A retrospective review of the therapeutic response with remission in patients with newly diagnosed bullous pemphigoid.

We reviewed the clinical characteristics and therapeutic response in cases of newly diagnosed bullous pemphigoid at the National Skin Centre between June 2009 and December 2010. Most (76%, n = 68/90) achieved clinical remission within 6 months of commencement of therapy. Oral mucosal involvement was identified as a risk factor associated with a prolonged duration of treatment beyond 6 months.

Livedoid vasculopathy and its association with factor V Leiden mutation.

Livedoid vasculopathy is a rare chronic relapsing disorder characterised by recurrent painful thrombotic and vasculitic ulcers on the legs. We present the cases of two Indian women with livedoid vasculopathy that were found to be associated with an underlying factor V Leiden heterozygous mutation. There were no other thrombotic manifestations, and livedoid vasculopathy was the sole presenting feature of the factor V Leiden mutation, although this could also be coincidental.

A ten-year retrospective study on livedo vasculopathy in Asian patients.

Introduction: This study aims to analyse the clinico-epidemiological characteristics of Asian patients diagnosed with livedo vasculopathy (LV).

Materials And Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients diagnosed with LV from 1997 to 2007 at our centre.

Results: Seventy patients were diagnosed with LV with a mean age of 39 years, female: male ratio of 3:1 and no racial predilection.

Isotretinoin is safe and efficacious in Asians with acne vulgaris.

Background: Oral isotretinoin is effective for acne vulgaris but concerns remain regarding its adverse effects.

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of isotretinoin for acne vulgaris in Asian patients.

Methods: We conducted a 4-year retrospective study on all patients with acne vulgaris treated with isotretinoin, between January 2005 and December 2008 at the National Skin Centre in Singapore.

Improving adherence to safe prescription guidelines for Dapsone: harnessing an enhanced electronic medical records system and a team approach.

Background: Dapsone is a commonly prescribed medication in dermatological practice. Its use is associated with a broad spectrum of adverse effects. Careful selection and monitoring of patients on dapsone are paramount in the prevention and early recognition of adverse effects.

An 11-year review of dermatomyositis in Asian patients.

Introduction: Dermatomyositis (DM) is a multisystem inflammatory disease with a strong association with malignancy. We aimed to describe a series of Asian patients with DM and identify any significant clinical factors associated with malignancy.

Materials And Methods: This was a retrospective review of a multi-racial cohort of 69 Asian patients diagnosed with DM over an 11-year period from 1996 to 2006.

Fas-ligand staining in non-drug- and drug-induced maculopapular rashes.

Background: Morphologically and histopathologically, drug- and non-drug-induced maculopapular rashes can be almost indistinguishable. It has been postulated that Fas-ligand (Fas-L) is involved in the pathogenesis of drug rashes but not in the genesis of rashes, such as viral exanthems, that are not induced by medications.

Aim: This study sought to determine if epidermal Fas-L is a distinguishing feature in the pathology of drug and non-drug maculopapular rashes.

Delayed hypersensitivity reaction after intravenous glucagon administered for a barium enema: a case report.

Introduction: Few reports have documented allergic hypersensitivity reactions after barium gastrointestinal studies. Of these, the barium suspension, its additives or intravenous glucagon given for bowel relaxation has been implicated as possible allergens. We report a patient with delayed hypersensitivity reaction after barium enema and discuss the reasons supporting glucagon as the possible allergen.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: a clinicopathological analysis of 10 cases in Asians.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a locally aggressive cutaneous neoplasm that exhibits a marked tendency for recurrence after local excision. This case series aims to study the clinical, histological and immunohistochemical features of DFSP in Asians. Ten patients with DFSP diagnosed between 1992 and 2001 were reviewed.