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Biomedical subjects

T Ruzicka

Publications and source records attributed to T Ruzicka.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2007

[Subclavian thrombosis after port system implantation].

The use of implanted central venous catheters with ports has become almost irreplaceable in clinical treatment of cancer patients with advanced disease. It improves the patient's quality of life and simplifies medical treatment. For safe use during outpatient follow-up treatment, possible complications such as wound infections, thrombosis or even pulmonary embolism have to be considered. The incidence of catheter-associated thrombosis in cancer patients has been estimated as 25-66% in screening evaluations. Clinical symptoms were present in only in 6-28% of all patients with diagnosed thromboses. We report on a patient with metastatic malignant melanoma, who developed a deep arm vein thrombosis two weeks after port implantation. The prognosis of deep arm vein thrombosis is determined by the development of pulmonary embolism (8-36%). In such cases, early diagnosis and treatment are essential for the patient's survival.

Catheterization, Central Venous↗
PubMed2007

[Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis with confirmed type IV allergy. Report of 3 cases].

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is characterized by an acute disseminated eruption of multiple, non-follicular pustules. In addition, it can be associated with fever, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and leukocytosis. The pathogenesis of AGEP is still unknown; however, medications appear a likely cause in most cases. We report on 3 patients with AGEP demonstrating characteristic clinical and histologic features after taking amoxicillin, ampicillin, or diltiazem. All patients had positive patch test reactions to the suspected drugs.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2006

[Rare types of vasculitis as markers of plasmocytoma].

We report on two female patients who presented with painful recurrent palpable purpura, ulcers and necroses on the extremities. The results of all examinations and laboratory tests considered together suggested a diagnosis of necrotizing leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Leukocytoclastic vasculitis is an inflammatory necrotizing condition of the superficial dermal vessels, presenting with variable clinical symptoms. In most cases it becomes manifest as palpable purpura, but hemorrhagic-necrotizing, bullous, nodular and urticarial presentations also occur. Common etiological factors include bacterial, viral or drug antigens, chronic infections (hepatitis B and C), non-Hodgkin lymphomas (monoclonal gammopathy, multiple myeloma), leukemia (hairy cell leukemia), and tumors (bronchial, breast, and gastric cancer) and also connective tissue disorders. In the course of the work-up, a plasmocytoma was discovered as the cause of the leukocytoclastic vasculitis, presenting in a similar way to livedo reticularis in one case and to pyoderma gangraenosum in the other.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

[High-dose vitamin therapy as prophylaxis against porphyria cutanea uremica].

50 Patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis with or without porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT)-like skin changes were investigated. The total porphyrin amount in erythrocytes, plasma and dialysate and the distribution of porphyrin metabolites in plasma and dialysate were measured. In plasma, the group of patients with skin changes (referred as PCU = porphyria cutanea uremica) showed significantly increased uroporphyrin levels as compared to the non-symptomatic group. In addition, significant differences concerning the ratio uro-/coproporphyrin in plasma were shown: non-symptomatic patients with 0.87, as opposed to the PCU group with 3.7. Considerable differences between the level of vitamin ingestion were identified between the groups. Patients with PCU took distinctly less vitamins C, E and B than patients without symptoms.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

[Lucio phenomenon. Vasculitis or occlusive vasculopathy?].

Lucio's phenomenon (LP) occurs in patients with Lucio leprosy (LuL). Some interpret the cutaneous lesions and their histopathology as a thrombotic/occlusive condition, while others consider it leukocytoclastic vasculitis. The clinical similarities between the cutaneous manifestations of LP and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) led us to investigate the relationship between these two pathological conditions. We studied the clinical, laboratory and histopathologic aspects of LuL and LP in one patient and compare these results to APS. The examination of antiphospholipid antibodies showed positive anticardiolipin (aCL) and lupus anticoagulant (LAC). The histopathological slides of cutaneous biopsies were stained by hematoxylin-eosin and Fite-Faraco. They showed the typical features of LuL, as well as thrombi, endothelial proliferation, vessel wall thickening and obliteration of the lumen. Leukocytoclastic vasculitis was not found. The clinical pattern of LuL in our case is identical to that described by Lucio and Latapi. The necrotic lesions of LP in our patient resembled APS. This suggests that LP could be considered APS secondary to LuL. Multidrug treatment for multibacillary patients (MDT-MP) was successful, with no need for thalidomide or systemic corticosteroids.

Arterial Occlusive Diseases↗
PubMed2006

Multicentre, phase II trial on the safety and efficacy of topical tacrolimus ointment for the treatment of lichen sclerosus.

BACKGROUND: Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease causing significant sclerosis, atrophy and pruritus. Treatment remains unsatisfactory, with potent corticosteroids being the most effective therapy. OBJECTIVES: To conduct a multicentre, phase II trial to assess the safety and efficacy of tacrolimus ointment 0.1% for the treatment of lichen sclerosus with a follow-up period of 18 months at 10 university and teaching hospitals in Germany and Austria. METHODS: Eighty-four patients (49 women, 32 men and three girls) aged between 5 and 85 years with long-standing, active lichen sclerosus (79 with anogenital and five with extragenital localization) were treated with topical tacrolimus ointment 0.1% twice daily for 16 weeks. Computerized analysis of the lesional area was performed. The primary endpoint was clearance of active lichen sclerosus. Secondary endpoints were time to optimal response, reduction of sclerosis and duration of remission. RESULTS: The primary endpoint (clearance of active lichen sclerosus) was reached by 43% of patients at 24 weeks of treatment. Partial resolution was reached in 34% of patients. Maximal effects occurred between week 10 and 24 of therapy. Treatment led to a significant reduction of the total lesional area (P < 0.01) and to a significant decline in the total symptom score (P < 0.005). Symptoms (e.g. itching) and findings (erythema, erosions and induration) showed significant improvement. No serious adverse events were observed. There were three (9%) recurrences during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Topical tacrolimus ointment 0.1% was safe and effective for the treatment of long-standing active lichen sclerosus.

Adolescent↗