The Australasian journal of dermatology
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Australas. J. Dermatol. · Jan 1994
Case ReportsAdams-Oliver syndrome: aplasia cutis congenita, terminal transverse limb defects and cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita.
A male infant with the features of Adams-Oliver syndrome is described. These features included severe aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) of the scalp involving both skin and cranium, a shortened right foot with talipes equinovarus, extensive cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita and also haemangiomas and ulceration of the abdominal skin. Exposure of the dural membrane was associated with infection, hyponatraemia and finally localised necrosis with herniation of brain and fatal cerebral haemorrhage.
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Australas. J. Dermatol. · Jan 1992
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialTea tree oil in the treatment of tinea pedis.
Tea tree oil (an essential oil derived primarily from the Australian native Melaleuca alternifolia) has been used as a topical antiseptic agent since the early part of this century for a wide variety of skin infections; however, to date, the evidence for its efficacy in fungal infections is still largely anecdotal. One hundred and four patients completed a randomized, double-blind trial to evaluate the efficacy of 10% w/w tea tree oil cream compared with 1% tolnaftate and placebo creams in the treatment of tinea pedis. Significantly more tolnaftate-treated patients (85%) than tea tree oil (30%) and placebo-treated patients (21%) showed conversion to negative culture at the end of therapy (p < 0.001); there was no statistically significant difference between tea tree oil and placebo groups. ⋯ The tea tree oil group (24/37) and the tolnaftate group (19/33) showed significant improvement in clinical condition when compared to the placebo group (14/34; p = 0.022 and p = 0.018 respectively). Tea tree oil cream (10% w/w) appears to reduce the symptomatology of tinea pedis as effectively as tolnaftate 1% but is no more effective than placebo in achieving a mycological cure. This may be the basis for the popular use of tea tree oil in the treatment of tinea pedis.
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Australas. J. Dermatol. · Jan 1991
Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical TrialAn open study of Triphasil and Diane 50 in the treatment of acne.
Levonorgestrel, as used in oral contraceptives, has antiovulatory activity at doses far lower than those producing androgenic effects. Triphasil, containing levonorgestrel was compared with Diane, containing cyproterone acetate in a trial of acne treatment. Twenty closely matched patients were alternatively allocated to 6 months of Triphasil or Diane treatment. ⋯ Assays of total testosterone, androgen index, free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and androstenedione showed significant reduction on treatment and sex hormone binding globulin was raised. All hormonal changes were more marked in the Diane group. Side effects caused only one withdrawal from the trial.
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In Australia, dermatologists have been designated as the sole prescribers of isotretinoin and thus we are in a unique position to audit national usage of the drug. Questionnaires were sent by the Australasian College of Dermatologists to all 204 practising Fellows in Australia. The aim was to study the number and type of patients treated with isotretinoin, the manner in which the drug is prescribed, adverse reactions and the number of pregnancies occurring during and after treatment. ⋯ With one exception, all agreed to have a therapeutic abortion. There were two reports of congenital abnormalities after cessation of treatment, neither of which were thought to be related to isotretinoin. In several regions where a dermatologist is not available, a specialist physician may prescribe isotretinoin according to State Health regulations.