Oral doxycycline for the treatment of chronic leg ulceration.

This pilot study investigated oral doxycycline as an adjunct to compression therapy for non-healing venous leg ulcers. Ten patients received doxycycline 20 mg twice daily (low-dose doxycycline) and ten patients received doxycycline 100 mg twice daily (high-dose doxycycline). Utilising a pre-test post-test study design, ulcer area was measured and wound fluid was collected before and after 4 weeks of treatment.

Trichodysplasia spinulosa associated with chemotherapy for acute lymphocytic leukaemia.

We report two boys with trichodysplasia spinulosa associated with chemotherapy for acute lymphocytic leukaemia. Trichodysplasia spinulosa is a cutaneous viral infection of immunosuppressed patients that causes abnormal hair follicle maturation. Our patients presented with widespread papules, some extruding a central keratin spicule, which were most prominent on the face.

General practitioners' experiences of managing patients with chronic leg ulceration.

Objective: To understand general practitioners' experiences of managing patients with chronic leg ulceration, thus informing future strategies to improve leg ulcer care in general practice, Australia.

Design: Qualitative study using phenomenology and in-depth interviewing.

Participants And Setting: Maximum variation sample of 12 GPs working in the Perth and Hills Division of General Practice between September and December 2004.

Cytomegalovirus infection of a cutaneous ulcer in a patient with ANCA-positive vasculitis.

This case describes a patient in whom cytomegalovirus (CMV) infected a preexisting ulcer. The patient was immune-suppressed because of treatment for Wegener's granulomatosis. Specific antiviral therapy was delayed because of uncertainty as to the role of CMV, but the infection cleared and the ulcer improved promptly on institution of valganciclovir.