PubMed HealthSearch

Biomedical subjects

C Buckley

Publications and source records attributed to C Buckley.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Efficacy of traditional Chinese herbal therapy in adult atopic dermatitis.

There has been considerable interest in traditional Chinese herbal therapy (TCHT) as a new treatment for atopic dermatitis. To establish the efficacy and safety of this treatment, a daily decoction of a formula containing ten herbs that has been found to be beneficial in open studies was tested in a double-blind placebo-controlled study. 40 adult patients with longstanding, refractory, widespread, atopic dermatitis were randomised into two groups to receive 2 months' treatment of either the active formulation of herbs (TCHT) or placebo herbs, followed by a crossover to the other treatment after a 4-week washout period. The main outcome measures were extent and severity of erythema and surface damage as judged by standardised body scores. The patients' own assessments of the overall response to treatment were also sought. The geometric mean score for erythema at the end of active treatment was 12.6 (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.9 to 22.0) and at the end of the placebo phase was 113 (65 to 180). The geometric mean score for surface damage was 11.3 (5.8 to 21.8) and 111.0 (68 to 182), respectively. The 95% CI for the mean geometric ratio for the two values with active treatment was 0.04 to 0.22 for erythema (p less than 0.0005) and 0.04 to 0.27 for surface damage (p less than 0.0005). Of the 31 patients who completed the study and expressed a preference, 20 preferred that phase of the trial in which they received TCHT whereas 4 patients preferred placebo (p less than 0.02). There was a subjective improvement in itching (p less than 0.001) and sleep (p less than 0.078) during the TCHT treatment phase. No side-effects were reported by the patients although many commented on the unpalatability of the decoction. TCHT seems to benefit patients with atopic dermatitis. Palatability of the treatment needs to be improved and its safety assured.

Administration, Oral

Phenytoin-induced pseudolymphoma. A report of a case and review of the literature.

We report a patient with phenytoin-induced pseudolymphoma mimicking cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Despite withdrawal of phenytoin, there was persistence of the cutaneous eruption and lymphadenopathy. Southern blot analysis of immunoglobulin and T-cell receptor genes was therefore used to assess whether there was a clonal lymphoid expansion. However, no rearrangement of the beta T-cell receptor gene or immunoglobulin heavy-chain gene was detected in tissue DNA from skin and lymph nodes. One year later the patient became asymptomatic, although he is still at risk of developing a true malignant lymphoma in the future, a condition known as pseudo-pseudolymphoma. It is suggested that genotypic studies may help in the initial diagnosis and the subsequent management of such patients.

Adult

Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis in an HIV-positive man: response to cetirizine.

Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis is a rare condition which is being increasingly reported in HIV-positive patients. Many therapies have been used to treat this condition. We report the first successful use of the H1 antihistamine cetirizine to treat the condition and postulate that the specific antieosinophilic action of this drug may explain the beneficial clinical effect seen in our patient.

Cetirizine

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen counts in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue correlate with Ki-67 in fresh tissue.

Cell proliferation can be studied by a variety of techniques. However, most require fresh tissue. To evaluate cell proliferation in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections, the authors immunohistochemically studied 35 tumors and 11 samples of normal/hyperplastic tissue with PC10, a monoclonal antibody directed against proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Results were compared with those obtained with Ki-67 on fresh tissues. There was no significant difference between proliferating cell nuclear antigen and Ki-67 counts, which were strongly correlated (r = 0.8). Proliferating cell nuclear antigen positivity was easier to evaluate because morphology was better preserved in formalin-fixed tissue. The authors conclude that PC10 is an alternative to Ki-67 in evaluating cell proliferation and has the advantage of reacting with formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue.

Antibodies, Monoclonal

Metastatic Crohn's disease.

We have reported two further cases of metastatic Crohn's disease (MC), one of whom presented with a widespread symmetrical perifollicular papular eruption on the arms and legs not previously reported. In view of the varied clinical appearances the incidence may be underestimated and consequently we feel that more patients with Crohn's disease who develop skin lesions should be biopsied.

Adult

Management of irritable skin disorders in the elderly.

Irritable skin conditions are a source of considerable morbidity in the elderly. In order to deal effectively with the problem it is essential to have a working knowledge of the diagnostic features and treatment of the common skin disorders in this age group.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones

Review of alpha adrenoceptor function in the eye.

The location and function of alpha adrenoceptors in the eye are reviewed with emphasis on pharmacological agents and their role in the management of chronic simple glaucoma.

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists

Urethral fistula and sinus formation in hidradenitis suppurativa.

Two patients with severe hidradenitis suppurativa are reported. In Case 2, with widespread and superficial disease without communication with internal organs, there was a good response to intensive surgical intervention. In the patient with hidradenitis suppurativa and urethral fistula formation adequate surgical treatment was not technically feasible and treatment had to be continued for at least 2 years without permanent cure in sight. A search of the literature confirms that this differentiation is important as the cases with fistulous involvement of internal organs tend to have a bad prognosis.

Adult

Ageing and alpha 1 adrenoceptors in the iris.

This study was undertaken to determine if the age related decrease in pupil size is attributable to altered sympathetic adrenoceptor responsiveness. Log dose response curves using the selective alpha 1 agonist phenylephrine and antagonist thymoxamine showed that there is no difference in alpha 1 adrenoceptor sensitivity in the elderly and the young. Therefore age related miosis is not caused by an alteration in alpha 1 receptors with age.

Adult

Liposarcoma simulating a Baker's cyst: a case study.

We present a case of liposarcoma in a 65-year-old man in whom the tumor first appeared as a soft, cystic mass at the medial margin of the left popliteal fossa. The mass simulated a Baker's cyst. The patient remained untreated for almost 7 months from the discovery of the mass. With worsening pressure symptoms, a biopsy was done that confirmed the clinical diagnosis of liposarcoma. The leg was amputated, but the patient died 2 years later with clinical evidence of pulmonary metastasis. By presenting this case report, we stress the importance of carefully investigating for malignancy all masses presenting as a Baker's cyst in persons past middle age.

Aged