Broad-band UVB versus paint PUVA for palmoplantar psoriasis treatment.

BACKGROUND: Plaque-type palmoplantar psoriasis (PPTP) is a chronic recalcitrant dermatosis with treatment modalities ranging through topical, phototherapy or systemic. Phototherapy options include various forms of ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A with prior psoralen sensitization (PUVA). Currently, few comparative studies have been reported. PURPOSE: To compare Broad-Band UVB (BB-UVB) versus paint PUVA (p-PUVA) in regard to efficacy and safety in the treatment of PPTP. METHODS: A retrospective non-randomized cohort study comprised of all the patients with PPTP treated in our phototherapy centre during 2010-2012, either with BB-UVB or p-PUVA. RESULTS: Among the 248 patients included in this study, 122 received BB-UVB and 126 followed p-PUVA treatment. About 36 (30%) and 53 (42%) had complete remission, 29 (24%) and 59 (47%) responded partially and 57 (47%) and 14 (11%) patients did not improve with BB-UVB and p-PUVA, respectively. The odds ratio for remission (p-PUVA: BB-UVB) was 7.9. Duration of remission was 21.9 ± 1.34 months for p-PUVA and 16.75 ± 1.83 months for BB-UVB. CONCLUSION: Both BB-UVB and p-PUVA are good therapeutic options for PPTP. P-PUVA emerges as the superior treatment modality, yielding a better and more extended response. BB-UVB represents a feasible alternative in patients with milder disease or possible contraindications for p-PUVA.

Evaluation of in vitro resistance in patients with onychomycosis who fail antifungal therapy.

BACKGROUND: With the increased awareness of onychomycosis and the increasing use of antifungals for this indication, it is prudent to be concerned about the possible emergence of resistant strains. There has been substantial work on the development of standardized methods for testing the in vitro resistance of various fungi and yeasts to the currently available antifungal agents. However, relatively little research has been published concerning the resistance of dermatophyte species. OBJECTIVE: We report the results of a retrospective study analyzing the relationship between in vitro and clinical resistance in strains of Trichophyton rubrum cultured from patients with recalcitrant dermatophyte toe onychomycosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed the in vitro resistance of dermatophyte strains obtained from 18 patients with chronic onychomycosis who failed antifungal therapy with itraconazole or terbinafine. Multiple-sequential strains from 11 patients were included in the study. Susceptibility testing of these strains was performed against 4 antifungals, itraconazole, ketoconazole, terbinafine and ciclopirox, using the broth microdilution method as per the NCCLS M27-A guidelines. A record of clinical characteristics that may relate to patient treatment and therapy was maintained. RESULTS: All of the strains were susceptible to 3 of the 4 antifungal agents tested. Although there was no direct correlation between clinical resistance and in vitro resistance, increased minimum inhibitory concentration values for ketoconazole were observed in strains obtained after treatment from 3 of 18 patients evaluated in the study. In all but 1 patient, we were able to identify other factors that may have been responsible for treatment failure. CONCLUSIONS: With the more common use of antifungals to treat various fungal infections, development of increased resistance in the causative organisms remains a possibility. However, factors other than fungal resistance may also be implicated in treatment failure.

Safe control of palmoplantar hyperhidrosis with direct electrical current.

BACKGROUND: Primary (idiopathic) hyperhidrosis is a benign disease of unknown etiology, leading to the disruption of professional and social life and emotional problems. A variety of treatment methods have been used to control or reduce the profuse sweating. In this study, we report the efficacy of direct current (d.c.) administration in the treatment of idiopathic hyperhidrosis. METHODS: One hundred and twelve patients with idiopathic hyperhidrosis were enrolled in the study. Initial sweat intensities of the palms were measured by means of the pad glove method. The patients were treated in eight sessions with d.c. administration using a complete regulated d.c. unit based on tap water iontophoresis. The final sweat intensities of responders were determined 20 days after the last treatment. Nonresponders returned earlier than 20 days, with final sweat intensities measured at least 5 days after the last treatment. In 26 responders, plantar hyperhidrosis was also treated. After the first remission period, the second of eight treatments was applied to the palms of 37 responders. RESULTS: This therapy controlled palmar hyperhidrosis in 81.2% of cases. The final sweat intensities of the palms of responders were significantly reduced after eight treatments (P < 0.001). The first average remission period was 35 days. Minimal undesirable effects were noted. CONCLUSIONS: This technique appears to control hyperhidrosis on the palms and soles only if regular treatment is applied. Plantar hyperhidrosis appeared to resolve simultaneously when palmar hyperhidrosis was successfully treated.