Serum prolidase activity in psoriasis patients.

This study aimed to evaluate serum prolidase activity and the effects of gender, body mass index (BMI), disease severity and duration, and therapy type on prolidase activity in patients with psoriatic as well as the relationship between serum NO· and prolidase levels in these patients. The study included 29 clinically documented plaque patients with psoriasis and 24 healthy volunteers. Data such as age, sex, BMI, duration and severity of disease, and type of therapy were assessed. NO· levels were determined by the Griess reaction. Serum prolidase assay is based on a colorimetric determination of proline by Chinard's reagent. We did not determine any difference in serum NO· levels of psoriatic patients when compared to controls. Serum prolidase levels in psoriasis patients were significantly higher than those in controls. There was no significant difference in prolidase activity between male and female. No statistically significant correlations were found between serum prolidase levels and BMI, PASI and disease duration. When compared between topical treatment group and systemic treatment group, there was no significant difference in serum prolidase activity. In conclusion, patients with psoriasis exhibit higher serum prolidase activity independent of gender, BMI, disease severity or duration, type of treatments or NO· level. However, further studies are needed to verify these findings as well as altered collagen synthesis in patients with psoriasis.

Epinephrine in digital block: color Doppler flow imaging.

BACKGROUND: Epinephrine is currently added to local anesthetics for its advantageous vasoconstrictive effects. Traditionally, however, its use is not advised for digital block anesthesia due to the risk of digital gangrene. OBJECTIVE: To observe vasoconstrictive effect of epinephrine in digital block anesthesia. METHODS: Digital blocking with epinephrine containing lidocaine was performed in 24 subjects undergoing surgical procedure of their finger and toes. Digital artery blood flows were studied with color Doppler ultrasonography before digital blocking and at 10th, 60th, and if needed 90th minutes after blocking. Doppler parameters such as peak systolic velocity, end diastolic velocity, and resistive index values were studied. RESULTS: There were statistically significant decrease of blood flow rates and an increase of resistive index in all patients within 10 minutes. At the 10th minute of digital block, four patients had no measurable blood flow, which was restored within 60 or 90 minutes. Others showed diminished but persistent blood flow, which returned to normal within 60 minutes. No systemic or local complication related with epinephrine usage was observed. CONCLUSION: Vasoconstrictive effect of epinephrine in local anesthetics is not persistent and resolves within 60 or 90 minutes. Its use seems to be safe in selected patients.