Biomedical subjects

B S Kurgis

Publications and source records attributed to B S Kurgis.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1993

Skin manifestations of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): Part 1. Infectious manifestations.

The incidence of the autoimmunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is rising at an alarming rate. Usually, the first clue to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease is an infection of the skin. The author describes a number of fungal, viral, and bacterial infections seen in HIV-infected patients and names the most effective therapies. Because HIV is immunosuppressive, the cutaneous conditions seen will be more difficult to treat than in nonimmunosuppressed patients, recurrence is more common, and permanent prophylactic therapy may be necessary. Part 2, to be published next month, will discuss noninfectious inflammatory diseases of the skin, malignant cutaneous neoplasms, and nonclassified skin changes found in HIV-infected individuals. These skin infections are manageable if patients are seen as early as possible, a diagnosis is confirmed promptly, and aggressive therapy is initiated.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

PubMed1993

Skin manifestations of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): Part 2. Noninfectious skin manifestations.

The incidence of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is rising at an alarming rate. Usually, the first clue that a patient has human immunodeficiency (HIV) infection is the emergence of a skin disease. Early diagnosis and aggressive therapy are vital in the management of these conditions. In Part 1 of this article, the author discussed AIDS-related infectious diseases of the skin. In Part 2, he discusses noninfectious inflammatory diseases, malignant cutaneous neoplasms, and nonclassified skin changes found in HIV-infected individuals, as well as their optimal management.

HIV Infections↗

PubMed1991

Cicatricial pemphigoid.

Cicatricial pemphigoid is a subepidermal blistering disease that involves the mucous membranes and the skin. The oral cavity and the eye are most frequently involved. The clinical course is of long duration, and often there is significant scarring that can have devastating sequelae. The majority of the patients are elderly. The disease is characterized by the in vivo deposition of an anti-basement membrane zone antibody. The anti-basement membrane zone antibody cannot be detected in the circulation by routine laboratory techniques. The pathogenesis is poorly understood, and the cause is not known. Cicatricial pemphigoid may remain localized to the oral cavity or the eye or the skin (Brunsting-Perry variety), or it may be generalized. It rarely occurs in children, and it may be drug induced. Efforts must be made to differentiate cicatricial pemphigoid from bullous pemphigoid, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, linear IgA bullous disease, and other vesiculobullous disease. Early recognition and treatment can improve the prognosis and avoid surgical intervention. Topical therapy is beneficial and expedites healing. Intralesional corticosteroids are effective and can help reduce the dose of systemic steroids. Most patients require systemic corticosteroid therapy. Dapsone is also useful in treating cicatricial pemphigoid, especially in patients in whom systemic steroids are ineffective or in whom they have to be discontinued because of side effects. Immunosuppressive agents (azathioprine or cyclosphosphamide) are indicated in patients with progressive disease. Occasionally both drugs may be needed.

Humans↗