[Training in reconstructive surgery in sub-Saharan Africa : the « 2nd Chance » model].

Based in Geneva since 2010, 2 Chance's mission is the development of reconstructive surgery care in resource-limited countries with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa, through teaching and advocacy activities. We develop the surgical management of patients on the one hand, providing training for African surgical teams. On the other hand, we support surgical procedures for patients, in the areas of reconstructive surgery, giant goiters, obstetric fistulas and anesthesia so that quality care is guaranteed for the long term.

Chronic Prurigo: An Unusual Presentation of Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Background: Prurigo nodularis is a condition of unknown origin defined by papulonodular eruption and intense pruritus. Hodgkin lymphoma often presents nonspecific initial symptoms. An association between systemic malignancy and cutaneous manifestations has long been documented.

Management of resistant mucocutaneous herpes simplex infections in AIDS patients: a clinical and virological challenge.

Background: The use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has been associated with a marked decrease in the prevalence of opportunistic infections in HIV-infected patients. However, chronic mucocutaneous herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection remains a difficult clinical challenge.

Objective: The aim of the study was to optimize the diagnosis and follow-up of chronic HSV-2 infection in HIV-infected patients and to correlate clinical data with CD4 cell count, in vitro HSV virological resistance and histology.

Increased incidence of sexually transmitted infections in Geneva, Switzerland.

Background: Focal outbreaks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as syphilis and gonorrhoea have been reported in the large cities of Western Europe over the past few years. The aim of our study was to determine whether a similar trend is observed in Geneva and the situation with regard to HIV infection.

Methods: We review the incidence of syphilis, gonorrhoea, Chlamydia trachomatis and HIV in Geneva from 1999 to 2004.

[Cutaneous complications of anti-hypertensive drugs].

Anti-hypertensive drugs are prescribed frequently and can cause cutaneous adverse drug reactions. The extent of this side effect accounts for about 10-60% of the total adverse drug reactions due to antihypertensive drugs. This review analyses anti-hypertensive drugs by class and examines various cutaneous pathologies that could be related to these treatments.

[Treatment of cutaneous human papilloma virus, poxvirus and herpes simplex virus infections with topical cidofovir in HIV positive patients].

Introduction: Cidofovir (Vistide) is an antiviral marketed for the treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis. Clinical efficacy has been reported with its broad antiviral spectrum that includes poxvirus, human papilloma virus and Herpes simplex. In immunodepressed patients, these infectious dermatoses are often recurrent and resistant.

The antibacterial activity of topical retinoids: the case of retinaldehyde.

Background: Retinoids such as retinoic acid (RA), retinol (ROL) and retinaldehyde (RAL) are currently used in many formulations and indications ranging form acne to skin aging. Most if not all their pharmacological activities occur through binding to nuclear receptors with subsequent modulation of the activities of several genes. Little attention has been given to the many other potential actions on the surface of the skin.

An annular plaque due to Mycobacterium haemophilum infection in a patient with AIDS.

Infections with mycobacteria are of importance in the differential diagnosis of skin lesions in immunocompromised patients. We report the case of a human immunodeficency virus (HIV)-infected patient who presented with an annular plaque as cutaneous manifestation of Mycobacterium haemophilum. Improvement of the immunologic status is important for successful treatment.

Three cases of cutaneous sarcoidosis: search for bacterial agent by the 16S RNA gene analysis and treatment with antibiotics.

Background: The aetiology of sarcoidosis remains controversial. An infectious origin is often discussed, but only anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive treatment is recommended.

Objectives: To investigate the hypothesis of bacterial origin by treating cutaneous sarcoidosis with antibiotics.

Malassezia spp carriage in patients with seborrheic dermatitis.

The role of Malassezia spp in seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is controversial. To compare the cutaneous density and the cultural characteristics of Malassezia in persons with or without SD, quantitative cultures were obtained by stripping the forehead with a tape placed on Leeming and Notman medium. Plates were incubated at 37 degrees C in a plastic bag, and colonies were counted after 14 days.

Antibacterial activity of retinaldehyde against Propionibacterium acnes.

Background: Retinaldehyde has been shown to exert antibacterial activity in vitro.

Aim: This study evaluates the effect of retinaldehyde on Propionibacterium acnes both in vivo and in vitro.

Methods: Microbial minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of retinaldehyde and retinoic acid were determined on reference strains of P.

Pseudoporphyria induced by nabumetone.

Nabumetone is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, which has only rarely been associated with photosensitivity. We report a case of bullous lesions arising over photoexposed areas in a patient treated with nabumetone.

Human herpes-virus 8 seropositive patient with skin and graft Kaposi's sarcoma after lung transplantation.

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) has been reported after solid organ transplantation mostly in recipients of renal, liver, heart, and bone allografts. We describe the first case of a patient with lung transplantation who developed KS of the skin, but also of the lung graft. The tumors were localized to places of previous trauma, implying the involvement of a Koebner phenomenon.

Treatment of acyclovir-resistant herpetic ulceration with topical foscarnet and antiviral sensitivity analysis.

Background: Herpes simplex virus (HSV) can produce persistent mucocutaneous disease in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). In this case report, we evaluate the efficacy, safety and viral resistance after topical foscarnet in severe genital ulceration due to acyclovir-resistant HSV-2.

Case Report: A 45-year-old African woman was known for an HIV infection with severe immunosuppression (CD4 <100/mm3).

Neutrophil eccrine hidradenitis in a patient with AIDS.

Neutrophilic eccrine hidradenitis (NEH), first described as a rare, transient, and benign complication of various chemotherapy regimens for acute leukemia, has also been observed in other conditions, including three HIV-positive patients and even in otherwise healthy individuals (1-3). A similar histological pattern was described after intradermal bleomycin injections into normal human skin (4). We report the first case of NEH in a hemophilic HIV infected patient treated with stavudine, a new reverse transcriptase inhibitor.

Regression of Kaposi's sarcoma during therapy with HIV-1 protease inhibitors: a prospective pilot study.

Background: Early studies using HIV protease inhibitors (PI) showed regression of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) lesions in some patients.

Objective: Our purpose was to determine prospectively the influence of PI on HIV-related KS.

Methods: KS lesions of nine patients with progressive cutaneous disease were prospectively evaluated clinically and by means of epiluminescence microscopy before and during PI therapy.