association with neoplasia or other pathologies. This pathology requires a strict clinical and paraclinical follow-up.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1996

[Unilateral gustatory flushing syndrome in a child].

BACKGROUND: Auriculo-temporal syndrome is rarely seen in children: it is sometimes considered as secondary to an obstetrical injury. CASE REPORT: A 2.5 year-old boy was examined because he suffered from post-prandial flushing of the right cheek for 2 years. He was born normally and neurologic examination was normal. The rash was not associated with sweating or tearing. CONCLUSION: There is no evidence to support food allergy in this case: rather, this syndrome probably occurs in response to salivation.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed1996

Alteration of matrix macromolecule synthesis by fibroblasts from a patient with pachydermoperiostosis.

Pachydermoperiostosis (primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy) is a very rare genetic disease characterized by pachydermia, periostosis, arthralgia, and finger clubbing. Its pathophysiology is still unclear, but previous studies have reported connective tissue hypertrophy in the skin of these patients. We investigated the synthesis of collagen, fibronectin, and proteoglycans by fibroblasts from affected and unaffected skin from one patient with pachydermoperiostosis and four normal donors. We found that collagen synthesis was largely decreased in fibroblasts from the diseased skin, whereas the synthesis of the small dermatan-sulfate-containing proteoglycan decorin strongly increased. Fibroblasts from the unaffected skin of the patient exhibited syntheses of these macromolecules similar to control fibroblasts from healthy donors. Northern blot and dot blot analyses showed decreased pro alpha 1 (I) collagen in patient's affected and unaffected skin fibroblasts whereas increased decorin mRNA levels were found in fibroblasts from the patient's affected skin. No change in cell proliferation was observed. These data demonstrate an alteration of fibroblast biosynthetic activity in the skin lesions of pachydermoperiostosis, which may be responsible, at least in part, for the patient's phenotype.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Erythema multiforme due to pyrazinamide.

Drug-induced erythema multiforme is reported with many antimicrobial and antipyretic medications. We present one patient who experienced erythema multiforme and urticaria after administration of pyrazinamide for treatment of cutaneous tuberculosis. The side-effects of pyrazinamide include hepatic or dermatologic disorders, but erythema multiforme has not yet, to our knowledge, been described. Clinical features and discontinuation and reintroduction of the drug led us to consider pyrazinamide the cause of the erythema multiforme, but allergologic studies remained negative, except for the presence of circulating immune complexes. The mechanism of this eruption remains obscure, and definite withdrawal of pyrazinamide seems to be the best therapeutic choice.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

Double-blind multicentre comparative study of ebastine, terfenadine and placebo in the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria in adults.

Ebastine is a new second generation histamine H1 receptor antagonist that has shown clinical efficacy in the treatment of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria after once-daily administration. This double-blind multicentre randomised placebo-controlled study has investigated the long term efficacy of ebastine 10mg once daily in the treatment of chronic urticaria compared with that of terfenadine 60mg twice daily. At the end of a 3-month treatment period, ebastine was significantly superior to placebo in improving symptoms of chronic urticaria (including severity of itching, number of wheals per day), and its efficacy was similar to that of terfenadine. In a global assessment of efficacy, investigators considered chronic urticaria to have improved in 73% of ebastine recipients compared with 68% and 52% of patients treated with terfenadine or placebo, respectively. The patients' assessments of efficacy were similar to those of the investigators. Ebastine was well tolerated, the incidence and nature of adverse events with this agent being similar to those reported in patients treated with terfenadine or placebo. The most common adverse events were headache and dry mouth. Thus, these results, which show ebastine to be an effective and well tolerated agent, indicated that the drug should be considered for the first-line therapy of chronic urticaria.

Adult↗