[Cellular and humoral immune phenomena in psoriatic arthritis]. / Untersuchungen über zelluläre und humorale Immunphänomene bei der Arthritis psoriatica.

The function of cellular immunity factors (lymphocyte transformation and phagocytosis by polymorphonuclear leucocytes [PMN] and monocytes in connection with the concentration of intracellular ATP) and humoral immunity factors (serum concentration of immunoglobulin and complement factors C'3 and C'4) was investigated in 16 controls, 21 patients with psoriatic arthritis and 19 with psoriasis vulgaris. The results were compared with the clinical and anamnestic data of the patients. PMN phagocytosis of zymosan opsonized with rabbit standard serum was decreased in psoriasis vulgaris in comparison with the controls. Also, monocyte phagocytosis of non-opsonized zymosan was decreased in psoriatic arthritis, as compared with psoriasis vulgaris. Furthermore, in PMNs intracellular ATP was elevated in psoriatic arthritis as compared with the controls, but decreased in comparison with patients with psoriasis vulgaris. The intracellular ATP in monocytes was decreased in psoriasis vulgaris as compared with the controls. Humoral immunological findings: serum IgG concentration was higher in psoriatic arthritis than in controls and in psoriasis vulgaris. Elevated C'3 and decreased C'4 serum concentrations in psoriatic arthritis indicate an activation of the complement system.

[Acne vulgaris: results of food allergen tests and a controlled elimination diet (author's transl)]. / Nahrungsmittel-Allergen-Testung bei Acne vulgaris?

120 patients with acne vulgaris had to undergo an intracutaneous allergen test with 23 of the most important food allergens. The skin test results of 83 patients (69.2%) were negative, only 9 (7.4%) showed a distinct immediate reaction on four or more food extracts. Almonds showed the most positive reactions (11.6%), then malt (10%), cheese, mustard, red pepper (8.3% each), and wheaten flour (7.5%). Thereupon the patients were instructed to either keep no diet at all, or to follow an acne diet, or a special elimination diet based on the results of the skin test. Moreover, all the patients had to undergo the same mild acne local therapy. After 3 months treatment (with monthly controls) 45 patients could be evaluated. No statistical difference was found within the three groups with regard to the success of treatment. Diet prescriptions for acne vulgaris are generally not very significant, although they are possibly useful in individual cases.

[Experiences with thrombocytopenia test in specific diagnosis of food hypersensitivity]. / Erfahrungen mit dem Thrombozytopenietest in der spezifischen Diagnostik der Nahrungsmittel-Allergie

100 thrombocytopenia tests (TT) from 73 patients with suspected food allergies were critically examined to establish the value of this method compared with case history, skin tests and, where possible, with the RAST for determination of specific IgE antibodies. 85% of the tests most probably, or definitely, provided the correct result. 10% of the results were either false positives or false negatives, and 5% were inconclusive. A flare-up was observed after 18% of the tests. No positive TT for milk, as the most frequent allergen, was observed in a control group of 20 healthy persons. The thrombocytopenia test is a useful exposure test but should be regarded as a supplement to skin tests and other methods of allergy diagnosis.

[Evaluation of econazol in 594 cases of skin mycosis (author's transl)]. / Poliklinische Prüfung von Econazol bei 594 Fällen von Hautmykosen

A total of 594 patients were treated with the new antimycotic agent econazol (Pevaryl). The diagnosis was proven microscopically and on culture except in cases of pityriasis versicolor where it was proven microscopically only. Econazol was given to 130 patients as a 1% solution, to 128 patients as a 1% milk, and to 336 patients as a 1% spray solution. In 333 cases of foot mycosis or eczema marginatum econazol spray powder was given in addition. As measured by the cure rate the spray solution (92%) was not significantly more effective than the milk (89%) or the simple solution (87%). Criteria for cure included negative microscopy and fungal cultures a week after treatment had ceased as well as clinical cure. A total of 90% of all cases (n = 536) could be considered as cured microscopically and on culture after an average of 3.6 weeks (pityriasis versicolor) and 4.8 weeks (tinea pedis, manus, inguinocruralis). In a further 4.4% (n = 26) the fungus could be demonstrated microscopically despite a clinical cure and in 7 of these cases culture was also positive. The cure rate was independent of the responsible pathogen. The preparations were tolerated extremely well. In 7 cases, however, transient dermatitic irritations were seen in the inguinocrural region, mainly caused by the simple solution.