The restricted cellular host range of human herpesvirus 8.

DESIGN: A selection of primary and transformed cell types were evaluated for their susceptibility to infection with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8)/Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus. METHODS: Sources of HHV-8 included Kaposi's sarcoma lesion punch biopsies that were either cocultured directly with target cells or that were first cocultured with human lymphocytes to derive HHV-8-containing fluids that were inoculated onto target cells. HHV-8 was also obtained from primary effusion lymphoma-derived cell lines. Techniques to detect infection included the PCR, immunofluorescence assays and in situ hybridization. RESULTS: Susceptible cells included human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (UCMC), adult CD19 B cells, macrophages and certain endothelial cells of human and animal origin, including some that are transformed with human papilloma virus type 16 E6 and E7 genes. The infection of lymphocytes did not yield established lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL) and virus infection persisted for only 4-7 days. However, long-term HHV-8 infection of UCMC could be achieved by coinfection with Epstein-Barr virus. HHV-8 could also infect UCMC LCL recently derived by Epstein-Barr virus transformation, but long-established LCL could not be infected with HHV-8. CONCLUSIONS: These data provide further biological evidence in cell culture for the limited cellular host range of HHV-8 to CD19 B cells, macrophages, and certain endothelial cells.

Medical treatment of male pattern alopecia (androgenic alopecia).

The causes and potential causes of androgenic alopecia in men and women are discussed. The scientific attempts at reversing this process are detailed including use of estrogen, thyroid, progesterone, and minoxidil. At present, the practical approach for the clinician is to ascertain in females that an androgen overproduction syndrome is not present. A therapeutic trial of topical progesterone at a 2%-5% concentration appears to be reasonable when the physician and patient appreciate the limitations of this approach.

Dermatologic surgery and human immunodeficiency virus disease.

In summary, the statistically greater risk of disease among health care workers who suffer occupational needle sticks or similar exposure to contaminated blood remains hepatitis. Routine vaccination of health care workers who are at risk for exposure to hepatitis B, combined with common-sense implementation of risk management behaviors should reduce the chances of occupationally acquired blood-borne disease to levels of acceptable risk. The practice of medicine has never been without risk to the health care worker who is engaged in direct patient care, and the present epidemic is no exception. Collective action to minimize the impact of HIV disease continues to be the prudent and compassionate course of action.

Secondary intention healing. The primary approach for management of selected wounds.

Secondary intention healing is an ancient and well-established method of wound management. Since the advent of various reconstructive techniques, it is often forgotten as a valuable alternative to immediate surgical reconstruction of wounds. In certain situations the cosmetic and functional results of secondary intention healing are equal to the results of more complex reconstructive surgery. We describe a case in which remarkable results were obtained from spontaneous healing of a facial wound.

Physiologic and structural changes associated with aging skin.

The spectrum of photoaging in human skin shows a recognizable progression from subtle to profound, reflecting the various anatomic and structural changes that appear with aging skin. Qualification and quantification of these changes on both the macroscopic and microscopic levels enable the physician to select and evaluate appropriate therapeutic approaches to the problem of chronic solar damage. Comparative studies remain to be done that will further refine our abilities to match the right solutions to the recognized problems.

Chemical face peels.

Application of caustic chemicals to improve cosmesis and reverse actinic damage has been used for centuries. Although still not an exact science, it was not until the latter part of this century that peeling became more systematized. The indications, patient selection, armamentarium, histology, comprehension of the mechanisms of action, and safety parameters of peels have only recently become more extensively defined. Phenol, when used in the Baker's formula, provides the most dramatic results but also holds the most potential for systemic complications. Ideally suited for fair-skinned women, a phenol peel can provide substantial improvement in rhytidosis and actinic damage. Although the results of medium-depth peels approach those of Baker's peels, they are not quite as profound. Use of TCA and the medium-depth peels has filled an important gap between deep and superficial peels, however. Also ideal for light complexions, this category of peels lightens pigmentary problems and improves rhytides with minimal potential for systemic toxicity; however, local complications, including scarring and pigmentary anomalies, should not be underestimated. [table: see text] Superficial peels do not effectively eradicate the ravages of time and sun, but when done repetitively, they do improve pigmentary irregularities and may improve some minor surface changes and thus impart a fresher appearance to facial skin. Although pigmentary changes can occur, superficial peels are relatively safe, and maximal results can be achieved with serial applications. Peels have been categorized by patient indications and the corresponding depth of peeling required for improvement (Table 4). The depth is determined in turn by a host of factors (Table 5). Neither the classification scheme nor the peel process should be viewed dogmatically. Patients will often benefit from the concurrent use of different skin preparations and wounding agents. Localized gradations can be achieved not only with occlusion but also by employing different solutions as well as different concentrations of the same solution and skin preparation. Selection of the appropriate technique relies on critical analysis of the skin defect one wishes to treat balanced against the risks of treatment. The final protocol should be individualized for the needs of each patient. Despite heightened public awareness of the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, actinically damaged skin is no longer a problem restricted to an older-patient population. Fueled by the lay press and practitioners, there is a growing patient demand for chemical peels. Chemical peels alone or combined with ancillary aesthetic procedures can provide a dramatic improvement in facial appearance. The potential for improved cosmesis is not without inherent risk, however.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Chemical peels. Trichloroacetic acid and phenol.

Chemical peeling is the most widely used modality for treating photoaged skin. The classification, indications, techniques, complications, and histology of two of the most widely used peeling agents, trichloroacetic acid and phenol, are presented.

Treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis with botulinum toxin.

Excessive sweating of the palms, axillae, and soles can be managed with intradermal injections of botulinum toxin as an alternative to more aggressive surgical therapies such as sympathectomy and less effective techniques including topical antiperspirants. The dosage and injection techniques can be optimized to provide several months of freedom from this troubling disorder.

Aesthetic and anatomic analysis of the aging skin.

One of the most interesting medical conditions that now afflicts the baby boomer generation is photoaging. Clinical signs of photoaging of the skin include rhytids, lentigines, keratoses, telangiectasia, loss of translucency, loss of elasticity, and sallow color. A systematic classification of patient photoaging types has been developed by the author: type I, "no wrinkles"; type II, "wrinkles in motion"; type III, "wrinkles at rest"; and type IV, "only wrinkles." The intent is to organize the discussion of therapies for photodamaged skin to permit rational comparisons of therapies and clinical results.

The risk of progression to invasive disease.

BACKGROUND: Actinic keratoses occasionally progress to invasive skin cancer. The clinician-dermatologist ideally would like to know which lesions are at individual risk. Various investigators have attempted to answer this problem through a variety of clinical research applications including counting individual lesions in populations at risk, in the general population, and by examining insurance claims data and extrapolating incidence figures. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to ascertain the range of risks for progression of actinic keratoses to invasive skin cancer. RESULTS: Five clinical research studies were reviewed that covered a period from 1988 to 1998. Published risk of progression of actinic keratoses to invasive squamous cell carcinoma for individual lesions ranged from 0.025% to 16% per year. Extrapolation from these clinical studies suggests a rate of risk of progression of actinic keratoses to invasive squamous cell carcinoma of approximately 8% taken as an average among the cited statistical rates in the studies reviewed. CONCLUSION: Although the rate of progression of actinic keratoses to invasive squamous cell carcinoma statistically occurs at a low percentage rate ( approximately 10%), the problem for the clinician is that the risk over a broad population does not aid in determining the risk factor for the individual lesion. Hence the decision to treat is made on related clinical factors such as history of persistence, age of patient, discomfort, extent of coexisting photodamage, tolerance for morbidity of therapy, and history of skin cancer.

Botulinum A neurotoxin for axillary hyperhidrosis. No sweat Botox.

BACKGROUND: Axillary hyperhidrosis causes considerable emotional stress and is associated with extraordinary costs and limitations in clothing. Existing topical and surgical therapies are either ineffective or associated with unacceptable morbidity and sequelae. Botulinum A neurotoxin (Botox) has been shown to decrease sweating in normal skin and in palmar hyperhidrosis. OBJECTIVE: The current study was undertaken to demonstrate the utility of using Botox in the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis. METHODS: Twelve patient with axillary hyperhidrosis underwent intradermal injection with 50 units of Botox in the axillary skin bilaterally. RESULTS: All patients enjoyed relatively complete anhidrosis of the axillary skin in periods ranging from 4 to 7 months. Repeat injections produced similar results. CONCLUSION: Botulinum A neurotoxin (Botox) is an elegant and simple treatment for axillary hyperhidrosis.

Autologous fat grafting: comparison of techniques.

BACKGROUND: Despite more than a century of reporting in the medical literature, controversy still surrounds both the efficacy and longevity of autologous fat transplantation in subcutaneous soft tissue augmentation. OBJECTIVE: To summarize the existing literature relating to the effectiveness of this procedure and to highlight differences in technique that may play a role in reported treatment successes and failures. METHODS: Review of the literature and reporting of authors' observations and results. CONCLUSION: Autologous fat transplantation can be a gratifyingly effective treatment for subcutaneous augmentation that may produce permanent results in some cases. This article aims to clarify some of the differences in technique employed by doctors in this field and aims to enable the reader to better see the subtle, but sometimes important differences in methods used.

Wood's lamp for superficial chemical peels.

BACKGROUND: Superficial chemical peels are being used with increasing frequency in the treatment of photoaging. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to develop a marker to indicate when all areas of skin have been treated and avoid reliance on a map or operator recall. METHODS: With a Wood's lamp (maximum output 365 nm) and addition of salicylic acid and fluorescein sodium, solutions that are readily available, the progress of the superficial chemical peel can be visualized. RESULTS: Wood's lamp accentuates epidermal pigment and therefore highlights dyschromia that will respond to a superficial chemical peel. Similarly, salicylic acid and fluorescein sodium fluoresce when viewed under Wood's lamp examination. CONCLUSION: When fluorescent compounds are incorporated into a superficial chemical peel, then fluorescence can accurately locate skip areas, minimize inadvertent overlayering, and thereby avoid deeper penetration.

Refinements in split-thickness skin grafting technique.

Modifications for split-thickness grafting techniques are discussed, including the use of incontinuity, semipermeable, biologic dressings during harvesting, spiral basting sutures for graft attachment, and meshing to increase graft coverage.

Zyderm collagen: implantation technics.

This paper describes in detail the injection technics for Zyderm collagen, purified bovine collagen (EPC), presently used by us. Because we were clinical investigators, we have used the material for longer than 6 years. The paper outlines our initial technics, some of which were successful and some, not successful. Equipment, patient positioning, technics for estimating whether or not EPC will work, syringe and needle positioning, and how best to judge whether or not the implant is being placed in the dermis are discussed. Each indication for EPC and each area where EPC is effective are addressed individually, with special emphasis on the precise technic that produces the best and longest-lasting results. Because we feel that injection technic is critical for safety and efficacy, this detailed description of the technic and how it was derived is submitted for others to share.