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Biomedical subjects

J L Shupack

Publications and source records attributed to J L Shupack.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Diagnostic ultrasound in dermatology: current uses and future potential.

Although ultrasound has been used for many years for a variety of medical diagnostic purposes, only recently have systems been designed that allow for its application to skin. High-resolution ultrasound systems now permit accurate, quantitative, noninvasive assessment of skin and cutaneous diseases. This technique will assist in the management of both inflammatory and neoplastic processes. Scans of skin obtained with a prototype high-resolution ultrasound system are presented. The computer-assisted creation of three-dimensional images from sequential B-mode scans is described.

Humans↗

Three-dimensional imaging for diagnostic ultrasound in dermatology.

BACKGROUND: Visual examination and cutaneous biopsies, two major tools in dermatologic diagnosis, do not provide structural information regarding the entire tissue volume. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to develop a high-resolution ultrasound system that quickly, with minimal operator interaction, displays structural data on the entire tissue volume. METHODS: A prototype ultrasound B-scan system was developed and operated at nominal center frequencies between 35 and 50 MHz, with computer processing of data to produce three-dimensional images. These images displayed as three-dimensional "blocks" can be sectioned to provide multiple images of internal structure (i.e., "acoustic biopsies"). RESULTS: B-scans and associated three-dimensional images were obtained from assorted skin sites in selected patients. CONCLUSION: This technique provides a valuable diagnostic tool that is now being further evaluated.

Adult↗

Diflorasone diacetate ointment 0.05% versus betamethasone dipropionate ointment 0.05% in moderate-severe plaque-type psoriasis.

We report the results of a 2-week double-blind, parallel clinical trial comparing two superpotent topical glucocorticosteroid ointments, diflorasone diacetate 0.05% and betamethasone dipropionate 0.05%, in psoriatic adults. Both corticosteroid ointments were fast acting and highly efficacious. 40 of the 44 patients who initially enrolled completed the trial. There were no statistically significant differences between the two glucocorticoids with respect to erythema, scaling, induration or the investigator's global evaluation after either 1 or 2 weeks of therapy. The level of patient satisfaction with the efficacy and cosmetic acceptability of these two category I glucocorticoids was similar. No systemic or local adverse reactions were noted.

Administration, Topical↗

Inocoterone and acne. The effect of a topical antiandrogen: results of a multicenter clinical trial.

BACKGROUND AND METHODS: Because acne is androgen dependent, antiandrogen therapy might improve the condition. Inocoterone acetate (RU 882) is a nonsteroidal antiandrogen that binds to the androgen receptor and has antiandrogenic activity in animal models. To test its topical effect on acne, 126 male subjects with facial acne completed a 16-week, multi-center, double-blind study in which the twice-daily application of a 10% solution of inocoterone was compared with vehicle solution. Baseline and monthly examinations included acne lesion counts and general and endocrine laboratory tests. RESULTS: Inflammatory papules and pustules showed greater reduction in the inocoterone-treated subjects than in the subjects treated with vehicle. This difference achieved statistical significance by week 12 (24% reduction vs 10%) and week 16 (26% reduction vs 13%) and, with longitudinal analysis, throughout the course of the study. Global assessments and changes in comedo counts and sebum excretion rates were not significantly different between the groups. No serious adverse reactions were encountered. CONCLUSIONS: In this double-blind study of 126 male subjects with acne, a topical solution of the antiandrogen inocoterone, compared with vehicle, produced a modest but statistically significant reduction in the number of inflammatory acne lesions.

Acne Vulgaris↗

Elevation of fasting serum lipids in patients treated with low-dose cyclosporine for severe plaque-type psoriasis. An assessment of clinical significance when viewed as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

BACKGROUND: Hyperlipidemia has received little attention as a side effect of cyclosporine therapy for severe psoriasis. OBJECTIVE: We report changes in fasting serum lipids in patients treated with low-dose oral cyclosporine for psoriasis and discuss their significance. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with severe, recalcitrant, plaque-type psoriasis were treated with cyclosporine, 5 mg/kg/day, for 12 to 16 weeks. Fasting serum lipid levels (triglycerides, cholesterol, and high-density lipoproteins) were measured at 2-week intervals. RESULTS: The mean serum triglyceride level increased from 117.8 +/- 11.7 mg/dl before initiation of therapy to 183.9 +/- 31.4 mg/dl after 2 weeks of treatment, without further significant change during the remainder of the study (p less than 0.007). A significant elevation of serum cholesterol from 207.1 +/- 8.1 mg/dl initially to 247.4 +/- 10.2 mg/dl after 2 weeks of treatment occurred (p less than 0.001) and persisted with continued cyclosporine therapy. No consistent alteration in high-density lipoprotein was noted (p less than 0.42). CONCLUSION: Serum lipids should be closely monitored in psoriasis patients receiving intermediate or long-term therapy with cyclosporine, especially in the presence of elevated baseline values.

Adult↗

A portable pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) device to enhance healing of recalcitrant venous ulcers: a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicentre study assessed the clinical efficacy and safety of pulsed electromagnetic limb ulcer therapy (PELUT) in the healing of recalcitrant, predominantly venous leg ulcers. The portable device was used at home for 3 h daily during this 8-week clinical trial as an adjunct to a wound dressing. Wound surface area, ulcer depth and pain intensity were assessed at weeks 0, 4 and 8. At week 8 the active group had a 47.7% decrease in wound surface area vs. a 42.3% increase for placebo (P < 0.0002). Investigators' global evaluations indicated that 50% of the ulcers in the active group healed or markedly improved vs. 0% in the placebo group, and 0% of the active group worsened vs. 54% of the placebo group (P < 0.001). Significant decreases in wound depth (P < 0.04) and pain intensity (P < 0.04) favouring the active group were seen. Patients whose ulcers improved significantly after 8 weeks were permitted to continue double-blind therapy for an additional 4 weeks. Eleven active and one placebo patient continued therapy until week 12, with the active treatment group continuing to show improvement. There were no reports of adverse events attributable to this device. We conclude that the PELUT device is a safe and effective adjunct to non-surgical therapy for recalcitrant venous leg ulcers.

Adult↗

Weekly low-dose methotrexate therapy for cutaneous sarcoidosis.

Three patients with severe, treatment-resistant cutaneous sarcoidosis were treated with low-dose oral methotrexate on a weekly basis. Facial granulomas and ulcerations responded best. A response was apparent after several weeks of treatment, but 6 to 9 months were required to reach maximal effect.

Administration, Oral↗

The future of topical therapy for cutaneous aging.

The elements of cutaneous aging have been well described and include changes of intrinsic or chronologic aging as well as changes of extrinsic or environmental aging. We also include male pattern alopecia in this category. The current dominance of tretinoin in cutaneous aging therapy is likely to be challenged by newer classes of retinoids, by topical antiandrogens, and by alternative treatments for proliferative lesions.

Administration, Cutaneous↗