Clinical versus Histological Assessment of Basal Cell Carcinoma Subtype and Thickness of Tumours Selected for Photodynamic Therapy.

Photodynamic therapy is an approved treatment for primary, superficial, and small nodular basal cell carcinomas with a thickness of < 2 mm located on low-risk sites. Histologically verified basal cell carcinomas clinically assessed as suited for photodynamic therapy were included. The study aimed to investigate the agreement between clinical and histological assessments of basal cell carcinoma subtypes and thickness of tumours selected for photodynamic therapy with histopathological evaluation as a reference.

New, simplified versus standard photodynamic therapy (PDT) regimen for superficial and nodular basal cell carcinoma (BCC): A single-blind, non-inferiority, randomised controlled multicentre study.

Background: Topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an approved and widely used treatment for low-risk basal cell carcinoma (BCC), comprising two sessions with an interval of 1 week. Simplification of the treatment course can be cost-effective, easier to organize, and cause less discomfort for the patients.

Methods And Findings: We performed an investigator-initiated, single-blind, non-inferiority, randomized controlled multicentre study with the objective of investigating whether a simpler and more flexible PDT regimen was not >10% less effective than the standard double PDT in the treatment of primary, superficial, and nodular ≤2 mm-thick BCC and evaluate the cosmetic outcome.

Occupational skin diseases from 1997 to 2004 at the Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Northern Norway (UNN): an investigation into the course and treatment of occupational skin disease 10-15 years after first consultations with a dermatologist.

Objectives: We investigate the impact of occupational skin disease consultations among outpatients at the Dermatological Department, University Hospital, Northern Norway.

Study Design: From 1997 until 2004, 386 patients with occupational skin disease were examined and given advice on skin care, skin disease treatment, skin protection in further work, and on the legal rights of patients with this disease. Ten to fifteen years later, we wanted to look at these patients in terms of their work situation, the current status of their disease, the help they received from the labour offices, and their subjective quality of life.

Clinical and economic impact of etanercept in real-life: a prospective, non-interventional study of etanercept in the treatment of patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in private dermatologist settings (ESTHER).

Background: Real-life data on the therapeutic effectiveness and costs of etanercept are scarce.

Objectives: To assess the clinical and economic impact of etanercept in patients with psoriasis in Denmark and Norway.

Material & Methods: This prospective, non-interventional study in a private dermatologist care setting in Denmark and Norway included patients ≥18 years with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, selected for treatment with etanercept.

The effect of UVB radiation on skin microbiota in patients with atopic dermatitis and healthy controls.

Objectives: To investigate Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis quantitatively in adult patients with atopic dermatitis and in healthy controls treated with UVB radiation.

Study Design: Twenty-three adult patients (of these, 3 were excluded) with flexural atopic dermatitis and 20 healthy controls were randomly selected at the outpatient clinic of the Dermatological Department, University Hospital, North Norway.

Methods: Adult patients with atopic dermatitis (n = 20) and healthy controls (n = 20) were given 20 UVB treatments.

The prevalence of allergic contact sensitization in a general population in Tromsø, Norway.

Objectives: This study investigated the prevalence of contact sensitization in a general adult population and the relationship between the history of metal dermatitis and sensitization to metal allergens.

Study Design: A cross-sectional population study using patch tests and a questionnaire was conducted among adults in Tromsø, Northern Norway.

Methods: A random sample of 830 participants aged 18-75 years were invited to participate in the patch testing and completed a 1-page self-administered questionnaire.

Allergic contact sensitization in the general adult population: a population-based study from Northern Norway.

Few studies have so far addressed the prevalence and risk factors for contact sensitization in the general adult population; however, many such studies have been conducted in hospitals. We present the prevalence of contact sensitization in a general adult population and its relationship to potential risk factors like smoking, ear piercing and atopic diseases. 1236 adults (44.