Clobetasol propionate versus fluocinonide creams in psoriasis and eczema.

A double-blind, parallel comparison was made of the short-term efficacy and safety of three times daily regimens of 0.05% clobetasol propionate cream and 0.05% fluocinonide cream in 114 adolescent and adult patients with psoriasis and 113 with eczema.

Delayed socket granuloma formation following evisceration.

We report a rare granuloma of the socket that simulated a conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma in a patient treated with evisceration six and a half years earlier. An excisional biopsy revealed loose connective tissue with marked capillary proliferation and lymphocytic infiltration. The cut end of a silicone exoplant, used to treat a preceding traumatic retinal detachment, was found at the base of the lesion.

The use of a periosteal strip for eyelid reconstruction.

Strips of periosteum from the zygoma were used to reconstruct very extensive lateral canthal and temporal eyelid defects in 11 patients. The strips were reflected nasally, sutured to residual tarsal stumps, and covered anteriorly with myocutaneous flaps. After a minimum follow up of one year, cosmesis was excellent in five patients, satisfactory in five, and poor in one.

Cell proliferation in normal epidermis.

A detailed examination of cell proliferation kinetics in normal human epidermis is presented. Using tritiated thymidine with autoradiographic techniques, proliferative and differentiated cell kinetics are defined and interrelated. The proliferative compartment of normal epidermis has a cell cycle duration (Tc) of 311 h derived from 3 components: the germinative labeling index (LI), the duration of DNA synthesis (ts), and the growth fraction (GF).

Adjunctive operative coronary artery balloon-catheter dilatation: review of Lenox Hill experience.

Operative transluminal coronary angioplasty (OTCA) has been used as an adjunct to coronary artery bypass surgery in 65 patients over a 56-month period beginning in May 1978. Experience has led us to use OTCA primarily in the left anterior descending coronary artery. The angioplasty catheter has undergone a number of modifications.

Canalicular cystocele.

We report a rare case of acquired canalicular cystocele in a patient with obstructions at both the proximal and distal ends of the inferior canaliculus. Histopathologic examination revealed a dilated tubule lined with nonkeratinizing squamous epithelium that measured 19 mm long and 7 mm wide. No mucous secreting goblet cells were observed in any sections.

Implantation of the C-loop Simcoe posterior chamber lens.

A simple, one-handed technique of insertion of the popular C-loop Simcoe posterior chamber lens can be achieved without the use of special instrumentation. While a large pupil is preferable, this technique is readily useful for cases where the pupil has constricted. The inferior loop and the lens are placed into the posterior chamber and the capsular bag together.

Response of psoriasis to red laser light (630 nm) following systemic injection of hematoporphyrin derivative.

Systemically injected hematoporphyrin derivative (HPD) in combination with red laser light (630 nm) was used to treat a patient with intraepithelial neoplasia of the vulva. Since the patient had psoriasis in the mons pubis area this region also was exposed to the red light. The psoriasis treatment area was divided into two regions receiving 40 and 20 J/cm2.

Development of a topical hematoporphyrin derivative formulation: characterization of photosensitizing effects in vivo.

Photochemotherapy offers a unique approach for the selective therapy of skin diseases. Hematoporphyrin derivative (HPD) in combination with visible light exhibits cytocidal activity in vitro and systemically has demonstrated applicability to the treatment of experimental and human tumors. This study was undertaken to investigate the phototoxic effects in guinea pig skin of systemic HPD in comparison with locally (intradermal) and topically administered HPD.

Percutaneous penetration of methylglyoxal bis(guanylhydrazone): effects on hairless mouse epidermis in vivo.

Topical methylglyoxal bis(guanylhydrazone) (MGBG) previously has been shown to produce partial clinical improvement in psoriasis. To enhance therapeutic activity, studies were undertaken to optimize MGBG percutaneous penetration in vitro and to study biochemical changes related to epidermal proliferation in vivo. MGBG penetration in saline, Vehicle N, decylmethylsulfoxide, and N-methylpyrrolidone was determined in normal human skin in vitro.

Cryptosporidiosis in a patient with hemophilia, common variable hypogammaglobulinemia, and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

A 36-year-old man had chronic, debilitating diarrhea due to cryptosporidiosis. This patient had longstanding common variable hypogammaglobulinemia and recurrent bacterial infections. Immunologic evaluation after discovery of Cryptosporidium showed lymphopenia with persistently reduced numbers of helper/inducer cells (OKT-4), variable numbers of suppressor/cytotoxic cells (OKT-8), OKT-4/OKT-8 ratio of 0.

Acute and subacute orbital myositis.

Of 12 consecutive patients (nine women and three men ranging in age from 18 to 70 years) with orbital myositis, four had histories of ocular or systemic autoimmune disease. Five patients treated within two weeks of developing acute orbital pain and extraocular muscle dysfunction were classified as having acute myositis. They responded to corticosteroids within 72 hours although three had single recurrences during six- to 16-month follow-up periods.