Biomedical subjects

Carlos Serra-Guillén

Publications and source records attributed to Carlos Serra-Guillén.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

[Photodynamic therapy in dermatology].

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a therapeutic modality based on the photooxidation of biological materials induced by a photosensitizer, which selectively locates itself in certain tumorous cells or tissues, so that when illuminated by a light of the right length and at a sufficient dose, these cells are destroyed. In dermatology, PDT with topical 5-aminolevulinic acid or 5-methyl aminolevulinate is very effective in the treatment of actinic keratoses, basal cell carcinomas and Bowen's disease. In addition, very promising results have been obtained in inflammatory pathologies like morphea or sarcoidosis, infections like warts, and cosmetic processes such as photoaging, among others. This article reviews the most significant aspects of PDT in dermatology. First of all, we will review the basic fundamentals of photodynamic treatment. Next, we will outline its clinical applications in dermatology, both in oncological applications and all those dermatological processes in which PDT may play a role in their management. We will also discuss its promising cosmetic application in the treatment of photoaging. We will complete the review with photodiagnosis and the different non-invasive ways to monitor the effectiveness of PDT.

Aminolevulinic Acid↗

PubMed2006

[Extravasation of cytostatic agents: a serious complication of oncological treatment].

The extravasation of cytostatic agents is a known, serious situation that can easily occur and cause chronic, irreversible damage. The incidence of extravasation ranges from 0.1 %-6.5 %, according to different studies. Many cases of extravasation can be prevented by systematizing the administration techniques for cytostatic agents. We present the clinical and histological characteristics of a series of patients with extravasation lesions. Included in the study were all patients treated with chemotherapy who developed localized lesions in the area of the cytostatic injection after extravasation was detected during administration. The patients were studied and followed up for a three-year period, from January 2000 to December 2003, inclusive. We found nine cases of extravasation among the 2,186 patients who were treated with chemotherapy, which represents an incidence of 0.41 %, and 3.4 % of all chemotherapy-induced skin lesions. The cytostatic agent most often involved was vinorelbine, and the most frequent location was the antecubital fossa. The intensity of the lesions made it necessary to delay the next cycle of treatment in 55 % of the cases. The histological findings varied depending on when the biopsy was done, showing panniculitis with low cellularity together with epidermal lesions attributable to direct cytotoxicity. The best treatment for extravasation is prevention, but when it has already occurred, measures vary depending on the cytostatic drug extravasated and the intensity of the lesions. Conservative measures are advisable before surgery.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

[Multiple post-chemotherapy plantar nevi].

The induction of multiple melanocytic nevi in children after chemotherapy has been documented in the literature. This situation apparently has more to do with the state of immunosuppression that is produced than with any specific agent used. We present the case of a 12-year-old girl who presented with multiple plantar melanocytic nevi after multidrug chemotherapy for acute lymphocytic leukemia. None of the lesions showed any alarming clinical signs. Although the degeneration of post-chemotherapy melanocytic nevi to melanoma has not been documented in any of the cases described, the presence of a high number of melanocytic nevi is an accepted risk factor for melanoma; thus, close clinical follow-up of these patients seems advisable.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

PubMed2006

[Netherton syndrome].

Netherton syndrome is a rare disease inherited as an autosomal recessive trait due to mutations in the SPINK5 gene. It is characterized by the triad of ichthyosiform dermatosis, alterations of the hair shaft and immunological disorders. We present the case of a 12-year-old girl with the triad of ichthyosis linearis circumflexa, trichorrhexis invaginata and atopic dermatitis, characteristic of Netherton syndrome.

Carrier Proteins↗

PubMed2004

Thickness of healthy and affected skin of children with port wine stains: potential repercussions on response to pulsed dye laser treatment.

BACKGROUND: Response of port wine stain to pulsed dye laser therapy is variable and dependent on treatment settings used and anatomic site as well as on size and depth of ectatic vessels. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to evaluate skin thickness in different anatomic areas and in port wine stain to thus assess its possible role in the response to pulsed dye laser. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one children with port wine stain underwent high-frequency ultrasound evaluation (20 MHz). Eighteen unaffected areas were considered in each patient and an additional measure was taken from the symmetric affected skin when present (50 areas). RESULTS: Skin was thicker in the centrofacial area, dermatome V1 (followed by dermatome V2, dermatome V3, and dermatomes C1-2), and with increasing age. No substantial difference between affected and symmetric nonaffected skin was found. CONCLUSION: Thicker cutaneous areas fit with those that typically respond worse to pulsed dye laser. Differences in skin thickness related to age support the fact that better responses are achieved in younger patients.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[50-year case of lupus vulgaris].

Lupus vulgaris is the most frequent form of cutaneous tuberculosis in industrialized countries. It is a chronic and benign form of cutaneous tuberculosis that usually occurs in patients previously sensitized to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The histopathological study shows tuberculoid granulomas that usually contain Langhans-type giant cells. Caseous necrosis is not normally found. The culture is negative in most patients. On the other hand, the Mantoux test is usually highly positive. We present the case of a 58-year-old male who developed lupus vulgaris on the left cheek over a nine-year period, and who had another similar lesion on the edge of a residual scar on the left forearm from a probable scrofuloderma suffered during childhood.

Humans↗