http://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/ Acta Dermato-Venereologica is an international peer-review journal for clinical and experimental research in the field of dermatology and venereology. http://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/?doi=10.2340/00015555-1278
Abstract is missing (Letter)]]> 2012-01-18 Letter http://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/?doi=10.2340/00015555-1291
Abstract is missing (Letter)]]> 2012-01-11 Letter http://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/?doi=10.2340/00015555-1277
Abstract is missing (Letter)]]> 2011-12-21 Letter http://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/?doi=10.2340/00015555-1269
Abstract is missing (Letter)]]> 2011-12-16 Letter http://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/?doi=10.2340/00015555-1272
Abstract is missing (Letter)]]> 2012-01-11 Letter http://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/?doi=10.2340/00015555-1264
Abstract is missing (Letter)]]> 2011-11-11 Letter http://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/?doi=10.2340/00015555-1281
Abstract is missing (Letter)]]> 2011-12-16 Letter http://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/?doi=10.2340/00015555-1228
Abstract is missing (Letter)]]> 2011-11-07 Letter http://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/?doi=10.2340/00015555-1229
Abstract is missing (Letter)]]> 2011-11-07 Letter http://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/?doi=10.2340/00015555-1275
Culture is commonly regarded as the gold standard for diagnosis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. However, nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) have rapidly replaced culture for diagnostics in many settings. The aim of the present study was to investigate the appropriate time for test-of-cure (TOC) when NAATs are used for diagnosis of gonorrhoea. In total, 30 patients (28 men and 2 women) provided urethral, cervical, rectal or pharyngeal specimens for TOC. All included patients, except one who did not return for second TOC before day 19, tested negative within 2 weeks after treatment with cefixime 400 mg × 1. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that 68% of the culture-positive strains were resistant to ciprofloxacin. Thus, the recommended empirical treatment with ciprofloxacin in Norway should be changed immediately. TOC can be performed 2 weeks after treatment when NAATs are used for diagnosis of gonorrhoea. ]]> 2012-01-11 Investigative http://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/?doi=10.2340/00015555-1255
Erythema multiforme is a relatively common skin disorder; the most common cause is herpes simplex infection, but topical sensitivities reportedly also provoke this reaction. We report here a case that progressed to toxic epidermal necrolysis due to contact with ultraviolet (UV)-cured inks. The diagnosis was confirmed by patch tests to acrylates in the UV-cured inks, histopathological studies of the lesions, and positive patch test to 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate. ]]> 2011-11-08 Clinical http://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/?doi=10.2340/00015555-1254
Many patients experience reactions during penicillin treatment. The diagnosis may be difficult and is mainly based on short-term tests. The European Network for Drug Allergy (ENDA) guidelines proposed for diagnosing penicillin allergy do not include long-term challenge. In this study a total of 405 patients were evaluated. The ENDA guidelines were extended, to include a 7-day oral treatment (p.o.7) with penicillin for all patients who were negative in the ENDA programme. Among the 405 patients; 85 had an immediate reaction to penicillin, and a further 13 reacted during p.o.7. Among the 307 patients with a negative outcome, 88 had a case history of reaction to other β-lactam antibiotics and were subsequently tested with the culprit drug. Thirteen patients had a positive outcome: 3 on single-dose challenge and 10 during p.o.7. The extended penicillin diagnostic work-up was positive in 111 patients, 30.0% showed immediate reactions and 5.7% reacted during p.o.7. Approximately 20% of all patients with positive outcome during penicillin challenge are detected by adding p.o.7 with penicillin to the original ENDA guidelines. ]]> 2011-11-23 Investigative http://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/?doi=10.2340/00015555-1239
Alopecia areata is not painful or life-threatening, but its aesthetic repercussions can lead to profound changes in patients’ psychological status and relationships. The psycho­logical status and personality traits of 73 patients and 73 controls were evaluated with the Minnesota Multi­phasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2). Analysis of the MMPI-2 profile showed that scores for some scales (i.e. Depression, Anxiety, Family relationships) were higher
for patients with alopecia areata than for controls. Patients with alopecia appeared to experience more depressive, hysterical and anxiety feelings, have more hypo­chondriac tendencies, and to be more in conflict with their social environment. In order to provide more effective management, the psychological status of patients with alopecia areata should be evaluated in dermatological settings. ]]> 2012-04-05 Investigative http://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/?doi=10.2340/00015555-1273
Psychosocial problems are frequent among patients with psoriasis. The aim of this study was to analyse the prevalence of some specific psychosocial issues. These were evaluated in 936 patients using the emotions and functioning scales of the Skindex-29 questionnaire. The problems most frequently experienced were: shame, anger, worry, difficulties in daily activities and social life. All problems were associated with the severity of psoriasis and with depression or anxiety. Shame, worry and annoyance were more frequent in women than in men, and shame and anger were associated with a low level of education. Impairment in work/hobbies was significantly
higher in patients with palmoplantar psoriasis and
those with arthro­pathic psoriasis. In conclusion, clinicians could gain important insights about their patients by looking at the single items of a quality of life instrument, to identify patients with high levels of emotional and social problems, in order to improve quality of care.]]> 2012-04-05 Investigative http://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/?doi=10.2340/00015555-1250
Recognition of Candida albicans is mediated by several classes of pattern-recognition receptors, including Toll-like receptors and C-type lectin receptors. Cell wall components of C. albicans, interact with the pattern-recognition receptors, which are expressed by different cells, primarily antigen-presenting cells. This review aims to discuss the different pattern-recognition receptors responsible for recognition of special structures of C. albicans, which are known to activate intracellular signals that finally lead to directed and efficient host defence. ]]> 2011-11-30 Review http://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/?doi=10.2340/00015555-1219
Abstract is missing (Letter)]]> 2011-11-11 Letter http://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/?doi=10.2340/00015555-1326
Abstract is missing (Letter)]]> 2012-02-29 Letter http://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/?doi=10.2340/00015555-1240
Abstract is missing (Letter)]]> 2011-10-11 Letter http://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/?doi=10.2340/00015555-1345
Abstract is missing (Letter)]]> 2012-03-15 Letter http://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/?doi=10.2340/00015555-1270
Abstract is missing (Letter)]]> 2011-11-23 Letter http://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/?doi=10.2340/00015555-1314
Abstract is missing (Letter)]]> 2012-01-26 Letter http://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/?doi=10.2340/00015555-1274
Abstract is missing (Letter)]]> 2011-11-21 Letter http://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/?doi=10.2340/00015555-1220
Dendritic cells (DCs) critically regulate immune responses and the “immune-surveillance” of tumours. This study retrospectively analysed the distribution and maturation status of DC-subsets in T-cell lymphoma of the skin. Mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome (n = 25) were investigated immunohistochemically for DC subsets, based on C-type lectin receptor expression: Langerhans’ cells (langerin/CD207+, DEC-205/CD205+), dermal DCs (DC-SIGN/CD209+, CD205+) and plasmacytoid DC (BDCA-2/CD303+). Maturation status was assessed by double-labelling for CD83 and CD208/DC-LAMP. DCs were interspersed between the neoplastic infiltrate, and a marked increase in numbers of all three subsets was noted, DC-SIGN+ dermal DCs constituting the majority. Substantial numbers of plasmacytoid DCs were consistently observed. Most DCs in epidermis and dermis were phenotypically immature. Amongst the relatively few mature DCs in the dermis, langerin+ cells predominated. There was a positive correlation between the histological intensity of the tumour infiltrate and DC numbers. It is possible that mature DCs reflect ongoing anti-tumour immune responses, and immature DCs the induction of tumour tolerance. ]]> 2011-09-28 Investigative http://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/?doi=10.2340/00015555-1261
Mycosis fungoides is the most common type of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. There are a wide range of treatments for early-stage and advanced-stage mycosis fungoides. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a new treatment modality due to its safety and efficacy. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of PDT with methyl-aminolaevulinic acid (MAL) for the treatment of mycosis fungoides. Ten patients with mycosis fungoides were enrolled in this study. A 16.8% MAL cream was applied under occlusive dressing for 3 h. The lesion was irradiated at 37.5 J/cm2 with red light. The patients underwent two sessions of PDT at one-week intervals. Follow-up biopsy was performed 3 months after the last treatment. In case of partial response, treatment was repeated once a week until complete response. Seven patients had a good therapeutic response. Complete and partial responses were seen in 5 and 2 patients, respectively. During the follow-up period (8–31 months), 6 of the 7 patients remained in stable remission. The treatment was well-tolerated overall, and no patients discontinued the PDT due to pain. In conclusion, PDT with MAL is a fast, effective and well-tolerated treatment for unilesional mycosis fungoides. ]]> 2011-11-21 Investigative http://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/?doi=10.2340/00015555-1359
Bexarotene is an oral retinoid shown to be active against the cutaneous manifestations of cutaneous T-cell lym­phoma (CTCL). Literature on the efficacy, dosing and side-effects of bexarotene is sparse. We present here data on 37 Finnish patients with CTCL treated with bexarotene during the last 10 years. Bexarotene was equally effective as monotherapy or when combined with other treatment modalities, resulting in overall responses of approximately 75%. Early-stage CTCL responded better than advanced-stage CTCL (83% vs. 33%). The mean time to observable response was 3 months and the mean duration of the response was 21 months. The dose of bexarotene was generally lower than recommended due to side-effects. Abrupt elevation of liver transaminases, resulting in cessation of treatment, was observed in 4 (11%) patients. We conclude that the dose of bexarotene should be titrated individually to achieve optimal results. Maintenance therapy with low-dose bexarotene is a feasible alternative. ]]> 2012-03-22 Investigative http://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/?doi=10.2340/00015555-1302
Abstract is missing (Letter)]]> 2012-01-17 Letter http://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/?doi=10.2340/00015555-1256
This non-interventional observational open study (TOCCATA, sponsored by Basilea Pharmaceutica Germany) investigated the use of alitretinoin to treat chronic hand eczema under daily “real life” medical practice conditions in Germany. A total of 349 dermatologists through­out Germany enrolled 680 adult patients with chronic hand eczema. Patients were prescribed and treated with alitretinoin in accordance with the summary of product characteristics. The maximum observation duration was 24 weeks, with efficacy and safety parameters evaluated every 4 weeks. Efficacy was primarily evaluated by assessing disease severity according to the Physician Global Assessment. In total, 56.7% of patients achieved a Physician Global Assessment rating of “clear” or “almost clear” hands, with only small differences in patients with different morphological forms: hyperkeratotic-rhagadiform (59.2%), fingertip (52.2%) and vesicular (47.9%). This observational study demonstrates the effectiveness and tolerability of alitretinoin in everyday clinical practice in addition to the known efficacy and safety obtain­ed by randomized controlled clinical trials. ]]> 2012-01-11 Investigative http://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/?doi=10.2340/00015555-1257
Abstract is missing (Letter)]]> 2011-11-08 Letter http://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/?doi=10.2340/00015555-1325
Abstract is missing (Letter)]]> 2012-02-16 Letter http://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/?doi=10.2340/00015555-1346
Recent studies have suggested that dietary factors, specifically glycaemic load, may be involved in the pathogenesis of acne. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical and histological effects on acne lesions of a low glycaemic load diet. A total of 32 patients with mild to moderate acne were randomly assigned to either a low glycaemic load diet or a control group diet, and completed a 10-week, parallel dietary intervention trial. Results indicate successful lowering of the glycaemic load. Subjects within the low glycaemic group demonstrated significant clinical improvement in the number of both non-inflammatory and inflammatory acne lesions. Histopathological examination of skin samples revealed several characteristics, including reduced size of sebaceous glands, decreased inflammation, and reduced expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1, and interleukin-8 in the low glycaemic load group. A reduction in glycaemic load of the diet for 10 weeks resulted in improvements in acne. ]]> 2012-03-13 Investigative