Evaluation of the polymerase chain reaction-based T-cell receptor β clonality test in the diagnosis of early mycosis fungoides.

Background: T-cell receptor (TCR) clonality may help establish a diagnosis of mycosis fungoides (MF). Routine clonality analysis is performed by using a polymerase chain reaction TCR- gamma assay, yet with this method, 10% to 50% of T-cell lymphomas escape detection. TCR- beta gene rearrangement is an additional assay.

[PULMONARY FIBROSIS INDUCED BY ANTI־TNF-Αlpha TREATMENT].

Introduction: TNFα-targeted therapies have emerged as a new class of drugs in the treatment of various inflammatory diseases, including psoriasis. With the increasing use and longer follow-up periods of TNFα targeted therapies, a spectrum of immunological adverse events have been described, ranging from asymptomatic immunological alterations to life-threatening systemic diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis. We present a case of a 66 year old man diagnosed with psoriasis who developed pulmonary fibrosis three years after initiation of Etanercept (Enbrel) for his skin disease.

[TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE IN TREATMENT OF ATOPIC DERMATITIS].

Background: Atopic dermatitis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease, affecting up to 15-30% of children in industrialized countries. As there is no definitive cure for atopic dermatitis, patients often seek other complementary therapeutic options, such as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). TCM comprises numerous treatment modalities for the management of atopic dermatitis including acupuncture and herbal medicine.

Epiretinal membrane in diabetes mellitus patients screened by nonmydriatic fundus camera.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of epiretinal membrane (ERM) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to assess the associated risk factors.

Design: Retrospective, cross sectional study.

Methods: Patients with T2DM, seen for annual follow-up between 2009 and 2010, were evaluated by digital nonmydriatic retinal photography for the detection of diabetic retinopathy.