Histologic pitfalls in the Mohs technique.

The success of the Mohs procedure depends on the reliability of each step in the technique. Pitfalls in histologic preparation of the tissue specimens may occur during debulking, excising, orienting, creating the map, sectioning, inking, tissue flattening and freezing, cutting, slide fixation, staining, and mapping the tumor. Challenges are also present in interpreting the slides.

Malignant skin neoplasms.

Skin cancers may be derived from any part of the skin, and the classification of all variants is extensive. Overall they are the most common cancers of the body, and include those that are highly mortal and those that are associated with an increased morbidity. In this review the most common skin cancers confronted by the clinician and their management are discussed.

The prevalence of psoriatic arthritis in psoriatic patients in Tehran, Iran.

Background: Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis which is associated with psoriasis. There is no general agreement in the literature regarding the epidemiology of psoriatic arthritis. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence of psoriatic arthritis in a relatively large number of psoriatic patients.

Comparison of direct smear, culture and histology for the diagnosis of onychomycosis.

A sensitive and efficient diagnostic strategy is needed to confirm the clinical suspicion of onychomycosis. The purpose of this study was to compare the sensitivity of three most commonly used diagnostic methods for onychomycosis. Nail specimens of 96 patients with clinically suspected onychomycosis were evaluated using potassium hydroxide smear, culture and histology.

Laser treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars.

Background: Lasers have been used in the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids for more than 20 years. Different laser systems have been examined; among them pulsed dye lasers are currently considered the laser of choice in these settings.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to review the pertinent literature and provide updated information on different laser therapies available for treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars.

Nonablative lasers.

The trend toward minimally invasive rejuvenation techniques has led to the widespread use of nonablative lasers. Nonablative lasers can be classified in two groups based on their wavelengths: lasers emitting light in the visible range, and those emitting in the infrared range. In this review, different laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) systems are presented and critically discussed along with findings of the studies in the literature.

New clinical syndromes in dermatology.

Dermatologists are in the unique position to be able to diagnose serious systemic diseases through skin findings; in addition, cutaneous manifestations can be associated with internal symptoms and clarify the pathogenesis and treatment of challenging new syndromes. Calciphylaxix, now renamed Calcific Uremic Arteriolopathy, primarily affects patients with end-stage renal disease with concomitant hyperphosphatemia, increased calcium-phosphate product and hyperparathyroidism, skin biopsy and wound care are crucial parts of the diagnosis and treatment. Hyperhomocysteinemia may play a very important role in many cutaneous and systemic diseases including, chronic cutaneous wounds, systemic lupus erythematosus, Behcet's disease and psoriasis.

The incidence of recurrent herpes simplex and herpes zoster infection during treatment with arsenic trioxide.

We report the incidence of varicella zoster virus (VZV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection in patients with multiple myeloma and colon cancer who were treated with arsenic trioxide for their disease. In this report, we discuss the effects of arsenic on immune system, and suggest arsenic compounds as a possible predisposing factor for viral reactivation in these patients.

The role of number of treatments in laser-assisted hair removal using a 755-nm alexandrite laser.

Background: It is generally accepted that multiple laser treatments yield more effective clinical results; however, it is not clearly known whether increasing the number of treatments would affect the incidence of adverse effect. The main objective of the study was to assess the role of the number of treatments in the efficacy and safety of laser-assisted hair removal in a relatively dark-skinned population.

Methods: A retrospective study of 313 consecutive laser-assisted hair removal treatments was conducted on a total of 23 patients (22 women, 1 man) with 58 anatomic areas by means of an alexandrite laser.

Basal cell carcinoma of the areola in a man.

Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) that arise in sun-protected sites are quite uncommon. We report a case of BCC of the areola, which is extremely rare. Mohs micrographic surgery was used for the treatment.

Hair removal using an 800-nm diode laser: comparison at different treatment intervals of 45, 60, and 90 days.

Background: Some laser irradiation parameters such as wavelength, fluence, pulse duration, and spot size have been shown to influence the damage of any target inside the skin, however, the role of some patients' factors such as hair growth cycle is still under debate.

Objective: To determine the association of treatment interval and laser treatment outcome.

Methods: In a retrospective chart review of 176 patients undergoing laser-assisted hair removal with a diode laser 24 patients were selected.

What patients with vitiligo believe about their condition.

Background: Vitiligo is a common disease with an unknown etiology. It is a chronic disease which causes severe disfigurement, and so may significantly affect a patient's quality of life. This study was designed to evaluate the illness perception and quality of life in patients with vitiligo.

The role of hemodialysis machines dedication in reducing Hepatitis C transmission in the dialysis setting in Iran: a multicenter prospective interventional study.

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant problem among patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (HD). We conducted a prospective multi-center study to evaluate the effect of dialysis machine separation on the spread of HCV infection.

Methods: Twelve randomly selected dialysis centers in Tehran, Iran were randomly divided into two groups; those using dedicated machines (D) for HCV infected individuals and those using non-dedicated HD machines (ND).

Laser hair removal: comparison of long-pulsed Nd:YAG, long-pulsed alexandrite, and long-pulsed diode lasers.

Background: Advances in laser technology over the past several years have led to the development of numerous lasers for the treatment of unwanted hair. Laser wavelength is a key factor influencing treatment efficacy and complication rates.

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of laser hair removal using three different laser systems.

Serum zinc and its relation to bone mineral density in beta-thalassemic adolescents.

Trace elements have been considered to play critical roles in bone metabolism. This study aims at determining the serum zinc profile and its association with bone mineral density (BMD) abnormalities in thalassemic patients. In 131 transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemic patients, aged 10-20 yr, serum levels of zinc were measured by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (F-AAS).

Metabolic and endocrinologic complications in beta-thalassemia major: a multicenter study in Tehran.

ABSTRACT : BACKGROUND : The combination of transfusion and chelation therapy has dramatically extended the life expectancy of thalassemic patients. The main objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of prominent thalassemia complications. METHODS : Two hundred twenty patients entered the study.