Growth hormone insufficiency in a girl with the autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy

Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy (APECED) is an inherited disease which may comprise many endocrine and non-endocrine components. GH insufficiency has not been recognised as a classical manifestation of this syndrome. We describe the case of a girl with APECED, who presented with four endocrine (hypoparathyroidism, Addison's disease, hypothyroidism, gonadal failure) and three non-endocrine components (candidiasis, ectodermal dystrophy and lichen ruber planus). In addition, growth failure was documented beginning at approximately 8 years; bone age was delayed and stimulated GH peaks after clonidine and arginine were 2.2 and 9.2 microg/l, respectively. A partial empty sella was found on a computed tomography scan of the hypothalamic-pituitary region. At 10.5 years rhGH therapy was started and height gain of 26 cm was observed after 2.7 years of treatment. Puberty started at 11.2 years and menarche occurred at 12.7 years. At 13.25 years rhGH therapy was discontinued owing to frequent hypocalcemic crises; serum IGF-1 levels were persistently low in the following years (between 160 and 180 microg/l, normal range for age 250-600 microg/l). The patient attained a final height of 160.8 cm, which was appropriate for her target height. The presence of lichen ruber planus and GH insufficiency probably secondary to empty sella are two unusual findings in patients with APECED.     

A new autologous keratinocyte dressing treatment for non-healing diabetic neuropathic foot ulcers.

AIMS: To evaluate the use of a new cell-tailored carrier surface (TranCell) for delivery of autologous keratinocytes to promote wound healing in patients with chronic neuropathic foot ulcers. METHODS: TranCell is a sterile medical grade polymer coated with a plasma-polymerized functional surface containing 20% carboxylic acid which enables keratinocytes to attach and proliferate. Six diabetic patients with neuropathic ulcers resistant to conventional therapy were treated with weekly applications of autologous keratinocytes delivered on TranCell. A split-thickness skin biopsy was taken from each patient followed by isolation, expansion and freezing down of keratinocytes. Keratinocytes were thawed and seeded on TranCell 48 h prior to application. This procedure was repeated weekly in addition to conventional therapy until wound healing was achieved. RESULTS: Complete healing was achieved in six out of nine ulcers in six patients, a reduction in ulcer size was achieved in one ulcer and no response was seen in one ulcer. Treatment was discontinued in one patient due to development of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) after only three applications of TranCell. Wound healing took 6-17 applications over 6-20 weeks. There were no recurrences in the healed ulcers after a follow-up of 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: TranCell delivery of autologous cells is a promising treatment for chronic diabetic foot ulcers with no side-effects and no recurrence in the healed ulcers.     

Lichen planus esophagitis: report of three patients treated with oral tacrolimus or intraesophageal corticosteroid injections or both.

Clinically significant involvement of the esophagus is uncommon in patients who have lichen planus, a common disorder of squamous epithelium. In three patients who had oral, cutaneous, and esophageal lichen planus, endoscopic intralesional esophageal injection of corticosteroids (in all three patients) and oral tacrolimus (FH506) (in two patients) resulted in improvement in dysphagia, a less frequent need for dilation, and improvement in esophageal inflammation.     

The effects of ulcer size on the wound radius reductions and healing times in neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers.

The main problems in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers are prolonged wound healing and not necessary amputations, which may sometimes be caused by the impression that the results of conservative treatment are somewhat unpredictable. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of ulcer size on the wound radius reduction and healing times using a previously established equation for wound healing in neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers. This prospective study evaluates wound healing in 120 diabetic patients with neuropathic foot ulcers who were grouped according to four different ulcer areas (A 100 150 200 mm (2)). Ulcer healing was assessed by planimetric measurement of the wound area every second week until wound healing. The time course of wound healing in the different groups was compared by the weekly wound radius reduction using the equation R = sqrt A/pi. The average healing time in group A was 70 (95 %-CI 64 - 77) days with a wound radius reduction of 0.42 mm/week (95 %-CI 0.28 - 0.56). In group B the average healing time was 79 (95 %-CI 75 - 82) days and the weekly wound radius reduction was 0.47 mm (95 %-CI 0.45 - 0.49). The average healing time in group C was 85 (95 %-CI 80 - 89) days with a wound radius reduction of 0.53 mm/week (95 %-CI 0.42 - 0.56). In group D the average healing time was 97 (95 %-CI 91 - 103) days. The weekly wound radius reduction was 0.57 mm (95 %-CI 0.49 - 0.81). Wound radius reductions and the time needed for healing are affected by the ulcer area, a measure of ulcer size, in neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers. The calculation of the weekly wound radius reduction for different ulcer areas may be a useful tool in daily clinical practice to identify ulcers who do not respond adequately to the treatment.     

Use of intermittent pneumatic compression for treatment of upper extremity vascular ulcers

Ischemic vascular ulcerations of the upper extremities are an uncommon and frequently painful condition most often associated with scleroderma and small vessel inflammatory diseases. Digital amputation has been advocated as primary therapy because of the poor outcome with medical care. Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) pump therapy can improve ulcer healing in lower extremity ischemic ulcerations; however, the value of this treatment in upper extremity ischemic ulcerations is not known. This observational pilot study consisted of a consecutive series of 26 patients with 27 upper extremity ischemic vascular ulcers seen at the Mayo Gonda Vascular Center from 1996 to 2003. Inclusion criteria were documented index of ulcer size and follow-up ulcer size and use of the IPC pump as adjunctive wound treatment. Twenty-six of 27 ulcers (96%) healed with the use of the IPC pump. Mean baseline ulcer size was 1.0 cm2 (SD=0.3 cm2) and scleroderma was the underlying disease in 65% (17/26) of cases. Laser Doppler blood flow in the affected digit was 7 flux units (normal greater than 100). The mean ulcer duration before IPC treatment was 31 weeks. The average pump use was 5 hours per day. The mean time to wound healing was 25 weeks. Twenty-five of 26 patients reported an improvement in wound pain with pump use. Intensive IPC pump use is feasible and associated with a high rate of healing in upper extremity ischemic ulcers. A prospective, randomized, sham-controlled study of IPC is needed to determine whether IPC treatment improves wound healing compared to standard medical care.     

Diagnostics and treatment of the diabetic foot

Every 30 s, a lower limb is amputated due to diabetes. Of all amputations in diabetic patients 85% are preceded by a foot ulcer which subsequently deteriorates to a severe infection or gangrene. There is a complexity of factors related to healing of foot ulcers including strategies for treatment of decreased perfusion, oedema, pain, infection, metabolic disturbances, malnutrition, non-weight bearing, wound treatment, foot surgery, and management of intercurrent disease. Patients with diabetic foot ulcer and decreased perfusion do often not have rest pain or claudication and as a consequence non-invasive vascular testing is recommended for early recognition of ulcers in need of revascularisation to achieve healing. A diabetic foot infection is a potentially limb-threatening condition. Infection is diagnosed by the presence or increased rate of signs inflammation. Often these signs are less marked than expected. Imaging studies can diagnose or better define deep, soft tissue purulent collections and are frequently needed to detect pathological findings in bone. The initial antimicrobial treatment as well as duration of treatment is empiric. There is a substantial delay in wound healing in diabetic foot ulcer which has been related to various abnormalities. Several new treatments related to these abnormalities have been explored in wound healing with various successes. An essential part of the strategy to achieve healing is an effective offloading. Many interventions with advanced wound management have failed due to not recognizing the need for effective offloading. A multidisciplinary approach to wounds and foot ulcer has been successfully implemented in different centres with a substantial decrease in amputation rate.     

微粒皮移植修复肥胖糖尿病下肢溃疡创面的临床疗效分析

目的探讨微粒皮移植修复肥胖糖尿病下肢溃疡创面的临床疗效。 方法回顾性分析我院2014年1月至2020年1月诊治的34例肥胖糖尿病合并足部溃疡的患者,其中男21例,女13例;年龄61~74岁,采用伤口清创或联合负压吸引联合微皮粒部位进行修复,记录其溃疡创面面积和取皮面积、微粒皮扩展比,评估其愈合率和愈合速率,同时评估创面的愈合质量和瘢痕形成情况。 结果共34例患者创面面积平均为（42.7±31.2）cm²,取皮面积平均为（12.1±9.3）cm²,微粒皮扩展比为8:1~5:1,34例患者的一期平均愈合率为（92.3±4.7）%,联合VSD负压与未采用VSD负压吸引清创治疗愈合率和愈合速率对比差异无统计学意义,术后3个月的近期创面的愈合质量的总体优良达到97.1%;半年后随访瘢痕形成轻度共19例（55.9%）,中度为11例（32.3%）,重度为4例（11.8%）。 结论微粒皮移植修复肥胖糖尿病下肢溃疡创面具有愈合率高、愈合质量良好的特点,值得进一步推广应用。     

糖尿病足溃疡创面修复中抗生素骨水泥的应用分析

目的对糖尿病足溃疡创面修复中抗生素骨水泥的应用效果进行探究,确保提升该患者治疗水平。方法选取该院2018年3月—2020年3月期间收治的66例糖尿病足溃疡创面修复患者开展研究,按照电脑随机法分为对照组、研究组,每组33例。对照组采取常规疗法(清创+负压封闭引流),研究组在此基础上辅以抗生素骨水泥,比较两组治疗效果(疼痛程度、创面完全愈合时间、创面分泌物细菌阳性检出率等)。结果研究组治疗后3、6 d的VAS评分少于对照组,差异有统计学意义(t=4.226、8.973,P<0.05);研究组创面完全愈合时间短于对照组,差异有统计学意义(t=2.221,P<0.05);研究组治疗后3、6 d创面分泌物细菌阳性检出率15.15%、3.03%低于对照组36.36%、27.27%,差异有统计学意义(χ²=3.882,7.543,P<0.05);研究组随访期间的GQOLI-74评分高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(t=17.269,P<0.05)。结论对糖尿病足溃疡创面修复患者辅以抗生素骨水泥,可有效控制炎症反应,缓解疼痛症状,加速创面恢复,优化生活质量,值得优选。     

Glossitis by mixed infection of cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus during therapy for pure red cell aplasia complicated with Good syndrome

A 64-year-old man with a 10-year history of Good syndrome had been treated with periodic replacement of γ-globulin. He also had a 6-year history of lichen planus of the tongue. In 2009, the patient was diagnosed as having pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) based on bone marrow aspiration. Thymectomy was not effective. Then, immunosuppressive therapy with PSL and cyclosporine was initiated. Twenty days after treatment painful ulcer appeared on the left side of the tongue. Biopsy specimen of the ulcer demonstrated cells infected with cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus. Cytomegalovirus antigenemia was also positive. The tongue ulcer promptly improved after gancyclovir administration for a few weeks. Viral glossitis should be considered as part of the differential diagnoses of oral lesions not only in patients with HIV infection but also in those under immunosuppressive therapy.     

双相封闭疗法对重度皮肤压疮的治疗作用

目的探讨双相封闭疗法（BPEM）对重度皮肤压疮（SPS）的临床治疗价值。方法164例SPS患者随机分为甲乙两组。甲组采用BPEM治疗，第一相用碘酊、利福平和阿奇霉素糊状涂于患处，外覆盖一层敷贴封闭疮面；第二相将浸有胰岛素、苯丙酸诺龙、利福平、阿奇霉素液敷于疮面，外覆盖敷贴封闭疮面。乙组用传统方法治疗，除第二相仅用紫草油涂创面外，余同甲组。结果治疗后甲组SPS积分、痊愈率均明显高于乙组，愈合天数少于乙组（P均〈0．01）。结论BPEM治疗SIS疗程短、治愈率高，明显优于传统疗法。     

RANITIDINE IN THE TREATMENT OF GASTRIC AND DUODENAL ULCERS ASSOCIATED WITH NON-STEROIDAL ANTI INFLAMMATORY DRUGS

To assess the effect of 4 weeks' therapy with ranitidine 150mg twice daily on the healing of symptomatic NSAID associatedgastric and duodenal ulcers, 149 arthritic patients were randomlyallocated to one of three treatment groups: ranitidine withNSAID continued, ranitidine with NSAID discontinued, and placebowith NSAID discontinued. The healing frequency in patients withgastric ulceration was 67, 68 and 47%, and in those with duodenalulceration 61, 81 and 42%, respectively. Only the differencebetween the duodenal ulcer healing rates for ranitidine withNSAID discontinued and placebo was statistically significant(P=0.02). Healing rates were uninfluenced by gender, age, smokinghabits, alcohol consumption, ulcer frequency or size, arthriticdisease, or participating country. KEY WORDS: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-associated ulcers, Ulcer healing, Ranitidine     

糖尿病足创面的局部治疗

糖尿病足是糖尿病的严重并发症之一.良好的创面治疗可以促进创面愈合,减少截肢风险.糖尿病足溃疡创面的局部治疗主要包括局部减压、清创和敷料及高级伤口愈合产品的应用.近年,新观念、新技术及新材料小断涌现,并且取得了显著的临床疗效.如速成全接触石膏支具在减压中的应用.蛆虫疗法应用于糖尿病足清创日趋成熟,新型敷料及高级愈合产品通过多种生理机制促进糖尿病溃疡的愈合.本文主要对糖尿病足创面的局部治疗及相关研究作一综述.     

Cellular hypersensitivity to oral lichen planus lesions in vitro

The purpose of the present investigation was to demonstrate in vitro cellular hypersensitivity to oral lichen planus lesions. Twenty oral lichen planus patients and 20 control persons matched by and sex were examined by the leukocyte migration agarose technique with tissue extracts from oral lichen planus lesions, normal oral mucosa and normal human kidney, the two latter extracts serving as control antigens. The female lichen planus patients showed statistically significant (P=0.004) migration inhibition with extracts from oral lichen planus lesions, which supports the hypothesis of cellular hypersensitivity to oral lichen planus lesions. However, the male lichen planus patients did not show any significant reaction. No significant reaction was found with the control antigens. The findings do not exclude the hypothesis of cellular hypersensitivity to oral lichen planus lesions. Furthermore, they do not support the hypothesis of oral lichen planus being an autoimmune disease.     

A Comparative Trial of Ranitidine 300 mg at Night with Ranitidine 150 mg Twice Daily in the Treatment of Duodenal and Gastric Ulcer

A multicenter double-blind comparative trial of oral ranitidine, 300 mg hs versus 150 mg bid, was conducted in 89 patients with duodenal ulcer (DU) and 54 with gastric ulcer (GU). Antacid tablets were prescribed prn. After 4 wk of treatment there were no statistically significant differences in the ulcer healing rates associated with the once daily (DU 86.4%, GU 62.5%) and the twice daily (DU 84.4%, GU 73.3%) regimens. Antacid consumption, by both DU and GU patients, was higher in the 150 mg bid group, but the differences did not achieve statistical significance. Further improvement in cumulative healing rates in response to both treatment regimens was observed following a second 4-wk treatment for those patients whose ulcers had failed to heal during the 1st month. Smoking adversely affected the rate of ulcer healing in DU patients, but had no significant effect on GU healing. No serious adverse effects or biochemical abnormalities were observed. Ranitidine 300 mg hs appears to be equally safe and effective as the standard regimen of 150 mg bid in the short-term treatment of uncomplicated gastroduodenal ulcer.     

Ranitidine-associated recurrent acute pancreatitis

Ranitidine is a safe, widely prescribed drug for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease and is rarely associated with serious adverse reactions. This report describes a patient who suffered three episodes of acute pancreatitis associated with ranitidine prescribed for duodenal ulcer disease. On each occasion the pancreatitis resolved after withdrawal of ranitidine and recurred upon re-exposure. Underlying biliary and pancreatic disease was excluded. There has been no recurrence of pancreatitis in the five years of follow-up since ranitidine was discontinued.     

Clinical efficacy of adalimumab for a postoperative marginal ulcer in gastrointestinal Behçet disease

A 63-year-old woman with Beh?et disease presented with epigastric pain due to refractory gastric ulcers. Examinations indicated that these ulcers were caused by gastrointestinal Beh?et disease. Steroid therapy proved ineffective, so we gave 5mg/kg of infliximab. However, since the patient responded poorly to the treatment the infliximab was discontinued and a total gastrectomy was performed. After surgery, a marginal ulcer developed and infliximab was again administered. Although this brought about improvement in the conditions of the marginal ulcer, infusion-related hypersensitivities in the patient caused polyarthralgia. We therefore discontinued the infliximab treatment and began 40 mg of adalimumab every other week. After 3 months of the new treatment, the patient's marginal ulcer completely healed and her epigastric pain disappeared. This case suggests that adalimumab may be as useful as infliximab for treating refractory gastrointestinal Beh?et disease.     

Cardiovascular risk factors in patients with lichen planus

Background

Chronic inflammation was found to play an important role in the development of cardiovascular risk factors. Recently a case-control study found that lichen planus was associated with dyslipidemia in a large series of patients. However, no data were presented about lipid values, glucose levels, or blood pressure.

Objective

The objective of this case-control study was to evaluate cardiovascular risk factors included in Adult Treatment Panel III criteria for metabolic syndrome in men and women with lichen planus and in healthy controls.

Patients and Methods

This case-control study included 200 patients, 100 with lichen planus (50 men and 50 women) and 100 controls consecutively admitted to the outpatient clinic in Dermatology departments in Granada, Spain.

Results

Analysis of metabolic syndrome parameters revealed a higher significant prevalence of dyslipidemia in patients with lichen planus. No significant differences were observed in glucose levels, abdominal obesity, or blood pressure. Elevated levels of C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and fibrinogen were noted in patients with lichen planus. Adjusted odds ratio for dyslipidemia in patients with lichen planus was 2.85 (95% confidence interval, 1.33-5.09; P = .001).

Conclusion

Chronic inflammation in patients with lichen planus may explain the association with dyslipidemia. Lipid levels screening in men or women with lichen planus may be useful to detect individuals at risk and start preventive treatment against the development of cardiovascular disease.     

Risk factors associated with healing chronic diabetic foot ulcers: the importance of hyperglycemia

Diabetic foot ulcer management presents a significant challenge for wound care clinicians; numerous approaches to encourage healing in these difficult wounds have been explored. To determine risk factors related to diabetic foot ulcer time to healing and closure, a secondary analysis of data from a prospective randomized study involving 245 patients treated with a bioengineered human dermal substitute (n = 130) or control treatment (n = 115) was conducted. Analyzed variables included age, race, gender, ulcer duration, initial ulcer size, initial hemoglobin (HgbA1c), average HgbA1c, change in HgbA1c, diabetes type, average hours of weight-bearing, study ulcer infection, history of smoking or alcohol use, and laboratory values. Time to healing was significantly affected by initial ulcer size (risk ratio 0.75, confidence interval 0.59-0.96), gender (risk ratio 2.01, confidence interval 1.20-3.40), and wound infection during the study (risk ratio 2.9, confidence interval 1.45-4.22). Initial ulcer size (>2 cm2), male gender, and an episode of infection during the study were associated with an increased risk of nonclosure after 12 weeks of care (P <0.05). In patients whose HgbA1C increased during the study (n = 101), 20.7% of all wounds and 21% of dermal substitute-managed wounds (n = 105) healed; whereas, in patients whose HgbA1C levels remained stable or decreased, 26.3% of all wounds and 47% of dermal substitute-managed wounds healed (P <0.05). Female gender, small ulcer size, and the absence of infection were found to have a positive effect on healing all diabetic foot ulcers; improved glucose control had a significant effect on healing wounds managed with the dermal substitute only. This is the first diabetic foot ulcer study to find a relationship between hyperglycemia and wound healing. Further research into factors that improve healing of wounds, including diabetic foot ulcers, is warranted.     

间充质干细胞凝胶对大鼠四期压疮创面愈合的作用及机制

目的探讨人间充质干细胞(MSCs)凝胶对大鼠四期压疮创面在不同环境中愈合的效果及作用机制。方法选择126只大鼠,按照随机数字表法选取6只作为正常组;其余120只大鼠造模后随机分为对照组、干性-临床组(GL组)、湿性-临床组(SL组)、干性-干细胞组(GG组)及湿性-干细胞组(SG组),每组各24只。对照组无治疗措施,自然愈合;GL组予以涂抹碘伏+纱布包扎;SL组予以涂抹清创胶+水胶体覆盖;GG组予以涂抹MSCs凝胶+纱布包扎;SG组予以涂抹MSCs凝胶+水胶体覆盖。治疗第3、6、9、15天时,测量各组大鼠创面面积并计算创面愈合率,采用ELISA法测定血清VEGF、TNF-α及IL-10表达水平。结果治疗6 d、9 d、15 d时,SL组创面愈合率均高于GL组(P均<0.05),GG组创面愈合率均高于SG组(P均<0.01)。治疗9 d、15 d时,SL组血清TNF-α水平均低于GL组,GG组血清TNF-α水平均低于SG组(P均<0.05)。治疗3 d、6 d、9 d、15 d时,GG组血清IL-10、VEGF水平均高于SG组(P均<0.05)。结论MSCs凝胶可提高四期压疮大鼠的创面愈合率,且在干性愈合环境中的作用能力优于湿性环境,其机制可能为减轻创面炎症反应、促进血管新生。     

Decubitus direct current treatment (DDCT) of pressure ulcers: results of a randomized double-blinded placebo controlled study

Electrostimulation for the treatment of pressure sores remains problematic and controversial. We studied the decubitus direct current treatment (DDCT) electrostimulation treatment of pressure sores stage 3 degree, with respect to rates of ulcer closure and wound area reduction. This was a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study involving 11 departments of geriatric and rehabilitation medicine including 63 patients. We compared a placebo treated group (PG) with an active treatment group (TG). Treatment lasted for 8 consecutive weeks, followed by a 12-week-period of follow-up. At day 57 (end of treatment) and at day 147 (end of follow-up), there was no difference between the groups with regards to rates of complete closure of ulcers (p=0.28 and 0.39, respectively), as well as for the mean time needed to achieve complete wound closure (p=0.16). Absolute ulcer area reduction and speed rate of wound area reduction (reflected by change from baseline ulcer area, percentage) were better in participants allocated in the treatment group only until day 45 (standardized estimate for trend of healing speed -0.44 and -0.14 for TG and PG, respectively). Afterwards, there were no differences between the two groups. A logistic regression analysis favored complete healing in TG, compared with PG (odds ratio 1.6, CI 0.4-4.73). Analysis of per protocol patients revealed that time needed for wound closure was 52% longer in PG (p=0.03, compared with TG). The results suggest that DDCT treatment for pressure ulcers grade 3 degree, in addition to the conservative wound care, may be useful in accelerating the healing process during the first period of care.