Epidemiology of pemphigus in Macedonia: a 15-year retrospective study (1990-2004).

Background: Pemphigus is an autoimmune blistering skin disease mediated by auto-antibodies directed against desmoglein proteins. There are only a few epidemiological studies on pemphigus. Our objective was to determine the epidemiological features of pemphigus in Macedonia, and to compare the results with those reported elsewhere.

Cyclosporin A-induced gingival hyperplasia in psoriasis: review of the literature and case reports.

Cyslosporin A (CyA) treatment of psoriasis is warranted in severe cases where other, conventional antipsoriatic approaches have failed. Gingival hyperplasia is a rare side effect of cyclosporin A treatment in psoriasis patients. Previous studies in cyclosporin A-treated patients (mostly transplant recipients) have demonstrated correlation between cyclosporin A serum levels and oral hygiene status on the one hand, and the prevalence and severity of this overgrowth on the other hand.

Management of guttate and generalized psoriasis vulgaris: prospective randomized study.

Aim: To assess the efficacy of betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% cream plus ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation with and without additional penicillin therapy in the treatment of guttate psoriasis, and to compare the efficacies of oral psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy and systemic retinoids therapy for treatment of generalized psoriasis.

Methods: Sixty patients with guttate (n = 20) and generalized psoriasis vulgaris (n = 40) of various intensity and duration treated at the Department of Dermatology, Medical School in Skopje, from February 2000 to January 2002, were included in this prospective, open-label, randomized, parallel group study.