The use of antioxidants in radiotherapy-induced skin toxicity.

Radiation-induced skin damage is one of the most common complications of radiotherapy. In order to combat these side effects, patients often turn to alternative therapies, which often include antioxidants. Antioxidants such as those in the polyphenol chemical class, xanthine derivatives, tocepherol, sucralfate, and ascorbate have been studied for their use in either preventing or treating radiotherapy-induced skin damage. Apart from their known role as free radical scavengers, some of these antioxidants appear to alter cytokine release affecting cutaneous and systemic changes. We review the role of antioxidants in treating and preventing radiation-induced skin damage as well as the possible complications of using such therapy.

Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis in HIV-infected patients with AIDS: a report of two cases diagnosed in the USA.

BACKGROUND: Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) is an uncommon complication of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) but is emerging as an increasingly frequent and serious complication of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It manifests as a macular, morbilliform, or nodular eruption in a patient who has recovered from VL. METHODS: We present two cases of PKDL in the setting of AIDS. RESULTS: These two cases are notable because they demonstrate the severe course of VL, the rare appearance of PKDL in the U.S.A., and the recurrence of disease after >2 years of remission in the second case. Options for treatment include amphotericin B and pentavalent antimonials along with first-line antiretroviral therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The prevention of VL relapses, and the development of PKDL in HIV patients with Leishmania co-infection remains challenging. The vast differential diagnosis of other HIV-related cutaneous conditions, along with a lack of experience with this disease, often delays diagnosis. Therapeutic dilemmas concerning drug selection, dosage, scheduling regimen, and the respective durations of initial and maintenance therapy for PKDL need to be addressed. Treatment should aim to target the latent infection and prevent posttreatment VL relapses that may present in an unpredictable fashion. Leishmaniasis remains a recognized but uncommon opportunistic disease in the setting of HIV, which can be associated with atypical features including the appearance of skin lesions years after the treatment of VL.

Horizontal running mattress suture modified with intermittent simple loops.

Using the combination of a horizontal running mattress suture with intermittent loops achieves both good eversion with the horizontal running mattress plus the ease of removal of the simple loops. This combination technique also avoids the characteristic railroad track marks that result from prolonged non-absorbable suture retention. The unique feature of our technique is the incorporation of one simple running suture after every two runs of the horizontal running mattress suture. To demonstrate its utility, we used the suturing technique on several patients and analyzed the cosmetic outcome with post-operative photographs in comparison to other suturing techniques. In summary, the combination of running horizontal mattress suture with simple intermittent loops demonstrates functional and cosmetic benefits that can be readily taught, comprehended, and employed, leading to desirable aesthetic results and wound edge eversion.

Autoreactive T cells in the immune pathogenesis of pemphigus vulgaris.

Pemphigus vulgaris is a life-threatening autoimmune blistering disease caused by anti-desmoglein IgG autoantibodies that finally lead to acantholysis presenting clinically as progressive blistering. Whilst the production of pathogenic antibodies is key to the development of pemphigus vulgaris, many immunological steps are required prior to autoantibody induction. We review advances in the understanding of these immunologic processes with a focus on human leucocyte antigen polymorphisms and antigen recognition, epitope spreading, central and peripheral tolerance, T helper differentiation, induction of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and T-cell regulation of B cells. Targeting autoaggressive T cells as regulators and stimulators of B-cell antibody production should allow for more specific therapeutic immune interventions, avoiding the global immunosuppression seen with many commonly used immunosuppressants in pemphigus vulgaris.

Potential role of human growth hormone in melanoma growth promotion.

BACKGROUND Human growth hormone (HGH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) have been shown to play a role in the malignant transformation and progression of a variety of cancers. HGH is also known to upregulate molecular signaling pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of melanoma. Although HGH has previously been implicated in promoting the clinical growth of both benign and malignant melanocytic neoplasms, to our knowledge there are no conclusive studies demonstrating an increased risk of melanoma following HGH therapy. Nevertheless, there are reports of melanoma developing subsequent to HGH coadministered with either other hormones or following irradiation. OBSERVATION A 49-year-old white man presented with a new pigmented papule that was diagnosed as melanoma. The patient reported using HGH for 3 months prior to the diagnosis. His 51-year-old wife, who also was white, had also been using exogenous HGH for 3 months and had been diagnosed as having a melanoma 2 weeks prior. CONCLUSIONS Given the unlikelihood of 2 unrelated people developing melanoma within a short time span, it is reasonable to assume that a common environmental component (HGH or other shared exposure) contributed to the development of both melanomas. Because of the increased use of exogenous HGH as an antiaging agent, it is important to be aware of the growth-promoting effects of this hormone. Until better data are available that determines the true risk of exogenous HGH, its use as an antiaging agent merits increased surveillance.

Congenital idiopathic atrophoderma of Pasini and Pierini.

Idiopathic atrophoderma of Pasini and Pierini is a disorder of dermal atrophy. There is a female predominance and almost never does the condition present at birth. Histopathological examination reveals attenuated dermis. We report a case of a healthy male born with a plaque of idiopathic atrophoderma of Pasini and Pierini.

Treatment of facial molluscum contagiosum with trichloroacetic acid.

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) virus is a common cutaneous infection in the pediatric population, most commonly affecting school-aged children. Spontaneous clearing of lesions usually occurs over time; however, treatment is often sought due to cosmetic significance, pruritus, or concerns of transmission and autoinoculation. Chemical destruction with cantharidin, which is derived from blister beetle extract, is very safe and highly effective, making it the treatment of choice in the pediatric population. However, treatment of facial lesions or those in the diaper area are not recommended with this agent. Trichloroacetic acid is a safe and effective agent frequently utilized in dermatologic practice, most commonly in the treatment of verrucae. We have successfully used topical trichloroacetic acid to treat facial molluscum contagiousum and present the following technique for proper application.

Venous ulcers: A reappraisal analyzing the effects of neuropathy, muscle involvement, and range of motion upon gait and calf muscle function.

Chronic venous insufficiency is a complex disease that can result in severe sequelae including venous ulceration. Though the exact progression from chronic venous insufficiency to venous ulcer remains unclear, the high cost and burden of this disease on patients and society is quite clear. Sustained ambulatory venous pressures or venous hypertension plays an integral role in the development of venous ulceration and involves the failure of the calf muscle pump system. Standard of care involves compression therapy to assist the calf muscle pump. However, several cofactors may contribute to or exacerbate this disease and understanding their impact may provide insight into new treatment modalities. Nerve involvement, which may result in neuropathic pain and muscle dysfunction, alterations in mobility and a decrease in range of motion may lead to gait alterations all affecting calf muscle pump function. In this paper, we analyze these cofactors and discuss possible treatment options to target them. Physicians treating this disease should be aware of the numerous factors involved in its development. Exploring new treatment options may 1 day lessen the burden and suffering caused by venous insufficiency.