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Biomedical subjects

P Thune

Publications and source records attributed to P Thune.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

Photosensitivity reaction to methenamine hippurate. A case report.

We describe a 70-year-old woman who in the summer of 1992 presented at our department with an erythematous and blistering rash on the sun-exposed areas of her face, trunk and upper limbs. She had been taking methenamine hippurate for several years to prevent urinary tract infections after an cystopexia operation. Oral photoprovocation with the drug revealed an immediate reaction after 3 J of ultraviolet A not seen before oral photoprovocation.

Aged↗
PubMed1993

Effect of dietary supplementation with very-long-chain n-3 fatty acids in patients with psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: In several studies dietary fish oil has been found to have beneficial effect on psoriasis, but the results are contradictory and based mainly on open studies or studies of small numbers of patients. METHODS: In a four-month double-blind, multicenter trial, we randomly assigned 145 patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis to receive in their diet either highly purified ethyl esters of n-3 fatty acids ("fish oil"; 6 g of oil per day, containing 5 g of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid) or an isoenergetic amount of corn oil containing mainly n-6 fatty acids. All the patients were advised to reduce their intake of saturated fatty acids. A 48-hour dietary recall was performed, and the fatty-acid pattern in the serum phospholipids was monitored in a subgroup of patients. RESULTS: In the fish-oil group, n-3 fatty acids were increased in serum phospholipids (P < 0.001), the ratio of arachidonic acid to eicosapentaenoic acid decreased (P < 0.001), and the level of n-6 fatty acids decreased (P < 0.001). In the corn-oil group, only docosahexaenoic acid increased significantly (P < 0.05). The ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids increased in both groups. Plasma concentrations of triacylglycerol decreased from base line in the fish-oil group (P < 0.05). The score on the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, as evaluated by the physicians, did not change significantly during the trial in either group. This was also true of a total subjective score reported by the patients, but a selected area of skin in the corn-oil group showed a significant reduction in the clinical signs (P < 0.05). Scaling was reduced from base line in both groups (P < 0.01). The fish-oil group had less cellular infiltration (P < 0.01), and the corn-oil group had improvement in desquamation and redness (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in clinical manifestations between the groups. Among the patients in the fish-oil group, an increase in the concentration of n-3 fatty acids in serum phospholipids was not accompanied by clinical improvement, whereas in the corn-oil group there was a significant correlation between clinical improvement and an increase in eicosapentaenoic acid and total n-3 fatty acids. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary supplementation with very-long-chain n-3 fatty acids was no better than corn-oil supplementation in treating psoriasis. Clinical improvement was not correlated with an increase in the concentration of n-3 fatty acids in serum phospholipids among the patients in the fish-oil group, whereas there was a significant correlation between clinical improvement and an increase in eicosapentaenoic acid and total n-3 fatty acids in the corn-oil group.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[Epicutaneous testing (patch testing)].

At present, patch testing is the only practical way of diagnosing allergic contact dermatitis, manifested as delayed hypersensitivity (type IV reaction). It can serve to confirm relevant allergens, but may also help to exclude suspected contact sensitivity. The test procedure varies somewhat from one clinic to another but has been standardized by the International Contact Dermatitis Research Group. Choice of test materials and their application may appear simple, but test readings and interpretation of results are most important. Positive reactions can be positive (allergic) or false positive (irritant), and relevant or not relevant to an existing or previous dermatitis. The dermatologist is the person best qualified to diagnose contact dermatitis by this test procedure.

Dermatitis, Allergic Contact↗
PubMed1993

[Delayed allergy against rubber gloves. An occupational dermatitis among health personnel].

Allergic reactions to rubber gloves, an increasing problem in medical health services, have become an prominent topic in occupational dermatology. A broad spectrum of immunological mechanisms are involved, from antibody-induced immediate reactions to delayed cell-mediated reactions. We review the causes of the reactions and discuss diagnostic procedures. The main allergens are rubber additives, such as accelerators and antioxidants. In this connection it is important to develop and produce gloves using other basic materials and ingredients, and thereby avoid the most frequent allergens.

Dermatitis, Occupational↗
PubMed1993

[Photochemotherapy--psoralen + UV-A (PUVA)--increased risk of cancer?].

Photochemotherapy with psoralens + ultraviolet (UV)-A light (PUVA) has been used for about 16 years to treat psoriasis. Some reports have indicated a higher frequency of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma among treated patients. The results are not consistent, however, and are not generally conceded. Our material from Ullevål Hospital comprises 585 patients who have been treated with PUVA from 1977 until 1991. Three patients developed cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, but in one of them the tumour developed before start of PUVA treatment. The two others had received only very small doses. One of them had an intraepithelial cancer of the penis. In addition we registered various internal cancers in 25 patients. The Norwegian Cancer Registry compared our patient materiel with a matched control group as regards sex, age and age-specific incidence rate. There was no statistically significant difference in incidence between the patient and the control group.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗
PubMed1992

[Occurrence of cosmetic allergy].

In a retrospective study among 310 patients with ordinary contact dermatitis, 115 were found to have allergic contact dermatitis caused by cosmetic products. The most commonly involved sites were hands (including fingers) and face. The most frequently identified sensitizers were fragrances, including lichen and compositae extracts, preservatives and balsam of Peru. About 28% of the cutaneous reactions occurred among patients 20-29 years of age.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Short- and long-contact therapy using a new dithranol formulation in individually adjusted dosages in the management of psoriasis.

This study compares two treatment regimens, short- and long-contact dithranol in individually adjusted dosages, using a new formulation (Micanol) in the management of psoriasis. It was designed as a six week, randomized, open, parallel groups study. Twenty-two in-patients and 27 out-patients were included with either plaque type or small patch type of psoriasis. Patients in the short-contact group started using daily applications of 1% Micanol for an average of 13 minutes. The concentration and the application time were then gradually increased and after six weeks of treatment the corresponding averages were 2.5% and 185 minutes. Patients in the long-contact group started with daily applications of 0.1% Micanol for an average of eight hours. After six weeks the corresponding averages were 0.33% and 14 hours. The composite sign severity score (CSSS) was defined as the sum of scores for lesional erythema, desquamation and induration divided by three. The CSSS constituted the primary efficacy variable and was reduced by 73% after six weeks in the short-contact group and by 78% in the long-contact group. Side-effects were of low severity. There were no differences between neither treatment groups nor types of psoriasis apart from more staining of clothing in the short-contact group. This study suggests that Micanol is well suited for both short- and long-contact regimens in individually adjusted dosages and may be used for in- as well as out-patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

[Dermatological laser treatment].

This article reviews the different lasers used in dermatology. Special emphasis is placed on the treatment of naevus flammeus ("portwine stain") where lasers are the treatment of choice. Argon laser and pulsed dye laser are the main lasers used in vascular skin diseases, and the article focuses on these two types. Copper vapour laser, neodymium-YAG-laser and CO2-laser are also presented. Information is provided about the availability of laser technology in the different health regions in Norway.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

[Life style, sun-bathing and tanning--what about UV-A solariums?].

This article considers the effects of ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun and UV-A sun beds on the skin. Sun worshipping and sun therapy has been en vogue for centuries, but in another way than used today. A changing lifestyle has led to an increase of various skin diseases, including skin cancer. Short wave UV-light (UV-B) in particular has been blamed for inducing not only erythema and pigmentation but also more chronic skin lesions. Long wave UV-light (UV-A) has been shown to be the cause of similar changes to the skin but the pigmentation is of another quality and affords less protection against the harmful effects of UV-B. A concept of sun reactive skin typing has been created. This is based on self-reported responses to an initial exposure to sun as regards tanning ability and erythema reaction. These two factors have certain practical consequences, not only for UV-phototherapy but also for a person's risk of developing skin cancer. Recently, several research groups and dermatologist have discouraged extensive use of UV-A sun beds because of side effects of varying degrees of seriousness. The possible implications of these side effects for the organism are not fully elucidated and may be more profound than known today. The British Photodermatology Group has issued more stringent rules for persons who despite advice to the contrary, still wish to use UV-A sun beds.

Contraindications↗
PubMed1991

[Local sunscreening agents--why, when, how and where?].

Sunscreens are used primarily to protect against sunburn. The cosmetic benefits of sunscreens have been widely accepted with the recent indictment of photoaging as a major cause of wrinkles. It is not so well known that sunscreens also protect against the development of carcinomatous processes in the skin. It is important to protect against UV-A as well as against UV-B because UV-A has an additional effect and can also itself initiate cancer. We advocate use of sunscreens with a high sun protection factor. It is of utmost importance to protect children against the deleterious effects of the sun to prevent development of skin cancer later in life. The article includes an overview of the most common active sunfilter compounds. Allergy to these compounds does occur but is rare. Certain textiles provide good but varying protection against the sun.

Administration, Cutaneous↗
PubMed1991

[Recurrent herpes labialis and secondary bacterial infection. A study among the employees at the Ulleval hospital].

Recurrent herpes labialis is a prevalent infection. We have investigated the annual incidence and some clinical aspects of the condition, and the frequency of probable superinfection among the staff at the largest hospital in Norway. Over a period of 12 months a total of 83 (67 females and 16 males) out of 3,565 persons with a mean age of 34.3 years experienced clinical recurrence of herpes labialis, giving an annual incidence of 23 persons with one or more eruptions per 1,000 employed. The mean recurrence rate was 4.8 episodes per year. UV-light was reported as a precipitating factor by 60% and psychological stress by 30%. Seven persons reported sick leave of one to three days' duration because of the most recent eruption. In 6/83 patients the probable pathogenic bacteriae (i.e. beta-hemolytic streptococci group A in one and Staphylococcus aureus in five cases) were isolated within the first 48 h after the skin lesions occurred. After 7-9 days S aureus was found in eight persons. The mean duration in days until all skin lesions had healed was the same in patients with or without probable superinfection. Recurrent herpes labialis does not seem to be a significant health problem among the staff of Ullevål Hospital. Probable superinfections appear to occur rarely and without significantly increasing morbidity.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Effect of a new narrow-band UVB lamp on photocarcinogenesis in mice.

Thirty lightly pigmented hairless (Hr/Hr) mice were irradiated 5 days per week for 30 weeks to assess the photocarcinogenicity of a new Philips TL 01 narrow-band (311 nm +/- 2) UVB lamp. All mice were found to be tumour-bearing after 16 weeks and histologically, 83% of these had definite squamous cell carcinomas. Compared with our previous study where conventional broad-band Philips TL 12 UVB irradiation was used, tumours appeared earlier with the TL 01 lamp. The total irradiation dose was, however, several times greater in the TL 01 assay while the total MED dose was considerably less.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

[Malignant melanoma--a warning. How to reduce mortality?].

Incidence of malignant melanoma of the skin has risen rapidly during the last decades. Mortality rates are also rising, although not so much as incidence rates. There is strong evidence that exposure to sunlight is a major factor in the etiology of melanomas. There appears to be no direct cumulative dose-response relationship, except in the case of lentigo maligna melanoma. Episodes of sunburn among children and young individuals seem to be more important as an etiologic factor for melanoma than chronic exposure to the sun. Very high risk of melanoma exists in persons with dysplastic nevus syndrome. Persons with giant congenital nevi are also at increased risk. However, many melanomas arise de novo. It is our intention to reduce mortality by screening families at risk, by early detection and treatment of melanomas, and by education.

Dysplastic Nevus Syndrome↗
PubMed1990

The inhibiting effect of PABA on photocarcinogenesis.

The efficacy of a 5% solution of para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) to protect against photocarcinogenesis was tested in 6 groups, each of which contained 30 light pigmented hairless mice. The light source was a Phillips TL 40 W/12, which mainly emits UVB. PABA significantly retarded the tumor induction time (p less than 0.05) and reduced both tumor yield and carcinoma yield (p less than 0.05). The dorsal skin of the mice was removed and weighed. The mean weight of UVR-exposed mice skin protected with PABA did not differ from that of the controls, but in the non-protected UVR-exposed mice the skin samples were significantly heavier (p less than 0.05).

4-Aminobenzoic Acid↗
PubMed1990

The effect of short-term application of PABA on photocarcinogenesis.

Photocarcinogenesis was induced in 90 lightly-pigmented hairless mice using a Philips Tl 40 W/12 light source which emits mainly UVB (290-320 nm). During one-third of the induction period (weeks 16-26) a group of 30 mice were protected by topical para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and then irradiated again without protection up to week 30 and observed for a further 10 weeks. The application of PABA resulted in a significant delay (p less than 0.05) in tumour induction and discontinuation of PABA caused an abrupt decline in the number of tumour-free animals. At the end of the study there was a significant difference in the yield of carcinomas for the PABA group, 20, compared with 78 for non-protected mice (p less than 0.05). There was also a statistically significant difference (p less than 0.05) between the weight of dorsal skin in non-protected mice compared with the PABA-protected group, the latter showing no difference from a control group of non-irradiated mice. The proportion of benign tumours in the PABA group was significantly (p less than 0.05) higher than in the non-protected group, suggesting an inhibition of the photo-carcinogenic process.

4-Aminobenzoic Acid↗
PubMed1989

Evaluation of the hydration and the water-holding capacity in atopic skin and so-called dry skin.

The hydration, the hygroscopicity and the water-holding capacity as well as the rate of water loss were measured in 1) dry non-eczematous skin in 13 patients (mean age 32 years) with atophic dermatitis (AD), 2) dry, xerotic skin of old patients (mean age 75 years) and 3) 17 controls (mean age 36 years) with normal skin and no history of AD. Significantly higher water flux was found in patients with AD compared to the other groups while all the other functional parameters were much lower. The obtained data suggest different functional disturbances in dry skin of patients with AD compared to old, dry (xerotic) skin.

Adult↗