Chronic annular lesions of the cheeks

in International Journal of Dermatology (2012)

Seasonal variations in vitamin D levels in melanoma patients: a single-centre prospective pilot comparative study

in Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology & Venereology (2012), 26(5), 651-3

BACKGROUND: More than 90% of vitamin D synthesis is dependent on UV exposure. Photosensitive disorders such as lupus erythematosus, protoporphyria and xeroderma require strict sun avoidance, and vitamin D ... [more ▼]

BACKGROUND: More than 90% of vitamin D synthesis is dependent on UV exposure. Photosensitive disorders such as lupus erythematosus, protoporphyria and xeroderma require strict sun avoidance, and vitamin D deficiency has been demonstrated in these patients. Melanoma patients are also instructed to avoid sun exposure and may hence be expected to be vitamin D deficient. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Winter and summer vitamin D levels were compared in a group of melanoma patients (n =61) and age- and phototype-matched controls (n = 53) without photosensitive disorders. RESULTS: Oral supplementary vitamin D intake was reported in 32.7% of the melanoma patients and in 15.1% in the control group. Despite oral supplementation, only 25% of the melanoma patients and the controls presented with vitamin D levels of 30 ng/mL or higher. In non-supplemented subjects in the melanoma and control groups, respectively, mean winter vitamin D levels were below the recommended threshold at 12.6 ng/mL vs. 13.2 ng/mL, respectively, but not statistically different. These values increased significantly in both groups during the summer to 24.6 and 23.8 ng/mL respectively. CONCLUSION: Unexpected, significant increases in vitamin D levels were seen in melanoma patients during summer, suggesting non-adherence with photoprotective measures and reflecting a heliophilic behaviour. Vitamin D supplementation is recommended in melanoma patients during both winter and summer. [less ▲]

Chronic Herpes Zoster Duplex Bilateralis

in Acta Dermato Venereologica (2012)

Although varicella zoster virus latency has been demonstrated in several sensory ganglia, herpes zoster usually effects only one single, either left or right, dermatome in half of the body. In ... [more ▼]

Although varicella zoster virus latency has been demonstrated in several sensory ganglia, herpes zoster usually effects only one single, either left or right, dermatome in half of the body. In immunocompromised patients, more than one contiguous unilateral dermatome may be involved. Bilateral non-contiguous herpes zoster, also termed herpes zoster duplex, is rarely reported. Chronic varicella zoster viurs skin infection is another rare entity encountered in HIV-infected and immunocompromised patients, often associated with aciclovir resistance. We describe here a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, who presented simultaneously non-contiguous bilateral and chronic herpes zoster lasting fore more than 2 months, with resistance to aciclovir. To our knowledge, this is the first report of chronic herpes zoster duplex bilateralis. Physicians should be aware of and recognize the atypical manifestations of varicella zoster virus. [less ▲]

Herpes zoster in patients treated with biologicals

in Karger (2012)

Background : The incidence and severity of herpes zoster (HZ) appear increased in patients receiving tumor necrosis factor-alpha antagonists. Objective : To study the incidence and clinical features of HZ ... [more ▼]

Background : The incidence and severity of herpes zoster (HZ) appear increased in patients receiving tumor necrosis factor-alpha antagonists. Objective : To study the incidence and clinical features of HZ in 1,220 patients (4.206 patient-years) receiving either adalimumab, etanercept, infliximumab, rituximab or ustekinumab. Results: Twenty-two HZ cases were identified (1.26% of total cohort; adalimumab: 11/1,546 patient-years, incidence rate (IR) 7.1; etanercept: 4/789 patient-years, IR5.1; rituximab: 1/168 patient-years, IR 5.2; ustekinumab: 2/37 patient-years, IR53.5; infliximab: 4/1.666 patient-years, IR 2.4). The time to event varied widely (1.5-108 months). Extensive HZ was reported in 45 and 32% of the cases, respectively. Persistent postzoster neuralgia (PHN;>6months) was observed in 5/20 patients. Conclusions: The Hz incidence was 2.1-fold higher among patients over 60 years, compared with a reference population, although not statistically significant. Severe, multidermatomal HZ and persistent PHN were common. [less ▲]

Transcriptional Profiling after Lipid Raft Disruption in Keratinocytes Identifies Critical Mediators of Atopic Dermatitis Pathways

in Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2011), 131

Chronic Idiopathic Penile Edema: Three Cases and a Review of the Literature

in Open Dermatology Journal (The) (2011), 5

Abstract: Chronic idiopathic penile edema (CIPE) is an exceptional entity with disabling persistent lymphedema of the penis, affecting accessorily the scrotum and the pubis. The onset presents with ... [more ▼]

Abstract: Chronic idiopathic penile edema (CIPE) is an exceptional entity with disabling persistent lymphedema of the penis, affecting accessorily the scrotum and the pubis. The onset presents with recurrent swelling of the external genitalia, regressing spontaneously. After 2-3 years the swelling becomes progressively persistent. Mictional and erectile dysfunctions are not uncommon. A thorough work-up including RX, ultrasound examination, CT scanning, MRI imaging, serology and extensive blood testing should be performed to exclude underlying causes, including neoplastic, infectious, vascular and inflammatory diseases. CIPE is associated with significant psychological and functional impact. Surgical correction is the sole therapeutic option. Three patients with CIPE and a review of the literature are presented in order to increase awareness of this rare condition. [less ▲]

Protracted Herpes Zoster and severe postherpetic neuralgia after inadvertant infliximab administration

in European Journal of Dermatology (2011), 21/5

Melanotan-associated melanoma

in British Journal of Dermatology (2011)

Seasonal variations in vitamin D levels in melanoma patients : a single-centre prospective pilot comparative study

in Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology & Venereology (2011)

Background: More than 90% of vitamin D synthesis is dependent on UV exposure. Photosensitive disorders such as lupus erythematosus, protoporphyria and xeroderma require strict sun avoidance, and vitamin D ... [more ▼]

Background: More than 90% of vitamin D synthesis is dependent on UV exposure. Photosensitive disorders such as lupus erythematosus, protoporphyria and xeroderma require strict sun avoidance, and vitamin D deficiency has been demonstrated in these patients. Melanoma patients are also instructed to avoid sun exposure and may hence be expected to be vitamin D deficient. Materials and method : Winter and summer vitamin D levels were compared in a group of melanoma patients (n=61) and age- and phototype-matched controls (n=53) without photosensitive disorders. Results : Oral supplementary vitamin D intake was reported in 32.7% of the melanoma patients and in 15.1 % in the control group. Despite oral supplementation, only 25% of the melanoma patients and the controls presented with vitamin D levels of 30 ng/mL or higher. In non-supplemented subjects in the melanoma and control groups, respectively, mean winter vitamin D levels were below the recommended threshold at 12,6 ng/mL vs 13.2 ng/mL, respectively, but not statistically different. These values increased significantly in both groups during the summer to 24.6 and 23.8 ng/mL respectively. Conclusion: Unexpected, significant increases in vitamin D levels were seen in melanoma patients during summer, suggesting non-adherence with photoprotective measures and reflecting a heliophilic behaviour. Vitamin D supplementation is recommended in melanoma patients during both winter and summer. [less ▲]

A propos de la réticence à l’immunothérapie spécifique chez les personnes allergiques : les nouvelles données de la littérature

in Revue Médicale de Liège (2010)

The increasing number of allergic subjects and the alteration of their quality of life are major concerns of public health. Symptomatic treatments of allergic diseases are not always able to improve the ... [more ▼]

The increasing number of allergic subjects and the alteration of their quality of life are major concerns of public health. Symptomatic treatments of allergic diseases are not always able to improve the patient’s complaints. Allergic exploration aims to identify IgE-dependant mechanisms and subsequently to prove the responsibility of the detected allergen in the allergic disease. The efficacy of the specific immunotherapy (SIT ) using allergens in either subcutaneous or sublingual forms has been proven in rhinitis, conjunctivitis, asthma and IgE-induced reactions to hymenoptera venom. The lack of training in allergology is an important reticence of general practitioners and specialists to prescribe SIT . Furthermore, the duration of the treatment and its important cost in Belgium (where, only venom SIT is reimbursed by the Social Security) interfere significantly with the compliance of the patients. [less ▲]