A case of human to human transmission of orf between mother and child.

Orf is caused by a parapoxvirus. In adults, it is commonly associated with specific occupations, whereas cases in children tend to be associated with household or recreational exposure. Spontaneous recovery usually occurs within 6 weeks. Infection in humans is believed to be through exposure to an infected animal or fomite. We present a case of a 13-month-old boy who was exposed to orf through his mother, a farmer, who had contracted the disease through administering medication to an infected animal. We believe that this may represent only the fifth case of human to human transmission of orf reported in the literature.

Diagnosis and treatment of calciphylaxis.

Calciphylaxis occurs due to calcium deposition in arterioles, which leads to ischemic ulceration of overlying skin. Two-year mortality rates from sepsis ranges from 50% to 80%. Calciphylaxis is most common in hyperparathyroidism secondary to chronic renal impairment and rarely occurs in the setting of normal renal function. Biopsy of the calciphylaxis ulcer reveals calcium deposits lining the vascular intima. Tissue calcification may also be seen on plain radiographs. Calcium-phosphate metabolism should be normalized by treating any underlying hyperparathyroidism with bisphosphonates, parathyroidectomy, and/or cinacalcet in addition to dialysis in chronic renal failure. Intravenous sodium thiosulfate has been used successfully to treat renal and normo-renal calciphylaxis. Sodium thiosulfate displaces calcium ions from calcium deposits to form calcium thiosulfate, which is excreted by the kidneys or dialyzed. Systemic glucocorticoids may prevent ulceration of early plaques of calciphylaxis. Hyperbaric oxygen, skin grafting, and iloprost infusions are useful adjuncts in the management of this debilitating condition.

Updates from the British Association of Dermatologists 85th annual meeting, 5-8 July 2005, Glasgow, U.K.

The conference highlighted the progress made in understanding recent biological, epidemiological and therapeutic advances in dermatology. Here we provide a synopsis of the main research and clinical findings presented at the meeting of the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) held during 5-8 July 2005, in Glasgow, U.K., drawing attention to the most important advances and summaries. The BAD meeting was held at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre, Glasgow (Fig. 1). The annual dinner was held in the wonderful setting of Stirling Castle, with Dr Robin Graham-Brown as host.