A genome-wide scan for urinary albumin excretion in hypertensive families.

Albuminuria increases the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with essential hypertension and diabetic subjects. The heritability (h2) of albuminuria in multiplex hypertensive families is unknown. We calculated the familial aggregation of urine albumin:creatinine ratio (ACR) and performed a genome-wide scan to assess for loci contributing to ACR in participants enrolled in the Hypertension Genetic Epidemiology Network (HyperGEN).

The use of 0.25% zinc pyrithione spray does not enhance the efficacy of clobetasol propionate 0.05% foam in the treatment of psoriasis.

Background: It was discovered that Skin Cap (Cheminova Internacional S.A., Madrid, Spain), an over-the-counter psoriasis therapy with zinc pyrithione, contained clobetasol propionate and it was withdrawn from the market by the US Food and Drug Administration review.

Hemochromatosis and Iron Overload Screening (HEIRS) study design for an evaluation of 100,000 primary care-based adults.

Background: The HEIRS Study will evaluate the prevalence, genetic and environmental determinants, and potential clinical, personal, and societal impact of hemochromatosis and iron overload in a multiethnic, primary care-based sample of 100,000 adults over a 5-year period. Participants are recruited from 5 Field Centers. Laboratory testing and data management and analysis are performed in a Central Laboratory and Coordinating Center, respectively.

Is the BPD epidemic diminishing?

In a previous study of very low birth weight neonates, < or = 1500 g, admitted to the Vanderbilt University Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) from 1976-1990, improvements in survival were accompanied by a corresponding increase in the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Since then, certain neonatal and perinatal interventions have been introduced and may influence neonatal outcomes. In this study, we have continued the analysis of the incidence of 3 outcomes: 1) Neonatal death (NEOD), 2) BPD, and 3) NEOD or BPD (NEOD/BPD) for an additional 7 years, 1991-1997.

Patients with psoriasis prefer solution and foam vehicles: a quantitative assessment of vehicle preference.

Psoriasis patients' acceptance of the vehicles used in topical therapy contributes to adherence to treatment plans and outcomes, but patient preferences for different vehicles have not been assessed. The purpose of this study was to develop a quantitative measure of patient preferences for different vehicles and to assess these preferences. Focus group sessions were conducted of patients with psoriasis to determine patient perceptions of the advantages and disadvantages of different topical psoriasis therapies.

The safety of liposuction: results of a national survey.

Background: Liposuction procedures are increasing in frequency and may be performed in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, or physician offices. Deaths associated with liposuction and previous surveys of liposuction safety have raised concern about the safety of office-based surgery.

Objective: To determine the safety of office-based, tumescent liposuction among dermatologic surgeons.

Follow-up survey of 308-nm laser treatment of psoriasis.

Background And Objectives: UVB treatment with a 308-nm excimer laser is a new treatment modality for localized psoriasis. The purpose of this study is to assess patients' impressions and satisfaction with 308-nm laser treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis.

Study Design/materials And Methods: Telephone survey data were obtained from patients after participation in a case series study of 124 patients with mild to moderate psoriasis treated with 308-nm UVB laser treatment for a target plaque and other lesions.

Efficacy of the 308-nm excimer laser for treatment of psoriasis: results of a multicenter study.

Objective: Our purpose was to demonstrate the efficacy of the 308-nm excimer laser for treatment of psoriasis.

Methods: This study was a multicenter open trial from 5 dermatology practices (one university-based and 4 private practices). Up to 30 patients per center with stable mild to moderate plaque-type psoriasis constituted the study population.