PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

F Heule

Publications and source records attributed to F Heule.

33 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

An oral approach to the treatment of photodamaged skin: a pilot study.

In recent publications much attention has focused on skin changes as a consequence of ageing. During life many internal and external factors have an influence on the condition of the skin but ultraviolet radiation seems to be a major factor in both benign and malignant alterations. To retard the deterioration process, more than cosmetic concern is necessary. In a pilot study, a fish protein product is shown to have the capacity to ameliorate, both objectively and subjectively, the symptoms of photo-aged skin. Recommendations are made for further evaluation.

Adult↗

Non-von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis resembling a giant pigmented nevus.

We report the case of a 30-year-old female patient with non-von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis. In our opinion it does not fit within a system of classification recently described. Clinically, the abnormality resembled a giant pigmented nevus; however, light- and electron microscopy findings were consistent with those of a neurofibroma. No other symptoms of classic neurofibromatosis or other diseases were present. The family history showed no evidence of neurofibromatosis. To the best of our knowledge this manifestation of non-von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis has not been previously described. The cause and the inheritance pattern of this variant are not clear.

Adult↗

Low-dose cyclosporin A in severe psoriasis. A double-blind study.

Twenty patients with severe plaque psoriasis were selected to receive either low-dose cyclosporin A (CyA) or placebo (CyA vehicle) in a double-blind randomized trial at two centres. Within 4 weeks the mean reduction in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) in 10 patients receiving CyA (mean dose 5.5 mg/kg/day) differed significantly from the mean reduction in 10 patients receiving placebo. In eight patients given placebo a switch to CyA therapy resulted within 4 weeks in a mean reduction in PASI of 90%. In a total 15 out of 18 patients given CyA (83%) (mean dose 5.6 mg/kg/day) there was an improvement of greater than or equal to 75% in PASI within 4 weeks. In a 2-month tapering off phase a lower mean CyA dose (3 mg/kg/day) was effective in maintaining the reduced PASI scores in seven of nine patients. Four out of five CyA treated patients who entered a post-treatment observation phase had a relapse (PASI score greater than or equal to 50% of score at baseline) after a mean interval of 6.5 weeks. The most important side-effects were mild reversible hypertension in 5 of 18 patients (28%), and reversible elevated serum creatinine levels in 7 of 18 patients (39%). We consider that further studies are justified in severe chronic psoriasis to establish suitable regimens for maintenance of remission in psoriasis with low-doses of CyA or a combination of CyA with other anti-psoriatic agents.

Adult↗

Elastosis perforans serpiginosa: clinical, histomorphological and immunological studies.

In two cases of elastosis perforans serpiginosa (EPS) new clinical and laboratory data are described and discussed. In Case 1, EPS was triggered by penicillamine-D within an unusually short period (about one year). In Case 2, EPS was apparently primarily triggered by a vena puncture. In both cases the light and electron microscopic findings were strictly compatible with EPS. These findings are summarized. In the active lesions of both cases increased numbers of helper T-cells and Langerhans cells were shown, while cytotoxic-suppressor T-cells were nearly completely absent. Leu 3a+ cells and Leu 6+ cells were also present in the inactive central area of the lesions. The data presented may cast doubt on the relationship of immunological findings to pathogenetic events in the disease.

Adult↗

Sensitization to methylenedianiline and para-structures.

A toxic-allergic skin reaction of the face, neck and arms due to accidental contact with methylenedianiline (syn: 4-4'-diaminodiphenylmethane) is reported in a cleaner at a chemical plant. Patch tests revealed sensitization to chemicals of the para-group. Earlier exposure to it was unlikely. Previous sensitization to related chemicals and possible cross-sensitization was considered to be the primary cause of the allergy and the clinical manifestations.

Adult↗

Subepidermal bullous autoimmune disease associated with immune nephritis. Immunomorphologic studies.

There are only a few reports of the association of immune-complex glomerulonephritis with bullous pemphigoid. The occurrence of immune-complex nephritis with linear IgA bullous disease has not been previously reported. We report two cases, one a case of bullous pemphigoid and the other a case of linear IgA bullous disease, both of which were associated with immune-complex glomerulonephritis. The clinical and immunomorphologic data are briefly discussed.

Adult↗

Short-term use of cyclosporin A in severe psoriasis.

The effectiveness of cyclosporin A (CyA) in low dosages (mean 5 mg/kg/day) for short-term treatment of severe psoriasis was studied. Of five patients with severe progressive psoriasis vulgaris (mean PASI score 43.8), an almost complete remission in three patients, and a large reduction in PASI score in the remaining two patients, was obtained within 4 weeks. No important clinical side-effects were found but there was biochemical evidence of slight renal dysfunction in one patient. The mean percentage reduction in the PASI score was 84%. It was concluded that the results reported justify further study of the use of CyA in the treatment of severe psoriasis.

Adult↗

Use of cyclosporin in psoriasis.

In the treatment of severe psoriasis, cyclosporin may achieve improvement or remission at low doses, but relapse usually occurs on withdrawal of treatment. An initial dose of 3 mg/kg per day is recommended. Complete remission should not be the objective, and the role of long-term maintenance cyclosporin therapy is uncertain because of potential side-effects--especially nephrotoxicity, hypertension, and a predisposition to malignancy. Guidelines are proposed for the assessment of such treatment.

Cyclosporins↗