Primary anetoderma.

Primary anetoderma is a rare disorder characterized by sac-like herniations and depressions in previously normal skin. On histologic examination, elastic fibers are destroyed by an inflammatory infiltrate. We describe a striking case of primary anetoderma and review the classification, differential diagnosis, causes, and treatment.

Primary cutaneous Aspergillus ustus infection: second reported case.

We describe the second case of primary cutaneous Aspergillus ustus infection in an immunocompromised patient. Cutaneous aspergillosis was confirmed both by culture and positive fluorescent antibody staining. Few species of Aspergillus are pathogenic in human beings, and fewer still cause primary cutaneous disease. The only other reported case of aspergillosis from Aspergillus ustus occurred in an immunosuppressed patient who was temporally and geographically separated from ours.

Treatment of cutaneous hemangiomas in preterm neonatal twins with the flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: We report two cases of hemangiomas in twins born at a gestational age of 30 weeks who were treated with a flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser (FPDL) at 40 days postpartem. These were the youngest patients to our knowledge to be treated with FPDL. STUDY DESIGN/PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twin Caucasian females were born 10 weeks preterm. Twin A soon developed a 1 cm blanching erythematous patch with telangiectasia on a slightly bulbous nasal tip. Twin B developed a 6 mm erythematous papule on her forehead, a 12 x 10 cm erythematous plaque on her left shoulder, and two plaques measuring 2.5 x 2.0 cm and 1.5 x 1.0 cm on her right hip. The twins received seven monthly laser treatments. RESULTS: Several of the hemangiomas showed remarkable regression, including the lesions which became ulcerated and healed on Twin B's left shoulder and right hip. No general or topical anesthesia was used and the twins tolerated the procedure well. No significant adverse effects were encountered. The maximum single treatment dose was 7 mm spot size, 5.0 J/cm2 and 186 pulses for twin B and 6.25 J/cm2 and 16 pulses for twin A. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, our patients are the youngest reported to be treated with FPDL at age 30 days preterm. Some of their hemangiomas responded, and no significant adverse effects were encountered. More prospective trials are needed to determine whether early treatment with FPDL accelerates regression of hemangiomas or results in a better cosmetic outcome than expectant treatment.

Erythema nodosum caused by omeprazole.

We report a case of erythema nodosum caused by omeprazole. This side effect of omeprazole has not been previously reported. A 35-year-old white woman developed multiple tender erythematous nodules over the anterior aspect of her upper and lower extremities, fever, malaise, and edema. Her symptoms resolved with withdrawal of all preexisting medications and conservative treatment. Her symptoms flared soon after a rechallenge with omeprazole. A thorough history, physical examination, laboratory evaluation, and roentgenogram failed to reveal another cause for erythema nodosum. It is clear from the rechallenge that this patient's erythema nodosum was caused by omeprazole. We consider that omeprazole should be added to the list of medications known to cause erythema nodosum.

[The effect of dihydroergocristine on cognitive functions and sleep in elderly subjects]. / Wirkung von Dihydroergocristin auf kognitive Funktionen und Schlaf bei älteren Probanden.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect induced by the dopamine agonist dihydroergocristine (DHEC, CAS 17479-19-5), whose memory-improving activity is well-known, on sleep pattern and cognitive function, and the possible relationship between them. Ten elderly volunteers were included in the study. Selected subjects had to be neither demented nor depressed, according to neuropsychodiagnostic criteria (SCAG < 30, Hachinski dementia score < or = 15, Hachinski ischemic score < 6, HRSD < or = 22). All subjects underwent a nightly polysomnographic evaluation during placebo, after single and long-term once-daily 6 mg DHEC administration. Cognitive function and attention were also assessed by the Randt memory test and WAIS digit-symbol subtest. DHEC caused a marked and significant increase in the acquisition subitem, and memory improvement was documented during DHEC treatment. A significant direct relationship between the effect of DHEC on REM sleep and memory test was also evidenced. Our results confirmed the role of REM sleep in the restoration of cognitive function.

[Patients with stroke treated with TRH-T. Evaluation of electric brain activity using traditional and computerized methods]. / Pazienti affetti da ictus cerebrale in trattamento con TRH-T. Valutazione dell'attività elettrica cerebrale con metodica tradizionale e computerizzata.

This study was aimed at evaluating the EEG effects of acutely and chronically administered protirelin tartrate in patients with acute and chronic cerebrovascular disease by traditional and computerized analysis of cerebral electric activity. Our data showed: a) TRH-T did not induce EEG abnormalities; b) acute and chronic administration of TRH-T increased alpha frequency band and decreased delta and theta activities.

[Electrophysiological findings after TRH-T administration to healthy volunteers]. / Rilievi elettrofisiologici dopo somministrazione di TRH-T in volontari sani.

The central effect of acutely and chronically administered TRH-T were evaluated in ten volunteers by analysis of spontaneous and evoked cerebral electric activity. None of the subjects showed significant BAER changes, of EEG abnormalities. In some subjects acute and chronic administration of TRH-T increased alfa and beta 1 activities.

Study of the hypnic effect of amineptine evaluation by means of polygraphy and tests.

The sleep pattern and conditions at the time of awakening were investigated by means of polygraphy and tests in 6 healthy adult volunteers following administration of amineptine. The drug was found to increase the number and duration of the REM phases, without affecting the overall sleeping time but reducing sleep latency. The tests carried out revealed a higher sensation of well-being, improved attention and concentration in the morning.