Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to J S Comaish.
White soft paraffin has been shown to inhibit the development of the isomorphic response (Kobner phenomenon) in psoriasis. The possible reasons for this are discussed and it is suggested that this finding has implications which should lead to a greater understanding of the nature of psoriasis.
Behçet's syndrome is reported in a family of which four generations have so far been affected. The index patient also exhibited an unusual schizo-affective disorder. The histocompatibility antigen haplotype 1-17 was common to four with the disease. Genetic transmission may be responsible for the familial nature of the syndrome and the associated schizophrenia.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
A patient with tuberculous meningitis developed a pellagra-like skin eruption after treatment with isoniazid. Administration of the drug was continued, and a topical preparation of niacinamide (nico-tinamide) was applied to one half of the face and the back of one hand. The areas treated responded rapidly, and subsequently all affected areas of the patient were treated, with almost complete resolution of the rash. At the same time, there was noticeable improvement in the patient's depression and apathy. We suggest that all of these changes could be due to percutaneous absorption of niacinamide.
Plasma immunoreactive beta-melanocyte stimulating hormone (beta-MSH) concentrations were greatly increased in patients with chronic renal failure. There was no correlation between the severity of the renal failure or the degree of pigmentation and the plasma beta-MSH levels.
The determination of nickel by instrumental neutron activation is presented. The 58Ni (n, p) 58Co reaction and high-resolution gamma spectroscopy were employed in these measurements. The nickel content of human hair was found to be more dependent upon the sex of the donor than upon other parameters. Mean values for males (1.01 +/- 0.23 ppm) and females (4.21 +/- 0.54 ppm) agreed with values for the nickel content of hair obtained by other methods in most cases. Nickel sensitivity was not reflected in the nickel contents of hair in the female.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Hydroxyurea is an effective treatment for psoriasis but consistently produces macrocytosis in peripheral blood with a fall in haemoglobin levels and white cell counts. In this long-term study of 16 patients anaemia and leukopenia have proved frequent and troublesome side effects requiring discontinuance of treatment in many cases. In view of these findings hydroxyurea cannot be recommended as the drug of first choice even for treating severe and intractable psoriasis, and it is our opinion that methotrexate is safer and at least as effective in these circumstances. The clearest indications for the use of hydroxyurea appear to be in life-ruining psoriasis when methotrexate treatment has either failed or is contraindicated because of liver damage. A great deal more investigative work is required before these indications can be generally extended.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.