Three cases of Nattrassia mangiferae (Scytalidium dimidiatum) infection in Singapore

Case no. 1 A 70‐year‐old Indian man had lateral onycholysis of his left big toe since 1989. Nail scrapings from the left big toenail were negative three times in 1989 and 1990. Fungal cultures from the left big toenail were negative for dermatophyte and nondermatophyte molds in 1990. The condition did not respond to topical itraconazole 1% lotion (prepared by our pharmacy from itraconazole capsules), ketoconazle cream, tolnaftate lotion and nonstaining Castellani paint as well as oral itraconazole 100 mg daily for 4 weeks. In 1993, there was distal onycholysis of the fingernails on the left thumb, left ring and index and right little fingers as well. Once again, the skin scrapings from the finger‐ and toenails were negative. The condition did not respond to topical tolnaftate lotion, clotrimazole 1% lotion, miconazole 1% lotion, thiabendazole 10% lotion and nonstaining Castellani paint. In September 1999, both big toenails had crumbling nail plates and ragged distal edges. Nail scrapings showed the presence of mycelium and the fungal culture result was reported Scytalidium dimidiatum and Fusarium species. The Fusarium was thought to be a nonpathogenic coloniser. He was treated with oral griseofulvin, thiabendazole 10% lotion and nonstaining Castellani paint without much improvement. He was last seen in January 2001. There was still destruction of the nail plate and separation of the nail plate from the nail bed. Case no. 2 A 45‐year‐old Chinese man who worked as a clerk in a cosmetic company was first seen in July 1994 for scaly hyperkeratotic rashes on both soles for 10 years. He had tried using miconazole cream but the problem persisted. Skin scrapings revealed the presence of mycelium and fungal culture result war reported as Hendersonula toruloidea. He was born in Singapore and had never lived overseas. The condition persisted despite 9 weeks of oral griseofulvin 250 mg twice daily and miconazole 2% cream, 3 months of 10% thiabendazole lotion, 2 weeks of oral thiabendazole 500 mg twice daily and ung Whitfield. He subsequently defaulted after the last visit in April 1995, when he was prescribed amorolfine cream. He was seen again in July 1998 for acne vulgaris. His soles were still hyperkeratotic but skin scrapings were not taken. He defaulted again after 3 visits. Case no. 3 A 33‐year‐old Indian man who had been working in a machine assembly line for 12 years presented with an itchy scaly rash on his feet for 3 years and on the hands for 1 year in November 1996. The rash was especially prominent on the toewebs and occasionally formed vesicles and became secondarily infected. He had been treated with antifungal creams, with the addition of oral antibiotics for episodes of secondary infection, but the skin condition deteriorated. He wore shoes at work and had been exposed to coolants for 3 years. There was no history of atopy or allergies. On examination, there was maceration and scaling between the right second and third toes. Scaling was seen in the toewebs and near the thumbs bilaterally. The nails and groin were normal. Skin scrapings were negative on the hands, but showed a few hyphae on the toewebs. Fungal cultures from the toewebs were negative but bacterial cultures of the toewebs grew Acinetobacter baumanii and Klebsiella species, both of which were sensitive to gentamicin. The diagnoses of secondarily infected tinea pedis and hand dermatitis were made. The infection settled with oral cloxacillin and topical gentamicin cream but the skin of the hands and feet remained dry and fissured. He was then treated as for hand and foot dermatitis with moderately potent topical corticosteroids with minimal improvement. Repeated skin scrapings were negative in January and May 1997. He defaulted in September 1998. He returned in March 2000 with an acute exacerbation of a dry itchy rash on his palms and soles. He was treated as for dermatitis with cephalexin and a tapering course of prednisolone with significant improvement. Due to the persistent rashs, a skin scraping of the feet was repeated in May 2000 and this showed the presence of mycelium. He was treated with a course of oral griseofulvin 250 mg twice daily for 4 weeks with no improvement. He was then treated empirically with oral terbinafine 250 mg daily for 3 weeks and miconazole 2% cream, as cultures were not available. In June 2000 he had an infected exacerbation of his rash, which required treatment with oral cephalexin followed by oral cotrimoxazole. The skin scraping of the toewebs was negative and a diagnosis of acute dermatitis was made. He was given a tapering course of prednisolone with improvement. A patch test was negative. In November 2000, he still had a rash on the palms and soles. The fungal culture result was reported as Scytalidum dimidiatum but fungal scrapes had not been done. He was treated with oral itraconazole 200 mg daily for 4 weeks, oral cloxacillin and miconazole 2% cream.     

Interstitial granulomatous dermatitis associated with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy

A 44-year-old man presented with an eruption of pruritic erythematous plaques on his lower extremities of 6 months' duration that were unresponsive to antifungal cream or topical corticosteroid. His medical history was notable for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), which was diagnosed 1 year prior to presentation and was associated with lower extremity weakness and imbalance of 3 years' duration. Punch biopsy of lesional skin showed a superficial and deep perivascular and interstitial lymphohistiocytic infiltrate with abundant interstitial neutrophils and rare eosinophils. He was diagnosed with interstitial granulomatous dermatitis (IGD), and the eruption improved with the initiation of oral dapsone 50 mg twice daily.     

Comparison of one week of oral terbinafine (250 mg/day) with four weeks of treatment with clotrimazole 1% cream in interdigital tinea pedis

Treatment of interdigital tinea pedis often involves long-term therapy with topically applied preparations. Effective oral preparations, such as the allylamine terbinafine (Lamisil), taken over a shorter period, could provide a useful therapeutic alternative. A total of 269 patients from five centres with clinically diagnosed interdigital tinea pedis were entered into this double-blind, randomized, double-dummy, parallel-group study comparing oral terbinafine 250 mg once daily for 1 week with 1% clotrimazole (Canesten) cream applied twice daily for 4 weeks. Of these, 137 patients were evaluable for efficacy (confirmed dermatophyte infection by microscopy and culture): 63 terbinafine and 74 clotrimazole. At week 4, the mycological cure rates (negative culture at week 1 and negative results on microscopy and culture at week 4 onwards) were very similar (71% for clotrimazole and 72% for terbinafine). There was a faster response rate in the terbinafine group with respect to signs and symptoms at week 1. Both treatments were equally well tolerated; adverse events occurred equally in the two groups. In conclusion, oral terbinafine in a single daily dose of 250 mg for 1 week is as effective and as well tolerated as 1% clotrimazole cream applied twice daily for 4 weeks in the treatment of interdigital tinea pedis.     

Schnitzler's syndrome: successful treatment with anakinra

A 44-year-old man presented with a 2-year history of an intermittent urticarial rash, malaise, weight loss, night sweats, headaches and bone pains. Initial investigations indicated an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, white cell count and a monoclonal immunoglobulin-M paraprotein. Histological examination revealed a perivascular mixed inflammatory infiltrate with leukocytoclasis, nuclear dust without fibrinoid necrosis and extravasated red blood cells. A diagnosis of Schnitzler's syndrome was made. Over an 8-year period, the patient was treated with continuous oral prednisone (minimum dose 20 mg/day) combined with multiple systemic agents. He was commenced on anakinra, a recombinant form of human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, at a dose of 100 mg injected subcutaneously daily. On review 1 week later, the patient's systemic symptoms had resolved, and his previously elevated white cell count and inflammatory markers had normalized. The use of anakinra in our patient resulted in resolution of symptoms and has enabled cessation of oral prednisone. Our patient remains symptom free on anakinra after 14 months of follow up.     

Milia en plaque: a new site

A 35-year-old Kuwaiti field worker presented with a history of an asymptomatic, erythematous plaque on the right side of the nasal bridge. It soon extended to the malar area, being studded with multiple yellowish papules (Fig. 1). He denied any history of photosensitivity, drug intake, local trauma, topical applications, or ionizing radiations to that area. Examination revealed an erythematous, 1.5 x 3 cm plaque on the right nasal fold, extending to the malar area, overlain by a group of tiny yellowish papules (15-20 in number). He also had a few discrete milia on the right cheek. The histology (Fig. 2) revealed multiple keratin-filled cysts, surrounded by a dense lymphocytic infiltrate, findings consistent with milia; 0.05% tretinoin was prescribed twice daily for 1 month without improvement; minocycline, 100 mg daily, was then employed, and at 1 month of follow-up there was a significant decrease in erythema and milia count.     

Mycobacterium abscessus wound infection

We report an isolated case of wound infection due to Mycobacterium abscessus following minor cutaneous surgery. The patient had routine skin cancer surgery in a private dermatology practice setting. He presented 2 weeks later with a wound infection which failed to respond to cephalexin. The patient reported that he had walked through salt water and bushes with exposed surgical wounds 1 week postoperatively. Tissue cultures later grew M. abscessus. The patient was successfully treated with oral clarithromycin 500 mg qid of 6 months duration.     

Sporotrichoid Mycobacterium marinum infection of the face following a cat scratch

Mycobacterium marinum infections in humans uncommonly affect the face and are not known to be associated with cat scratches. We describe a 24-year-old woman who presented with a 3-month history of multiple tender, occasionally discharging cystic nodules involving the left side of her face in a sporotrichoid distribution. She had suffered a cat scratch to her left lower eyelid 3 weeks before the onset of the eruption and owned multiple tropical fish tanks. She was systemically well and had no lymphadenopathy. She had a background history of a 4.5-mm-thick nodular melanoma of her temple treated by wide local excision and negative sentinel lymph node biopsy 4 years prior. Skin biopsies showed multiple variably sized granulomas surrounded by thick cuffs of lymphocytes involving the superficial and deep dermis with no organisms seen on Ziehl–Neelsen, peroidic acid-Schiff and methenamine silver stains. Laboratory investigations showed a mildly raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate but normal full blood count and C-reactive protein. Fluid from the left cheek grew an acid-fast bacillus identified as Mycobacterium marinum . The skin eruption cleared after 5-month treatment with oral clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily and rifampicin 600 mg daily.     

Pyoderma Gangrenosum

A 67-year-old man presented in April 1983 with three painful ulcers with bluish margins on the right shin and the lower back. The largest lesion was 6 cm in diameter. The lesions had started as painful nodules 8 months previously; these ulcerated within 2 weeks and fluctuated in size. There was no history of arthritis or bowel disease. Full blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum electrolytes, urea, and liver enzymes were normal. Antinuclear antibody and rheumatoid factor were negative. The serum IgA level was elevated at 7.35 g/L (normal 0.8–4 g/L). Immunoelec-trophoresis revealed IgA kappa paraproteinemia. Bence Jones protein was not found in the urine. Skeletal survey, bone marrow, sigmoidoscopy, and rectal biopsy were normal. No bacterial pathogens were grown. Histology of the edge of the ulcer showed dermal abscesses, dermal granulation tissue, and chronic inflammatory infiltrate extending to the subcutis. During the next 2 years the patient developed active pyodermatous lesions on the trunk and left arm. Between April 1983 and March 1986, the patient received a combination of prednisolone 15–40 mgand azathioprine 50–100 mg daily, a 12-week course of dapsone 200 mg daily, and repeated courses of oral and topical antibiotics. During this period, although the disease activity was lessened, the lesions never healed completely. In April 1986, the pyoderma gangrenosum was more active; the ulcers enlarged and deyeloped active pustules at the margins. While the patient was still taking prednisolone 15 mg and azathioprine 50 mg, oral cyclosporin A 6 mg/kg daily (250 mg twice daily) was started; after 3 weeks, the dosage was increased to 10 mg/kg daily (400 mg twice daily) and the prednisolone was reduced to 5 mg daily over 2 months. At 3 weeks the ulcers started to heal, and at seven weeks all ulcers healed, leaving papery scars. Over a period of 4 weeks, the dosage of cyclosporin A was gradually reduced and the ulcers remained healed at a maintenance dosage of 250 mg daily. There was no change in the paraproteinemia. Weekly whole blood cyclosporin A levels were measured, and they fluctuated between 800 ng/ml and 910 ng/ml. On two occasions the levels were >1500 ng/ml. During the course of the treatment, the patient developed nausea, hypertrichosis, transient thrombocytopenia, and hypertension (blood pressure of 190/110 mmHg); creatinine clearance fell from 87 to 46 ml/min. At a maintenance dosage of 250 mg daily, the blood pressure was 180/100 mmHg and creatinine clearance was 64 ml/min.     

维A酸治疗银屑病致维A酸综合征一例

报道维A酸治疗银屑病致维A酸综合征1例。患者男,32岁。有寻常性银屑病病史10余年。患者10余年来,头皮、躯干、四肢反复发红色斑丘疹、斑块,表面覆有多层银白色鳞屑,伴瘙痒,确诊为银屑病,长期口服维生素类、中成药及外用药物治疗,皮损缓解与加重交替。半年前因皮疹加重,给予阿维A（方希）胶囊10 mg每日2次共20 d,后增至10 mg每日3次共30 d,皮疹好转后,减至10 mg每日2次巩固治疗,连续用药半年,皮疹基本消退。就诊前1周改为口服维胺酯（三蕊）胶囊50 mg每日2次,3 d后皮疹加重,炎症反应明显,随后皮疹迅速泛发全身,融合成大片状,水肿明显,大量脱屑,伴高热,体温达39 ℃以上,并伴低血压、呼吸困难、肺水肿、胸腔和心包积液、肾功能异常及血白细胞明显升高。诊断为维A酸综合征。经糖皮质激素及对症支持治疗,症状均改善。维A酸综合征发生急骤,病情凶险,需及时诊断、并积极采用糖皮质激素及对症支持治疗。     

Efficacy and safety of tofacitinib, an oral Janus kinase inhibitor, in the treatment of psoriasis: a Phase 2b randomized placebo-controlled dose-ranging study

Background Tofacitinib is a novel, oral Janus kinase inhibitor under investigation as a potential treatment for plaque psoriasis. Objectives This Phase 2b, 12‐week, dose‐ranging study (A3921047, NCT00678210) aimed to characterize the exposure–response, efficacy and safety of tofacitinib vs. placebo in patients with moderate‐to‐severe chronic plaque psoriasis. Methods One hundred and ninety‐seven patients were randomized. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving a ≥ 75% reduction in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 75) score at week 12. Results At week 12, PASI 75 response rates were significantly higher for all tofacitinib twice‐daily groups: 25·0% (2 mg; P < 0·001), 40·8% (5 mg; P < 0·0001) and 66·7% (15 mg; P < 0·0001), compared with placebo (2·0%). Significant increases in the proportion of PASI 75 responses were seen by week 4 and were maintained at week 12. Exposure–response over the 0–15 mg tofacitinib twice‐daily dose range was successfully characterized. PASI 50, PASI 90 and Physician’s Global Assessment response rates were also higher for tofacitinib vs. placebo. The most frequently reported adverse events (AEs) were infections and infestations: 22·4% (2 mg twice daily), 20·4% (5 mg twice daily), 36·7% (15 mg twice daily) and 32·0% (placebo). Discontinuations due to AEs were 6·0%, 2·0%, 4·1% and 6·1% of patients in the placebo, and 2, 5 and 15 mg twice‐daily tofacitinib groups, respectively. Dose‐dependent increases from baseline in mean serum high‐density lipoprotein, low‐density lipoprotein and total cholesterol, and decreases in haemoglobin and neutrophils were observed. Conclusion Short‐term treatment with oral tofacitinib results in significant clinical improvement in patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis and is generally well tolerated.     

Narrowband UVB therapy as an effective treatment for Schamberg's disease

A 33-year-old man presented with a 3-month history of a widespread pigmented purpuric eruption over his trunk and limbs. The clinical presentation and histology were consistent with a diagnosis of Schamberg's disease. The rash initially cleared following a short course of oral prednisolone at 25 mg daily for 3 weeks, which was weaned over the subsequent 4 weeks. Topical mometasone furoate ointment 0.1% daily was also applied to active areas. The rash recurred when prednisolone was reduced to below 5 mg per day. To prevent a further recurrence with weaning prednisolone, narrowband UVB therapy was commenced three times per week. The patient was continued on UV therapy over the next 5 months. The rash would flare after 2 to 3 weeks without treatment. The frequency of UV therapy was weaned and the patient remained clear on as little as one treatment every 2 weeks. Any further reduction, however, was associated with a recurrence. Narrowband UVB therapy should be considered for difficult or persistent cases of pigmented purpuric eruption.     

Valaciclovir versus aciclovir in patient initiated treatment of recurrent genital herpes: a randomised, double blind clinical trial. International Valaciclovir HSV Study Group.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of twice daily valaciclovir with five times daily aciclovir in the treatment of an episode of recurrent genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection in immunocompetent individuals. METHODS: 739 patients with a history of recurrent genital HSV infection received either oral valaciclovir (500 mg twice daily) or aciclovir (200 mg five times daily) for 5-days for treatment of their next recurrent episode in a controlled, randomised, double blind trial. Patients self initiated therapy at the first signs and/or symptoms of the HSV recurrence, then were assessed in clinic on five occasions over 7 days, and twice weekly thereafter until lesions had healed. Safety was evaluated through adverse experience reports and haematology and biochemistry monitoring. RESULTS: No significant differences were detected between valaciclovir and aciclovir for the primary endpoint, the duration of all signs and symptoms which included lesion healing and pain/discomfort. The hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] for valaciclovir v aciclovir was 0.93 [0.79, 1.08]. Lesion healing time was similar in each treatment group (hazard ratio valaciclovir v aciclovir 0.96 [0.80, 1.14]). The odds ratio of valaciclovir v aciclovir in preventing the development of vesicular/ulcerative lesions was 1.08 [0.82, 1.42]. Percentages of patients in whom all HSV cultures were negative were similar in the valaciclovir and aciclovir groups at 59% and 54% respectively; for patients having equal to or more than one positive culture result after treatment initiation, cessation of virus shedding was similarly rapid for the two treatments (hazard ratio 0.98 [0.75, 1.27]). The safety profiles of valaciclovir and aciclovir were comparable with adverse experiences being infrequent and generally mild. CONCLUSION: This study has demonstrated that valaciclovir 500 mg twice daily is equivalent in efficacy to aciclovir 200 mg five times daily as episodic treatment of recurrent genital HSV infection. Valaciclovir maintains the established efficacy and safety of aciclovir but offers a much more convenient twice daily dosing regimen.     

Six cases of confluent and reticulated papillomatosis alleviated by various antibiotics

Confluent and reticulated papillomatosis (CRP) is a relatively rare disorder manifested by persistent papules that are confluent in the center and reticulated at the periphery with a characteristic distribution. Recently, many cases of CRP treated with minocycline have been reported, and their effect seems to be derived from their antibiotic properties. We report 6 cases of CRP alleviated by various antibiotics. The patient described in case 1 is a 16-year-old girl whose disease was alleviated by oral minocycline, 100 mg daily for 8 weeks. Cases 2 and 3 describe an 18-year-old woman and a 17-year-old male adolescent whose disease was reduced by oral fusidic acid, 1000 mg daily for 4 weeks. Case 4 describes a 14-year-old girl who received oral clarithromycin, 500 mg daily for 5 weeks. Case 5 describes a 22-year-old woman whose disease was reduced by oral erythromycin, 1000 mg daily for 6 weeks. Case 5 reports a 24-year-old man who received oral azithromycin, 500 mg daily 3 times per week for 3 weeks. Complete clearing after treatment with antibiotics raises the possibility that CRP is triggered by a bacterial infection and that antibiotics are the treatment of choice for CRP.     

Formaldehyde-induced urticarial vasculitis

A 40-year-old male medical student presented with urticarial vasculitis secondary to occupational formaldehyde exposure. Serum sickness and delayed pressure urticaria also featured prominently during his illness. Initial symptom control was achieved with oral prednisolone (25 mg/day tapered to zero over 2 weeks) and oral antihistamine therapy (fexofenadine 180 mg once daily, promethazine 20 mg once daily, ranitidine 150 mg twice daily); however, subsequent exposures to formaldehyde produced transient symptom flares that broke through the prednisolone cover. A complete recovery occurred only after strict elimination of all exposure to formaldehyde, both occupationally and in the home environment, was achieved.     

Allergic contact dermatitis to mango flesh

A 22-year-old white female student presented to the Emergency Department with a 2-day history of patchy pruritic erythema of the face, neck, and arms with periorbital edema. The eruption began as an isolated patch of nasal erythema, with subsequent extension to involve the entire face. Within 2 days, fine pinpoint papules were noted on the face, anterior chest, neck, and upper extremities. Periorbital edema was present without intraoral abnormalities or laryngeal changes. An erythematous, mildly lichenified plaque was noted on the ventral left wrist. The past medical history was significant for two similar, milder episodes of allergic reactions of uncertain etiology occurring within the previous 2 months. The previous eruptions resolved after treatment with oral loratodine and topical fluocinonide cream 0.05%. The patient denied any history of contact urticaria or new household or personal hygiene contactants, although she did report frequent ingestion of peeled mangoes. Her brother had a history of eczematous dermatitis. In the Emergency Department, the patient was administered intravenous diphenhydramine and a single 50 mg dose of oral prednisone. She continued treatment with a 5-day course of prednisone, 50 mg daily, with loratodine, 20 mg daily, and diphenhydramine as needed; however, no symptomatic improvement was seen over 4 days. She was then advised to restart fluocinonide cream twice daily. Patch testing was performed to the North American Contact Dermatitis Group Standard Series utilizing methods of the International Contact Dermatitis research group with Finn chambers. Mango skin and mango flesh harvested 5 mm below the skin surface were also placed in duplicate and tested under Finn chambers. Positive (1+) reactions were noted to nickel and p-tertbutylphenol formaldehyde resin, and bullous reactions were found to mango skin and surface flesh in duplicate (Fig. 1). Complete avoidance of mango led to resolution of the initial eruption. The clinical relevance of nickel and p-tertbutylphenol formaldehyde resin was thought to be associated with the wrist lesion immediately below a glued portion of a wristwatch strap and metal clasp.     

Confluent and Reticulated Papillomatosis

Confluent and reticulated papillomatosis (CARP) was first described >60 years ago. It is distinct from acanthosis nigricans. This article presents the results of a review of the literature in MEDLINE through May 2006 using the terms 'confluent and reticulated papillomatosis', 'reticulated and confluent papillomatosis of Gougerot and Carteaud', and 'reticulated papillomatosis'. A recent report has linked the presence of Dietzia spp. (family: Dietziaceae; suborder: Corynebacterineae; order: Actinomycetales) in the skin to CARP. CARP has also been linked to defects in keratinization. Other possible causes of CARP that have been suggested but seem less likely include endocrine abnormalities, Pityrosporum, a reaction to UV light, and a variation of cutaneous amyloidosis. CARP has been reported worldwide and occurs in both sexes, all age groups, and all races. The disorder can initially manifest as hyperkeratotic or verrucous papules that coalesce to form a reticular pattern peripherally and confluent plaques centrally. Although a variety of treatments for CARP exist, oral minocycline 50-100mg twice daily has been the preferred treatment. However, recent reports of the effectiveness of azithromycin 250-500mg three times weekly may make azithromycin the preferred treatment for CARP, since it has a more benign adverse effect profile than minocycline. Other effective antibacterial treatments include fusidic acid 1000mg daily, clarithromycin 500mg daily, erythromycin 1000mg daily, tetracycline 500mg twice daily, and cefdinir 300mg twice daily. If a recent finding that CARP is caused by a bacterial microorganism is replicated, treatment should likely be determined by bacterial sensitivities, antibacterial adverse effect profiles, and cost considerations. Other oral treatments of CARP that are effective but currently disfavored because of the effectiveness of minocycline include isotretinoin, acitretin, and etretinate. There have been mixed reports regarding the effectiveness of topical treatments, which include selenium sulfide, ketoconazole cream, tretinoin, tazarotene, tacalcitol, and calcipotriene (calcipotriol).     

伴大细胞转化的蕈样肉芽肿一例

蕈样肉芽肿病情进展缓慢,但发生大细胞转化则提示病情恶化,预后较差。蕈样肉芽肿发生大细胞少见,容易误诊。我们报道一例伴大细胞转化的蕈样肉芽肿。患者男,40岁,因躯干四肢红斑、丘疹伴瘙痒10年,颈后结节5月就诊。患者红斑性皮损显示典型蕈样肉芽肿改变,肿瘤细胞体积较小,表达CD3、CD4,少数细胞表达CD30;而颈后结节性皮损显示有较多的大细胞浸润,可见大细胞亲表皮现象,大细胞阳性表达CD3和CD4,约40%的大细胞表达CD30。结合患者临床病史和组织学改变诊断为蕈样肉芽肿的大细胞转化,给予患者阿维A口服（30 mg/d）, 干扰素皮下注射（1周3次,每次2 × 106 IU）,浅层X线局部照射等治疗,3周后患者皮损好转,目前在随访中。     

Chromoblastomycosis from a Non-endemic Area and Response to Itraconazole

Chromoblastomycosis belongs to the heterogeneous group of subcutaneous mycoses. It is caused by various pigmented (dematiaceous) fungi, which gain entry into the skin via traumatic implantation. We would like to share a case report of chromoblastomycosis in a 32-year-old male, who presented to us with 3 years history of slowly progressive, itchy, verrucous, crusted lesions over right forearm and arm. He is being treated with itraconazole 100 mg twice daily. The case is of interest because it has so far not been reported from our region- the northwest arid zone of India. The patient showed favorable response to itraconazole.     

Efficacy and tolerability of three different doses of oral pimecrolimus in the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Adult atopic dermatitis (AD) can seriously affect quality of life of patients and their families, and patients' disease is frequently not satisfactorily controlled with topical therapy. There is a need for alternatives to topical treatment in patients with moderate to severe AD. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy and safety of oral pimecrolimus, and to determine the response to three different doses in the treatment of AD. METHODS: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, dose-finding study, patients with moderate to severe AD were randomized to receive either placebo, or oral pimecrolimus 10, 20 or 30 mg twice daily. The study consisted of a pretreatment phase, a 12-week double-blind treatment phase, and a 12-week post-treatment phase. RESULTS: In total, 103 patients were randomized. A clear, dose-dependent therapeutic effect of pimecrolimus treatment was observed, with a statistically significant onset of efficacy at week 2 and the greatest reduction from baseline of the Eczema Area and Severity Index of 66.6% at week 7 in the 30 mg twice daily dose group. Oral pimecrolimus was well tolerated and there were no signs of nephrotoxicity or the induction of hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate the clinically relevant efficacy and short-term safety of oral pimecrolimus in adults with moderate to severe AD. Longer-term studies in larger cohorts are now required.     

Erythromycin stearate in treating chlamydial infection of the cervix

A total of 157 women attending departments of genitourinary medicine were treated for chlamydial infection of the cervix with erythromycin stearate 500 mg twice a day. Chlamydiae were eradicated from the cervix in 64/80 women treated for seven days and in 51/77 women treated for 14 days. In 12 of those treated for seven days and 15 of those treated for 14 days, reinfection was the probable cause of reisolation after treatment. The possibility of latent infection with Chlamydia trachomatis could not be excluded in five women, but was not more likely to occur with the shorter treatment course. Erythromycin stearate 500 mg twice daily for seven days appears to be an effective regimen for the treatment of uncomplicated chlamydial infection of the cervix.