The methotrexate polyglutamate assay supports the efficacy of methotrexate for severe inflammatory skin disease in children.

Background: The methotrexate (MTX) polyglutamate assay has been validated in adults with arthritis.

Objective: We sought to assess clinical response rates and the value of the methotrexate polyglutamate assay in MTX-treated children with inflammatory skin diseases.

Methods: In this retrospective review, 46 MTX-treated children with a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, or psoriasis-eczema overlap were serially assessed with the methotrexate polyglutamate assay.

An open-label trial of the efficacy of 15% aluminum chloride in 2% salicylic acid gel base in the treatment of moderate-to-severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis.

Primary focal hyperhidrosis (HH) is a chronic disorder of excessive sweating. A single-center, open-label study was performed to determine the efficacy and safety of 15% aluminum chloride (AC) in 2% salicylic acid gel base (SAGB) Hydrosal in adults with moderate-to-severe primary axillary HH. Thirty subjects were given 15% AC in 2% SAGB to apply to their bilateral axillae nightly for the first week, then twice-weekly application as tolerated.

The importance of reviewing pathology specimens before Mohs surgery.

Background: The review of outside biopsy slides before performing surgery is the standard of care in many surgical specialties. Previous studies have shown high discrepancy rates between the original and second-opinion diagnoses. The frequency with which this practice changes the diagnosis and management of patients undergoing Mohs surgery is undocumented in the literature.

Botulinum toxin type a versus topical 20% aluminum chloride for the treatment of moderate to severe primary focal axillary hyperhidrosis.

Severe hyperhidrosis affects 2.8% of the population and can be emotionally devastating. First-line therapy employs topical agents such as aluminum chloride (AC), but efficacy and tolerability vary widely.

Blue-jean button nickel: prevalence and prevention of its release from buttons.

Background: Nickel is a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis and is associated with metal buttons and snaps on blue jeans.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of nickel-positive metal buttons on blue jeans and the efficacy of nail polish in the prevention of nickel release.

Methods: We collected 62 pairs of new and preworn blue jeans.

EBV-associated recurrent Hodgkin's disease after renal transplantation.

Hodgkin's disease is recognized as part of the spectrum of post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD), although it is still an uncommon de novo malignancy in this population. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been linked to both post-transplant non-Hodgkin's lymphomas and Hodgkin's disease. We report a case of recurrent Hodgkin's disease in a patient who received a renal transplant in childhood and later developed EBV-associated Hodgkin's disease with remission after chemotherapy until subsequent relapse 9 years later that was successfully treated.

The clinical epidemiology and course of the spectrum of renal diseases associated with HIV infection.

Background: While an understanding of the epidemiology and clinical course of HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) is growing, little is known about the risk factors and clinical course of the other renal diseases that may also occur as a complication of HIV infection. This study was undertaken to compare HIVAN to the spectrum of other kidney diseases seen among HIV-infected patients.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included all HIV-infected patients who underwent renal biopsy during the course of their clinical care at six major medical centers.