The role of contact allergy in the spectrum of adverse effects caused by cosmetics and toiletries

Of 982 female clients of beauticians interviewed, 254 (25.9%) claimed to have experienced adverse reactions to cosmetics and toiletries in the preceding 5 years. Most reactions were caused by skin-care products (36.6%), followed by personal cleanliness products (29.5%), eye cosmetics (24.0%), deodorants and antiperspirants (12.6%), and facial make-up products (8.3%). 150 women were patch tested. In the European standard series, only a few positive reactions were seen to possible cosmetic allergens: fragrance mix (n = 3), wool alcohols (n = 3), formaldehyde (n = 2), balsam of Peru (n = 1), and colophony (n = 1). In the cosmetic series, only Kathon CG elicited positive patch test reactions (n = 3). Cosmetic allergy was considered to be "proven" in 3 patients (2.0%), and "possible" in 7 (4.7%). It is concluded that contact allergy is responsible for a minority (less than 10%) of all reactions to cosmetics and toiletries. The majority of reactions are due to irritation from personal cleanliness products such as soaps, shampoos, bath foams and from deodorants, or worsening of pre-existing dermatoses such as seborrhoeic dermatitis and acne.     

Characterization and Management of Arrhythmic Events in Young Patients With Brugada Syndrome

Background

Information on young patients with Brugada syndrome (BrS) and arrhythmic events (AEs) is limited.

Empagliflozin restores chronic kidney disease–induced impairment of endothelial regulation of cardiomyocyte relaxation and contraction

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Combination alpha-interferon and lamivudine therapy for alpha-interferon-resistant chronic hepatitis B infection: results of a pilot study

Background/Aims: Alpha-interferon achieves seroconversion in about one third of naive patients. Attempts to achieve seroconversion in patients who have previously failed alpha-interferon have proved disappointing. Combination chemotherapy (alpha-interferon with a nucleoside analogue) might provide a treatment alternative for these patients. We have undertaken a phase 2 study in 20 patients who had previously failed at least one course of alpha-interferon. The study was designed to assess the safety, tolerability and efficacy of the combination.Methods: All patients were treated for 16 weeks with alpha-interferon in combination with 12 or 16 weeks of Lamivudine (3′TC). Patients were followed for 16 weeks post-treatment. Pharmacokinetic studies were performed to identify/exclude significant pharmacokinetic drug interaction.Results: The combination was well tolerated, and side-effects of the combination were indistinguishable from the recognised side-effects of alpha-interferon. Pharmacokinetic studies performed on days 1 and 29 did not show any significant interaction. All patients achieved HBV DNA clearance during treatment, but 19 relapsed at the end of treatment. HBeAg/anti-HBe seroconversion was observed for four patients, but was sustained for a single patient (who also had sustained DNA clearance).Conclusions: Combination therapy with alpha-interferon and lamivudine given for 16 weeks appears safe and is well tolerated. However, for this group of patients who had previously failed interferon monotheraphy appears disappointing, and other treatment strategies should be investigated.     

Bacterial cholangitis causing secondary sclerosing cholangitis: A case report

Background  

Although bacterial cholangitis is frequently mentioned as a cause of secondary sclerosing cholangitis, it appears to be extremely rare, with only one documented case ever reported.