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Biomedical subjects

F Lawlor

Publications and source records attributed to F Lawlor.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

The significance of cutaneous spider naevi in children.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous spider naevi are commonly considered to be a clinical sign of chronic liver disease. Little is known about their occurrence in children. AIM: To evaluate the occurrence of spider naevi in children with and without liver disease. METHODS: The presence of spider naevi was investigated in 460 children, 34 of whom had chronic liver disease. RESULTS: Of children without liver involvement, 38% had at least one spider naevus. The prevalence of spider naevi increased with age. Of control patients aged 5 to 15 years, 2.5% had more than five spiders present. Although eight of 10 children with cirrhosis had at least one spider naevus, only four of 34 children with chronic liver disease had five or more spiders present. Most spiders were on the hands and very few were >5 mm in size. CONCLUSIONS: Children with liver disease rarely have large numbers of spider naevi. Although the finding of five or more spider naevi is more common in liver disease, many normal children also have one or more of these lesions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Old fashioned sodium bicarbonate baths for the treatment of psoriasis in the era of futuristic biologics: an old ally to be rescued.

BACKGROUND: For centuries, medicated baths have been one of the first lines of treatment for psoriasis. Even today, with sophisticated immunosuppressive treatments available, Dead Sea salts and spa waters are recognized to be beneficial in the management of psoriatic patients. OBJECTIVE: To assess statistically the efficacy of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) baths in psoriasis patients. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with mild-moderate psoriasis were admitted to this study; Nineteen patients were treated with sodium bicarbonate baths and compared with twelve patients who were administered a placebo. Assessments were made on days 0 and 21. RESULTS: Almost all patients who used NaHCO3 reported a statistically valuable improvement. NaHCO3 baths reduced itchiness and irritation; in general, the patients themselves recognized a beneficial impact on their psoriasis, so much so that they have continued to bathe in NaHCO3 even after the end of the study. CONCLUSION: We maintain that even with sophisticated immunosuppressive and highly specific anti-cytokine and anti-chemokines treatments available for the treatment of psoriasis, an older and often forgotten treatment can still play a role.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

An audit of the use of self-administered adrenaline syringes in patients with angio-oedema.

BACKGROUND: Self-administered adrenaline syringes may be prescribed for patients at risk of life-threatening episodes of angio-oedema or anaphylaxis. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether patients are able to use these syringes appropriately and adequately. METHODS: Twenty-nine consecutive patients who had been prescribed self-administered adrenaline syringes for severe angio-oedema were recruited. All completed a questionnaire (unsupervised), and were asked to demonstrate how to use a dummy syringe. RESULTS: Three of 29 (10%) patients had been prescribed syringes in the absence of severe angio-oedema or collapse. Seventeen of 29 (59%) patients had been prescribed two syringes, and 21 of 29 (72%) kept a syringe with them at all times. Twenty of 28 (71%) patients had had the use of a syringe demonstrated to them with the initial prescription, but two of 29 (7%) had never been shown how to use it. Only six of 26 (23%) patients had been told to telephone for an ambulance after using a syringe. Only seven of 29 (24%) patients would use a syringe for an episode of collapse, whereas eight of 28 (29%) would use one for an episode of lip swelling. Nine of 21 (43%) patients had not been warned about adverse effects, although 13 of 20 (65%) given adrenaline had had at least one adverse effect. Of the 25 patients asked to demonstrate their use of a syringe, only 14 (56%) were able to perform all steps correctly, and three (12%) were unable to perform any of the steps. Despite this, all 29 patients felt confident about giving themselves an injection, and most felt more secure having been prescribed syringes. CONCLUSIONS: As self-administered adrenaline syringes are prescribed for life-threatening events, it is vital that they are given to appropriate patients with adequate written instructions and proper demonstration at the time of the initial prescription. As a result of this study we have developed a more detailed patient information leaflet, and all patients are shown how to use a syringe for a second time when attending the clinic for follow-up.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Cryptosporidium parvum in environmental samples in the Sligo area, Republic of Ireland: a preliminary report.

To detect Cryptosporidium in environmental specimens in the Republic of Ireland, grab samples of river water were prepared by calcium carbonate flocculation, and marine mussel tissue homogenated prior to testing with a fluorescently labelled monoclonal antibody and fluorescence microscopy. The parasite was detected in both river waters and marine mussels (Mytilus edulis). Filter feeders such as Mytilus edulis may be of value as biological monitors for the presence of cryptosporidial oocysts in sea water. The presence of Cryptosporidium in river and marine waters and, in particular, contaminating mussels used for human consumption, has obvious health implications.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

The impact of chronic urticaria on the quality of life.

The impact of chronic urticaria (CU) on the quality of life is undocumented. We assessed quality of life in patients with CU, including patients with associated delayed pressure urticaria (DPU). One hundred and forty-two out-patients completed self-administered questionnaires: a disease-specific, purpose designed questionnaire, and the Nottingham health profile (NHP). Many patients reported problems attributable to their skin condition in facets of everyday life including home management, personal care, recreation and social interaction, mobility, emotional factors, sleep, rest and work. The NHP part I scores showed restriction in the areas of mobility, sleep, energy, and demonstrated pain, social isolation and altered emotional reactions. Part II of the NHP showed that patients experienced difficulties in relation to work, looking after the home, social life, home relationships, sex life, hobbies and holidays. The patients with DPU had significantly more problems with mobility, gardening and choice of clothing than the uncomplicated CU patients. They also suffered more pain, had more problems with work and were more restricted in their hobbies.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1995

Reticulate acropigmentation of Dohi.

Two cases of reticulate acropigmentation of Dohi are reported, both patients demonstrating the typical features of this disorder. Reticulate acropigmentation of Dohi (dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria or symmetrical dyschromatosis of the extremities) is characterized by pigmented and depigmented macules mixed in a reticulate pattern on the extremities. It was first described in 12 patients from Japan, where it appears to be a well-established condition. Patients have been reported from Europe and a family from India has recently been described. We report two cases of reticulate acropigmentation of Dohi occurring in an Afro-Caribbean and an Indian patient, in order to alert clinicians to the possibility that this disorder may present in the UK.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Platelet activating factor, lyso-platelet activating factor and arachidonic acid release in normal human skin and the influence of topical steroid treatment.

1. Previous, in vitro, studies have established the synthesis of platelet activating factor (PAF) by the 're-modelling' pathways in which the activation of a phospholipase A2 (PLA2) enzyme catalyses the hydrolysis of an ether-acyl-phosphocholine to give concomitant release of lyso-PAF, the immediate precursor of PAF, and arachidonic acid, the precursor of the icosanoids. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between PAF and eicosanoid release in human skin, and to study the effect of treatment of skin with a topical steroid, on the release of PAF, lyso-PAF and arachidonic acid. 2. A novel assay procedure was developed for the simultaneous assay of PAF and lyso-PAF in skin exudates from abrasions and suction blisters in normal human skin. In addition we assayed arachidonic acid and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a representative eicosanoid. 3. The mean amounts of mediator recovered in the first 30 min period following abrasion were PAF 0.43, lyso-PAF 11.9, PGE2 25.7 and arachidonic acid 760 pmol/sample. The molar ratio of PAF:lyso-PAF:arachidonic acid in skin exudates from abrasions was 1:30:1800 and in suction blister exudates was 1:90:3660. 4. Time course studies showed a decline in the recoveries of arachidonic acid and lyso-PAF, of about 50% in 2 h. In contrast, PAF was recovered in exudates at a constant rate over 2 h but PGE2 release decreased by more than 90% after the initial 30 min period. 5. Topical application under occlusion, of 0.05% clobetasol propionate, a potent corticosteroid, significantly reduced lyso-PAF by 30% in suction blister exudates but did not significantly alter the concentrations of PAF or arachidonic acid.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1993

Increased interleukin 6, but reduced interleukin 1, in delayed pressure urticaria.

Interleukin 1 (IL-1) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were measured by bioassays in suction-blister exudates from lesional skin, from skin immediately following a pressure challenge, and from control skin (not subjected to pressure) of patients with delayed pressure urticaria. IL-6 activity in lesional exudates was significantly higher than in exudates from the other two sites. IL-1 activity in lesional exudates was not significantly higher than in the control exudates, but significantly less IL-1 activity was found immediately after pressure challenge than from the control site.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Angioedema: manifestations and management.

Angioedema is characterized by localized swelling of sudden onset affecting the skin and/or mucous membranes. It can be classified into hereditary and acquired forms. Hereditary angioedema is a rare disease inherited as an autosomal dominant trait and caused by a deficiency of C1-esterase inhibitor. Acute attacks are life threatening and cannot be managed by antihistamines, corticosteroids, or adrenergic drugs. Prophylactic therapy is possible with danazol or stanozolol. Acquired angioedema includes nonhereditary C1-esterase inhibitor deficiency; idiopathic, allergic, and drug-induced forms; angioedema associated with lupus erythematosus and hypereosinophilia; and angioedema caused by physical stimuli. Treatment of these forms of angioedema depends on identifying and avoiding the cause, induction of tolerance, or symptomatic treatment with systemic antihistamines.

Angioedema↗
PubMed1991

Immediate-pressure urticaria--a distinct disorder.

We report a patient who has an immediate wealing response to pressure in the absence of symptomatic dermographism, which we designate 'immediate-pressure urticaria'. Our patient also suffered from cholinergic urticaria and chronic idiopathic urticaria in the past, demonstrating the clustering of urticarias which frequently occurs.

Female↗
PubMed1990

Skin exudate levels of interleukin 6, interleukin 1 and other cytokines in mycosis fungoides.

The role of locally released cytokines in inducing lymphocyte activation and infiltration in the skin lesions of mycosis fungoides has been investigated. The levels of selected cytokines were measured in chamber fluid samples from lesional and control skin. Biologically active interleukin 6 was significantly elevated in lesional samples and a recombinant form of this cytokine was shown to induce lymphocyte migration in an in vitro assay. Biologically active interleukin 1 was detected in all control chamber fluid samples. Significantly reduced levels of this cytokine were present in lesional samples, which may be the result of the release of preformed material. Interleukin 2 and tumour necrosis factor activity, and gamma interferon and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor immunoreactivity, were not detectable in any of the samples. Interleukins 1 and 6 may play a role in the pathogenesis of the lesional lymphocyte infiltrates in mycosis fungoides.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[The development of recent strategies in the treatment of urticaria as a result of clinically oriented research].

New therapeutic approaches in urticaria are presented with special respect to chronic and physical types including symptomatic dermographism, cholinergic urticaria, pressure and solar urticaria as well as vibratory angioedema. Clinical efficacies of several antihistamines (clemastine, astemizole, terfenadine, acrivastine, hydroxyzine, cimetidine), of ketotifen as a H1 receptor antagonist and mast cell stabilizer, of tricyclic antidepressant doxepin with H1 and H2 antagonist properties, of the calcium channel antagonist nifedipine, of topical corticosteroids and of the attenuated androgen danazol are presented. The data are specified by a detailed description of the design and particular conditions of the underlying study protocols.

Angioedema↗