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Biomedical subjects

O Chosidow

Publications and source records attributed to O Chosidow.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Scabies and pediculosis.

Scabies and pediculosis are ubiquitous, contagious, and debilitating parasitic dermatoses. They have been known since antiquity and are distributed worldwide. Clusters of infestation occur-for example, scabies affecting immunocompromised individuals or patients and staff in hospitals and nursing homes for the elderly, and pediculosis affecting schoolchildren or homeless people. Associations with other disorders are common: infections with human T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma virus I (HTLV-I) and HIV are associated with scabies, and trench fever and exanthematous typhus with pediculosis. Specific forms of scabies, including bullous scabies or localised crusted scabies, may be misdiagnosed. Moreover, definitive parasitic diagnosis can be difficult to obtain, and the value of new techniques remains to be confirmed. Difficulties in management have returned scabies and pediculosis to the limelight.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

Bullous pemphigoid and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a new clue for understanding the bullous disease?

BACKGROUND: Bullous pemphigoid (BP) occurs in many patients with multiple sclerosis. Isolated cases of BP in patients with other neurological disorders further support a pathogenic association between cutaneous and neurological diseases. Any description of BP in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is lacking. OBSERVATIONS: We studied a French population of 168 patients with typical amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Among these, 3 had clinical and histological features of BP. The mean age of the patients was 54 years. None was known to have autoimmune disorders. Results of immunoblot analysis disclosed both anti-BP antigen 1 and anti-BP antigen 2 antibodies. CONCLUSIONS: Bullous pemphigoid seems to be unexpectedly associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. On the basis of the cases presented herein, we discuss the epidemiological significance of the association and the possible interrelation between BP antigen 1 and neurofilaments in the pathogenesis of both disorders.

Aged↗

IgA antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies in cutaneous vasculitis.

BACKGROUND: Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) of the IgA isotype have, for the most part, been detected in patients with Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) or inflammatory bowel disease. OBJECTIVES: We have evaluated the prevalence of IgA ANCA in a series of patients with different causes of cutaneous vasculitis. METHODS: Forty consecutive patients with histologically proven leucocytoclastic vasculitis were included in the study: 18 had systemic vasculitis as well as cutaneous lesions, 10 of whom were diagnosed as having HSP, and 22 had only cutaneous vasculitis (with no identified cause in 10 cases). IgA ANCA were sought by indirect immunofluorescence using ethanol-fixed human neutrophil preparations as the substrate. RESULTS: IgA ANCA were detected in six of 40 patients (15%) (one each with HSP, ulcerative colitis, Sjögren's syndrome, hypergammaglobulinaemia associated with Castelman's disease, erythema elevatum diutinum and bacterial endocarditis). Three of these patients also had IgG ANCA whose target antigen remained unidentified. CONCLUSIONS: IgA ANCA are rarely observed in HSP (10%) and can be detected in a wide variety of other cutaneous vasculitides.

Adolescent↗

Cryofibrinogenaemia: a study of 49 patients.

The purpose of this study was to characterize the clinical features and components of 30 patients with isolated cryofibrinogen (CF) versus those of 19 patients with combined CF and cryoglobulins (CG). Secondary forms of cryofibrinogenaemia associated with collagen disorders, infectious or malignant diseases, were significantly more frequent in patients with combined CF and CG than those with isolated CF (79 versus 47%, P = 0.02). Both groups of CF patients presented predominantly cutaneous symptoms (77% in isolated CF; 58% in combined CF + CG), and less frequently venous and/or arterial thrombosis (13% in isolated CF; 3% in combined CF + CG). Patients with idiopathic forms of CF, and particularly those without CG, suffered essentially from recurrent painful skin ulcers, mainly triggered by cold exposure. Patients with isolated CF had higher mean plasma concentrations of CF than those with combined CF + CG (1. 61 +/- 1.26 versus 0.82 +/- 1.18 g/l, respectively; P = 0.004), but there was no correlation between the CF plasma level and either the severity of symptoms or the sensitivity to cold. In patients with isolated CF, fibronectin was suggested (by precipitation analysis) to be a major component of the cryoprecipitate, whereas immunoglobulins were rarely present (in only three out of 30 patients). By contrast, in the majority of patients (78%) with combined CF and CG, the CF consisted mainly of immunoglobulins of the same class as those characterizing the associated CG. Analysis of the CG precipitate revealed the presence of fibronectin but not fibrinogen, alpha1-antitrypsin and alpha2-macroglobulin. In conclusion, isolated and combined cryofibrinogenaemia are associated with different clinical signs requiring different clinical management, but there is no evidence as yet for a causal role of the cryoprecipitates in the differences observed.

Adolescent↗

Cutaneous disorders associated with hepatitis C virus infection.

Since the discovery of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in 1989, many cutaneous disorders have been observed in patients suffering from chronic HCV infection. The relationship between HCV infection and cryoglobulinemia or porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is now clearly established, but the link between HCV and other dermatoses is still controversial. This review of the main dermatologic disorders, directly or indirectly related to HCV infection, lead to conclude that HCV markers have to be investigated systematically in case of cryoglobulinemia, PCT or pruritus. In other dermatologic disorders, HCV serology will be necessary only in case of risk factors for HCV infection, or presence of abnormal liver function tests.

Biomarkers↗

[Local corticosteroid therapy in dermatology].

UNLABELLED: FOUR LEVELS OF ACTION: The introduction of dermocorticosteroids (corticosteroids for topical application) has revolutionized management of many skin diseases. Depending on their antiinflammatory action, these products can be classed into four levels of action. Dermocorticosteroids have antiinflammatory, vasoconstrictor, antiproliferative, antisynthetic and immunosuppressive actions. SKIN PENETRATION: Penetration depends on the intrinsic characteristics of the drug, but also on many other factors including the nature of the excipient, additives, occlusion, localization, nature of the treated skin disease, and patient age. There is a reservoir effect, explaining why a single application is effective for dermatoses with a normal keratin layer. INDICATIONS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS: Dermocorticosteroids can be indicated in numerous inflammatory skin diseases (psoriasis, eczema ...). They are formally contraindicated in case of skin infections, diaper rash, acne and rosacea. Contact allergies have been reported. IN PRACTICE: The choice of a dermatocorticosteroid depends on the suspected sensitivity of the disease to treat, its degree of extension, and its localization as well as the patient's age and the planned duration of treatment. Cremes provide good cosmetic satisfaction. The number of tubes to be used must be strictly controlled. Occlusion is indicated in case of palmo-plantar or the scalp involvement.

Administration, Topical↗

Risk factors for erysipelas of the leg (cellulitis): case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess risk factors for erysipelas of the leg (cellulitis). DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING: 7 hospital centres in France. SUBJECTS: 167 patients admitted to hospital for erysipelas of the leg and 294 controls. RESULTS: In multivariate analysis, a disruption of the cutaneous barrier (leg ulcer, wound, fissurated toe-web intertrigo, pressure ulcer, or leg dermatosis) (odds ratio 23.8, 95% confidence interval 10.7 to 52.5), lymphoedema (71.2, 5.6 to 908), venous insufficiency (2.9, 1.0 to 8.7), leg oedema (2.5, 1.2 to 5.1) and being overweight (2.0, 1.1 to 3.7) were independently associated with erysipelas of the leg. No association was observed with diabetes, alcohol, or smoking. Population attributable risk for toe-web intertrigo was 61%. CONCLUSION: This first case-control study highlights the major role of local risk factors (mainly lymphoedema and site of entry) in erysipelas of the leg. From a public health perspective, detecting and treating toe-web intertrigo should be evaluated in the secondary prevention of erysipelas of the leg.

Analysis of Variance↗

[Methotrexate in dermatology: pharmacology, indications, applications and prudent use].

High dosage methotrexate is currently used in the treatment of malignancies. When used at low- or moderate doses, methotrexate has antiproliferative and antiinflammatory effects and is a useful drug in skin diseases. The aim of this review is to describe pharmacology, indications, adverse effects and practical use in Dermatology. Pharmacodynamics of methotrexate is especially related to antifolic activity. Methotrexate is officially approved in the treatment of severe psoriasis, but many other proliferative or inflammatory diseases with cutaneous manifestations may benefit from this drug, usually in association with corticosteroids. The use of methotrexate needs some precautions and a precise follow-up to minimise the risk of severe adverse effects. However, efficacy of methotrexate was reported in open and retrospective small size studies. Prospective and comparative trials are required to confirm the indications, advantages and tolerance of methotrexate in dermatology.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents↗

Acute swelling of the limbs: magnetic resonance pictorial review of fascial and muscle signal changes.

OBJECTIVE: This pictorial review analyzes the magnetic resonance (MR) fascial/muscular changes in 69 patients referred as emergencies with acute swelling of the limbs (ASL) from various causes. METHODS AND MATERIAL: A prospective MR imaging (MRI) study of 69 patients referred as emergencies for ASL was performed. Our population consisted of 45 patients with skin and soft-tissue infections (cellulitis and necrotizing fasciitis, and pyomyositis), six patients with soft-tissue inflammatory diseases (dermatomyositis, graft-versus-host disease), 11 patients with acute deep venous thrombosis, three patients with rhabdomyolysis, one patient with acute denervation and three other patients with rare diseases. Hematomas, tumorous or infectious bone involvement and soft-tissue tumors were excluded. All studies included spin echo T1-weighted images and spin echo T2-weighted images. Gadolinium-enhanced spin echo T1-weighted images were obtained when an abscess was suspected on T2-weighted images. Selective fat-saturated T1- and T2-weighted sequences were also used. MRI analysis was performed to obtain a compartmentalized anatomical approach according to the location of signal abnormalities in subcutaneous fat, superficial and deep fascia and muscle. RESULTS: In all patients with ASL, MRI demonstrated soft-tissue abnormalities involving subcutaneous fat, superficial fascia, deep fascia, or muscle. Although MR findings were non-specific, MRI appears sensitive for detecting subtle fascial and muscle signal changes. CONCLUSIONS: In skin and soft-tissue infections, MRI can be helpful for therapeutic management by determining the depth of soft-tissue involvement, particularly within fasciae and muscles, which is partly related to the severity of cellulitis with severe systemic manifestations. MRI can also aid the surgeon in diagnosing abscesses. In inflammatory diseases, MRI can determine the best site for biopsy and also monitor therapeutic response.

Adolescent↗

Minocycline-induced clinical and biological lupus-like disease.

A 14-year-old girl developed maculopapular rash, myalgias, arthralgias and myocarditis with elevated anti-nuclear and anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies. She was taking minocycline for acne and all symptoms resolved when this treatment was stopped. The patient has no evidence of disease one year after onset of symptoms. Clinicians should be aware of minocycline's responsibility in inducing lupus-like disease.

Acne Vulgaris↗

[Acute occlusions of the small intestine caused by adhesions. Indications and results].

Postoperative adhesions are the first cause of small bowel occlusion in developed countries. Nevertheless no progress was done in prevention and treatment of this disease. The aim of this trial is to report results of 276 small bowel occlusions caused by adhesion recently operated and consecutive between first january 1993 and 31 december 1996. These patients had 400 previous surgical procedures, within 67.4% infra mesocolic or pelvic. 15.1% of previous surgical procedures took place less than one year before and 36% less than 5 years. Thirty five per cent of patients were operated during 24 hours following admission 23.2% of patients had a digestive resection, caused by necrosis or iatrogenic dissection. Operative mortality was 4.3% without resection and 16.6% with resection. Progress are warranted to reduce the rate of redux of occlusion and mortality and morbidity in this benign disease: more peri operative attention and place of laparoscopy should be considered.

Acute Disease↗