Real-Time Compound Imaging Ultrasound of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

BACKGROUND Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a difficult disease to treat. Surgery may be curative, but just like cancer surgery, it must be complete to effect a cure. Preoperative imaging of hidradenitis lesions is therefore of interest.
OBJECTIVE The objective was to study the ultrasound characteristics of hidradenitis and compare these to the clinical findings.
MATERIALS AND METHODS Real-time compound imaging ultrasound systems were used (Philips HDI 5000 and iU22) to visualize HS lesions in seven patients and regional controls images from eight healthy volunteers.
RESULTS Hidradenitis-related features were identified: various fluid collections, increased dermal thickness (mean±SD, 3.3±1.0 mm vs. 1.4±0.3 mm for controls) and lower echogenicity of the skin. In comparison with clinical examination, we were able to identify both subclinical lesions and subclinical extension of lesions into clinically normal looking paralesional skin. Hair follicles appeared distended.
CONCLUSION A number of HS features can be identified by ultrasound. These features include both actual lesions and possible predisposing factors such as skin thickness and hair follicle morphology. Ultrasonography can identify the true extent of lesions in HS, which may be of use in the preoperative planning.     

The structure and correlates of perfectionism in African American children.

This study examined the structure and symptom correlates of perfectionism in a sample of 6th-grade, urban, African American children using the Child and Adolescent Perfectionism Scale (CAPS; Flett, Hewitt, Boucher, Davidson, & Munro, 2000). Confirmatory factor analysis showed inadequate fit of the original subscales. Exploratory factor analysis suggested 3 dimensions of perfectionism: A Socially Prescribed and a Self-Oriented-Critical factor were described as maladaptive, whereas a Self-Oriented-Striving factor was proposed as adaptive. Cross-sectional correlations among the perfectionism dimensions and symptoms of psychopathology fit well with the adaptive versus maladaptive model. In addition, Socially Prescribed Perfectionism showed a robust predictive relation to 7th-grade internalizing symptoms, especially depression, in boys. Results are discussed in the context of the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of this African American sample and suggestions for future research are provided.     

Camp Okizu: Preliminary Investigation of a Psychological Intervention for Siblings of Pediatric Cancer Patients

This research was conducted at a summer camp for siblings of children with cancer. The camp is designed to address emotional problems, provide peer interaction and validation, and bolster siblings' self-esteem. Standardized measures assessing posttraumatic stress, anxiety, quality of life, and self-esteem were administered to 77 siblings (ages 6-17) prior to attending camp and again 3 months after camp. From pre- to post-camp, the siblings reported statistically significant decreases in symptoms of posttraumatic stress and anxiety, and statistically significant improvements in quality of life and self-esteem. These preliminary findings are encouraging and suggest the value of camp as a psychological intervention and provide a model for other pediatric cancer facilities designing intervention programs for siblings.