Contact allergy to 2-hydroxy-5-tert-butyl benzylalcohol and 2,6-bis(hydroxymethyl)-4-tert-butylphenol, components of a phenolic resin used in marking pens.

2-hydroxy-5-tert-butyl benzylalcohol and 2,6-bis(hydroxymethyl)-4-tert-butylphenol were identified as contact allergens in a phenolic resin used as a tackifier in the ink of a marking pen, which, after being used directly on the skin, caused an acute contact dermatitis on the hand of a 13-year-old boy. The patient also reacted to 4-tert-butylphenol-formaldehyde resin (BPF resin) 1% pet. included in the European standard series.

Abnormalities of lymphocyte function and phenotypic pattern in a case of toxic epidermal necrolysis.

We examined the blood lymphocyte function and phenotypic pattern in a patient with toxic epidermal necrolysis after taking salazopyrin. We studied cell surface markers, natural killer cell activity and mitogen-induced lymphocyte transformation. Our results point to temporary immunosuppression as evidenced by lymphopenia with a large "null cell" population, reduced natural killer cell activity, and impaired lymphocyte response to mitogens.

Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon in Pityrosporum folliculitis (pseudoactinomycosis of the skin).

Actinomyces-like granules showing the Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon have been demonstrated in histologic material, e.g. uterine curettings, in various conditions unrelated to genuine actinomycotic infection.

Systemic interferon alpha-2b increases the cure rate in laser treated patients with multiple persistent genital warts: a placebo-controlled study.

Systemic treatment modalities for eradication of multiple therapy resistant genital warts are so far not available. In this study laser treated patients with multiple genital warts received postoperatively either interferon alpha-2b subcutaneously (s.c.

Use of sodium-chloride separated human skin in detection of circulating anti-basement membrane zone antibodies.

The sensitivity of the indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) technique for detection of circulating basement membrane zone (BMZ) antibodies was evaluated, employing NaCl-separated human skin and intact skin as substrate. Consecutive serum samples from 12 patients with clinically, histologically and immunohistologically verified bullous pemphigoid (BP) were investigated in parallel on both substrates, in dilutions ranging from 1:10 to 1:1,280. All BP sera showed linear deposits of IgG at the BMZ on intact skin, with titres ranging from 10 to 160.

Adult, acquired reactive perforating collagenosis. Report of a case including ultrastructural findings.

A case of reactive perforating collagenosis in an adult male patient with chronic renal failure. Pruritic, umbilicate papules, showing extrusion of collagen fibers through the epidermis were detected histopathologically. Electron microscopy showed absence of basal membrane beneath the perforation and collagen fibers with preserved periodicity passing through widened intercellular spaces with islands of cytoplasmic material.

Fundus fluorescein angiography in generalized scleroderma.

Fundus affliction with generalized scleroderma was studied in 21 patients by ophthalmoscopy, fundus ocular photography and fluorescein angiography. Slitlamp examination of the anterior chamber, the iris and the lens revealed no evident affections. Neither did ophthalmoscopy reveal obvious abnormalities related to scleroderma.

IgE in atopic dermatitis: a study of the intercellular fluid.

In 33 adult patients with atopic dermatitis of mild to severe degree the concentration of IgE in serum (S) and intercellular fluid (IF) was studied by suction blister technique. The median value of IF/S-IgE was 0.20 and not different from the ratio 0.

Atopic dermatitis, house dust mite allergy and month of birth.

An analysis of the month of birth in 210 patients with atopic dermatitis and a positive prick test towards the house dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) showed a significantly higher prevalence of birth in the interval May to November when compared with the expected distribution (p less than 0.01). A subdivision of the AD patients due to the concomitant presence of asthma showed no differences as the relative risk was nearly the same in the two subgroups.

Penicillin concentrations in serum following weekly injections of benzathine penicillin G.

Twelve patients with syphilis were treated weekly with injections of 1.44 g (2.4 X 10(6) IU) of benzathine penicillin G for up to 3 weeks.

Psoriasiform napkin dermatitis.

A prognostic study of 18 patients with a diagnosis of psoriasiform napkin dermatitis was performed. The observation period had a duration of 7 to 15 years. Two patients developed psoriasis and two developed atopic dermatitis.

Vitamin D metabolites in generalized scleroderma. Evidence of a normal cutaneous and intestinal supply with vitamin D.

Vitamin D metabolites in serum were analysed in 20 patients with generalized scleroderma. The concentration of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D was normal, however, significantly lower concentrations (p less than 0.05) were found in 7 patients with cutaneous calcinosis in comparison with 13 patients with no calcinosis.

Increased central cornea thickness in systemic sclerosis.

Central cornea thickness (CCT) was measured in 32 patients with systemic sclerosis by the Haag-Streit pachymeter with improved centrality. Results were compared with measurements in 29 healthy adults matched with respect to sex and age. CCT was increased (P less than 0.

Parathyroid hormone and calcium metabolism in generalized scleroderma. Increased PTH level and secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with aberrant calcifications. Prophylactic treatment of calcinosis.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) in serum and biochemical parameters of calcium metabolism were analysed in 45 patients with systemic sclerosis. Calcification of the skin and subcutaneous tissue was assessed by X-ray examination of the hands. Analyses disclosed secondary hyperparathyroidism (increased PTH in serum, low calcium 'ion' in serum, decreased urinary excretion of calcium and phosphate), in particular in patients with calcinosis (P less than 0.

Does long-term treatment with D-penicillamine alter calcium and phosphorus metabolism in patients with systemic sclerosis?

Only animal experiments have been published regarding the possible effect of penicillamine treatment on mineral balance. We examined 35 patients with a diagnosis of systemic sclerosis treated with penicillamine, in comparison with 10 patients with systemic sclerosis treated with other collagen inhibitors (glutamine, hydralazine, phenytoin, chlorpromazine). The following laboratory tests were performed in all patients: the serum concentrations of calcium, ionized calcium, phosphorus and the parathyroid hormone.

Radiological changes of the hands in systemic sclerosis.

Radiological examination of the hands was performed in 41 patients with systemic sclerosis. Pathological changes were found in 39 patients. Eighteen patients had subcutaneous calcifications and 11 had atrophy of the finger pulps.