Arch Dermatol
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To make preliminary recommendations for defining a flare of atopic dermatitis (AD) in clinical research based on a systematic review of the literature and experience in running clinical trials. ⋯ Defining an AD flare is a complex process, and this review has highlighted the need for standardization in defining measures of long-term disease control. We propose that a flare of AD be simply defined as an episode requiring escalation of treatment or seeking additional medical advice. Consideration should also be given to totally controlled weeks and well-controlled weeks to assess overall disease activity in patients with AD. Together, these definitions are intuitive, simple to use, and easy to understand. Future work is required to test the applicability of these recommendations in a variety of research settings.
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To evaluate the clinical efficacy of topical 20% azelaic acid cream and 15% azelaic acid gel compared with their respective vehicles and metronidazole gel in the treatment of papulopustular rosacea. ⋯ Azelaic acid in 20% cream and 15% gel formulations appears to be effective in the treatment of papulopustular rosacea, particularly in regard to decreases in mean inflammatory lesion count and erythema severity. Compared with metronidazole, azelaic acid appears to be an equally effective, if not better, treatment option.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Facial resurfacing for nonmelanoma skin cancer prophylaxis.
To determine the effect of facial skin resurfacing for treatment of actinic keratoses (AKs) and prophylaxis against new primary basal and squamous cell carcinomas in individuals with previous nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) or severe photodamage. ⋯ All 3 modalities demonstrated benefit for AK reduction and skin cancer prophylaxis compared with controls and warrant further study in a larger trial.
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To determine the incidence of abnormal laboratory test results among isotretinoin users. ⋯ The incidence of abnormally high serum lipid levels during isotretinoin treatment may be greater than previously estimated. Elevations in transaminase level are generally mild. Normal baseline values of serum lipid and transaminase levels do not preclude the development of new abnormalities during isotretinoin treatment. Routine monitoring of white blood cell count, hemoglobin level, and platelet count during isotretinoin therapy may be of little utility without clinical suspicion of an abnormality. The clinical significance of laboratory abnormalities during isotretinoin therapy remains to be determined.