The Journal of dermatological treatment
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Olopatadine versus levocetirizine in chronic urticaria: an observer-blind, randomized, controlled trial of effectiveness and safety.
Chronic urticaria (CU) is characterized by frequent appearance of wheals for ≥ 6 weeks. This study was undertaken to compare effectiveness and safety of olopatadine, a newer antihistamine with additional anti-inflammatory properties, in treating CU in comparison to the established second-generation antihistamine levocetirizine. ⋯ Olopatadine is a safe and more effective alternative to levocetirizine in the treatment of CU.
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To provide an overview of the current evidence regarding off-label treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) with TNF-α inhibitors, a systematic search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL. Any type of original article concerning HS patients treated with infliximab, etanercept and/or adalimumab was included. No language restriction was applied. ⋯ Infliximab should be preferred based on the most encouraging results regarding efficacy and expenses. Also adalimumab seems promising when administered in higher doses. The use of etanercept should be discouraged.
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Patients with severe acne may need elective/urgent surgical interventions during treatment with isotretinoin and it is critical for the surgeon to consider the possible effects of this medication on coagulation systems. The aim of this study is to determine the changes in prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) during isotretinoin treatment. PT, aPTT, and INR values of 51 severe acne patients were evaluated during routine pre-treatment biochemical analysis. ⋯ A significant increase in aPTT was detected. The INR values, which are more trusted and safe, showed no difference. Isotretinoin seems to have no effect on these coagulation parameters.
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The biologic agents can be highly efficacious in the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis; however, their use is associated with an increased risk of developing active TB. In particular, TNF-α plays critical role in preventing TB infection and reactivation of latent TB infection (LTBI). ⋯ Current recommendations for the screening algorithm include medical history, chest x-ray, and tests that evaluate immunologic response to the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Patients with positive screening results and without active disease are to be treated with a full course of chemoprophylaxis; however, if the patient is compliant and tolerating the regimen, biologic therapy for psoriasis may be started after at least 1 month on prophylactic therapy when prompt control of disease is required.