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Akiko Suzuki, Kunitaka Haruna,
Yuki Mizuno,
Yoshiyuki Kuwae,
Yuka Ono,
Kazuko Okumura,
Osamu Negi,
Yasuko Kon,
Kaori Takeuchi,
Kenji Takamori,
Shigaku Ikeda,
Yasushi Suga
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ABSTRACT: Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare form of psoriasis characterized by the presence of variable numbers of sterile pustules appearing in erythematous and scaly lesions, which are associated with moderate to severe constitutional symptoms. It can be life-threatening especially in the elderly; therefore, medical care must be performed in rapid succession of treatment especially in refractory cases. We have performed granulocyte and monocyte adsorption apheresis (GCAP) on three GPP cases associated with several systemic and laboratory findings. As a result, the edema, erythema and numbers of sterile pustules on the skin lesions were reduced dramatically in all three patients after the first sessions of GCAP therapy. The sizes of the psoriatic lesions were reduced in all three patients following a weekly GCAP treatment for 5 consecutive weeks. Psoriasis area and severity index on discharge had improved in all three patients. No serious adverse effects were observed for up to at least 8 months after treatment. We therefore considered GCAP as one effective alternative to currently existing therapies, especially for recalcitrant cases of GPP.
Therapeutic apheresis and dialysis: official peer-reviewed journal of the International Society for Apheresis, the Japanese Society for Apheresis, the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy 10/2012; 16(5):445-8. · 1.39 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Ablative fractional laser skin resurfacing (FLSR) has recently been used for the amelioration of acne scars, and previous studies have shown clinical effectiveness. Despite its extensive use, few studies have focused on the associated changes in biophysical properties of the epidermis. Herein, we evaluate transepidermal water loss, sebum levels, skin hydration, and skin elasticity, following FLSR treatments with an Er:YSGG laser device (Pearl FractionalTM, Cutera Inc., Brisbane, CA), employing non-invasive measurements.
Five Japanese patients with facial acne scars underwent one FLSR session. Some acne scars appeared to become less obvious as a consequence of the treatment. All patients were aware of a feeling of skin tightness in treated areas.
Objective measurements on the lower lateral angle of the eye and on the inner cheeks were evaluated at baseline and at 3 days, 1 week, and 4 weeks after FLSR. Transepidermal water loss showed a significant two-fold (100%) increase at day 3, but had returned to almost the baseline level at week 4 in both areas. Sebum secretion showed a 50% increase at day 3, but had returned to the baseline level after day 7. Skin hydration showed a significant decrease at day 3, but had returned to the baseline level by day 7, and showed significant improvement at the end of the study. Skin elasticity (R2) was still at baseline on day 3, but showed some improvement--an increase of at least 30%--at the end of the study.
Based on our findings, we believe that FLSR should be performed no more than once a month to allow sufficient time for the damaged skin to recover its barrier function in most areas of the face.
Journal of drugs in dermatology: JDD 05/2012; 11(5):637-42. · 1.57 Impact Factor
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The Journal of Dermatology 09/2011; 39(3):286-7. · 1.49 Impact Factor
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The Journal of Dermatology 09/2011; 39(6):564-5. · 1.49 Impact Factor
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The Journal of Dermatology 10/2010; 38(6):607-9. · 1.49 Impact Factor
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The Journal of Dermatology 07/2010; 37(7):680-2. · 1.49 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with topical 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is reported to be an effective and safe treatment for superficial non-melanoma skin cancers. We have developed an photodynamic therapy with topical delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA-PDT) protocol using intense pulsed light (IPL) for treating Bowen's disease (BD). Three patients diagnosed with BD by skin biopsy were recruited in this study. They received IPL treatment after 3 h of occlusive dressing with application of ALA. This protocol was repeated every 2 weeks for a total of five sessions. The treated areas did not show any signs of BD for more than 1 year; therefore, it appeared that the affected areas showed improvement in all the patients. No patients withdrew from the study because of side-effects. ALA-PDT with IPL as a light source is well tolerated by patients and is beneficial for treating BD.
The Journal of Dermatology 07/2010; 37(7):623-8. · 1.49 Impact Factor
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Indian Journal of Dermatology 01/2009; 54(4):387-8.
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The Journal of Dermatology 11/2008; 35(10):689-90. · 1.49 Impact Factor
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Journal of Dermatological Science 09/2008; 52(3):213-5. · 3.72 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: A 37-year-old Japanese male presented to us with persistent asteatotic skin with mild erythema on the trunk and extremities. Skin biopsy from the left knee showed marked epidermal acanthosis and hyperkeratosis, and milder granular degeneration. Ultrastructural analysis revealed clumping of the keratin filaments within suprabasal keratinocytes of the epidermis. Following direct sequencing, we found a single nucleotide substitution in one allele at the residue position 466 of the 1A rod domain segment (CGC to TGC, arginine to cysteine; R156C) in keratin 10. Clinical manifestations and molecular analysis indicated that R156C mutation in keratin 10 gene (KRT10) causes a mild form of epidermolytic hyperkeratosis (EHK) in the presented case.
The Journal of Dermatology 09/2007; 34(8):545-8. · 1.49 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Acne conglobata is an uncommon disorder characterized by the presence of nodulocystic lesions. Conservative therapy with oral and topical antibiotics is of limited efficacy in many cases, and surgical excision is often needed for removal of the cystic lesions. Treatment is particularly difficult in cases with lesions located in aesthetically sensitive areas, such as the face. We successfully treated a case of acne conglobata by CO(2) laser ablation to remove the top of the sinuses and their tracts. In addition, topical tretinoin therapy was also initiated simultaneously to prevent the appearance of new acne lesions. Based on the results, we propose that the use of CO(2) laser for opening the cysts, combined with topical tretinoin therapy to prevent the appearance of new lesions, is a powerful treatment option for acne conglobata.
The Journal of Dermatology 09/2007; 34(8):583-5. · 1.49 Impact Factor
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The Journal of Dermatology 08/2007; 34(7):490-2. · 1.49 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a disease characterized by recurrent blistering and chronic ulceration of the skin. In these patients, recurrent blisters frequently result in intractable skin ulcers due to impaired wound healing caused by mutations in the type VII collagen gene and malnutrition as well as by increased collagenase activity. To evaluate the efficacy of amnia for intractable ulcers in RDEB, we treated RDEB patients with amnia. The amniotic membrane was simply placed on the cleansed wound surface. The procedure was repeated once a week for up to 10 weeks. As a result, wound conditions improved remarkably after treatment with amnia for 2-10 weeks in all the patients, resulting in total re-epithelization of the ulcers. Amnia could be an effective therapy for intractable skin ulcers in RDEB patients, and should be considered as a re-emerging therapeutic option for the disease.
The Journal of Dermatology 06/2007; 34(5):328-32. · 1.49 Impact Factor
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Kunitaka Haruna,
Yasushi Suga,
Yuki Mizuno,
Kazuhiro Kourou,
Shigenori Muramatsu,
Toshio Hasegawa,
Akemi Inoue,
Hideoki Ogawa,
Shigaku Ikeda,
Maria Lakhmiri,
Akira Seto
The Journal of Dermatology 03/2007; 34(2):153-5. · 1.49 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Venous leg ulcers are resistant to various treatments, including autologous skin grafting. We applied an allogeneic cultured dermal substitute in a patient with such a wound, and the wound improved, healthy granulation tissue formed, and the size of the wound was reduced.
Scandinavian Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Hand Surgery 02/2007; 41(6):326-8. · 0.94 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The patient, 56-year-old man who was working as a clerk and a farmer, presented with nodules that had appeared on the dorsa of both his hands 3 months earlier. At the first examination, there were multiple dark-red nodules scattered on the fingers, dorsa and wrists of both hands. The nodules were up to 3 cm in diameter and had crusts in the incenters. The patient was suspected to suffer from prurigo and was subsequently treated with topical steroid, but the nodules did not respond. Therefore, a skin biopsy and fungal culture were performed, and the patient was finally diagnosed as having bilateral multiple sporotrichosis. He was then successfully treated with local thermotherapy and oral potassium iodide. Bilaterally-distributed lymphangitic sporotrichosis is very rare and often difficult to diagnose. Careful attention is required to avoid misdiagnosis.
The Journal of Dermatology 06/2006; 33(5):364-7. · 1.49 Impact Factor
