Rituximab in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis: an open-label clinical and histopathological study.

Objectives: The safety and potential efficacy of rituximab was examined in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dc-SSc).

Methods: A 24 week open-label study in which eight patients with dc-SSc received an infusion of 1000 mg rituximab administered at baseline and day 15, together with 100 mg methylprednisolone at each infusion. Assessment included CD19+ peripheral blood lymphocyte number, skin sclerosis score, indices of internal organ functioning, the health assessment questionnaire disability index, the 36-item Short Form health survey and histopathological evaluation of the skin.

Acanthosis nigricans in a child with mild osteochondrodysplasia and K650Q mutation in the FGFR3 gene.

A girl with a mild sporadic osteochondrodysplasia (OCD) similar to hypochondroplasia but with significant short stature is reported. She has been followed clinically between the ages of 9 months and 14 years. Growth remained normal throughout childhood with stature evolving about 3.

Origin, clinical presentation, and diagnosis of hypomelanotic skin disorders.

Hypomelanotic skin disorders are cutaneous pigmentary disorders characterized by a reduced melanin content in the skin that results in a lightening of the skin. Establishing the correct diagnosis for hypomelanotic skin disorders requires a good history, a detailed physical examination, the use of special lighting techniques, such as Wood's light, and sometimes a biopsy of the abnormally pigmented skin and the normally pigmented skin. This article focuses on the origin, clinical presentation, and diagnosis of acquired hypomelanotic skin disorders.

Expression of the chemokine receptor CCR5 in psoriasis and results of a randomized placebo controlled trial with a CCR5 inhibitor.

Several reports have indicated that the chemokine receptor CCR5 and its ligands, especially CCL5 (formerly known as RANTES), may play a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the expression of CCR5 and its ligands in chronic plaque psoriasis and to evaluate the clinical and immunohistochemical effect of a CCR5 receptor inhibitor. Immunohistochemical analysis showed low but significant increased total numbers of CCR5 positive cells in epidermis and dermis of lesional skin in comparison to non-lesional skin.