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Biomedical subjects

D Ben-Amitai

Publications and source records attributed to D Ben-Amitai.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

In vitro cytokine profile in childhood alopecia areata and the immunomodulatory effects of AS-101.

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of AS-101, a known immunomodulator, on the pattern of cytokine production in children with patchy alopecia areata (PAA). Ten previously untreated children with PAA were compared to 10 healthy age- and sex-matched controls. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from all participants. Unstimulated and phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated PBMC were tested with and without the addition of AS-101. The production of interferon gamma (IFNgamma), soluble interleukin (IL)-2 receptor (IL-2R), IL-10, IL-5 and IL-6 was determined. The levels of soluble IL-2R, IL-5 and IL-6 were significantly higher in the PAA patients than the controls. AS-101 inhibited the production of IL-10, IFNgamma, IL-2R and IL-5 in both PAA patients and controls, but there was a greater inhibitory effect in children with PAA.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Laron syndrome (primary growth hormone insensitivity): a unique model to explore the effect of insulin-like growth factor 1 deficiency on human hair.

BACKGROUND: Classical Laron syndrome is a recessive disease of primary insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) deficiency and primary growth hormone insensitivity. Affected children have, among other defects, sparse hair growth and frontal recessions. The hair is thin and easy to pluck. Young adults have various degrees of alopecia, more pronounced in males. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of primary IGF-1 deficiency on hair structure. The study sample included 11 patients with Laron syndrome--5 children (2 untreated) and 6 adults (5 untreated). Hairs were examined by light and electron microscopy. RESULTS: The most significant structured defect, pili torti et canaliculi, was found in 2 young, untreated patients. Grooving, tapered hair and trichorrhexis nodosa were found in the remainder. IGF-1-treated patients had either none or significantly fewer pathological changes compared to the untreated patients. CONCLUSION: This is the first documentation of the role of primary IGF-1 deficiency on hair structure in human beings.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Handwashing patterns in two dermatology clinics.

BACKGROUND: The hands of health care workers are a major source of nosocomial infection. Studies conducted mainly in intensive-care units and emergency departments have shown low compliance with hand hygiene recommendation. OBJECTIVE: To study hand hygiene practices in outpatient dermatology clinics in Israel. METHODS: The fingers of 13 dermatologist physicians were sampled for bacterial cultures and their hand hygiene practices were monitored by two observers. In addition, 51 dermatologists attending a professional conference completed a questionnaire on hand hygiene practice. RESULTS: All the physicians' hands were found to be contaminated. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in 9 cases (69.2%), a methicillin-resistant S. aureus in 1 (7.7%). Monitoring revealed 555 opportunities for handwashing; the average compliance was 31.4%. In the questionnaire, the main reasons given for poor hand hygiene were excessive work schedule (58%), lack of awareness (35.3%), reaction to disinfectants (17.7%) and lack of readily available facilities (15.7%). CONCLUSION: The hands of dermatologists are frequently colonized with microbial pathogens, but compliance with hand hygiene practice recommendations is low, despite a fairly high awareness of the importance. An active educational infection control program should be introduced in dermatology clinics.

Ambulatory Care Facilities↗
PubMed2002

[The current approach to hemangiomas and vascular malformations of the head and neck].

Though most hemangiomas do not need treatment, a significant minority are associated with complications and external deformities that demand intervention. Steroids play an important role in therapy, but not infrequently afford only partial and temporary benefit. Thanks to improvements in the surgical approach and equipment, hemostasis control devices and laser techniques, we can now treat patients who would otherwise go untreated. Moreover, in certain cases, we can now recommend earlier intervention, saving patients from years of living with deformities and the concomitant psychosocial problems. Vascular anomalies of the head and neck include venular, venous and arteriovenous malformations. These lesions are slow growing vascular ectasia that never involute spontaneously and almost always require intervention. Treatment includes laser therapy, injection of sclerosing agents, embolization through angiography and surgery, which in many cases is the only definitive treatment. We present the current treatment approach and describe our experience in the treatment of 16 patients.

Blood Vessels↗
PubMed2001

Idiopathic palmoplantar eccrine hidradenitis in children.

Idiopathic palmoplantar eccrine hidradenitis (IPPH) is a recently described disorder characterized by painful erythematous plantar nodules and in three cases, showed a typical neutrophilic infiltrate around and within the eccrine sweat apparatus. Five cases of IPPH on the soles of the feet in healthy children are reported. The disorder presented after intense physical activity in four cases. The course was benign and self-limiting. Complete bed rest for several days without any medical therapy led to alleviation of the pain and disappearance of all the lesions. Conclusion. Idiopathic palmoplantar eccrine hidradenitis may be more common than reported. Paediatricians should be aware of it in order to avoid unnecessary diagnostic tests and treatments.

Chilblains↗
PubMed2001

Cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita and hypospadias: report of 4 cases.

Cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita (CMTC) is an uncommon sporadic congenital vascular anomaly. Of the 111 patients with CMTC examined in our clinic during the past 25 years, 4 were found to have hypospadias. All cases were sporadic. Although CMTC has been associated with various abnormalities, to our knowledge there are no reports in the literature of concurrent hypospadias.

Humans↗
PubMed2000

Carbamazepine-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome treated with IV steroids and IVIG.

A 17-year-old female is presented who developed antiepileptic drug hypersensitivity syndrome after treatment with carbamazepine. The initial diagnoses were idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and toxic shock syndrome. The patient was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin and intravenous steroids. After a severe climax on days 2-4 she recovered completely and was discharged on the eighth day of hospitalization. Although we do not have direct proof, we believe that these treatment modalities, especially the IVIG, shortened and ameliorated the clinical course of the disease.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Plantar hidradenitis in children induced by exposure to wet footwear.

Painful erythematous papules and nodules involving either the palms of the hands, or, more commonly, the soles of the feet, characterize palmoplantar eccrine hidradenitis or palmoplantar hidradenitis (PH). The younger pediatric population is predominately affected. Histologically, the eccrine gland apparatus is the target of inflammatory neutrophilic infiltrates. This entity has been reported under a variety of names, including traumatic plantar urticaria, neutrophilic eccrine hidradenitis, plantar erythema nodosum, and idiopathic recurrent palmoplantar hidradenitis. All are essentially the same process, described in different forms. Despite the growing number of reported cases, the pathogenesis remains obscure. We present four children with PH of the soles of the feet, who shared a common recent history of exposure to cold, damp, footwear. The temporal relationship between exposure to dampness and cold and the appearance of the skin lesions suggest a possible pathogenetic mechanism.

Child↗
PubMed2000

Toxic epidermal necrolysis associated with acetaminophen ingestion.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) associated with acetaminophen ingestion. SUMMARY: A seven-year-old girl developed TEN after acetaminophen ingestion. The diagnosis was based on clinical evaluation and skin biopsy. A later acetaminophen challenge, undertaken by an allergist who questioned the diagnosis, resulted in a similar skin reaction. DISCUSSION: TEN is a severe disease with a high mortality rate. TEN may be either idiopathic or associated with several clinical conditions, such as viral infections, autoimmune disorders, malignancy, and drug hypersensitivity. Because of the rarity of its association with acetaminophen, the diagnosis in our patient was questioned by an allergist who performed an oral acetaminophen rechallenge test despite the potential risk. This caused a severe skin reaction that required rehospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: TEN can be caused by over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen. Rechallenge with the causative drug carries a risk of severe complications and should be avoided.

Acetaminophen↗
PubMed1999

Efficacy of topical application of eosin compared with zinc oxide paste and corticosteroid cream for diaper dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Corticosteroids, zinc paste and eosin 2% are well-known topical agents for the treatment of moderate to severe diaper dermatitis. Among these treatments, the aqueous solution of eosin 2% is extensively used in several European countries, but not in the USA or Israel. OBJECTIVE: To assess the therapeutic efficacy of eosin 2% solution compared to the other treatment modalities for diaper dermatitis. METHODS: Fifty-four infants with diaper dermatitis, recruited from hospital wards and community clinics, were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: zinc oxide paste (containing allantoin 0.5%, cod liver oil 17% and zinc oxide 47epercnt;); clobetasone butyrate 0.05%, and aqueous solution of eosin 2%. The severity of the disorder was graded on a 6-point scale by observation and quantitative measurement of the lesions. The groups were compared for rates and time to heal. Due to the red color of eosin, a double-blind controlled study was impossible. RESULTS: Following 5 days of treatment, the rate of complete healing in the group treated with eosin (61%) was significantly higher (p = 0.0479) than that in the zinc oxide paste and corticosteroid groups (22 and 33%, respectively). Furthermore, in cases of partial healing, the degree of improvement was higher in the eosin group than the other two (p = 0.0205). The fastest improvement was observed in the group treated with corticosteroid cream. CONCLUSION: Considering the potential hazards of topical corticosteroids and the greater overall efficacy of eosin 2% solution, we suggest that eosin is the preferred treatment for diaper dermatitis.

Administration, Cutaneous↗
PubMed1998

Cutaneous ulceration: an unusual sign of methotrexate toxicity--first report in a patient without psoriasis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of skin ulcer related to methotrexate toxicity. CASE SUMMARY: A 67-year-old white man with seronegative arthralgia developed recurrent skin ulcer concurrent with 3-year treatment with methotrexate 5 mg daily. The skin ulcer resolved on discontinuation of methotrexate. DISCUSSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of skin ulcer believed to be induced by methotrexate in a patient without psoriasis. CONCLUSIONS: Skin ulceration should be added to the list of possible toxic adverse effects of methotrexate, not only in psoriatic patients but also in those without psoriasis.

Aged↗
PubMed1994

The efficacy of combined treatment with prednisone and cyclosporine in patients with pemphigus: preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Cyclosporine, a potent immunosuppressive drug, has been suggested to be beneficial in the treatment of some immune-mediated dermatoses, including pemphigus. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined treatment with prednisone and cyclosporine compared with prednisone alone in patients with pemphigus. METHODS: Sixteen hospitalized patients with pemphigus vulgaris received combined treatment with cyclosporine and prednisone for 12 months. Cyclosporine and prednisone were given orally at an initial dose of 5 mg/kg/day and 60 to 80 mg/day, respectively. The cyclosporine dose was adjusted to obtain plasma levels of 100 to 150 ng/L. A historical control group was composed of 15 patients with pemphigus who received prednisone at an initial dose of 120 mg/day, which was decreased according to clinical response. The clinical response, serum titer of autoantibodies, and frequency of side effects during a 1-year follow-up period were evaluated and compared. RESULTS: The 16 patients in the combined therapy group achieved clinical remission within 25 days or less, a shorter period than for the control group, although the difference was not statistically significant. New blister formation ceased after a mean of 11.1 +/- 7.9 days of onset of treatment in the combined treatment group versus 20.5 +/- 12 days in the control group (p = 0.004). Hospital stay was shorter in the combined treatment group (mean, 32.6 +/- 12.5 days) than in the control group (mean, 50.7 +/- 17.1 days; p = 0.003).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Administration, Oral↗