Persistent serpentine supravenous hyperpigmented eruption associated with docetaxel

Various mucocutaneous reactions have been reported with the use of systemic docetaxel. We describe a 47-year-old man who developed a persistent serpentine supravenous hyperpigmented eruption (PSSHE), beginning at the site of docetaxel injection and spreading along the superficial venous network in the anterior aspect of the right forearm and distal arm. The eruption occurred after the first infusion of docetaxel following insufficient venous washing. A second infusion was administered through a vein in the other forearm, but this time, abundant venous washing was performed and a similar eruption did not occur. To our knowledge, this is the second report of docetaxel-induced supravenous discoloration and we discussed the terminology and mechanism of this unique reaction.     

Platelets rich plasma for treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis

Background

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain in adults. Many treatment options exist. Platelets rich plasma (PRP) is derived from autologous blood and contains high concentration of growth factors necessary for tissue healing. The use of PRP in the treatment of plantar fasciitis is a fairly recent and evolving concept. The purpose of our work was to study the effectiveness of PRP treatment for chronic plantar fasciitis.

Materials and methods

Between February 2010 and June 2011, 25 patients with chronic plantar fasciitis with a mean age of 44?years were treated by PRP injection and included in this prospective study. All patients were assessed for the pain on Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pre-injection and post-injection. Using ultrasound, the thickness of the plantar fascia was measured prior to the injection of PRP and at each visit of follow-up after injection. The mean follow-up was 10.3?months.

Results

Using a visual analog pain scale, the average pre-injection pain in patients of was 9.1 (range 8–10). Prior to injection, 72?% of patients had severe limitation of activities, and 28?% of patients had moderate limitation of activities. Average post-injection pain decreased to 1.6. Twenty-two patients (88?%) were completely satisfied, two patients (8?%) were satisfied with reservations, and one patient (4?%) was unsatisfied with using the visual analog scale. Fifteen patients (60?%) had no functional limitations post-injection and eight patients (32?%) had minimal functional limitations. Two patients (8?%) had moderate functional limitations post-injection. Twenty PRP injections. Ultrasonography, we noted significant changes not only in thickness but also in the signal intensity of the plantar fascia after PRP injection. None of our patients experienced any complications from PRP injection at the end of follow-up period.

Conclusion

Injection of PRP is safe and doesn’t affect the biomechanical function of the foot. Our successful early findings with injection of PRP indicate that this may become a very commonly used modality in treating this difficult condition.     

Preparation of factor IX deficient human plasma by immunoaffinity chromatography using a monoclonal antibody

A murine hybridoma clone is described that grows continuously in culture and produces a monoclonal antibody we have called Royal Free Monoclonal Antibody to factor IX No. 1 (RFF-IX/1). This has high affinity for a coagulation site on factor IX. RFF-IX/1 immobilised on sepharose can be used to deplete factor IX from normal human plasma. This immunoaffinity depleted plasma is indistinguishable from severe Christmas disease plasma and can be used as the substrate in a one stage coagulation assay for factor IX. The affinity column has high capacity and can be regenerated so that large scale production from normal plasma of factor IX deficient plasma as a diagnostic reagent is now feasible.     

Discontinuation of tube feeding in young children by hunger provocation - a randomized controlled trial

Tijdschrift voor Kindergeneeskunde -