Effect of a desogestrel-containing oral contraceptive on the skin.

Objective: This pilot study evaluated the effects of a desogestrel-containing oral contraceptive (DSG-OC) on facial seborrhea (oiliness), acne and related factors in otherwise healthy women with moderate facial acne vulgaris.

Methods: In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 41 women received DSG-OC (50/100/150 microg desogestrel plus 35/30/30 microg ethinylestradiol given in a 7/7/7 day regimen) and 41 received placebo for six cycles. Seborrhea and skin assessments, and hormone analyses were performed regularly.

Laryngeal framework surgery for voice improvement.

Dysphonias resulting from incomplete glottis closure or inadequate vocal fold tension are eligible for phonosurgical correction. Many different phonosurgical techniques have been used for these indications, but the disadvantages associated with augmentation of the vocal folds by means of intracordal injections and the favourable reports concerning laryngeal framework surgery, have lead to a change in treatment policy in many centers. Most phonosurgeons presently advocate laryngeal framework surgery as the first treatment of choice.