Treatment of genital warts: Facts and controversies

There are two opposing approaches in the treatment of genital warts: (1) the traditional approach advocates complete elimination of all lesions, and (2) a second approach regards condyloma as merely a cosmetic nuisance. After a long journey through many arguments and scientific papers, we have concluded that many unknowns, uncertainties, and controversies concerning the value of treatment of genital warts in terms of clearing and curing the disease (ie, eradicating the viruses, preventing cancer, and reducing infectivity). There is no consensus at present of whether treatment of men with evidence of genital human papillomavirus infection influences the natural history of their female sex partner's cervical disease.     

A comparison of visual-perceptual and visual-motor skills between Palestinian and Israeli children.

PURPOSE: This pioneer study examines the visual-motor and visual-perceptual performance of Israeli and Palestinian children, and makes comparisons among these respective populations according to age, place of residence, and parental education. In addition, the study evaluates the validity of standardized assessment tools for use with Palestinian children, with the view of establishing a sound assessment battery for this underserved population. METHODS: Participants included 101 Israeli and 125 Palestinian children from kindergarten, first grade, and second grade who underwent visual-motor and visual-perceptual tests. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between the two cultural groups in all assessments. Results also refer to grade, place of residence, and parents' education variables. CONCLUSIONS: Although culture influences children's performance, children from different societies should be screened and, when necessary, evaluated and treated in order to enable their optimal functioning at school. The validity of the assessment tools used, expressed in the ability to differentiate between Israeli and Palestinian children, should be further studied in order to suggest that these assessments may be considered as part of an evaluation battery for determining the school readiness and ability to advance in grade level among Palestinian children.     

Onychomycosis in psoriatic patients – rationalization of systemic treatment

Nail changes in patients with psoriasis have been reported with varying prevalence. Onychomycosis has been reported in up to 47% of the psoriasis patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of nail abnormalities, onychomycosis in psoriasis and response to itraconazole treatment. We evaluated 312 patients suffering from psoriasis for nail changes and onychomycosis. Patients having laboratory confirmation of onychomycosis were treated with three courses of itraconazole (400 mg day^?1 for 1 week). Of 312 patients with psoriasis, 67 (21.5%) patients had nail changes, 23 (34%) of them suffered from onychomycosis. Complete cure (clinical and mycological) was achieved in 30% of the patients with onychomycosis. The response to treatment of onychomycosis with itraconazole in psoriasis patients was found to be lower than in the general population. Considering the low response to onychomycosis systemic therapy in psoriatic patients and the potential side‐effects of the treatment, the rationality of this treatment is questionable.     

Families of the deceased in the hospital: A multi-disciplinary approach to intervention

An intervention program for families whose loved ones have died during hospitalization is presented. Collaboration and cooperation among all members of the professional team—doctor, nurse, and medical social worker—provide a systematic primary prevention approach for the surviving family members and helps prevent pathological grief.A model for such multi-disciplinary care-giving has been operating effectively for a number of years within the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery of Carmel Hospital, Haifa, Israel. Emotional and practical assistance, as well as referrals to community resources, is provided by the team from its first admission meeting with the families of patients. Cases are presented to illustrate the main points of the program.