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Biomedical subjects

S Gregoriou

Publications and source records attributed to S Gregoriou.

12 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Tacrolimus ointment 0.1% in pityriasis alba: an open-label, randomized, placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Pityriasis alba (PA) is a frequent reason for dermatological consultation because of its chronic course, tendency to relapse and aesthetic impact. OBJECTIVES: In view of its strong association with atopic dermatitis, the objective of this open-label study was to assess the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus ointment in the treatment of PA compared with the efficacy of moisturizers. PATIENTS/METHODS: The study population consisted of 60 individuals of phototype III or IV according to Fitzpatrick's classification, aged 6-21 years. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Subjects in group A were instructed to apply tacrolimus ointment 0.1% twice daily, 12 h apart, on all hypopigmented macules. Standard moisturizers with SPF 20 sunscreen were used on all lesions applied at least 30 min apart from the tacrolimus ointment. Subjects in group B used solely the same moisturizers with sunscreen. Hypopigmented areas were evaluated at baseline and weeks 0, 3, 6 and 9 by investigators for scaling, hypopigmentation and pruritus on a scale of 0-3. Patient satisfaction was also recorded on a scale of 0-3. All adverse effects were recorded. RESULTS: A statistically significant improvement through time, in hypopigmentation, pruritus and scaling was observed in both groups during the course of 9 weeks. Hypopigmentation resolved from a baseline score of 2.38+/-0.64 to 1.15+/-0.54 at week 3, 0.46+/-0.51 at week 6 and 0.00+/-0.00 at week 9 for the group applying tacrolimus ointment 0.1%. The difference in improvement between the two groups was statistically significant on all three assessments for hypopigmentation (P<0.001), and for pruritus on week 6 and 9 assessments (P<0.05). Three patients (11.5%) in the tacrolimus group reported a mild transient sensation of burning. All patients in the tacrolimus group reported they were completely satisfied or just satisfied with the treatment compared with only 50% of patients using the placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Tacrolimus ointment 0.1% appears to be an effective and safe treatment for PA.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Matting of hair: what is the role of conditioners?

Matting of the hair is a very rare and multifactorial condition affecting usually women. We present three female patients with matting of the hair as a result of the shampoo used. In all three cases, cutting of the affected hair was unavoidable.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Lacquer nail.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Antifungal Agents↗
PubMed2005

Randomized placebo-controlled trial of a flavonoid-rich plant extract-based cream in the treatment of rosacea.

BACKGROUND: Biological research suggests that vascular changes may play a major role in rosacea pathogenesis. Chrysanthellum indicum is a plant-based extract containing a unique combination of phenylpropenoic acids, flavonoids and saponosids, and has a well-documented effect on vascular wall permeability and increase of the mechanical resistance of capillaries. OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy and safety of a cream containing 1%C. indicum extract with vitamin P properties in the treatment of rosacea. METHODS: This study included 246 patients diagnosed clinically as having moderate rosacea. Patients were randomly allocated to C. indicum extract-based cream (n = 125) and placebo (n = 121) groups. Patients were advised to apply the products on their face twice a day for a 12-week period. The patients were examined at the end of each 4-week period. Severity of erythema (graded by reference to six photographs), surface of erythema and rosacea overall severity scores were recorded at each visit on days 0, 28, 56 and 84. Investigators carried out a final efficacy assessment at the end of week 12. Volunteers' final overall efficacy assessment was recorded in a self-administered questionnaire. Adverse events were identified through examination, interview and collection of comments in patients' questionnaires. RESULTS: Treatment with the C. indicum extract-based cream resulted in significant improvement (P < 0.05) in severity of erythema, overall rosacea severity compared to baseline and placebo, and investigator and patient overall efficacy assessment scores (P = 0.046 and P = 0.001, respectively) compared with placebo scores. Adverse reactions were mild, and did not differ between the C. indicum extract-based cream and the placebo groups. CONCLUSION: Chrysanthellum indicum extract-based cream is an effective and well-tolerated topical agent for the treatment of moderate rosacea. The mode of action of the active ingredient suggests that additional efficacy might be expected from combination with other topical treatments.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed2004

Pimecrolimus cream 1% vs. betamethasone 17-valerate 0.1% cream in the treatment of seborrhoeic dermatitis. A randomized open-label clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory disease with remissions and exacerbations, characterized by erythema, scaling and pruritus primarily on the face, scalp and chest. Corticosteroids and antifungals are the mainstay of therapy. However, chronic use of corticosteroids is associated with side-effects such as skin atrophy and telangiectasia. Pimecrolimus, an inhibitor of calcineurin, has been used successfully in one patient with seborrhoeic dermatitis. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this randomized open-label clinical trial was to compare the efficacy and tolerability of pimecrolimus in comparison with a potent corticosteroid (betamethasone 17-valerate) in the treatment of seborrhoeic dermatitis. METHODS: Twenty patients with seborrhoeic dermatitis were included in this study, 11 patients in the pimecrolimus 1% cream group and nine patients in the betamethasone 17-valerate 0.1% cream group. Patients were instructed to use a thin layer of the study products twice daily at the lesional area and to discontinue treatment as soon as symptoms were absent. Clinical measures assessed were erythema, scaling and pruritus which were evaluated using a four-point scale (0-3). RESULTS: Both pimecrolimus and betamethasone were highly effective in the treatment of seborrhoeic dermatitis. Betamethasone reduced all three parameters, erythema, scaling and pruritus, faster than pimecrolimus, but the differences in reduction were not statistically significant. Relapses were observed more frequently and were more severe with betamethasone than with pimecrolimus. Moreover, pruritus was not observed after discontinuation of treatment from day 15 and beyond in the pimecrolimus group, whereas it was reported in most patients of the betamethasone group. This difference was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: It appears that pimecrolimus, a nonsteroidal topical treatment, may be an excellent alternative therapeutic modality for treating seborrhoeic dermatitis.

Administration, Cutaneous↗
PubMed2004

Asymptomatic sensitisation to grapes in a sample of workers in the wine industry.

AIMS: To assess the prevalence of sensitisation to grapes (Vitis vinifera var. agiorghitiko) in a population with repeated exposure to grape allergens through direct cutaneous contact as well as through the gastrointestinal tract. METHODS: One hundred and twenty subjects were enrolled in each of four groups: grape harvesters, winery workers in selection of grapes, winery workers operating de-stemming/crushing/pressing machines, and administrative personnel. Sensitisation to grapes was examined by skin prick-to-prick tests with fresh fruit and juice. RESULTS: Eight harvesters and five workers in grape selection had positive reaction to the grapes tested. No machine operators or administrative personnel had positive tests. The likelihood of sensitisation was estimated at 3.7% per year of occupation by logistic regression analysis. None of the employees reported symptoms associated with sensitisation to grapes. CONCLUSION: Asymptomatic sensitisation to grapes was detected only in workers handling the fruit, suggesting that sensitisation is more likely to occur through cutaneous exposure and/or minor wounding than through the gastrointestinal tract. Prevalence rates were high and the clinical impact needs to be further investigated.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Theophylline as "add-on" therapy in patients with delayed pressure urticaria: a prospective self-controlled study.

Delayed pressure urticaria (DPU) is a skin condition that involves the gradual development of wheals and edema at sites of physical pressure. Its pathogenesis is not clear and histamine-1 receptor (H-1R) antagonists provide only partial relief. In this prospective, clinical study, we investigated the effect of theophylline, which has a long history of benefit in allergic asthma, added to cetirizine in patients with DPU. Twenty three patients received during period 1 cetirizine (10 mg po QD) and theophylline (200 mg po BID) for 6 months, followed by period 2 of 1 month washout with only rescue medication as needed, and then by period 3 with cetirizine (10 mg QD plus placebo (BID) for 5 more months. The addition of theophylline resulted in statistically significant improvement over cetirizine alone by 2 months and continued for the duration of treatment. Treatment of cultured human mast cells with theophylline (10 microM) did not inhibit allergic histamine release, but the in vivo beneficial effect of theophylline may require significant pretreatment period to manifest itself, or may involve inhibition of other mast cell dependent mediators. A double-blind study, accompanied by serum histamine and tryptase levels, should be in order.

Adult↗