Photodermatoses.

Exposure to ultraviolet light is an important factor in precipitating or potentiating a number of cutaneous lesions and may also exacerbate generalized systemic disease activity. Although the role of ultraviolet light is clearly defined in some conditions, its pathogenic role in others is less understood. The approach to this group of diseases in tropical countries differs from that in the Occidental countries. It is important to emphasize the increased sunlight, not only its intensity but its duration throughout the year. On the other hand, the pigmentary variation seen in these areas provides a natural protection against some of these diseases. In some cases, treatment is less sophisticated than in developed countries. In others, the high cost of drugs does not permit their use, and the prophylactic approach is photoprotection.

[Pre-Sézary erythroderma developing into Sézary syndrome: apropos of 2 observations]. / Eritrodermia tipo "pre-Sézary" con evolución a síndrome de Sézary: a propósito de dos observaciones.

Two cases of pre-Sézary erythroderma of several years of evolution that evolved into Sézary syndrome are presented. The role of persistent antigenic stimulation in the development of T-cell lymphoproliferative disease in discussed. We also review the different therapeutic approach to Sézary syndrome.

Cost analysis of real-time polymerase chain reaction microbiological diagnosis in patients with septic shock.

Antibiotic treatment for septic shock is generally prescribed on an empirical basis using broad-spectrum antibiotics. Molecular diagnostic techniques can detect the presence of microbial DNA in blood within a few hours and facilitate early, targeted treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the economic impact of a real-time polymerase chain reaction technique, LightCycler SeptiFast (LSC), in patients with sepsis. A cost-minimisation study was carried out in patients admitted with a diagnosis of severe sepsis or septic shock to the intensive care unit of a university hospital. The stay in the intensive care unit, hospital admission, 28-day and six-month mortality, and the economic cost of the clinical process were also evaluated. The study involved 48 patients in the LSC group and 54 patients in the control group. The total cost was €42,198 in the control group versus €32,228 in the LCS group with statistically significant differences (P <0.05), giving rise to an average net saving of €9970 per patient. The mortality rate was similar in both groups. The main finding of this study was the significant economic saving afforded by the use of the LCS technique, due to the shortening of intensive care unit stay and the use of fewer antibiotics.

Efficacy and safety of a topically applied Avène spring water spray in the healing of facial skin after laser resurfacing.

BACKGROUND: Although laser resurfacing is a well-accepted treatment, tolerance problems may preclude patient's acceptance of the procedure. Post-laser protracted erythema is a prime problem, associated with the symptoms of pain, itching, stinging and tightening. OBJECTIVE: The present study was conducted to evaluate a low-salt medical spring water (Avène, Avène-les-Bains, France), in conjunction with the standard use of an emollient, to improve tolerance by hydrating the postlaser skin. METHODS: A controlled, randomized, open-labeled, multicentric and two parallel group study was completed after 84 days in 74 patients, 34 applying a petrolatum ointment alone (control group), and 40 applying petrolatum ointment in association with the Avène spring water spray ad libitum (water group). RESULTS: The water spray showed a pronounced effect on reducing erythema, from the second week of postlaser onwards, with a statistically significant difference in favor of the water group compared with the control group (p < or = 0.04 from day 14 to day 84, except a non-significant trend on day 28). In addition, the water spray was found to significantly reduce itching on day 28 (p < 0.05), and stinging and tightening on day 14 and day 21 (p < 0.05). Pain was not modified by the water. CONCLUSION: Topical water appears to be a helpful adjunctive treatment to petrolatum ointment for counteracting erythema, itching, stinging and tightening during the postlaser treatment period.