Oral eosinophilic ulcer, an Epstein-Barr virus-associated CD30+ lymphoproliferation?

Eosinophilic ulcer of the oral mucosa is a benign lesion of unclear pathogenesis mostly affecting the tongue. It has been suggested to represent a reactive pattern to several stimuli. We report on a 12-year-old boy who presented with a painless infiltrating ulcer on the gingiva of the lower jaw, which was covered by necrotic yellowish slough. There were no pathologic features of the jawbones or regional lymph nodes. Histopathological, immunohistochemical and gene rearrangement studies were in agreement with eosinophilic ulcer with predominant oligoclonal CD3+ and CD30+ T lymphocytes expressing the Epstein-Barr virus membrane protein. The ulcer resolved within 4 weeks and follow-up for 3 years revealed no evidence of recurrence. Epstein-Barr virus may have played a role in triggering this reactive lymphoproliferative disorder.

Prevention of malignant melanoma.

The results of Primary Prevention programs, aiming at the decrease of melanoma incidence, were less encouraging than those of Secondary prevention which aims at an early diagnosis of malignant melanoma. Australia was the country with the best results obtained in both Prevention strategies, especially in avoiding intense, though intermittent, UV exposure. The success of these programs encouraged health authorities to initiate their application to other disorders. New sunscreens containing substances correcting the UV-damaged DNA may offer a promising result in the decades to come. However, so far no one epidemiological study has proved the prevention of malignant melanoma with the use of sun protecting agents. A meta-analysis verified the connection between melanoma and solarium use. The protective role of vitamin D in the development of prostate, breast and colon cancer was shown in a meta-analysis. The authors, however, suggest that fair-skinned persons should take oral supplementation of vitamin D, instead of exposing themselves to the sun. The Hellenic Society of Dermatology and Venereology published the results of 5-year-prevention programs in Greece. Their favorable results in the early diagnosis of melanoma justify an intense continuation of these efforts.

An alternate-day corticosteroid regimen for pemphigus vulgaris. A 13-year prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) at the early, usually oral and relatively stable stage, represents the majority of PV patients. Treatment modalities usually do not differ compared to those for the fully established disease. OBJECTIVES: To prospectively assess a standardized and effective therapeutic approach that aims at less morbidity due to adverse reactions. METHODS: The following regimen, also known as Lever's mini treatment (LMT), was used. Forty mg of oral prednisone on alternate days plus 100 mg azathioprine every day were administered until the complete healing of all lesions. A gradual monthly and later bimonthly decrease of prednisone was followed by the tapering of a second immunosuppressive agent, in a one-year period. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients suffering from early-stage-PV, and representing 70% of all PV patients seen through the years 1991-2003, were eligible in the study. Total follow-up period was 76 +/- 37 (26-180) months. During the 53 +/- 26 months of LMT, 6 (8%) patients dropped out of therapy, 9 (12%) required a change to another treatment, two (3%) died and 57 (77%) achieved a lesion-free condition. Forty-five (61%) patients were in complete remission for 27 +/- 29 months. Significant morbidity was estimated 4/74 (5.2%). Disease 'breakthroughs' necessitating treatment adjustments occurred in 30 patients, usually throughout the last phase of therapy and post-treatment follow-up. CONCLUSION: LMT may be a standardized therapeutic approach for the early and relatively stable stage of PV, resulting in high efficacy, safety and quality of life profile.