Docetaxel-induced photolichenoid eruption

A 58-year-old man presented with complaints of blackish discoloration of forearms and face of five months duration. The lesions occurred episodically after taking anti-cancer medications, each episode lasting for two weeks. Histopathology confirmed a lichenoid eruption. Photolichenoid eruption to docetaxel is a dermatological adverse effect not reported in literature earlier.     

Molecular remission with arsenic trioxide in patients with newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukemia

Thirty six APML patients achieving hematological remission with As2O3 were serially monitored using RT-PCR. Though only 5.5% achieved molecular remission at induction remission, 94.5% became negative during consolidation. At 20 months follow-up, 85% remain in remission but longer follow up studies are needed to monitor late relapses.     

Glutathione S-transferase M1 polymorphism: a risk factor for hepatic venoocclusive disease in bone marrow transplantation

Hepatic venoocclusive disease (HVOD) in bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is attributed to toxicity of cytoreductive agents, especially busulfan and cyclophosphamide, in the conditioning therapy. Busulfan, as well as the metabolites of cyclophosphamide, are conjugated with glutathione (GSH), catalyzed by enzymes of the glutathione S-transferase (GST) family. To assess the impact of polymorphisms of the GST genes, GSTM1 and GSTT1, on the risk of HVOD, we evaluated 114 consecutive patients with beta-thalassemia major undergoing BMT. There was a significantly increased incidence of HVOD in patients with the GSTM1-null genotype compared with those with the GSTM1-positive genotype (46.5% vs 18.3%; P =.001). Pharmacokinetic analysis in these patients showed that the clearance of busulfan was higher and first-dose steady-state concentration was lower among those with HVOD (0.403 +/- 0.06 vs 0.33 +/- 0.071 L/h/kg, Student t test P value =.000 01; and 508 +/- 125 vs 656 +/- 255 ng/mL, t test P value =.001, respectively). We conclude that the GSTM1-null genotype predisposes to HVOD, and the sinusoidal endothelial cells and hepatocyte damage may be mediated by metabolites of busulfan through depletion of the cellular GSH pool.     

Tuberous sclerosis with portal vein thrombosis, protein C and S deficiency

A 29-year-old lady with a bad obstetric history and portal vein thrombosis, presented to the Skin OPD for facial lesions. On examination, angiofibromas on face, shagreen patch and periungual fibromas were observed. She also had dental pits and a retinal hamartoma. Investigations revealed hamartomas in the brain and kidney. Hematological work-up showed protein C and S deficiency with Factor V Leiden positivity. Except for the cutaneous symptoms, the patient did not have any clinical manifestations in other organs affected by tuberous sclerosis. A similar association of tuberous sclerosis with protein C deficiency has been reported in only one case in literature.     

Treatment of a unilateral complete lingual crossbite in an adult with skeletal anchorage assisted orthodontics

An asymmetry caused by a complete lingual crossbite can compromise aesthetics and impair occlusal function. The following case report describes the correction of a complete lingual crossbite using orthodontic mini implants and mini-plates to achieve absolute anchorage. A comprehensive correction of the crossbite and re-establishment of the buccal occlusion was achieved.