The British journal of dermatology
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
A randomized clinical trial of photodynamic therapy with methyl aminolaevulinate vs. diclofenac 3% plus hyaluronic acid gel for the treatment of multiple actinic keratoses of the face and scalp.
A gel containing diclofenac and hyaluronic acid (DHA) and photodynamic therapy with methyl aminolaevulinate (MAL-PDT) are widely used treatments for actinic keratoses (AKs). ⋯ Efficacy, cosmetic outcome and patients' overall satisfaction with MAL-PDT are superior in comparison with DHA. MAL-PDT is more expensive but it is more cost-effective.
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The authors performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on interventions for any stage of typical mycosis fungoides (MF). They searched electronic databases including the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, Embase, and the Latin American and Caribbean Health Science Information database, and included reports from conference proceedings and unpublished data without language restrictions. The authors also searched trial registries affiliated with the U.S.A., Australia, the World Health Organization and the European Organisation of Research and Treatment of Cancer for studies on 'mycosis fungoides' or 'cutaneous T-cell lymphoma'. These searches were supplemented by correspondence with the groups or individuals who conducted the RCTs. ⋯ This review of RCTs for MF interventions led to more questions than answers due to a dearth of adequately powered RCTs. Only one meta-analysis could be performed. The remaining review was based on single trials, many of which assessed infrequently used treatments or regimens and are not reflective of current clinical practices. Only two of the 14 RCTs assessed patient health-related quality-of-life outcomes.
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Case Reports
A case of vancomycin-associated linear IgA bullous dermatosis and IgA antibodies to the α3 subunit of laminin-332.
Linear IgA bullous dermatosis (LABD) is a rare autoimmune bullous disease, which is defined by the histopathological finding of subepidermal vesicles with neutrophilic infiltration and linear IgA deposits in the basement membrane zone, revealed by immunofluorescence study. We present a case of LABD in which vancomycin (VCM) administration triggered LABD, and immunoblot analysis showed IgA antibodies reactive to the 145- and 165-kDa α3 subunits of laminin-332. This is the first report of VCM-associated LABD in which the target antigen was laminin-332. In the present case, we were compelled to continue administration of VCM along with systemic steroids, which eventually led to the attenuation of the symptoms, normalization of the serum IgA level, and negative results on both indirect immunofluorescence of 1 mol L(-1) NaCl-split skin and immunoblot analysis.
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Primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is progressive, can cause significant symptoms, and impacts on quality of life. Therefore supportive and palliative care might have a role in the care of patients and families. ⋯ No measure is routinely used to measure supportive and palliative care outcomes in CTCL. Physical needs, particularly pruritus, were reported commonly; however, qualitative evidence of experience is limited. Caregivers' needs are rarely explored. To compare outcomes from clinical studies, a single multidimensional tool used in routine practice would be useful. Further work is needed to explore a model of service that meets the specific physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs of this group of patients and their carers.