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Epidemiology of contact dermatitis. The information network of departments of dermatology (IVDK) in Germany.

In 1988, the multicenter project "Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK)", including eight university skin hospitals was founded. It now comprises 30 participating centers. At these centers, all patch test results are recorded, together with important anamnestic details and, twice a year, these are sent to the data center at the Göttingen University Skin Hospital. Regular, descriptive analyses of data collected by this epidemiological surveillance system serve the different purposes discussed in this paper: 1) observation of "sentinel events"; e.g. an increase in the proportion of patients tested who were sensitized to a certain allergen, or the identification of certain subgroups at particular risk as a starting point for further research or preventive action, and 2) advancement of good clinical practice in patch testing. In October 1996, a working group of the European Society of Contact Dermatitis (ESCD) called the "European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies (ESSCA)" was established with a similar aim of communal data collection and analysis.

Dermatitis, Contact↗

Tumescent anesthesia for dermatologic surgery. Cosmetic and noncosmetic procedures.

BACKGROUND: Tumescent anesthesia was originally described by Klein and Lillis for liposuction surgery. Its extension to many other interventions in dermatologic surgery (cosmetic and noncosmetic) has provided a significant contribution in the performance of safe, ambulatory, and simplified procedures. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the validity of the technique in various procedures. METHODS: Over the course of 1 year all large reconstruction or cosmetic surgery was performed using tumescent anesthesia. In a total of 242 cases performed, the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure were analyzed. RESULTS: Tumescent anesthesia was found to be very effective in achieving adequate anesthesia for performance of the reconstructive or cosmetic procedures. Good patient compliance was achieved with no serious sequelae. CONCLUSION: Tumescent anesthesia is one the most substantial progressions in the field of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, with advantages that by far outnumber the few disadvantages.

Ambulatory Surgical Procedures↗

Traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of dermatologic disorders.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an alternative method of therapy that can be administered in oral, topical, or injectable forms. It emphasizes the importance of using many herbs that are combined in different formulations for each individual patient. Among some segments of the patient population, it has become increasingly popular as a mode for treating dermatologic diseases. As a result, it is now worthwhile for dermatologists throughout the West to gain some familiarity with this method. Yet, dermatologists are largely unfamiliar with TCM and may possess some misconceptions. We attempt to give a general overview of TCM through the discussion of different clinical studies involving various TCMs. Some proposed mechanisms of action of TCM are also presented. A discussion of adverse effects, including hepatotoxic effects and the need for close monitoring is discussed. A warning regarding the possible contamination of TCMs is also included. Since it is not possible to discuss the application of TCM for every skin disorder, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis are used as the prototype in illustrating the use of TCM. In the future, perhaps a better understanding of TCM will be gained through more systematic analysis and controlled studies with a placebo arm. It is our hope that this article will provide an overview of the efficacy, mechanism of action, as well as adverse effects of TCM.

Drugs, Chinese Herbal↗

Photodynamic therapy in dermatology.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses exogenously administered or endogenously formed photosensitizers activated by light to induce cell death via formation of singlet oxygen and other free radicals. Photodynamic therapy is increasingly used for the treatment of skin cancers and other indications. The efficacy of PDT depends on the structure of the photosensitizer, the administration modality, the light source, and the treatment procedure. We reviewed the most recent clinical and experimental developments in PDT research related to dermatology. The substrate under most intense investigation in PDT research is delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA). Photodynamic therapy with topically applied ALA has been shown to be highly efficient in the treatment of cutaneous neoplasms by using intralesionally formed porphyrins as photosensitizers. For solar keratoses, best response rates have been described. delta-Aminolevulinic-PDT is also efficient in the treatment of superficial basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. In addition, the fluorescence of ALA-induced porphyrins under a Wood light is highly selective in neoplastic cutaneous tissue and offers a useful technique in detecting and delineating skin tumors with ill-defined borders.

Administration, Cutaneous↗

Acne vulgaris and the quality of life of adult dermatology patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of acne vulgaris on the quality of life of adult dermatology patients. DESIGN: Cross-sectional and longitudinal questionnaire study. PATIENTS: Sixty patients with acne vulgaris attending appointments with their dermatologists. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Findings using Skindex, a validated 29-item instrument to measure the effects of skin disease on patients' quality of life. Results are reported as 3 scale scores (functioning, emotions, and symptoms) and a composite score (average scale score). In addition, dermatologists rated the clinical severity of patients' skin disease, and patients responded to a global question about how they are bothered by acne. Higher Skindex scores indicate greater effects on quality of life. RESULTS: Patients with acne experienced functioning and emotional effects from their skin disease comparable with those of patients with psoriasis, but experienced fewer symptoms (for patients with acne and psoriasis, respectively, Skindex functioning scores of 14.9 and 22.8 [P=.08]; emotion scores, 39.2 and 38.9 [P=.95]; and symptoms scores, 29.5 and 42.1 [P<.05]). Skindex scores were higher in older patients than in younger patients, and patients aged 40 years or older were less likely to report improvement in their acne after 3 months (43% vs 85%; P<.05). Among patients reporting no improvement in their acne, older patients reported greater effects of their acne on their quality of life. Furthermore, in multivariate analyses, older adults reported more effects of acne on their quality of life than younger adults, even after controlling for sex and acne severity as judged by the dermatologist. CONCLUSIONS: Acne vulgaris significantly affects patients' quality of life. Regardless of the severity of acne, older adults were more affected by their acne.

Acne Vulgaris↗

The development of guidelines for the treatment of vitiligo. Clinical Epidemiology Unit of the Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata-Istituto di Recovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IDI-IRCCS) and the Archives of Dermatology.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and introduce evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of vitiligo in children and in adults. PATIENTS AND SETTING: Patients, residents, and dermatologists from the Department of Dermatology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, and the Netherlands Institute for Pigmentary Disorders in Amsterdam. DESIGN: Scientific evidence obtained from 3 systematic reviews of the literature was combined with the results of 2 questionnaires and interviews of potential users of the guidelines, 3 internal expert meetings, and 1 local expert meeting, during which preliminary guidelines were presented and commented on. A final version of the guidelines was synthesized and disseminated among potential users. Six months after the introduction of these guidelines, their use was evaluated. RESULTS: Before the development of the guidelines, there was no uniformity in treatment selection, and there was a variability in estimates of treatment outcome. The metaanalysis showed class 3 corticosteroids and narrowband UV-B to be the most effective and safest therapies for localized and for generalized vitiligo, respectively. From another systematic review, it could be concluded that patients with segmental, stable, or lip-tip vitiligo could be successfully treated with most autologous transplantation methods. For vitiligo universalis, results of the systematic review showed that depigmentation using monobenzone or a Q-switched ruby laser was equally effective. The final version of the guidelines consisted of a treatment scheme together with detailed treatment protocols. Implementation of the guidelines was evaluated in 5 physicians. After the introduction of these guidelines, they were followed in most adult cases with vitiligo (71% of patients with localized vitiligo, 82% with generalized vitiligo, 100% with stable or segmental vitiligo, and 80% with universal vitiligo). In children with vitiligo, the physicians adhered to the guidelines for 52% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: Guidelines for the treatment of vitiligo can be successfully developed and disseminated for daily clinical practice. The results of the implementation of these guidelines should be confirmed in other centers involving more clinicians.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

Analysis of cytokine expression in dermatology.

During the past decade, the detection of cytokines has been a focus of scientific interest, including in dermatology. Dysregulation of cytokine production seems to be involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases. The determination of cytokine levels is of increasing diagnostic importance, and cytokines are used as therapeutic agents too. Cytokines are polypeptides secreted by a wide variety of cells in response to diverse stimuli, and mediate autocrine, paracrine, or endocrine effects that are often pleiotropic and redundant. Their molecular weight lies between 6 and 70 kd. The cytokines of immunologic relevance are primarily those that are formed by immune cells (monokines and lymphokines) and/or influence their function. In principle, cytokines are detectable on 3 levels: (1) By using polymerase chain reaction, the messenger RNA expression of cytokine genes can be detected and, with the newer techniques, even quantified. (2) Protein synthesis can be detected by using bioassays and enzyme immunoassays or immunocytologic or immunohistologic detection of intracellular cytokine production. (3) Finally, there are indirect methods for the detection of cytokine formation by analysis of products of cytokine activity. The immunobiological features of cytokines and the different approaches for cytokine determination are briefly discussed herein because basic knowledge of these biologically highly active messenger substances and the capabilities and limits of the individual detection methods are essential for a sensible interpretation of the relevant findings.

Biological Assay↗

Dermatologic and immunologic findings in the immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X-linked syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X-linked (IPEX) syndrome is a rare genodermatosis associated with dermatitis, enteropathy, type 1 diabetes, thyroiditis, hemolytic anemia, and thrombocytopenia. IPEX results from mutations of FOXP3, a gene located on the X chromosome that encodes a DNA-binding protein required for development of regulatory T cells. If untreated, affected males die early in life from malabsorption and other complications. To our knowledge, this syndrome has never been described in the dermatology literature. OBSERVATIONS: We studied an 11-year-old boy with IPEX. Mutation analysis revealed a G-->A transition (1150G>A) in exon 11, resulting in a putative substitution of Ala-->Thr at residue 384, within the DNA-binding site. Histopathologic examination of an active skin lesion revealed psoriasiform dermatitis. The lesions improved with clobetasol ointment. The patient also displayed alopecia universalis, which had been present since age 18 months, accompanied by longitudinal ridging of the nails. Lymphocyte challenge tests revealed a profound inability to synthesize interferon gamma (INF-gamma) and dysregulated production of other cytokines. CONCLUSIONS: IPEX is an often fatal genodermatosis associated with multiple autoimmune disorders. Cutaneous findings may include dermatitis, bullae, urticaria, alopecia universalis, and trachyonychia. Recognition of this life-threatening disorder is crucial for optimal treatment and genetic counseling.

Base Sequence↗

Dermatology-related epidemiologic and clinical concerns of men who have sex with men, women who have sex with women, and transgender individuals.

OBJECTIVE: To review the recent literature relevant to dermatologists regarding sexual-minority patients: men who have sex with men, women who have sex with women, and transgender and intersex individuals. DATA SOURCES: We searched MEDLINE for articles relating to sexual-minority patients and dermatology. DATA EXTRACTION: Information regarding clinical, epidemiologic, and terminology issues relating to sexual-minority patients, with particular attention to concerns relevant to dermatologists. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual-minority patients have specific clinical and epidemiologic issues that are relevant to dermatologists. Knowledge of these issues, as well as sensitivity to issues of terminology, can enable dermatologists to better care for sexual-minority patients.

Disease Outbreaks↗

Metastases in dermatological patients with squamous cell carcinoma.

Two hundred eleven patients in whom squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin had been diagnosed between 1950 and 1959 were followed up from Jan 1, 1976, to establish the incidence of metastases. A systemic study was carried out through follow-up examinations and tracing through population registers. We found 3.3% metastases in 153 patients with skin SCC and 11% metastases in 55 patients with labial SCC. Three patients with genital SCC were free of metastases. These results and the available literature on patients with SCC of osteomyelitic foci and scars from burns or x-ray treatment indicate that sharp distinctions must be made among three groups of SCC; mucocutaneous, primary cutaneous, and cutaneous SCC secondary to inflammatory and degenerative processes. The incidence of metastases in the three groups is approximately 11%, 3%, and 10% to 30%, respectively. Percentages found are important to dermatology clinics because skin SCC should be considered a malignant tumor with a higher incidence of metastases than previously assumed.

Aged↗

Side effects from dermatological laser treatment related to UV exposure and epidermal thickness: a murine experiment with the copper vapor laser.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The intention of the present study was to clarify whether UV-exposure prior to laser treatment of albino mouse skin may influence laser-induced side effects and if a possible influence may be explained by epidermal thickening. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Albino, hairless mice were irradiated 0, 8, and 22 consecutive times with simulated solar UV (1.4 J/cm2 per treatment). Subsequently, two areas on the back of the mice (1.26 cm2 each) were treated with a copper vapor laser that was connected to a Hexascan. The beam diameter was 1 mm, pulse duration 200 msec, and intensities 0.6 W, 0.8 W, and 1.0 W. Laser-induced wounds, scars, and histologically evaluated fibrosis were evaluated. RESULTS: We found that mice irradiated with UV before laser treatment developed smaller wounds, smaller texture change areas, and less fibrosis as compared with nonirradiated control groups, and significant, negative correlations were demonstrated between epidermal thicknesses (stratum corneum, the cellular part of epidermis, and the entire epidermis) and laser-induced skin reactions. A dose response was obtained between laser intensities and laser-induced skin reactions, which tended to be more severe in the cranial back location as compared with the caudal back location. Epidermal layers increased significantly after eight consecutive times of UV irradiation and increased to a steady level after 22 times of irradiation. CONCLUSION: We conclude that UV exposure prior to laser treatment of albino mice reduced laser-induced side-effects, which could be explained by increased epidermal thickening. Variations in epidermal thickness might thus contribute to variations in clinical response to dermatological laser treatment with the copper vapor laser.

Animals↗

Comparison of an in vitro skin model to normal human skin for dermatological research.

EpiDerm, an in vitro human skin equivalent (HSE), was compared to normal human breast skin (NHS) to morphologically and biochemically assess its feasibility for dermatological research. Intralot and interlot variability was studied in day 0, 1, 2, and 3 in vitro cultures and in day 0, 3, 5, and 7 NHS. For NHS, light microscopy (LM) at day 0 showed stratified epidermis which exhibited an increase in vacuoles and dark basal cells as storage increased to 3, 5, and 7 days. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed typical organelles in the epidermis and a convoluted basement membrane at day 0. With increased storage, vacuoles and paranuclear clefts became numerous, necrosis increased, tonofilaments became less organized, and overall cellular integrity decreased. Biochemical data showed consistent MTT and glucose utilization (GU) through day 5, while lactate production decreased to 75% by day 3. By LM, day 0 HSE consisted of a thick, compact, stratum corneum that sent projections between the stratum granulosum cells. By TEM, the configuration organization, differentiation, distribution, and frequency of the organelles differed slightly from NHS. In addition, the basement membrane of the HSE was not completely differentiated, and the dermis was thin and acellular. Although day 1 and 2 cultures showed little change, day 3 exhibited an overall degeneration. Biochemical analysis showed GU and the lactate production decreased through day 3. In conclusion, the EpiDerm HSE, although exhibiting slight differences, was morphologically and biochemically similar to normal human epidermis and may be a valuable model in assessing the toxicology, metabolism, or pharmacology of nonvesicating compounds.

Cell Survival↗

Distinct craniofacial-skeletal-dermatological dysplasia in a patient with W290C mutation in FGFR2.

Mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor genes (FGFR) have been known to be associated with many craniosynostosis syndromes with overlapping phenotypes. We studied a 15-year-old Thai boy with an unspecified craniosynostosis syndrome characterized by multiple suture craniosynostoses, a persistent anterior fontanel, corneal scleralization, choanal stenosis, atresia of the auditory meatus, broad thumbs and great toes, severe scoliosis, acanthosis nigricans, hydrocephalus, and mental retardation. Radiography revealed bony ankyloses of vertebral bodies of T9-12, humero-radio-ulnar joints, intercarpal joints, distal interphalangeal joints of fifth fingers, fibulo-tibial joints, intertarsal joints, and distal interphalangeal joints of the first toes. The patient was a heterozygous for a 870G --> T change resulting in a W290C amino acid substitution in the extracellular domain of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 gene (FGFR2). This mutation has previously been reported in a patient with severe Pfeiffer syndrome type 2 that is distinct from the craniosynostosis in our patient. These findings emphasize locus, allelic, and phenotypic heterogeneity of craniofacial-skeletal-dermatological syndrome due to FGFR2 mutations.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Strategies for improving melanoma education and screening for men age >or= 50 years: findings from the American Academy of Dermatological National Skin Cancer Sreening Program.

BACKGROUND: Recently, the Institute of Medicine (2000) and the Third United States Preventive Services Task Force (2001) called for studies to help clinicians identify patients, especially elderly patients, who are at high risk for melanoma. In the current study, the authors sought to identify factors associated with a high yield in skin cancer screening and to explore strategies for improving mass screenings for melanoma. METHODS: The authors analyzed the data base of the 242,374 skin cancer screenings conducted on more than 206,000 Americans who attended the American Academy of Dermatology National Skin Cancer Screening Programs during the period 1992-1994. RESULTS: Ninety-six percent of 3476 screenees with a presumptive diagnosis of melanoma or possible melanoma were contacted, and follow-up records were obtained for 73% of screenees. Of these, 363 screenees had histologically proven melanoma. Middle-aged and older men (age >or= 50 years) comprised only 25% of screenees but comprised 44% of those with a confirmed diagnosis of melanoma. The overall yield of melanoma (the number of confirmed diagnoses per the number of screenees) was 1.5 per 1000 screenings (363 diagnoses of 242,374 screenees) compared with a yield of 2.6 per 1000 screenings among men age >or= 50 years. The yield was improved further for men age >or= 50 years who reported either a changing mole (4.6 per 1000 screenings) or skin types I and II (3.8 per 1000 screenings). The predictive value of a screening diagnosis of melanoma was more than twice as high for men age >or= 50 years with either a changing mole or skin types I and II compared with all other participants. CONCLUSIONS: The yield of mass screening for melanoma would be improved by outreach to middle-aged and older men, with particular focus on men with changing moles or with skin types I and II. Primary care physicians should be attuned to the risk factors among all of their patients but should be alerted in particular to the heightened risk of melanoma for men age >or= 50 years. Formal assessment of the impact of targeted screening on mortality warrants further study.

Age Factors↗

A flexible sealed tube transverse radio frequency excited carbon dioxide laser for dermatologic surgery.

A new CO2 laser system, of special characteristics, has been found to be effective for CO2 laser dermatological surgery. The unit is compact, freely movable, and suitable for office practice. A highly flexible operating probe makes for precision surgery. The initial investigative clinical series included resistant warts in many areas including extensive plantar warts, oral lesions, and condylomata. There were also excisions of broad base granuloma pyogenicum, large seborrheic warty lesions, thermal photocoagulation of rhinophyma, and laser dermabrasion of tattoos. Flaps were done in animals.

Animals↗

Preliminary investigative studies with PDT in dermatologic and plastic surgery.

PDT has been shown to be of value in inoperable basal and squamous skin cancers and in cutaneous metastases. Azone, a new investigative vehicle for HpD, is of value more for intralesional injections than for topical applications in tumors, except perhaps for superficial mucous membrane lesions. The more flexible gold head vapor is of definite value in the PDT program. For test models for PDT studies in dermatology and plastic surgery with HpD and other fluorochromes, single thickened resistant plaques of psoriasis and the common baso squamous acanthoma (seborrheic warty growth) have been used. In all these studies, adequate controls are necessary.

Adenocarcinoma↗