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Biomedical subjects

Christopher M Hull

Publications and source records attributed to Christopher M Hull.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Dermatitis herpetiformis and partial IgA deficiency.

Although the specific IgA autoantibody responsible for the pathogenesis of dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is unknown, the presence of IgA is considered essential in the pathogenesis of DH. To date, no cases of IgA deficiency have been reported in DH. In contrast, IgA deficiency is found in 2% to 3% of patients with celiac disease, a rate 10 to 15 times higher than the normal population. We report 2 patients with DH who also have partial IgA deficiency. We evaluated the sera of these patients for the presence of IgA autoantibodies to endomysium, tissue transglutaminase, epidermal transglutaminase, and gliadin. Both patients were found to have IgA endomysial and tissue transglutaminase antibodies, and serologic markers for DH. Corresponding IgG autoantibodies were not useful serologic markers of DH in the setting of IgA deficiency, as they often are in celiac disease. We then screened 98 DH sera for total IgA levels and identified 1 additional case with IgA deficiency. In conclusion, DH may develop in patients with partial IgA deficiency, indicating that pathogenically directed IgA antibodies are likely sufficient for cutaneous IgA deposition in this disease.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Argyria associated with colloidal silver supplementation.

A 65-year-old male presented for skin examination and was incidentally noted to have discoloration of the fingernails. These findings were completely asymptomatic. The patient had been taking colloidal silver supplementation (Silverzone 140 ppm silver Gifts of Nature, St. George, UT, USA) for 2 years as therapy for diabetes. He first noticed the onset of nail discoloration 1 year ago. His past medical history included type II diabetes and hypertension. His current medications were metformin, glyburide, and benazepril. Physical examination revealed slate-gray discoloration involving the lunulae of the fingernails (Fig. 1). The skin, mucous membranes, and sclerae were unaffected.

Aged↗