Botulinum toxin for treatment of glandular hypersecretory disorders

SUMMARY: The use of botulinum toxin to treat disorders of the salivary glands is increasing in popularity in recent years. Recent reports of the use of botulinum toxin in glandular hypersecretion suggest overall favourable results with minimal side-effects. However, few randomised clinical trials means that data are limited with respect to candidate suitability, treatment dosages, frequency and duration of treatment. We report a selection of such cases from our own department managed with botulinum toxin and review the current data on use of the toxin to treat salivary gland disorders such as Frey's syndrome, excessive salivation (sialorrhoea), focal and general hyperhidrosis, excessive lacrimation and chronic rhinitis.     

Malignant melanoma in transplant patients: review of five cases

The characteristics of malignant melanoma arising in transplant patients are not clearly delineated. We describe clinical and histological features of malignant melanoma in five transplant patients. All transplant patients with melanoma arising post-transplantation had a previous history of skin cancer. Two had a history of internal organ malignancy. Three patients had thick malignant melanomas (Clark level III or higher, or >0.76 mm Breslow thickness). Lymph-node metastases occurred in one patient with cutaneous melanoma. Local cutaneous metastases occurred in one patient. Mean duration from transplantation to melanoma was 15.6 years. Two cases of aggressive metastatic melanoma responded well to cessation of immunosuppression. Three patients with nonmetastatic disease responded well to conventional complete excision and continuation of immunosuppression.     

Increased density of Demodex folliculorum and evidence of delayed hypersensitivity reaction in subjects with papulopustular rosacea

BACKGROUND: Rosacea is a common chronic dermatosis that evolves in stages. The mite Demodex folliculorum has been implicated in its obscure aetiopathogenesis. AIM: To evaluate the importance of D. folliculorum in the aetiology and course of rosacea. METHODS: We studied 92 consecutive cases of papulopustular rosacea and 92 age- and sex-matched controls. Prevalence and density of D. folliculorum were estimated by microscopic examination of the expressed follicular content. Histological examination and immunohistochemical study of the inflammatory infiltrate were performed in 10 subjects (five with positive D. folliculorum finding and five with negative finding). RESULTS: D. folliculorum was detected in 83 (90.2%) of the 92 rosacea subjects but only 11(11.9%) of the controls. The mean mite density was 2.03 mites/visual field in the rosacea group (range 0-5, SD = 1.2) and 0.16 mites/visual field (range 0-2, SD = 0.52) in the control group. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.0001) for both mite prevalence and density. Hair follicle infestation was associated with intense perifollicular infiltrate of predominantly (90-95%) CD4 helper/inducer T cells. We observed an increased number of macrophages and Langerhans cells only in those subjects with a positive D. folliculorum finding. CONCLUSIONS: Although Demodex mites do not seem to be the cause of rosacea, they may represent an important cofactor, especially in papulopustular rosacea. Immunohistochemical findings suggest that a delayed hypersensitivity reaction, possibly triggered by antigens of follicular origin, probably related to D. folliculorum, may occur, stimulating progression of the affection to the papulopustular stage.     

Nd:YAG激光治疗晶体囊阻滞综合征的临床观察

目的：总结晶体囊袋阻滞综合征的临床特点并评价Nd:YAG激光的治疗效果。方法：对6例晶体囊袋阻滞综合征的临床特点进行回顾性分析,其中4例使用科以人7970Nd:YAG激光机行Nd:YAG激光前后囊膜切开术,平均能量4．7mJ,平均击发69次。结果：6例晶体囊袋阻滞综合征共同表现为连续环形撕囊术后人工晶体光学面被连续环行撕囊口阻塞,晶体囊袋形成密闭的液性腔,后囊膜向后膨隆。4例Nd:YAG激光前后囊膜切开成功,视力明显提高,后囊膜复位。结论：晶体囊袋阻滞综合征是白内障手术并发症之一,对术后迟发膨胀型者,Nd:YAG激光前后囊膜切开术是安全、有效的治疗方法。