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Biomedical subjects

W Frain-Bell

Publications and source records attributed to W Frain-Bell.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1989

A study of persistent photosensitivity as a sequel of the prior administration of the drug benoxaprofen.

Cutaneous photosensitivity is a recognized side-effect of a number of commonly used groups of drugs, among which are the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) one of which, benoxaprofen, was withdrawn from use in 1982. The abnormal reaction of the skin to light usually occurs during the period of the systemic administration of the drug, but may with some drugs persist for longer, even for months. Chronic photosensitivity, i.e. 'persistent light reaction' of some years duration, continuing after the withdrawal of the primary cause, has so far only been reliably reported when the initial exposure of the skin to the photoactive substance has been by external contact and not following ingestion. A suggestion that photosensitivity could persist for a period of years as a sequel of initial benoxaprofen-induced photosensitivity was studied in a group of 42 subjects said to be affected in this way. The results failed to confirm the presence of persistent photosensitivity. It appeared that the probable explanation for the episodic abnormal reactions to light over the years since 1982 was the systemic administration of other photoactive drugs including a series of NSAIDs.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗
PubMed1987

Thiazide-induced photosensitivity: a study of 33 subjects.

The clinical features, action spectrum and subsequent course, are described in 33 subjects with thiazide-induced photosensitivity. The reaction appeared to be phototoxic in nature. The wavelengths involved were those of the longer UVA and, not infrequently, also the shorter UVB waveband. In most instances withdrawal of the drug resulted in clearance of the clinical reaction and a return of the action spectrum to normal. In the few subjects in whom the photosensitivity persisted, either in the form of the clinical reaction or an abnormal action spectrum, or both, either a specific photodermatosis was present or another potentially photoactive drug was being taken. In no instance, was there evidence of the induction of long-term chronic photosensitivity (persistent light reaction) following the withdrawal of the thiazide drug.

Aged↗
PubMed1987

Quinine induced photosensitivity: clinical and experimental studies.

Quinine induced photosensitivity, an infrequently described adverse effect, is reported in four patients. The clinical presentation and distribution was that of a light exposed site eruption characterized by oedema and erythema in three patients, and by lichen planus in the fourth. Monochromator phototesting demonstrated abnormal delayed erythema responses in the UVB, UVA and visible wavebands. The clinical features suggested a phototoxic effect but laboratory studies indicated that the molecular mechanisms involved are unusual. Clinical and phototest evidence of abnormal photosensitivity persisted for some months after stopping quinine. Broad spectrum sunscreens are advised for the management of such patients and, where possible, cessation of quinine administration.

Aged↗
PubMed1985

A study of cutaneous photosensitivity induced by amiodarone.

Amiodarone-induced cutaneous photosensitivity was studied in 12 subjects treated with the drug. The action spectrum for the abnormal response to sunlight was shown to be within the range of 335-460 (+/- 30) nm. The clinical features of the photosensitivity response suggested that it was most probably a phototoxic reaction, a conclusion supported by the results of in vitro studies which indicated activity mainly against cell membranes. Of the five in vitro models used, three--namely photohaemolysis, the inhibition of DNA synthesis in PHA stimulated lymphocytes and the killing of mouse peritoneal macrophages--provided unequivocal evidence of the phototoxic potential of both amiodarone and its major metabolite, desethylamiodarone. In each model desethylamiodarone produced a greater effect by a factor of between 2 and 10. In vitro, UV-B wavelengths produced a greater effect than UVA but the difference between the effective wavelengths in vivo and in vitro might be explained by the greater absorption of the shorter wavelength UV-B in the epidermis. Zinc oxide-containing preparations appeared to be the most effective in reducing the cutaneous photosensitivity. It is suggested that the long-term cutaneous pigmentation resulting from oral amiodarone has a significant photosensitivity component.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

A study of compositae plant extract reactions in photosensitivity dermatitis.

In subjects with chronic photosensitivity of the photosensitivity dermatitis/actinic reticuloid type the persistent reaction of the skin appears to be due to a number of factors, including those of contact allergic sensitivity and of photosensitivity (i.e., phototoxicity and/or photoallergy). The assessment of the relevant importance of these factors can be complicated by the reactivity of the skin resulting in false positive responses from skin patch and photopatch testing. Moreover, difficulties may also arise in the assessment of the results using commercially available patch test materials. However, the study described here indicated that, provided the reactivity of the skin is suppressed prior to investigation, reliable results are obtained from photopatch testing and that these results are similar whether the extract is from a commercial source or has been obtained from locally grown Compositae plants. Also, that although there may be a photoallergic component in the cutaneous photosensitivity, the results of the in vivo and in vitro studies reported here indicate the likely involvement of phototoxicity as well.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Actinic prurigo--a specific photodermatosis?

Actinic prurigo can be defined as an idiopathic photodermatosis which usually starts in childhood, particularly affects the female, with some evidence for an atopic and familial photosensitivity background. It affects both exposed and covered skin but mainly the former and although it may be present all the year round is usually maximal on the exposed skin during months of sunshine. The changes are those of a chronic prurigo along with more acute episodes following sunshine exposure in which there is a background of edematous erythema. It usually lasts throughout childhood and adolescence, but tends to wane and even to clear in late adolescence or early adult life. The etiology is unknown, as are the mechanisms involved. Action spectrum studies have produced no evidence for the involvement of specific wavelengths other than the presence of UV sensitivity in some subjects and a suggestion that the longer wavelength UVA may be more important than the sunburn waveband around 305 nm. Based on a study of 60 personal cases with actinic prurigo the authors agree with the longheld view of Calnan & Meara (1) that actinic prurigo is a separate and distinct photodermatosis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1982

The relationship between exposure to fragrance materials and persistent light reaction in the photosensitivity dermatitis with actinic reticuloid syndrome.

Contact allergic sensitivity to allergens such as plants of the Compositae family is a feature of the chronic skin reaction seen in the photosensitivity dermatitis with actinic reticuloid syndrome. In fifty patients with this syndrome an increased incidence of contact allergic sensitivity to some common fragrance materials was demonstrated. Evidence is also presented, both by in vitro and in vivo studies, which indicates that a phototoxic mechanism is involved. The relevance of continued exposure to common allergens and their involvement in photosensitization mechanisms is discussed in an attempt to explain the state of 'persistent light reaction'.

Humans↗
PubMed1981

Plasma 8-methoxypsoralen concentrations in photochemotherapy of psoriasis.

A quantitative study of 8-methoxypsoralen plasma profiles in patients with psoriasis undergoing photochemotherapy shows that a poor response to the treatment may be explained in terms of abnormal pharmacokinetic behaviour. However, not all 'poor responders' exhibit an abnormal pattern and for these an alternative explanation is required.

Adult↗
PubMed1980

Sister chromatid exchange and chromosome aberration rates in a group of psoriatics before and after a course of PUVA treatment.

Blood was cultured and chromosome preparations were examined for sister chromatid exchanges and chromosome aberrations in eighteen patients receiving photochemotherapy with 8-MOP and UV-A for the treatment of psoriasis, both before starting treatment and again 6 months later. The UV-A was administered both by means of low output (irradiance: 1.1--2.25 mW/cm2) and high output (irradiance: 6.1--7.6 mW/cm2) UV-A radiation cubicles. Irrespective of the intensity of irradiation or the total dose of UV-A administered there was no evidence of chromosome damage in lymphocytes following treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed1979

Contact allergic sensitivity to chrysanthemum and the photosensitivity dermatitis and actinic reticuloid syndrome.

Of sixty-nine examples of the photosensitivity dermatitis and actinic reticuloid syndrome, nine were found to be allergically sensitive to chrysanthemum oleoresin extract. Although this extract showed evidence in vitro of a phototoxic action we were unable with in vivo studies to explain the connection between the contact allergic sensitivity and the photosensitivity. The fractions responsible for the in vitro phototoxicity appear to be different from those involved in the in vivo contact allergic sensitivity. This study provides further support for the view that in the photosensitivity dermatitis and actinic reticuloid syndrome contact allergic sensitivity is of importance.

Aged↗
PubMed1979

Contact allergic sensitivity to plants and the photosensitivity dermatitis and actinic reticuloid syndrome.

Contact allergic sensitivity to oleoresin extracts from Compositae plants was found to be usually present in individuals suffering from the photosensitivity dermatitis and actinic reticuloid syndrome. It was demonstrated in forty-seven out of fifty-five examples of this syndrome. These results provide support for the view that contact allergic sensitivity is an important aspect of the state of chronic photosensitivity in the middle-aged and elderly male.

Adult↗