-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The aim of this study is to assess the associations between chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), Helicobacter pylori infection and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Forty- eight patients with CSU were studied by scoring the urticaria activity and assesing the quality of life. Patients with H. pylori infection (n = 11) or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (n = 13) were specifically treated for one week and clinically evaluated both before and 4 weeks after the eradication therapy. Eradication of H. pylori infection led to a significant improvement in CSU (p < 0.002). In contrast, eradication of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth was not associated with any clinical improvement in CSU, despite the fact that these patients had statistically significant more urticaria activity at baseline. Thus there is no evidence to support the eradication of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in CSU, but eradication of H. pylori infection may result in an improvement of the disease.
Acta Dermato-Venereologica 08/2012;
-
Journal of Crohn s and Colitis 06/2012; 6(9):962-3. · 2.57 Impact Factor
-
02/2012; , ISBN: 978-953-307-878-6
-
Acta Dermato-Venereologica 11/2010; 90(6):642-3.
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Hypertrophic scar formation is a process in which prolonged angiogenesis sustained by vascular endothelial growth factor cutaneous expression plays an important role.
This in vivo study was conducted to evaluate the clinical effect of a topical gel containing onion extract, allantoin, and pentaglycan on hypertrophic scars and keloids.
Thirty people with hypertrophic scars or keloids were examined. Fifteen patients received a topical application of a gel containing allium cepa, allantoin, and pentaglycan twice a day for 24 weeks, the remaining 15 patients received no topical treatments. A clinical evaluation and an intravital videocapillaroscopy were performed on every patient at baseline (T0) and 24 weeks (T24) after the treatment.
Only the patients who received the topical treatment showed a significant reduction in neoangiogenetic features, demonstrated through an improvement of erythema and all videocapillaroscopic markers of neoangiogenesis. These changes induced by therapy led to a general improvement of the lesions.
Topical applications of a gel containing allium cepa, pentaglycan, and allantoin twice a day for 24 weeks seems to be useful in reducing neoangiogenesis in hypertrophic scars and keloids, resulting in clinical improvement of skin lesions. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.
Dermatologic Surgery 09/2010; 36(9):1439-44. · 1.80 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated, inflammatory dermatosis whose aetiopathogenesis remains unclear, although tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) appears to play a crucial role. The biological potential of TNFalpha inhibitors, such as etanercept, which reduce the inflammatory cascade, has radically changed the therapeutic management of patients with psoriasis and other immunomediated inflammatory diseases, associated with TNFalpha. The pathogenesis of the selective destruction of melanocytes in vitiligo is not fully understood, although there is growing evidence that several T helper type 1 cytokines, particularly TNFalpha, may be involved in the depigmentation process. A patient is described who presented with both psoriasis and vitiligo, and was treated with etanercept. After 24 weeks of therapy, the patient's psoriasis had improved markedly and the patient noted a mild improvement of vitiligo, with a reduction in macules and repigmentation in the scapular region.
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology 01/2010; 11 Suppl 1:46-8. · 1.71 Impact Factor
-
European journal of dermatology: EJD 11/2009; 20(1):134-5. · 2.53 Impact Factor
-
Journal of dermatological science 02/2009; 54(3):205-8. · 3.71 Impact Factor
-
Acta Dermato Venereologica 02/2009; 89(3):299-301. · 3.18 Impact Factor
-
Gaia Goteri,
Serena Rupoli, Anna Campanati,
Antonello Costagliola,
Simona Sabato,
Daniela Stramazzotti,
Paola Picardi,
Lucia Canafoglia,
Stefano Pulini,
Giulia Ganzetti,
Anna Maria Offidani,
Pietro Leoni
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Recruitment of neoplastic T cells to skin is a critical step in the pathogenesis of mycosis fungoides (MF) lesions. Cutaneous T-cell attracting chemokine (CTACK)/CCL27 attracts memory T cells to skin, resulting in increased cutaneous expression. The interactions between neoplastic cells and skin immune system require further elucidation. CTACK/CCL27 expression and density of dendritic cells (DC), CD8+ and CD4+ lymphocytes were investigated in skin lesions of 52 early-stage MF patients treated by interferon (IFN)-alpha in combination with photochemotherapy (psoralen plus ultraviolet A, PUVA). Skin lesion biopsies obtained at diagnosis and after treatment were studied by immunohistochemistry. Initial CTACK/CCL27 expression was abnormal/suprabasal in 36 patients. Normal/basal CTACK/CCL27 expression tended to correlate with a high DC density and low CD4+ cell density in the neoplastic infiltrate. Treatment induced a significant increase in CTACK/CCL27 expression (chi(2) test: P=0.004). Overall, 33 patients relapsed [median event-free survival (EFS), 46 months] during follow-up (median, 92.5 months, range, 43-165). Normal/basal CTACK/CCL27 expression at the end of treatment correlated with lower rates of recurrence and a longer median EFS (111 months vs. 39 months with suprabasal expression; log rank test: P=0.031). CTACK/CCL27 overexpression in early-stage MF might thus be related to a balance between neoplastic cells and immunomodulant DC. Normal CTACK/CCL27 expression after treatment designates a subset of patients with favorable disease behavior. The mechanisms underpinning CTACK/CCL27 overexpression after therapy in the remaining patients, who are at greater risk of recurrence, warrant further investigation.
American Journal of Translational Research 01/2009; 1(2):203-10.
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Lichen striatus is a well-known, acquired, self-healing, linear inflammatory dermatosis. Lichen striatus occurring in adults tends to be more extensive and itchy than in children, sometimes requiring symptomatic treatment. The therapeutic approach usually adopted is topical steroids, even though prolonged use may lead to several side-effects, particularly cutaneous atrophy.
To report the results of an open, off-label study on the use of pimecrolimus 1% in the treatment of diffuse, nonresponsive forms of lichen striatus.
Three adult patients suffering from relapsing or disseminated and itchy lichen striatus received topical application of pimecrolimus 1% cream (Elidel, Novartis Pharma, Basle, Switzerland) twice daily for 6 weeks, or until complete disappearance of the cutaneous lesions.
All patients experienced rapid healing of the dermatosis, without any recurrence for at least 14 months.
Our preliminary results show that pimecrolimus may represent a useful therapeutic alternative for lichen striatus, although further studies on a larger number of cases are needed to confirm its safety and efficacy in the treatment of this condition.
International journal of dermatology 08/2008; 47(7):732-6. · 1.18 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Neurothekeoma is a rare neoplasm ascribed into the broad category of benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors. The atypical cellular variant of this neoplasm, showing a peculiar histological pattern, has been very rarely reported in literature.
The clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical profile of a new case of atypical cellular neurothekeoma in a 32-year-old woman is reported.
The described neoplasm showed the histological features of atypical variant of cellular neurothekeoma with high-rate mitotic activity and deep penetration into subcutaneous fat.
Because only few cases of atypical neurothekeoma have been reported in literature, clinical and morphological available data on this neoplasm are very few, and its prognosis remains uncertain; anyway, dermatologists should be aware of histological features of this neoplasm for which a complete surgical excision is recommended.
Journal of Cutaneous Pathology 06/2007; 34(5):435-7. · 1.56 Impact Factor
-
Acta Dermato Venereologica 02/2006; 86(4):359-60. · 3.18 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Wrist blockage of median and ulnar nerves before treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis with botulinum toxin (BTX-A) reduces discomfort and improves accuracy of BTX-A injections, but can be associated with mechanical/chemical injury.
We sought to compare locoregional anesthesia of median and ulnar nerves using conventional 25-G x 0.50 x 13 mm gauge needle with short 30-G x 0.40 x 6 mm gauge needle.
In all, 37 patients with idiopathic, recalcitrant palmar hyperhidrosis were treated with BTX-A after median and ulnar nerve blockage. In 18 patients, a conventional needle was used to achieve nerve blockage and in 19 the short needle was used. The 2 groups of patients were compared for analgesic effects and lag phase.
No differences were found between groups for lag phase (P=.26) and discomfort of subsequent BTX-A treatment (P=1.0).
The use of a short-gauge needle to block median and ulnar nerves is a suitable method to anesthetize the palm before treatment with BTX-A.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 10/2004; 51(3):345-8. · 3.99 Impact Factor
-
International Journal of Dermatology 06/2003; 42(5):415-6. · 1.14 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Patients with hyperhidrosis, a disorder characterized by increased sweat production, experience substantial functional and emotional problems. Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) has been shown to be useful in the treatment of hyperhidrosis; however, few studies have considered the effects of treatment on patients' quality of life (QOL).
The objectives of this study were to assess QOL in patients with focal hyperhidrosis; to investigate whether the impairment in QOL in these patients is related to the type of hyperhidrosis or the number of sites involved; and to compare the changes in QOL and the response to BTX-A treatment in patients with axillary and palmar hyperhidrosis.
Patients with focal primary hyperhidrosis of the axillae, palms, and soles who had experienced decreased QOL and whose condition had not responded to conventional topical and physical therapies were included in this open-label study. Patients completed a self-administered Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire before and 2 weeks after treatment with BTX-A.
All 41 patients had experienced a decrease in QOL as measured by the DLQI. The impairement in QOL was not dependent on the number or types of sites involved. Treatment with BTX-A led to improvement in QOL in all patients, with the median DLQI score decreasing (ie, improving) significantly from pretreatment level (P < 0.001). The improvement in QOL and response to treatment were similar in patients with axillary and palmar hyperhidrosis.
Further studies with a longer follow-up period are needed to assess the long-term effects of BTX-A; however, preliminary data from the present study suggest that BTX-A improves QOL in patients with focal hyperhidrosis, independent of the presenting clinical picture.
Clinical Therapeutics 01/2003; 25(1):298-308. · 2.32 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Follicular mycosis fungoides (FMF) is a rare cutaneous T cell lymphoma characterized by an atypical lymphoid infiltrate spreading within and around hair follicles without epidermotropism or follicular mucin deposits. Its occasional presentation with minimal epidermal involvement and/or follicular mucinosis suggests the need for uniform histologic criteria. We describe a new case of FMF associated with follicular mucinosis and discuss its morphologic spectrum of presentation.
American Journal of Dermatopathology 11/2002; 24(5):423-6. · 1.20 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Botulinum toxin is a safe and effective treatment for idiopatic focal axillary and palmar hyperhidrosis, but very few data are reported in the literature on its effect on plantar idiopatic hyperhidrosis. The current study was undertaken to investigate the impact of BTX-A administration on sweat production and quality of life in patients suffering from plantar hyperhidrosis. Ten patients with idiopathic, recalcitrant plantar hyperhidrosis were included in a pilot study and underwent intradermal injections with 100 MU of BTX-A in the plantar skin, bilaterally. All the patients were followed for 16 weeks after treatment with objective (Minor's test) and subjective (DLQI test) evaluation. Patients experienced an improvement of symptoms with a significant decrease of Minor's test and DLQI levels for 12 weeks. No significant side effects occurred in any treated patient. BTX-A seems to be a promising treatment for plantar hyperhidrosis. However, clinical trials on larger patient series are needed in order to evaluate its safety and effectiveness for this application.
European journal of dermatology: EJD 17(1):52-4. · 2.53 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: An unusual case of widespread acne unresponsive to treatment with early onset in a child with Apert's syndrome is presented. The patient eventually responded to oral isotretinoin therapy. The morphological profile of the sebaceous glands and the expression of proliferative markers and androgen receptors were evaluated in seboblasts and sebocytes using morphological, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical techniques. There were no significant differences in staining for proliferative markers and nuclear expression of androgen receptors in the glands from the patient and four healthy controls. Our results support the view that acne in Apert's syndrome is not sustained by abnormalities of the sebaceous glands demonstrable with conventional morphological techniques, and that it does not depend on an increased expression of androgen receptors.
European journal of dermatology: EJD 12(5):496-8. · 2.53 Impact Factor
