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Biomedical subjects

C C Harland

Publications and source records attributed to C C Harland.

15 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Increased urine neopterin levels in psoriasis.

The production of neopterin closely reflects activation of T-lymphocyte-mediated immunity. Oxidized and reduced forms of urine neopterin were measured by reversed-phase ion-pair high-performance liquid chromatography in patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis (n = 40), and in a heterogeneous group of patients (n = 14) with cutaneous T-cell malignancies (CTCM). Results were compared with healthy non-psoriatic control subjects (n = 30). Neopterin levels were repeated after a course of ultraviolet B therapy (UVB) plus topical tar or dithranol, or photochemotherapy (PUVA), in 12 psoriatic patients. Fully oxidized urine neopterin levels and neopterin/creatinine ratios were significantly elevated in the psoriatic group compared with controls (P < 0.002, P < 0.05) but not in the CTCM group. Both neopterin and its creatinine ratio were significantly reduced by treatment (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Psoriasis area and severity index scores (PASI) correlated strongly with urine neopterin levels (P < 0.001). These findings indicate that urine neopterin concentrations may be a marker of psoriatic disease activity, and further support the importance of activated T lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Information leaflets in the dermatology out-patient waiting area.

Patients' attitudes to the supply and quality of information provided about their condition were examined by questionnaire before (n = 852) and after exposure to an information leaflet campaign (n = 560) in the dermatology out-patient waiting area. A high expectation of this service was demonstrated, particularly from patients under 60 years of age with chronic diseases. A variety of information sources, other than doctors, were identified which could be improved (video-systems, specialist nurses, leaflets, posters). The campaign significantly increased the percentage of patients who derived information from the leaflet source (5.6-18.8%, P < 0.001) and it reduced a demand for leaflets (16.4-9.1%, P < 0.001). However, the campaign did not alter patients' perceived need to spend more time with a dermatologist. In order to achieve a greater impact on patient satisfaction, a combination of information sources in the out-patient department should be targeted at young adults with chronic diseases.

Dermatology↗
PubMed1992

Coexistent cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.

Three patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) are reported who had concurrent B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (B-CLL). The separate lineage and clonal nature of the individual lymphoid malignancies were confirmed by gene-rearrangement analysis. The chronology of the illnesses did not support the hypothesis that CTCL predisposes to the development of B-cell proliferative disorders. There was no clear association with immunosuppressive therapy, and HTLV-1 studies were negative in all patients. Consequently, we speculate that a lymphoid stem cell defect, which may lead to the development of either aberrant B- or T-cell clones, may be responsible for such cases of dual lymphoid neoplasia.

Aged↗
PubMed1992

Acrodermatitis continua responding to cyclosporin therapy.

A 69-year-old man with painful, recalcitrant, localized acrodermatitis continua developed widespread pustulation which was resistant to high-dose methotrexate therapy. Low-dose cyclosporin induced a rapid and persistent remission.

Acrodermatitis↗
PubMed1991

Dermatomyositis responding to treatment of associated toxoplasmosis.

We report a 59-year-old woman with severe dermatomyositis in association with high serum toxoplasma antibody titres who was successfully treated with pyrimethamine and sulphadiazine. This case supports an aetiological role for toxoplasmosis in the pathogenesis of some cases of dermatomyositis.

Dermatomyositis↗
PubMed1990

Sézary-type cutaneous T-cell leukaemia. Response to Winkelmann regimen.

A 37-year-old woman presented with an aggressive leukaemic form of small T-cell Sézary syndrome. Despite this unusually malignant variant of the disease, there was a dramatic response to a modified Winkelmann regimen of chlorambucil and prednisolone, and a useful, sustained remission of 7 months. The Winkelmann regimen remains an important and relatively non-toxic chemotherapeutic option for palliation of advanced Sézary syndrome.

Adult↗