News

Chicago - Arginine deiminase, an amino acid degrading enzyme, is safe and has anti-tumor activity in phase I and II investigations of metastatic melanoma, according to Theodore Logan, M.D.

Chicago - There has been no good explanation as to why people who know that too much sun is not healthy continue to sunbathe or go to tanning salons. Now, for the first time, University of Texas researchers have shown that the act of suntanning shares characteristics of other substance-dependent disorders.

San Francisco - Syndromic hemangiomas are almost always segmental hemangiomas, associated with a constellation of birth defects probably arising from mutations affecting a developmental field, according to Ilona J. Frieden, M.D., clinical professor of dermatology and pediatrics, UCSF School of Medicine.

San Francisco - A baseline examination followed by yearly screening for retinopathy is probably adequate for patients taking chronic antimalarial therapy, Stephen E. Wolverton, M.D., said.

San Francisco - A multidisciplinary approach is best in management of problematic hemangiomas, often requiring close interaction with pediatricians, surgical teams, ophthalmologists, neurologists, radiologists, and psychologists, Julie Powell, M.D., said.

San Francisco - UVB-emitting lasers and light sources provide safe, convenient, and effective phototherapy for patients with localized psoriasis, vitiligo, and leukoderma, Christine A. Dierickx, M.D., said.

San Francisco - Treatment of vitiligo has advanced significantly in recent years with the use of topical immunomodulators and newer forms of phototherapy, Pearl F. Grimes, M.D., said.

San Francisco - Oral terbinafine (Lamisil) is the most cost-effective treatment for toenail onychomycosis as compared to other available agents, according to the results of an economic evaluation.

San Francisco - New topical and systemic treatments, and new uses for existing ones, are making several photodermatosis conditions more manageable, according to John L.M. Hawk, M.D.

San Francisco - A multitude of conditions, from systemic diseases to conditions affecting only the mouth or the alimentary tract, can cause oral ulcers. Recognizing subtle differences in symptoms and knowing which conditions are most common can help dermatologists make accurate diagnosis.

Chicago - Future advances in the management of patients with alopecia areata are expected to emerge from ongoing efforts aiming to facilitate clinical research studies and gain a better understanding of the immunological disease mechanisms and its genetic associations, Maria K. Hordinsky, M.D., said at Academy '03.

Chicago - Current focus on the scarring alopecias (cicatricial alopecias), one of the most poorly understood disorders in dermatology for which no effective therapies exist, is to generate research that will lead first to an understanding of these disorders and then to development of effective treatments, according to Wilma F. Bergfeld, M.D. Efforts are being made to update and clarify the current gold standard of the diagnosis, both clinical and histological, as well as the present therapies.

San Francisco - The known teratogenicity of isotretinoin, as well as a possible link to psychiatric illness, means that physicians prescribing the drug must carefully follow risk-management guidelines. These guidelines are mandated by the FDA.

San Francisco - Several recent studies have demonstrated some interesting phenomena in the area of pediatric dermatology. Howard B. Pride, M.D., an associate in the department of dermatology at Geisinger Health System in Danville, Pa., presented some highlights.

Chicago - Many people have a frightening image of lepers as disfigured people, roaming around colonies. The Bible makes several references to what is now a reportable infectious disease, rarely seen by dermatologists. Still, leprosy does occur in the United States, and dermatologists should be suspicious of it.

San Francisco - In many women, acne can have a hormonal cause that points to a more severe underlying disorder. Being able to appropriately identify such disorders can help dermatologists better treat the acne as well as help prevent more serious long-term selequae.

The National Institutes of Health, fresh off a five-year doubling of its budget, could benefit from some organizational changes - including giving its directorsignificantly more authority and funding,

Dr. G has a very busy dermatology practice in a large city. When he sought to hire a young physician to join his practice, he wanted to be certain that this physician would never compete with him. The young physician, coming right out of his residency-training program, had no problem with the concept.

I have grown accustomed to thinking that I probably know more about myself than anyone else. After all, I am me, and, as such, I am the foremost expert on myself. How could anyone possibly know more?

San Francisco - Individualization of drug therapy is becoming a reality with the recognition that the response to drugs varies as a result of sequence variants in genes encoding drug-metabolizing enzymes, drug transporters, or drug targets.

San Francisco - The topical immunomodulators imiquimod (Aldara), tacrolimus (Protopic), and pimecrolimus (Elidel) are proving to be extremely useful agents for the effective management of a number of skin conditions, Mark Lebwohl, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Ottawa - Dermatologists have a responsibility to sensitize patients to the risks that temporary tattoos and body piercing pose, according to Dr. Ronald Brancaccio, clinical professor of dermatology at New York University School of Medicine, who presented here at the annual scientific meeting of the Canadian Dermatology Association.

With only 10 official SARS patients throughout China since August 1, the word of eradication is becoming hopeful in a country where Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome seems like a bad dream. But, the reality is that SARS may be an unstoppable nightmare.

A CME monograph sponsored by The Institute for Medical Studies and Advanstar Healthcare Communications. Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Amgen Inc. and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.The views and opinions expressed are those of the interviewed physicians and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors, Advanstar Healthcare Communications. The Institute of Medical Studies, Amgen Inc., or Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. For faculty, and learning objectives please download this PDF file.

Current therapies for psoriasis can be very effective and are acceptable to many patients. However, a number of drawbacks associated with these treatments may compromise their effectiveness. Patients undergoing ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy or psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) treatments must keep their appointments 3 times a week to maintain the effectiveness of the therapy.

The class of agents known as TNF inhibitors shares some common safety issues, but the safety profiles of specific agents vary due to differing characteristics and mechanisms. Comparing safety data of these drugs is, of course, complicated by differences in patient populations and experiences.

These are very exciting times for dermatology. Basic research is being applied to the development of new and more effective biologics to treat some of the most challenging conditions, psoriasis among them.

Over the past couple of years wireless technology for connecting laptops and other computers to local area networks and the Internet has matured and become affordable. Now, for less than $100, a wireless network card can be installed in most laptop or desktop computers, affording the machines a high-speed connection to wireless access points.

Washington - By eating foods with a low glycemic index, patients can reduce the rate at which wrinkles develop in the skin and accelerate postoperative healing.

San Francisco - Providing patients with the best service mandates dermatologic surgeons become comfortable and skilled in diagnosing and managing post-op complications, Hugh M. Gloster Jr., M.D., said.