[Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA): a review of the current literature]. / Plättchenreiches Plasma (PRP) zur Behandlung der androgenetischen Alopezie (AGA): ein aktueller Literaturüberblick.

BACKGROUND: Platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections have been reported to be an effective and low side effect treatment for androgenetic alopecia (AGA). However, robust data concerning this therapy are lacking. AIM: We address some potentially critical aspects of PRP treatment and give some reasons why study results may differ. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the following review we give a brief overview of the current literature and compare the results of the various trials. RESULTS: In recent years, several clinical trials have been published that have revealed different but rather positive results, which offers hope to those affected by AGA and to physicians as well. However, the results were observed in methodologically weak trials and data from randomized controlled trials are lacking. Differences in trial designs have made it difficult to draw concrete conclusions about its clinical efficacy. Even in the studies where no hair-growth-promoting effect could be observed, the majority of subjects were at least satisfied with the result. The combination of several treatment approaches seems to lead to optimal improvement in hair growth. CONCLUSION: There are many factors that could have influenced the results of the different studies. The results were observed in methodologically weak studies, giving reason for caution when drawing conclusions. Nevertheless, the majority of the subjects were at least satisfied with the result. Given the current low level of evidence, PRP treatments need to be further investigated in larger studies.

Mobile teledermatology helping patients control high-need acne: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Acne is an important health issue with a major psychological impact in addition to the physical problems it causes. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the superiority of mobile teledermatology in the care of patients with high-need facial acne in comparison to outpatient services with particular attention to treatment efficacy, safety, and patient compliance. Further, patient satisfaction with remote care was evaluated. METHODS: Sixty-nine consecutive patients (f: 25, m: 44, median age: 19 years, range: 13-37 years) were randomly allocated to either the teleconsultation (TCA) or the outpatient consultation (OCA) arm of the trial to receive isotretinoin treatment in weight and severity-dependent dosages over 24 weeks. Acne grading was performed by one examiner using the Global Acne Severity Scale (GEA) and the total lesion counting (TLC). RESULTS: Due to noncompliance issues, 17 of 69 (24.6%) patients were excluded from the study, of who 10 had been assigned to the TCA (10/34; 29.4%) and 7 to the OCA (7/35; 20%). Both, in the TCA (GEA-score: ∆ = 2.25; TLC: ∆ = 89.08) and in the OCA (GEA-score: ∆ = 2.0; TLC: ∆ = 91.21) excellent and almost equivalent therapeutic outcomes were achieved. In the TCA, however, less patients experienced adverse reactions (P = 0.55). Even though additional live supervision would have been appreciated in some teledermatology cases, patients were satisfied with the mobile service and no consultation request was created. CONCLUSION: Mobile teledermatology is an efficient, safe and well-accepted tool among patients with high-need acne constituting at least a valuable adjunct to outpatient care services. Further larger studies would be useful to confirm our findings.

Association of hypovitaminosis D with metabolic disturbances in polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) frequently suffer from metabolic disturbances, in particular from insulin resistance. Accumulating evidence suggests that vitamin D deficiency may contribute to the development of the metabolic syndrome (MS). Hence, the aim of our study was to investigate the association of 25(OH)D levels and the components of the MS in PCOS women. METHODS: 25(OH)D levels were measured by means of ELISA in 206 women affected by PCOS. Metabolic, endocrine, and anthropometric measurements and oral glucose tolerance tests were performed. RESULTS: The prevalence of insufficient 25(OH)D levels (<30 ng/ml) was 72.8% in women with PCOS. PCOS women with the MS had lower 25(OH)D levels than PCOS women without these features (17.3 vs 25.8 ng/ml respectively; P<0.05). In multivariate regression analysis including 25(OH)D, season, body mass index (BMI), and age, 25(OH)D and BMI were independent predictors of homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI; P<0.05 for all). In binary logistic regression analyses, 25(OH)D (OR 0.86, P=0.019) and BMI (OR 1.28, P<0.001) were independent predictors of the MS in PCOS women. We found significantly negative correlations of 25(OH)D levels with BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting and stimulated glucose, area under the glucose response curve, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, HOMA-beta, triglycerides, and quotient total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and positive correlations of 25(OH)D levels with QUICKI and HDL (P<0.05 for all). CONCLUSION: We demonstrate that low 25(OH)D levels are associated with features of the MS in PCOS women. Large intervention trials are warranted to evaluate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on metabolic disturbances in PCOS women.

Does the use of low-level laser influence wound healing in chronic venous leg ulcers?

OBJECTIVE: Venous leg ulcer treatment often requires months or years of regular wound care by trained staff. It has been suggested that low-level laser irradiation has a biostimulative and wound healing effect, but this has not been clinically verified by controlled studies. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of low-level laser irradiation with that of a placebo 'light source'. METHOD: Forty-four patients were assigned to two treatment groups (laser and placebo) or a third group (standardised treatment only) to quantify the effect of the laser therapy. Patients in all three groups received standardised wound care (disinfection, a hydrofibre dressing and compression bandaging). Ulcer size was measured at baseline (day 1), at the end of therapy (day 28) and then two months later (day 90). The relative difference in wound size was evaluated. RESULTS: The difference in the reduction in wound size was not statistically significant in all three groups. A positive effect of using the non-laser device (placebo effect) was demonstrated in some patients. CONCLUSION: These study results suggest that low-level laser does not stimulate wound healing in venous leg ulcers. Further controlled studies are needed to clarify the efficacy of low-level laser treatment as a wound-healing stimulant.

[Venous leg ulcers: no improvement of wound healing with 685-nm low level laser therapy. Randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind study]. / Ulcus cruris venosum: Keine Verbesserung der Wundheilung durch Anwendung eines 685-nm-Low-Level-Lasers Randomisierte, placebokontrollierte, doppelblinde Studie.

INTRODUCTION: Venous leg ulcers (ulcera crurum venosa) are frequently seen in elderly patients. It has been suggested that low level laser irradiation has a biostimulative and wound healing effect; however, this has not yet been clinically verified by controlled studies. STUDY DESIGN: The difference in size reduction of leg ulcers with and without low level laser or placebo laser treatment was measured in 44 patients randomised into two treatment groups (685-nm low level laser and placebo laser) or a control group which served to quantify the effect of laser application. All patients received standardized wound care. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of low level laser irradiation with that of a placebo "light source". The size of the ulcers was planimetrically measured at baseline (day 1), at the end of therapy (day 28) and 2 months later (day 90). The difference in wound size was evaluated. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in reduction of wound size between the three groups, thus suggesting that low level laser light does not have any stimulatory effect on wound healing in ulcera crurum venosa.

Nonablative laser treatment of wrinkles: meeting the objective? Assessment by 25 dermatologists.

BACKGROUND: Established skin resurfacing methods causing superficial wounds and extended recovery times have become less popular since the introduction of nonablative lasers. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of a nonablative 1450-nm diode laser system. METHODS: Nine patients (Fitzpatrick skin type II-IV) with periorbital wrinkling class I-II were treated three times at 3-weekly intervals with a 1450-nm diode laser. Clinical outcome was determined by 25 independent dermatologists evaluating standardized photographs taken before treatment and 1 month after treatment. RESULTS: The patients were satisfied with the procedure, and reported a mild to moderate improvement in all cases. Among 25 dermatologists, only two provided ratings which were significantly in favour of a positive treatment effect. CONCLUSIONS: Nonablative laser treatment subjectively satisfies patients but does not convince objective judgement.

[Verrucae vulgares. Treatment with 585 nm flashlamp pumped pulsed dye laser]. / Verrucae vulgares Behandlung mit dem Farbstofflaser.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Various approaches have been taken in the management of verrucae vulgares, but a treatment of choice has not been established. PATIENTS/METHODS: Over a period of 12 months, 99 Patients with recalcitrant or untreated verrucae vulgares on their hands or feet (2:1) were treated with a 585 nm flashlamp pumped pulsed dye laser (FPDL) every 2 to 4 weeks. Laser parameters were: energy density 8 J/cm2, spot size 7 mm, pulse duration 450 microseconds. No topical measures were employed during the course of laser treatment. RESULTS: 93 patients finished the study, as 6 were lost to follow-up. Up to 8 laser treatments led to 63% total remission and 22% partial remission, 15% did not respond to this type of management. Relapses were not found in a follow-up period of 2 to 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: FPDL is efficient for the removal/reduction of verrucae vulgares and does not requires less patient compliance than other treatment options.

Finasteride increases anagen hair in men with androgenetic alopecia.

BACKGROUND: The growth of scalp hair is a cyclical process of successive phases of growth (anagen) and rest (telogen). In previous clinical trials in men with androgenetic alopecia, treatment with finasteride increased scalp hair counts in a defined area (i.e. increased hair density). OBJECTIVES: The current study used a phototrichogram methodology to assess the effect of finasteride on the phases of the hair growth cycle. PATIENTS/METHODS: Two hundred and twelve men, age 18-40 years, with androgenetic alopecia were randomized to receive finasteride 1 mg daily or placebo for 48 weeks. At baseline and at 24 and 48 weeks, macrophotographs were taken to measure total and anagen hair count in a 1-cm(2) target area of the scalp. RESULTS: At baseline, mean total and anagen hair counts in the finasteride group were 200 and 124 hairs, respectively (% anagen = 62%) and the anagen to telogen ratio was 1.74 (geometric mean). In the placebo group, the respective values were 196 and 119 hairs (% anagen = 60%) and 1.57. At week 48, the finasteride group had a net improvement (mean +/- SE) compared with placebo in total and anagen hair counts of 17.3 +/- 2.5 hairs (8.3% +/- 1.4%) and 27.0 +/- 2.9 hairs (26% +/- 3.1%), respectively (P < 0.001). Furthermore, treatment with finasteride resulted in a net improvement in the anagen to telogen ratio of 47% (P < 0.001). In this study, treatment with finasteride 1 mg day(-1) for 48 weeks increased both total and anagen hair counts, and improved the anagen to telogen ratio. CONCLUSIONS: These data provide direct evidence that finasteride 1 mg daily promotes the conversion of hairs into the anagen phase. These data support that finasteride treatment results in favourable effects on hair quality that contribute to the visible improvements in hair growth observed in treated patients.

"Pseudocyst of the auricle", othematoma and otoseroma: three faces of the same coin?

Cystic swellings of the choncha of the ear without serious inflammation are routine findings for otolaryngologists. They are frequently diagnosed as othematoma or otoseroma and may be caused by traceable traumas or microtraumas. "Pseudocyst of the auricle" is defined as intracartilaginous cavity lacking epithelial lining. Thus, according to previous reports "pseudocysts" are supposed to occur due to chondromalacia within the cartilage. We recently observed four cases of "pseudocyst of the auricle" characterized by non-inflammatory, merely painless swellings on the anthelix part of the ears without history of any previous trauma. Incisional biopsies were taken from the dorsal side of the concha and freed 2 to 2.5 ml of viscous serous fluid. Histopathological examination of biopsy specimens showed regular epidermis overlying normal reticular dermis and perichondrium as well as regular cartilage in all patients. In the fourth patient the biopsy, additionally, revealed a tiny intracartilaginous cavity measuring 1 x 4 micrometers in diameter. Histopathologically "pseudocysts of the auricle" are reported to represent small intracartilaginous hollows lacking epithelial linings. Following previous descriptions they are located within the cartilage of the concha of the ear. Because of the small size of the intracartilaginous cavity they are unable to contain more than a few microliters of fluid. Therefore cystic swellings of the auricle containing comparatively large amounts of serous liquid must be located outside the cartilage. In this context the concept of "pseudocyst of the auricle" as reported, can only be seen as the third face of a coin that shows othematoma on the one and otoseroma on the other side.

[Porokeratosis Mibelli gigantea: case report and literature review]. / Prokeratosis Mibelli gigantea. Fallbericht und Literaturübersicht.

Porokeratos of Mibelli is a rare inherited disorder of epidermal keratinization, whose pathogenesis is not fully understood. The common clinical feature is a erythematous plaque surrounded by a hyperkeratotic border. The histopathologic hallmark is a parakeratotic cornoid lamella. An unusual case of porokeratosis gigantea, a morphological variant of classical porokeratosis of Mibelli, is reported. The pathogenesis, taking in account especially the clonal hypothesis and premalignant nature of porokeratosis, is discussed.

Vulvar syringoma causing pruritus and carcinophobia: treatment by argon laser.

Syringomas are benign lesions most commonly appearing around the eyelids and in malar areas, but they have also been described on other body sites. Depending on the site they may cause either aesthetic disturbance (e.g. face, neck, arms) or pruritus (e.g. vulva). This is the first report of argon laser treatment of syringoma in a patient with multiple vulvar syringomas in association with pruritus vulvae and carcinophobia.