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Biomedical subjects

A F Haas

Publications and source records attributed to A F Haas.

9 recordsLinked to original sources

Antibiotic prophylaxis in dermatologic surgery.

Antibiotic prophylaxis is generally administered either to prevent wound infection or to hinder the development of endocarditis. Although the use of antibiotics in certain circumstances to prevent wound infection can be straightforward, there are other circumstances in which the decision to use antibiotics is much less clear. Endocarditis prophylaxis has traditionally been based on the American Heart Association's guidelines, which do not cover dermatologic surgery. This article discusses the rationale and controversies surrounding the use of antibiotic prophylaxis for prevention of both wound infection and endocarditis, reviews the few studies that pertain to dermatology, and provides recommendations for antibiotic prophylaxis on a case-by-case basis for those who perform dermatologic surgery.

Anti-Bacterial Agents

Wound healing.

The biology of wound healing is not only important to scientists, but also to those involved clinically in caring for wounds. Knowledge gained about wound healing from the laboratory influences not only how certain wounds are created and treated, but also influences development of new products and methods designed to facilitate wound healing.

Humans

Antibiotic prophylaxis.

The appropriate use of antibiotic prophylaxis is confusing for all surgeons and it is certainly not straight-forward for dermatologists. There are no set guidelines which encompass skin surgery. This article reviews antibiotic prophylaxis both to prevent wound infections and to prevent endocarditis. Some of the issues and controversies surrounding the use of antibiotic prophylaxis are discussed, and guidelines are provided which should be of assistance to those who perform dermatologic surgery.

Anti-Bacterial Agents

Low-energy helium neon laser irradiation does not alter human keratinocyte differentiation.

There are reports that low-energy HeNe irradiation can enhance wound healing in vivo. We have previously demonstrated that HeNe irradiation increases the motility of human epidermally derived keratinocytes in vitro. Here we investigate whether HeNe irradiation alters normal keratinocyte differentiation, which is essential for the formation of a normal, functioning epidermis. Subconfluent keratinocyte cultures were irradiated three times within 24 h with either 0, 0.8, 3, or 7.2 J/cm2. After cultures reached post-confluence, parameters of growth and differentiation, such as cell number, cornified envelope (CE) formation, and transglutaminase activity were measured. No significant differences were found between the control (0 J) and irradiated cultures in these assays. We also examined the pattern of newly synthesized keratins in cultures irradiated with 7.2 J/cm2 three times within a 24-h period. Both control and irradiated cultures exhibited similar keratin patterns. These results provide evidence that HeNe irradiations of up to 7.2 J/cm2 have no direct deleterious effect on normal keratinocyte differentiation needed for the formation of a functional epidermis. Hence, it is anticipated that the clinical use of the HeNe laser irradiance that enhances keratinocyte migration in vitro (0.8 J/cm2) to promote wound healing in vivo will not alter the ultimate integrity or differentiated function of the epidermis that migrates to cover the wounded area.

Cell Differentiation

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia of the hand. A case report.

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia is an uncommon benign vascular neoplasm manifested by multiple or solitary subcutaneous nodules, usually on or about the head of young adults. Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia is characterized microscopically by marked proliferation of large endothelial cells with a mixed inflammatory infiltrate consisting of lymphocytes, histiocytes, and eosinophils. This benign skin disorder may resemble an angiosarcoma both clinically and histologically. We wish to report a patient with angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia on the palm of the hand and discuss therapeutic recommendations.

Adult

Low-energy helium-neon laser irradiation increases the motility of cultured human keratinocytes.

Helium-neon (HeNe) laser irradiation is known to stimulate wound healing. We investigated whether the biostimulatory effects of HeNe irradiation result from enhancement of keratinocyte proliferation or motility. HeNe effects on keratinocyte motility were evaluated by irradiating a "wounded" culture with 0.8 J/cm2 3 times over a 20-h period. At 20 h post-irradiation, videocinemicroscopy and sequential quantitative measurements of the leading edge were taken over a 6-h period. There was a significant difference in migration of the leading edge in irradiated "wounds" compared to non-irradiated "wounded" controls (12.0 microns/h vs 4.0 microns/h, p less than 0.0001). To determine if the increase in migration observed in irradiated cultures resulted from a proliferative effect of HeNe irradiation, subconfluent human keratinocyte cultures were irradiated with single or multiple doses of different fluences of HeNe irradiation (0.4 to 7.2 J/cm2) and evaluated 72 h post-irradiation. Irradiated and non-irradiated keratinocyte cultures grown on a microporous membrane surface were co-cultured with irradiated and non-irradiated fibroblasts to determine if HeNe irradiation induced a paracrine effect on keratinocyte proliferation. No significant increase in keratinocyte proliferation was demonstrated in any of these treatments. The biostimulatory effects of HeNe irradiation may now be extended to include enhancement of keratinocyte motility in vitro; this may contribute to the efficacy of HeNe irradiation in wound healing.

Cell Division

Retropharyngeal hematomas.

Hyperextension of the cervical spine in the elderly can cause retropharyngeal hematomas. We report this unusual cause of retropharyngeal hematoma in a 77-year-old women. The airway must be thoroughly evaluated in any such patient in whom this lesion is suspected.

Aged

Operative ankle arthroscopy. Long-term followup.

Ankle arthroscopy has become an accepted procedure for the treatment of various intraarticular disorders. More than 100 ankle arthroscopies have been performed at our institution since 1983. To better define the role of arthroscopic surgery in the treatment of ankle disorders, we evaluated the preoperative examination and indications, operative data, and radiographs of those patients with a minimum of 1 year of followup. Fifty-eight ankles in 57 patients were identified; their average follow-up period was 25 months (range, 12 to 49 months). Preoperative diagnoses were synovitis (26), transchondral defects of the talus (17), degenerative joint disease (8), and osteophytes or loose bodies (7). Subjective results were good or excellent in 64% of cases. The best overall results were achieved in patients with synovitis (77%) and transchondral defects of the talus (71%). Degenerative joint disease patients did not do well. They had only 12% good or excellent results and a 43% rate of subsequent fusion. Complications included superficial and deep infections, temporary and permanent paresthesias, and hemarthroses; the overall complication rate was 15%. In conclusion, operative ankle arthroscopy can be useful in selected patients. It is an effective surgical procedure in patients with synovitis and transchondral defects of the talus. The benefits and long-term results are less predictable with loose bodies and impinging osteophytes; the results are poor with degenerative joint disease. There appears to be a significant risk of complication with ankle arthroscopy; however, with proper indications, a thorough knowledge of anatomical landmarks, and meticulous technique, good results can be obtained.

Adolescent