Assessment of a new biological complex efficacy on dysseborrhea, inflammation, and Propionibacterium acnes proliferation.

INTRODUCTION: Acne vulgaris is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit triggered by Propionibacterium acnes. A bakuchiol, Ginkgo biloba extract, and mannitol (BGM) complex has been developed to provide patients with acne with a specific dermocosmetic to be used adjunctively with conventional treatments. OBJECTIVE: The aim of these studies was to assess the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative potential of BGM complex and its individual compounds as well as its impact on sebum composition. METHODS: The antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative potential of BGM complex and its compounds was assessed through in vitro, ex vivo, and clinical studies. The clinical benefit of BGM complex formulated in a cream was assessed in subjects prone to acne through sebum composition analysis and photometric assessments. RESULTS: Results from the studies showed that the BGM complex has significant antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative properties. At similar concentrations, bakuchiol has up to twice the antioxidative potential than vitamin E. In subjects, BGM complex regulated the sebum composition in acne patients by increasing the level of sapienic and linolenic acid and reducing the level of oleic acid. The reduced number of porphyrins on the skin surface showed that it is also effective against P. acnes. CONCLUSION: BGM complex provides a complete adjunctive care in patients with acne by targeting etiopathogenic factors of acne: dysseborrhea, inflammation, and P. acnes proliferation.

Efficacy and tolerance assessment of a new type of dermocosmetic in infants and children with moderate atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory and pruritic skin disorder. OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy and tolerance of a new emollient (SBT complex) in subjects with moderate AD. METHODS: Subjects received twice daily for 168 days (6 months) either SBT complex or emollient base adjunctively or alternately with topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors. Evolution of AD was assessed throughout the study using usual AD assessment criteria including SCORAD and PO-SCORAD. Quality of life was assessed at Day 0 and Day 168. RESULTS: At Day 168, a significant decrease with SBT complex was observed for the SCORAD and the PO-SCORAD scores (P < 0.05), the primary efficacy criteria. A total of 76% of SBT complex subjects did not relapse and time-to-relapse increased compared to the emollient base subjects. Intensity, dryness, and quality of life (P < 0.05) had improved in subjects using SBT complex. The product was well tolerated with less physical and functional signs in the SBT than in the emollient base group. CONCLUSION: The new emollient dermocosmetic SBT complex applied adjunctively or alternately with topical AD treatments significantly improved AD without any safety concerns. SBT complex may play an important role in the restoration of the natural skin barrier.

Induction-related cost of patients with acute myeloid leukaemia in France.

OBJECTIVE: The economic profile of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is badly known. The few studies published on this disease are now relatively old and include small numbers of patients. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the induction-related cost of 500 patients included in the AML 2001 trial, and to determine the explanatory factors of cost. SETTING: "Induction" patient's hospital stay from admission for "induction" to discharge after induction. METHOD: The study was performed from the French Public Health insurance perspective, restrictive to hospital institution costs. The average management of a hospital stay for "induction" was evaluated according to the analytical accounting of Besançon University Teaching Hospital and the French public Diagnosis-Related Group database. Multiple linear regression was used to search for explanatory factors. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Only direct medical costs were included: treatment and hospitalisation. RESULTS: Mean induction-related direct medical cost was estimated at €41,852 ± 6,037, with a mean length of hospital stay estimated at 36.2 ± 10.7 days. After adjustment for age, sex and performance status, only two explanatory factors were found: an additional induction course and salvage course increased induction-related cost by 38% (± 4) and 15% (± 1) respectively, in comparison to one induction. These explanatory factors were associated with a significant increase in the mean length of hospital stay: 45.8 ± 11.6 days for 2 inductions and 38.5 ± 15.5 if the patient had a salvage course, in comparison to 32.9 ± 7.7 for one induction (P < 10⁻4). This result is robust and was confirmed by sensitivity analysis. CONCLUSION: Consideration of economic constraints in health care is now a reality. Only the control of length of hospital stay may lead to a decrease in induction-related cost for patients with AML.