LA Goldsmith; JL Bolognia; JP Callen; SC Chen; SR Feldman; HW Lim; AW Lucky; BR Reed; EC Siegfried; DM Thiboutot; RG Wheeland
Volume 7, Issue 4 , 2004, Pages 38-48
AR Firooz; AR Khatami; A Khamesipour; M Nassiri Kashani; MA Nilforoushzadeh; F Behnia; HR Pazoki Toroudi; Y Dowlati
Volume 7, Issue 4 , 2004, Pages 209-218
Abstract
Background: Several treatment modalities have been used for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) with various results. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown inhibitory effects of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) on Leishmania parasites. Objective: To compare the efficacy of intralesional injections of 2% ZnSO4 solution ...
Read More
Background: Several treatment modalities have been used for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) with various results. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown inhibitory effects of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) on Leishmania parasites. Objective: To compare the efficacy of intralesional injections of 2% ZnSO4 solution with meglumine antimonate (Glucantime) in the treatment of acute Old World CL. Patients and Methods: Seventy-two patients with CL with a duration of less than 8 weeks were recruited in a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial in Isfahan province – an area endemic for Leishmania major – after giving written informed consent. They were treated with 6 weekly intralesional injections of either 2% sterile ZnSO4 solution or Glucantime prepared in identical vials. The primary outcome measure was complete re-epithelialization of CL lesions. Results: Among 36 patients with 53 lesions treated with ZnSO4 and 36 patients with 53 lesions treated with Glucantime, 13 patients with 19 lesions and 22 patients with 31 lesions completed the trial, respectively. Inadequacy of treatment was the main reason for drop-out in 12 (33.3%) and 2 (5.5%) patients in ZnSO4 and Glucantime groups, respectively (P<0.05). Complete re-epithelialization was observed in 2 (10.5%) and 19 (61.3%) lesions 1 week after the end of treatment in the ZnSO4 and Glucantime groups, respectively (P<0.05). Conclusion: A six-week course of weekly intralesional injections of 2% ZnSO4 solution was less effective than Glucantime in the treatment of acute Old World CL.
Z Pourpak; M Mesdaghi; AR Zarinara; Sh Shahabi; B Rajabi; M Heidar Zadeh; A Kazemnejad; A Kouhkan; Gh.A Kardar
Volume 7, Issue 4 , 2004, Pages 219-230
Abstract
Background: Latex allergy is a major occupational disease with prevalence nearly 5-17% among the health care workers. Objective: To determine the prevalence of latex glove allergy and its contributing factors among operation room staff. Patients and Methods: In this study, 512 operation room staff were ...
Read More
Background: Latex allergy is a major occupational disease with prevalence nearly 5-17% among the health care workers. Objective: To determine the prevalence of latex glove allergy and its contributing factors among operation room staff. Patients and Methods: In this study, 512 operation room staff were evaluated for latex allergy, using a complete questionnaire. Those suspected to have latex allergy underwent these tests: Eosinophils counting, measurement of serum total and latex specific IgE, latex skin prick test, latex and glove additives patch test. Results: From evaluated staff, 178 (34.8%) had a history of sensitivity to latex gloves, from which 59 persons underwent the tests voluntarily. According to the results of the tests, 13 (22%) had type I allergy to latex, 3 (5.1%) had type IV allergy to latex and 9 (15.3%) had both allergies. There were no significant relationship between latex allergy and age, sex, job, season, family and personal history of allergies. Significant relationship was found between type I allergy to latex and allergy to kitchen gloves and also between type IV allergy and allergy to other plastic clothing. Conclusion: Prevalence of latex allergy in this study is much higher than similar studies, which demands more evaluation to determine the contributing factors.
P Toosi; F Hosseinzadeh; M Rahmati Roodsari; L Gachkar; Sh Manighalam
Volume 7, Issue 4 , 2004, Pages 231-236
Abstract
Background: Various environmental factors can induce or exaggerate hand eczema. Objective: Evaluation of patch test results in hand eczema patients. Patients and Methods: In this descriptive study 100 patients with hand eczema referred to Loghman Hakim and Booali Hospital in Tehran underwent patch testing ...
Read More
Background: Various environmental factors can induce or exaggerate hand eczema. Objective: Evaluation of patch test results in hand eczema patients. Patients and Methods: In this descriptive study 100 patients with hand eczema referred to Loghman Hakim and Booali Hospital in Tehran underwent patch testing with 23 allergens obtained from Hermal company. Results: 240 positive reactions observed in 86 patients. The most common positive reactions were related to nickel sulfate (30 patients, 13.5%) and potassium dichromate (28 patients, 11.7%). In positive group 28 patients were male and 58 were female. In negative group 3 patients were male and 11 were female (P>0.05). The mean age was 31.7±11.9 years and 24.8±9.2 years for positive group and negative group, respectively (P0.05). Conclusion: Performing patch test, the allergens involved in hand eczema can be detected. Detecting type of allergens, patients will be able to avoid those materials, which can lead to improvement of disease.
M Barzegari; H Ghaninejad; M Shizarpoor
Volume 7, Issue 4 , 2004, Pages 237-241
Abstract
Background: Psoriasis treatment is very important regard to mental sequeler and creating morbidity. First line treatment of generalized plaque type psoriasis includes methotrexate, phototherapy and retinoids. Objective: To compare bath-PUVA and acitretin in the treatment of generalized plaque type psoriasis. ...
Read More
Background: Psoriasis treatment is very important regard to mental sequeler and creating morbidity. First line treatment of generalized plaque type psoriasis includes methotrexate, phototherapy and retinoids. Objective: To compare bath-PUVA and acitretin in the treatment of generalized plaque type psoriasis. Patients and Methods: 40 patients with generalized plaque type psoriasis with PASI scores of 15-20 in Razi Hospital in Tehran were randomly divided into 2 groups after giving consent. Each group included 20 patients. The first group was treated three times a week with bath-PUVA and the second group was treated with acitretin 0.7 mg/kg/day. The efficacy of 2 treatment regimens were determined and compared using PASI scores. Results: The clearance rate was 65% in bath-PUVA group and 75% in acitretin group. Patients in bath-PUVA needed 29 sessions and accumulative dose of 105.46 J/cm² for clearance. Conclusion: Psoriasis patients responded to bath-PUVA treatment but this response required more sessions and higher total dose. The inherent differences and distinctive responses to light in the patients under study (In Iran) compared with patients with skin phototypes I, II might explain these differences.
M Seylanian Toosi; F Homaiee; HR Raziee
Volume 7, Issue 4 , 2004, Pages 242-246
Abstract
Background: Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is a relatively common autosomal dominant condition. Among the complications of the disease, such as neurological disorders, hypertension and skeletal deformities, malignancy is the most serious one and is the main cause of early death in these patients. Objective: ...
Read More
Background: Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is a relatively common autosomal dominant condition. Among the complications of the disease, such as neurological disorders, hypertension and skeletal deformities, malignancy is the most serious one and is the main cause of early death in these patients. Objective: Review of cases of NF-1 associated with malignancies. Patents and Methods: In a retrospective, descriptive study, 17 patients with malignancy and NF1 disease referred to oncology department of Qaem and Omid Hospitals (Mashhad) in a 10-year-period between 1993 and 2003 were reviewed. Results: 11 patients were male and 6 were female. The median age of patients was 23 years. We observed 9 cases with malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, 4 with CNS malignancies, 2 with rhabdomyosarcoma and one case with breast carcinoma. Conclusion: Regarding the importance of early diagnosis of these malignancies, and especially considering the young age of involved patients, it is logical to plot a schedule to examine the NF1 patients periodically. Physicians who are in contact with these patients should educate them to be aware of any suspicious signs and symptoms of malignancy.
L Nabaie; A Shirzadian Kebria; L Gachkar
Volume 7, Issue 4 , 2004, Pages 247-254
Abstract
Background: The need for a rapid, non-invasive method for unwanted hair removal has led to the development of various light sources for this purpose. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Intense Pulsed Light Source (IPLS) on unwanted hairs. Patients and Methods: In this open, uncontrolled clinical ...
Read More
Background: The need for a rapid, non-invasive method for unwanted hair removal has led to the development of various light sources for this purpose. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Intense Pulsed Light Source (IPLS) on unwanted hairs. Patients and Methods: In this open, uncontrolled clinical trial, 77 different anatomical areas in 34 referred patients to “Novin Didegan Clinic” in Tehran in 1380-1381, were treated by IPLS at fluences ranging from 22 to 34 J/cm² after their demographic data and the number of hairs were recorded. The 3 to 7 treatment sessions were accomplished 4 to 6 weeks apart. All of the patients were followed 6 months after the last therapy. The quantitative data were analyzed by paired t test. Results: Six months after the last therapy, more than 50% reduction in number of hairs were noted in 80% of the treated areas; with mean reduction of 72±23 percent. Side effects were mild and reversible and occurred in ten patients. Conclusion: The IPLS appears to provide an effective and safe method for long-term excess hair removal in various skin types.
N Alizadeh; Sh Sadr Ashkevary; J Golchai; A Maboodi; AA Falahati
Volume 7, Issue 4 , 2004, Pages 255-260
Abstract
Background: In spite of prevention and control programs, dermatophyte infections have a high prevalence worldwide. Objective: To do a descriptive study of dermatophytosis in Guilan. Patients and Methods: 217 patients whom were visited in Razi Hospital in Rasht in 1381 were screened for dermatophytosis ...
Read More
Background: In spite of prevention and control programs, dermatophyte infections have a high prevalence worldwide. Objective: To do a descriptive study of dermatophytosis in Guilan. Patients and Methods: 217 patients whom were visited in Razi Hospital in Rasht in 1381 were screened for dermatophytosis and if had suspicious lesions, direct smear with KOH and culture were done. Results: 93 patients had positive smear (KOH 10%) and culture for dermatophytes. 50 patients were women and 43 patients were men. The most common patterns of dermatophytosis were tinea cruris (47.2%), tinea pedis (14%), tinea capitis (12.9%), onychomycosis, tinea manum, and tinea facei. Trichophyton mentagrophytes was the most common causative agent of tinea cruris that occurred more significantly in hot seasons. Conclusion: Tinea cruris was the most common type of dermatophytosis in this study. High prevalence of tinea cruris specially in women in comparison to the previous studies, may be due to occupational activity (Agriculture) and clothing of women in north of Iran.
M Barzegari; Sh Shams Davachi; A Kianfar
Volume 7, Issue 4 , 2004, Pages 261-263
Abstract
Background: Prolactin, a neurohormone, can act as a stimulator of immunity in a number of autoimmune diseases and its high levels have been shown in these diseases. Objective: This study was designed to discover the possible role of prolactin in autoimmune blistering skin diseases. The main goal was ...
Read More
Background: Prolactin, a neurohormone, can act as a stimulator of immunity in a number of autoimmune diseases and its high levels have been shown in these diseases. Objective: This study was designed to discover the possible role of prolactin in autoimmune blistering skin diseases. The main goal was to compare the serum prolactin levels and the frequency of hyperprolactinemia in autoimmune skin patients with a control group. Patients and Methods: Serum prolactin levels were measured in 44 patients with autoimmune blistering skin diseases and 44 age and sex matched normal persons. Results: The mean serum prolactin level was higher in the patients group than the control group (13.7 ng/ml vs. 8.4 ng/ml). Seven of 44 patients (16%) had hyperprolactinemia, which was significantly higher than control group (P=0.006). Conclusion: According to this study a higher frequency of hyperprolactinemia was observed in patients suffering from autoimmune blistering diseases in comparison with a control group.
A Rasi; R Soltani Arabshahi; Z Safaie Naraghi
Volume 7, Issue 4 , 2004, Pages 264-270
Abstract
Circumscribed juvenile pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) is a form of PRP that manifests with well-defined erythematous scaly plaques with follicular keratosis mainly over knees and elbows. There are several reports of the association of PRP with other conditions. We report a boy with scattered erythematosquamous ...
Read More
Circumscribed juvenile pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) is a form of PRP that manifests with well-defined erythematous scaly plaques with follicular keratosis mainly over knees and elbows. There are several reports of the association of PRP with other conditions. We report a boy with scattered erythematosquamous skin lesions and follicular hyperkeratotic papules since the age of six years. Skin biopsy was compatible with PRP. He also had hypoparathyroidism and brachyonychia. To our knowledge, this association has not been reported so far.
D Akbari; K Balighi
Volume 7, Issue 4 , 2004, Pages 271-273
Abstract
Cutaneous larva migrans is a self-limited cutaneous eruption caused by larva of roundworms that do not normally parasitize humans. Ankylostoma brazielensis, the dog and cat hookworm, is the most common agent. The disease is found in tropical and subtropical regions and may be seen in travelers from these ...
Read More
Cutaneous larva migrans is a self-limited cutaneous eruption caused by larva of roundworms that do not normally parasitize humans. Ankylostoma brazielensis, the dog and cat hookworm, is the most common agent. The disease is found in tropical and subtropical regions and may be seen in travelers from these regions. We report a case of a 37-year-old Iranian man who had cutaneous larva migrans after traveling to Mexico. The patient was successfully treated with oral thiabendazole.
