"Pinch modification" used to repair a large surgical defect on the scalp: other proposed uses.

Dr Peng's "pinch modification" of the linear advancement flap, a reconstructive technique used to correct surgical wounds on the nose and suggested as a surgical alternative in other non-hair-bearing skin, was used successfully to correct a surgical defect of 55 mm in diameter located on the occipital area, on hair-bearing skin. Other possible uses for this technique are suggested.

Clinical trial with clofazimine for treating erythema dyschromicum perstans. Evaluation of cell-mediated immunity.

Eight patients were studied to determine the possible use of clofazimine for treating erythema dyschromicum perstans (EDP). The T-helper/T-suppressor cytotoxic ratio (CD-4/CD-8) and the in vitro lymphoproliferative response on stimulation with phytohemaglutin (PHA) and concanavalin A (Con A) were determined in peripheral blood before and after treatment. Of the eight patients studied, seven had excellent to good responses, whereas only one had a marginal response. The immunologic evaluation before and after treatment showed a significant change in the CD-4/CD-8 ratio, a decrease of the response to PHA, and no change in the response to Con A. The results obtained show that clofazimine is useful for treating this nosologic entity because of its cosmetic effect, and also because it induces changes in cell-mediated response, which could be very important therapeutically.

Estudio comparativo de la utilidad del ungüento de vitaminas A y D contra su excipiente en el tratamiento de diversas dermatosis / Comparative study of the usefulness ointment of vitamins A and D versus its excipient different dermatosis treatment

Se practica un estudio clínico doble ciego entre el ungüento de vitaminas A y D contra su excipiente en 62 pacientes con diferentes dermatosis de caracter eczematoso. Se evaluaron diferentes parámetros subjetivo y objetivos. Aunque no se pudo lograr una completa efectividad del excipiente más vitaminas A y D sobre el grupo control, los resultados sugieren una mayor efectividad de este medicamento

[Perforating annular granuloma]. / Granuloma anular perforante.

This study presents the first Venezuelan case of perforating granuloma annulare in an eleven year-old patient. The cutaneous eruption was characterized by minute lichenoid papules which have persisted for two years. These lesions were asymptomatic and most perforating, appearing in the dorsal side of hands and fingers. The histopathological study showed a classical granuloma annulare with sites of necrobiosis and perforation of the epithelium. This "transepithelial perforation" allows the elimination of collagen and cell detritus observed. The patient responds well to the injection of steroids into lesions.