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Biomedical subjects

C G Sparkes

Publications and source records attributed to C G Sparkes.

14 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1981

Halogenation and topical corticosteroids: a comparison between the 17-butyrate esters of hydrocortisone and clobetasone in ointment bases.

Clobetasone butyrate 0.05% (Eumovate), a halogenated topical steroid, was compared with hydrocortison butyrate 0.1% (Locoid) which does not contain any halogen atoms. In the treatment of eczema there was not difference between the preparations, but in that of psoriasis the halogen-containing steriod was significantly more effective. Under normal circumstances neither preparation had any detectable effect on adrenal function, but with large doses under total-body polythene occlusion, circulating cortisol levels were reduced less by the halogenated than by the non-halogenated preparation. Corticosteroids which contain a halogen atom are often considered to cause more adverse effects than the non-halogenated preparations with similar clinical efficacy. This study shows that this cannot be assumed for their ability to suppress cortisol levels.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1979

Effectiveness of topical steroids in the control of radiation dermatitis: a randomised trial using 1% hydrocortisone cream and 0.05% clobetasone butyrate (Eumovate).

Radiation dermatitis often presents as a problem for patients and radiotherapists during treatment. Topical corticosteroids have been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect in the treatment of many skin diseases and are commonly prescribed during a course of radiation treatment. A comparison of two different steroid creams, 1% hydrocortisone cream and 0.05% clobetasone butyrate (Eumovate), in a double blind trial was carried out in 54 patients undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer. 'The cream' was administered when patients reached a given dose of 2000 rad (or earlier if required) whether a skin reaction was present or not. The aim of the trial was to evaluate the general effectiveness of steroids in controlling radiation dermatitis and whether one type of cream was superior to the other. The majority of patients using either cream derived benefit in its soothing effect. There was, however, a significant difference in the intensity of reactions seen, patients using clobetasone butyrate developed more severe radiation reactions despite both groups having similar radiation doses. The possibility of two differing populations having different responses to radiation is discussed as is the 'breakthrough phenomenon' described in the literature. It is concluded that neither cream should be used as first choice in the control of radiation dermatitis.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1979

Influence of the base on the results of clinical trials with topical corticosteroids.

A comparative trial between betamethasone valerate and halcinonide has shown the former to be superior, thus contradicting the results from other trials. It is thought that the discrepancy is due to differences in the nature of the preparations used in the various studies. It is suggested that note is made of the base used in trials before final conclusions about the efficicacy of steroids are made.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1979

Managing chronic skin conditions with two differing topical corticosteroids.

A study to demonstrate methods of using topical preparations to control chronic skin conditions is described. 25 patients with atopic eczema or psoriasis were followed for an average of 10 months. Both self-assessment using a diary card and clinical assessment were used to evaluate the treatment. The study shows that, when used correctly, topical corticosteroids can provide an effective means of controlling these intractable conditions without producing the side-effects associated with their misuse.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1977

Betamethasone valerate ointment compared with fluocinonide FAPG.

Betamethasone 0.1% as valerate in an ointment base and fluocinonide 0.05% in a fatty alcohol propylene glycol (FAPG) base have been compared in a double-blind trial of 76 patients with either eczema or psoriasis. The results show betamethasone valerate ointment to be significantly (P less than.05) superior to fluocinonide FAPG in the treatment of both these skin conditions. In the light of publications from other studies on betamethasone valerate cream this trial indicates that the ointment base considerably increases the efficacy of betamethasone valerate.

Betamethasone↗
PubMed1976

Measuring adrenal function in out-patients using topical corticosteroids.

A number of studies describing the effects on pituitary adrenal function of topically applied corticosteroids are reviewed. It is concluded that the adrenal function of the majority of out-patients is little affected by treatment with correctly prescribed topical corticosteroids. However, where patients need brief periods of treatment with large quantities of potent topical corticosteroids for extensive disease, clinicians should be aware of the possibility of transient adrenal suppression.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1975

Effect on adrenal function of topically applied clobetasol propionate (Dermovate).

Thirty-nine patients (15 outpatients and 24 inpatients) with a variety of skin diseases affecting variable areas of the body surface were treated with clobetasol propionate ointment (Dermovate). Before and after treatment the adrenal response to an intramuscular injection of tetracosactrin was rested and additional 9 am plasma cortisol levels were measured at intervals during treatment. A satisfactory initial therapeutic response was achieved in almost all cases during the trial period. When more than 50 g of ointment a week was used a significant number of patients developed adrenal suppression. WHen less than 50 g per week was used any suppression tended to be transtion. These cysts may be the cause of this condition, producing abnormal amounts of ovarian steroids which modify the pituitary response. Futher studies are needed, however, to determine this possibility.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1971

Antinociceptive activity of morphine after injection of biogenic amines in the cerebral ventricles of the conscious rat.

1. A simple cannula and a cannula guide for making injections into the cerebral ventricles of conscious rats are described.2. Intraventricular injections of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) or of noradrenaline (NA) were without effect on the nociceptive threshold of rats.3. Intraventricular injection of 5-HT potentiated the antinociceptive effect of morphine. Reserpine pretreatment antagonized the antinociceptive effect of morphine; this effect was reversed by intraventricular injection of 5-HT.4. Intraventricular injection of NA attenuated the antinociceptive action of morphine but was without effect on the inhibition by reserpine of the antinociceptive effect of morphine.5. Subcutaneous injection or slow intravenous infusion of either 5-HT or NA (up to 300 mug/rat) were without significant effect on the antinociceptive effects of morphine.6. Intraperitoneal administration of dopa increased the nociceptive threshold above normal, but reduced the antinociceptive effect of morphine. Intraventricular injection of either dopa or dopamine had no antinociceptive effect but inhibited that of morphine.7. It is suggested that the antinociceptive effect of morphine may depend on the balance between the concentrations of 5-HT and NA in the brain.

Animals↗