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Biomedical subjects

Benjamin Moncada

Publications and source records attributed to Benjamin Moncada.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Actinic prurigo.

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Cell Adhesion Molecules↗
PubMed2004

A double-blind randomized trial of 5% ascorbic acid vs. 4% hydroquinone in melasma.

BACKGROUND: Melasma is an acquired treatment-resistant hyperpigmentation of the skin. METHODS: Sixteen women with idiopathic melasma were included in our trial. After randomization by another clinician, they were instructed to use, at night, 5% ascorbic acid cream on one side of the face and 4% hydroquinone cream on the other side, for 16 weeks. Sunscreen was applied daily throughout the period of observation. They were evaluated every month by colorimetry, digital photography, and regular color slides. Subjective evaluation by each patient was also taken into account. RESULTS: The best subjective improvement was observed on the hydroquinone side with 93% good and excellent results, compared with 62.5% on the ascorbic acid side (P < 0.05); however, colorimetric measures showed no statistical differences. Side-effects were present in 68.7% (11/16) with hydroquinone vs. 6.2% (1/16) with ascorbic acid. CONCLUSION: Although hydroquinone showed a better response, ascorbic acid may play a role in the therapy of melasma as it is almost devoid of side-effects; it could be used alone or in combination therapy.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed2004

Pentoxifylline in the treatment of actinic prurigo. A preliminary report of 10 patients.

BACKGROUND: Actinic prurigo (AP) is a chronic familial photodermatosis usually seen in Latin-American Mestizo and Indian populations. It frequently begins in childhood and is more prevalent in females. The pathogenesis of AP has not been clearly elucidated, but previous studies have suggested an immune-mediated condition. Many drugs have been employed to treat AP patients with variable success. OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical efficacy of pentoxifylline (PTX) in the treatment of AP patients by measuring its effects on lesions and pruritus. METHODS: 10 patients with severe AP were included to receive PTX in a 6-month open-label uncontrolled study. RESULTS: Clinical improvement of lesions was evident in all patients. Relief in pruritus was evident after 1 month of treatment and was maintained while receiving PTX. Five patients were followed up for 2 years, 2 obtained complete remission, and 3 had an important reduction in the use of corticosteroids. CONCLUSION: PTX was useful in the treatment of our actinic prurigo patients. It may induce a complete or partial remission of lesions and allow a decrease in the use of topical corticosteroids.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

A double-blind randomized trial of 0.1% tacrolimus vs 0.05% clobetasol for the treatment of childhood vitiligo.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and efficacy of topical 0.1% tacrolimus vs 0.05% clobetasol propionate. DESIGN: Randomized double-blind trial. SETTING: Department of Dermatology, Hospital Central Dr Ignacio Morones Prieto, San Luis Potosí, México. PARTICIPANTS: From 20 children with vitiligo, 2 symmetrical lesions of about the same size and evolution time were selected. They were devoid of any topical or systemic therapy for 2 months prior to inclusion. Interventions Treatment with topical tacrolimus and clobetasol for a 2-month period. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: The grade of repigmentation was evaluated by color slides at baseline and again at every 2-week visit. The slides were analyzed by 2 clinicians unrelated to the study and by a morphometric digitalized computer program. Characteristics of pigment, time of response, symptoms, telangiectasias, and atrophy were evaluated every 2 weeks. RESULTS: Eighteen (90%) of the 20 patients experienced some repigmentation. The mean percentage of repigmentation was 49.3% for clobetasol and 41.3% for tacrolimus. Lesions in 3 patients using clobetasol presented atrophy, and 2 lesions incurred telangiectasias; tacrolimus caused a burning sensation in 2 lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Tacrolimus proved almost as effective as clobetasol propionate to restore skin color in lesions of vitiligo in children. Because it does not produce atrophy or other adverse effects, tacrolimus may be very useful for younger patients and for sensitive areas of the skin such as eyelids, and it should be considered in other skin disorders currently treated with topical steroids for prolonged periods.

Administration, Topical↗