Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
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J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. · Jan 2014
Multicenter Study Clinical TrialExpanded access study of patients with advanced basal cell carcinoma treated with the Hedgehog pathway inhibitor, vismodegib.
Vismodegib, a first-in-class Hedgehog pathway inhibitor, was US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for advanced basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) based on a single, nonrandomized, phase-II trial. Consequently, additional clinical data are critical to confirm the efficacy and safety of vismodegib. ⋯ This study provides important clinical data supporting the efficacy and safety of vismodegib. Larger studies are underway to assess predictors of response and long-term outcomes.
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J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. · Jan 2014
Compliance with pregnancy prevention measures during isotretinoin therapy.
Approximately 150 women annually become pregnant while taking isotretinoin despite participation in the iPLEDGE program. Noncompliance with the requirement to be abstinent or use 2 contraceptive methods may be a contributing factor. ⋯ Encouraging the use of highly effective, patient-independent contraception and limiting abstinence to women who have never been sexually active may further reduce the rate of isotretinoin-exposed pregnancies.
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J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. · Jan 2014
Reliability assessment and validation of the postacne hyperpigmentation index (PAHPI), a new instrument to measure postinflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne vulgaris.
There are no validated outcome measures for postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). ⋯ The PAHPI shows good reliability and validity when scored on patients with PIH from acne vulgaris. The PAHPI also correlates well with the emotional impact of PIH as measured by the Skindex-29. Future studies should assess the ability of the PAHPI to change with improvement of PIH from acne after treatment.
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J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. · Jan 2014
ReviewFrom the Medical Board of the National Psoriasis Foundation: The risk of cardiovascular disease in individuals with psoriasis and the potential impact of current therapies.
Many studies have identified cardiovascular risk factors in patients with psoriasis. Some psoriasis therapies may increase cardiovascular disease (CVD) and others may decrease CVD. ⋯ Some therapies for moderate to severe psoriasis, including methotrexate and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, may reduce cardiovascular events in psoriatic patients. Ustekinumab appears to be neutral but there may be a long-term benefit. Appropriate patient counseling and selection and clinical follow-up are necessary to maximize safety with these agents. Further long-term study is necessary to quantify the benefits and risks associated with biologic therapies.