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Biomedical subjects

A Bircher

Publications and source records attributed to A Bircher.

30 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

Guidelines for measurement of cutaneous blood flow by laser Doppler flowmetry. A report from the Standardization Group of the European Society of Contact Dermatitis.

The report reviews individual-related variables (age, sex, race, anatomical site), intra- and inter-individual variation (temporal, physical and mental activity, food and drugs), and environment-related variables (air convection, temperature). Technical variation, instrument validation including a standard reactive hyperemia experiment, and a standard operating procedure are discussed and included in the guidelines.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Frequency of sensitization to 13 common preservatives in Switzerland. Swiss Contact Dermatitis Research Group.

From February 1989 to January 1990, the Swiss Contact Dermatitis Research Group conducted a 1-year study to examine the frequency of sensitization to a series of 13 common preservatives. A group of 2295 consecutive outpatients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis (age range 7-90 years, with a mean age of 42; 911 males, 1384 females) was tested. The %s of positive reactions to the preservatives studied are as follows, in descending order: formaldehyde 5.7%, benzalkonium chloride 5.5%, Kathon CG 5.5%, thimerosal 4.2%, chlorhexidine digluconate 2.0%, DMDM hydantoin 1.7%, paraben mix 1.7%, chloroacetamide 1.5%, Bronopol 1.2%, imidazolidinyl urea 1.0%, quaternium 15 1.0%, triclosan 0.8%, 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol 0.4%. These relatively high values suggest a heavy exposure of the Swiss population to topical preservatives. Compared to previous studies, the sensitization rate to Kathon CG has stabilized in Switzerland over the last 2 years. Sensitization to formaldehyde portrayed impressive geographical variation, with sensitization rates up to 9% in western and only 3% in eastern Switzerland. The low sensitization rate to parabens argues for their inclusion in a medicament or preservative series, rather than in the standard series.

Administration, Cutaneous↗
PubMed1994

[Allergic reactions of the respiratory tract].

Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and allergic asthma bronchiale are immunologically mediated diseases of the respiratory tract. Dependent on the allergen, they occur seasonally or perennially. Allergens can cause a specific reaction of the immune system, mediated by IgE-antibodies in individuals with a genetic predisposition. Different mediators are released from mast cells, and complex immunopathological mechanisms lead to inflammatory changes of the mucosa. A significant increase of allergies has been observed in the last decades. Indoor and outdoor allergens can be differentiated. Mites and animal dander are the most important indoor allergens. The pollens of birch, alder, hazel, different grasses and mugwort are the most important outdoor allergens. For diagnostic purposes skin tests, laboratory analyses and provocation tests are used. The best therapy is elimination of the offending allergen. As pharmacological agents histamine-receptor antagonists, topical corticosteroids and topical cromoglycate are currently used. Immune therapy is the most specific form of treatment.

Allergens↗
PubMed1993

[Drug-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome in a patient with AIDS].

The Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a severe potentially life-threatening form of the erythema multiforme, affecting both skin and mucous membranes. We present a case of a 49-year-old male patient with AIDS who developed a Stevens-Johnson syndrome while being treated with pyrimethamine, sulfadiazine and phenytoin for cerebral toxoplasmosis. Further diagnostic evaluation of this dangerous cutaneous affection may prove difficult for several reasons. In particular, in patients with AIDS who are more susceptible for adverse drug reactions and who are simultaneously receiving a variety of drugs with a considerable potential of cutaneous side effects, therapy cannot be withhold for lack of therapeutic alternatives. Moreover, the low lymphocyte count in this case may have made reliable testing with lymphocyte transformation studies impossible. The evaluation and the differential diagnosis of the drug-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome are discussed. Especially long- and moderately long-acting sulfonamides belong to the most important agents that can cause a drug-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome. The pathogenesis and the risk factors for cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions in HIV-infected patients are only poorly understood. These kind of reactions, however, seem to occur more often in patients with a more advanced immunodeficiency.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1992

[Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis caused by the dust of green coffee beans].

In a 37-year-old worker employed in a coffee roastery who suffered from work-related rhinoconjunctivitis, allergologic investigations demonstrated sensitization to the dust of the green, unroasted coffee bean. This particular allergy is uncommon in Switzerland. The case is discussed and the literature on the subject is reviewed.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Sensitization to the isothiazolinone biocide. Report of the Swiss Contact Dermatitis Research Group 1988-1990.

The rate of sensitization to isothiazolinones (Kathon CG) detected in Switzerland rose from 3.5% (out of 2,491 patients) in 1987 to 6.3% (out of 982 patients) in 1988 and 5.6% (out of 2,295 patients) in 1989-90. This rate of sensitization appears to be related to the more and more widespread use of isothiazolinone biocide in cosmetics, domestic products and in industry.

Cosmetics↗
PubMed1991

Photopatch testing: the 5-year experience of the German, Austrian, and Swiss Photopatch Test Group.

A cooperative photopatch test study was conducted by 45 dermatologic centers in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. Results obtained from 1985 to 1990 are presented. A standard photopatch test tray of 32 substances was applied to the back of patients with suspected photosensivity. After applications for 24 hours, test sites were irradiated with 10 joules/cm2UVA. Unirradiated controls were included. Readings were performed immediately and 24, 48, and 72 hours after irradiation; responses were qualitatively graded on a 4-point scale. All data were stored and processed by a computer. With computer-assisted analysis of reaction patterns photoallergic reactions were identified and distinguished from phototoxic reactions. Data of 1129 patients were evaluated. Among a total of 2859 positive test reactions in 870 patients, 2041 in 778 patients were found to be photoinduced and 818 in 413 patients were contact reactions; 108 reactions in 83 patients were classified as photoallergic. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, disinfectants, sunscreens, phenothiazines, and fragrances caused most often photoallergic reactions. Many unspecific phototoxic reactions were induced by tiaprofenic acid, promethazine, carprofen, chlorpromazine, fenticolar, wood balsam of Peru, and perfumes. Despite the distinction between photoallergic and phototoxic responses, many test reactions lacked relevance for the patients' dermatoses.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

[Eccrine hidrocystoma].

Most eccrine hidrocystomas are solitary, asymptomatic lesions. Multiple hidrocystomas are very rare and are probably caused by dilatation of eccrine ducts. Immunohistochemical investigations are helpful in distinguishing whether a solitary or multiple form is present. An isolated hidrocystoma can be treated by surgery or electrocautery. Multiple eccrine hidrocystomas are more difficult to treat. Topical atropine may be successful for multiple lesions. We observed a patient with more than 100 lesions associated with significant hyperhidrosis. Although several systemic drugs were used, no relief of the hyperhidrosis could be achieved. During topical administration of atropine some shrinkage of cysts was seen.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1986

[Allergic angioedema after local dental anesthesia and a hyaluronidase-containing preanesthetic injection solution].

Two patients are described who developed allergic angioedema following local anesthesia for dental surgery. Skin testing revealed that hyaluronidase from bull testes contained in one of the preparations used for local anesthesia was the responsible allergen. In both patients hyaluronidase-specific serum IgE antibodies were detected by RAST. Mammalian hyaluronidase, also called spreading factor, is believed to improve penetration of tissues by local anesthetics. It is used worldwide for this and other indications. In the presence of allergic reactions to local anesthetics the possibility of sensitization to hyaluronidase should be considered.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

[Heterosexual transmission of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)].

A man who, only in 1979 and on a few occasions, had homosexual contacts, transmitted AIDS virus HTLV-III in 1980 and 1981 to two previously healthy women who did not belong to any AIDS risk group. One of them now has an early form of AIDS, while the other died of AIDS in its full form and her child, born in 1983, has fairly far progressed early symptoms of AIDS. Serum antibodies against HTLV-III were demonstrated in all four subjects.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1985

[Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in a child of Swiss origin whose mother died from AIDS].

Report of a now 2 8/12-year-old girl, who presented at the age of 8 months with chronic progressive pneumonia, mucocutaneous candidiasis, diarrhea, failure to thrive and a non-progressive paraplegia. The child's mother presented AIDS with pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and progressive general paralysis one year after the beginning of the child's disease and died within a few months. Additional findings in the child include lymphopenia, hyperimmunoglobulinemia, cutaneous anergy and an abnormal T helper/T suppressor cell ratio. HTLV-III antibodies were positive (ELISA and Western blot virus strip RIA). Prophylactic treatment with Co-trimoxazole relieved pulmonary infections but failure to thrive remained unchanged in spite of a continuous nutritional support. A vertical mode of transmission of AIDS from mother to child seems very probable.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗