Analysis of patient claims data to determine the prevalence of hidradenitis suppurativa in the United States.

Background: Recent prevalence estimates for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic inflammatory skin condition, are limited by timeliness, population size, and generalizability.

Objective: We sought to develop prevalence estimates for HS in the United States using large health care claims databases.

Methods: A retrospective analysis used PharMetrics Integrated Database to gather health care claims information for HS among patients with 12 or more months of continuous enrollment in a commercial health care plan throughout 2007.

Infliximab therapy for patients with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial.

Background: Biologic therapies with anti-tumor necrosis factor agents are promising treatments for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).

Objective: We assessed the efficacy and safety of infliximab (IFX) for the treatment of moderate to severe HS.

Methods: A prospective double-blind treatment phase of 8 weeks where patients received IFX or placebo was followed by an open-label phase where patients taking placebo were given the opportunity to cross over to IFX, and an observational phase.

Intra-arterial reteplase and intravenous abciximab in patients with acute ischemic stroke: an open-label, dose-ranging, phase I study.

Objective: New approaches are focusing on using a combination of medication that lyse fibrin and prevent aggregation of platelets to achieve higher rates of recanalization and improved clinical outcomes.

Methods: A prospective, nonrandomized, open-label trial evaluated the safety of an escalating dose of reteplase in conjunction with intravenous abciximab (platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (3-6 h after symptom onset). The primary endpoint was symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage at 24 to 72 hours, and secondary endpoints were partial or complete recanalization (> or = one grade improvement), early neurological improvement (decrease in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale > or = 4 at 24 h), and favorable outcome at 1 month (defined by modified Rankin scale < or = 2).

Expression and function of periostin-isoforms in bone.

Periostin was originally identified in MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells. We have identified an isoform of periostin referred to as periostin-like-factor (PLF). It is homologous to other proteins such as fasciclin I (fas I), MPB70, betaIG-H3, and Algal-CAMs.

Clot lysis in a primate model of peripheral arterial occlusive disease with use of systemic or intraarterial reteplase: addition of abciximab results in improved vessel reperfusion.

Purpose: This study was designed to compare the ability of reteplase (a fibrinolytic agent) alone or in combination with abciximab (a monoclonal antibody antagonist of platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa) to achieve and sustain vessel patency in an acute model of peripheral arterial occlusive disease in cynomolgus monkeys.

Materials And Methods: Total arterial occlusion was induced in the femoral arteries of 32 cynomolgus monkeys (eight groups of four) by endothelial injury and injection of thrombin-treated autologous blood. Reteplase was administered by intravenous bolus dose or by intraarterial infusion at the site of the clot.