Surgical management of extensive gnathophyma

Rhinophyma is an uncommon disease of the nose characterized by irregular skin thickening and nodular deformation. The extensive growth causing 'whisky nose' is due to hyperplasia of the sebaceous glands and the surrounding connective tissue. Other facial regions may concomitantly be affected. We present a case of extensive gnathophyma accompanying minor lesions of the nose. Surgical treatment led to an excellent cosmetic result.     

Is growth hormone a radioprotective agent?

There is currently substantial clinical interest in growth hormone (GH) as a protective agent against radiation-related normal tissue injury. To further assess the potential radiation injury-preventive effects of GH, these effects were studied in rats by using a radiation-induced skin injury model. Group 1 received neither GH nor irradiation (control group). Group 2 received 30 Gy of gamma irradiation as a single dose to the right hind legs of the rats (radiation group). Group 3 and 4 received the same irradiation plus either 0.01 U/kg/day GH (RT + 0.01 GH group) or 0.02 U/kg/day GH (RT + 0.02 GH group) subcutaneously. Clinically and histopathologically, acute skin reactions were assessed by two independent experts in radiation oncology and pathology, respectively. Irradiation increased dermatitis in rats when compared with the control group. The severity of radiodermatitis in the rats in the RT + 0.01 GH and RT + 0.02 GH groups was significantly lower than that in the RT group; radiodermatitis developed earlier in the RT group than in the other groups. GH was efficacious in preventing epidermal atrophy, dermal degeneration such as oedema and collagen fibre loss, and hair follicle atrophy, but not better than in the control group. These results are preliminary to studies that will be performed with higher doses of GH in radiation-treated cancer patients, with the aim of reducing radiation-induced toxicity.     

Predictors of Long-Term Response With Pazopanib in Patients With Advanced Renal-Cell Carcinoma

Background

Pazopanib is among the current standards of care for first-line treatment of patients with unresectable advanced renal-cell carcinoma (aRCC) or metastatic renal-cell carcinoma. This real-world study aimed to characterize those with long-term response to pazopanib in the treatment of aRCC in a community oncology setting, and to identify predictors of long-term response.

Current Status of Research on HIV Epidemic, Pathogenesis, Management and Prevention in India

The Indian HIV epidemic has not reached the predicted proportions even after more than 25?years since the first case of HIV infection was detected in Chennai. An estimated 2.4 million adults were living with HIV in 2009 and an adult prevalence of HIV was 0.3%. The disease burden is geographically diverse and has spread to rural areas also. HIV viruses circulating in India predominantly belong to HIV-1 subtype C although recombinant strains and HIV-2 infections have been identified. Tuberculosis is the commonest opportunistic infection reported from various parts of the country and HIV-TB co-infection is a public health challenge. Government of India launched free antiretroviral treatment (ART) programme 6?years back which has shown good clinical and immunological response in HIV infected individuals. Though the drug resistance monitoring survey has reported effectiveness of regimen in the programme, adherence remains the key issue for minimizing the drug resistance. In addition to the ongoing prevention efforts, India should be poised to accept and scale up newer preventive tools in a manner acceptable and feasible in our socio-cultural context in order to sustain and consolidate the gains that we have achieved so far.     

Monozygotic twins with atrophia maculosa varioliformis cutis

Atrophia maculosa varioliformis cutis (AMVC) is a sporadic or inherited childhood disorder, signified by the occurrence of pitted scars, usually over the face. We report two cases of AMVC occurring in monozygotic twins.     

Dermatitis artefacta of the breast: a retrospective analysis of 27 patients (1976–2006)

Background Dermatitis artefacta (DA) is defined as all dermatological, self‐inflicted skin lesions, where the patient denies having produced the lesions. Objectives The purpose of this study is to make a single‐centre retrospective clinical review of patients diagnosed as DA of the breast. Materials and methods During a 30‐year period (1976–2006), patients diagnosed as DA of the breast, seen in the Department of Dermatology of the Virgen Macarena Hospital in Seville, were recorded. Clinical and epidemiological features are described. Results A total of 27 women with a mean age of 34.33 years were selected representing 13.43% of the total of DA patients recorded (n = 201) in this period. The most frequent clinical forms were: excoriations (nine patients, 33.33%) and ulcers (nine patients, 33.33%), followed by burns (six patients, 22.22%), blisters (one patient, 3.70%), contact dermatitis (one patient, 3.70%) and haematomas (one patient, 3.70%). Ten of the cases were located exclusively on the breasts, whereas 17 had also other locations such as face in seven cases, arms in five cases, abdomen in five cases and the entire body in two cases. Cutaneous lesions were treated with occlusive bandages using zinc paste or plaster splint when necessary. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the major series of DA of the breast studied. This complicated psychodermatological condition requires a correct diagnosis, appropriate management and psychiatric assessment.