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Biomedical subjects

F P Flowers

Publications and source records attributed to F P Flowers.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Therapeutic alternatives in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

Mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome, collectively referred to as cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, are non-Hodgkin's lymphomas that initially appear in the skin. Early-stage disease, limited to the skin, is best treated with sequential topical therapies such as topical nitrogen mustard, psoralen phototherapy (PUVA), or total-skin electron beam therapy. Photopheresis is the first line of therapy for the patient with erythroderma. Systemic therapy is generally reserved for patients with refractory disease and patients who initially present with extracutaneous involvement. Although there are several treatment options for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, there have been few randomized comparative trials.

Combined Modality Therapy

The interferons and their use in condyloma acuminata.

There are three naturally occurring interferons: alfa, beta, and gamma. Alfa, derived from lymphoblastic tissue, is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of condyloma acuminata (genital or venereal warts). Genital warts are caused by human papillomaviruses, of which more than 50 subtypes have been described. Traditional therapies have centered on destruction of the lesions by either cytotoxic or physical modalities. Intralesional interferon exerts its antiviral effects on infected cells without causing damage to the surrounding tissue. In general, success rates with intralesional interferon alfa are comparable to traditional modalities. There is also evidence that interferon alfa might be particularly useful in the treatment of lesions that have failed to respond to other modalities.

Condylomata Acuminata

Patterns of prescribing isotretinoin: focus on women of childbearing potential.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objectives of this study were to determine how dermatologists currently prescribe isotretinoin and to determine if the potential for adverse effects, especially those affecting the fetus, has influenced dermatologists' prescribing patterns. DESIGN: A survey was mailed to 1618 dermatologists practicing in the US. The survey comprised 22 multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions about the use of isotretinoin. Eight weeks were allowed for completion and return of the survey. SETTING: The setting of the study included dermatologists in private practice, those with academic appointments, those in administration, and a few dermatologists in other pursuits. PARTICIPANTS: The membership roster of the American Academy of Dermatology served as the sampling frame from which survey recipients were drawn. After arranging the list by zip code, a sample of dermatologists was taken by systematically choosing every fifth name on the list, giving the researchers the total sample of 1618 physicians. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Questions were organized into the following sections: (1) practice status of respondent, (2) prescriber demographics, (3) influence of adverse effects on prescribing, (4) prescribing practices, (5) discontinuation of therapy, and (6) restriction of isotretinoin to dermatologists. The survey concluded by providing participants the opportunity to make further observations or comments. RESULTS: Of the 1618 surveys mailed, 670 usable responses were received (41.4 percent). Most respondents were in private practice. Data show that dermatologists were prescribing isotretinoin for indications other than those contained in the official labeling. Most physicians reported that they do perform a pregnancy test before prescribing the drug, and many require written informed consent before prescribing. Physicians report that, in general, their patients tolerate isotretinoin well. When therapy is discontinued, it is most often secondary to hypertriglyceridemia. Dermatologists believe that they should have sole authority for prescribing isotretinoin. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that there is still a need for emphasizing the limited indications for isotretinoin and a need for effective patient education for women of childbearing potential who may be prescribed this drug.

Abnormalities, Drug-Induced

Toxic epidermal necrolysis: a review.

This article reviews the many facets of toxic epidermal necrolysis. Emphasis is placed on the importance of early diagnosis, burn unit placement, supportive care, and avoidance of systemic steroids. Discussion also includes other therapeutic options and the pathophysiology of the disease.

Humans

Reactional states in Hansen's disease: practical aspects of emergency management.

Hansen's disease (leprosy), though not a common condition in the United States, can be found in some localities among patients who come to the emergency room for treatment. Hansen's disease (HD) is a chronic systemic infectious granulomatous disease involving principally the skin, mucosa, nerves, and eyes. The causative organism, Mycobacterium leprae, is neither highly contagious nor aggressive, but rapid alterations in the immunologic response to M leprae in affected tissues can result in acute exacerbations termed "reactions." Since most of the symptoms and morbidity in HD are a consequence of these reactional states, they must be recognized and treated early to prevent permanent sequelae, especially neurologic and ophthalmologic. Drug therapy, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery all play a role in minimizing the injury caused by reactions.

Emergency Medical Services

Proliferating trichilemmal tumor: report of a case and review of the literature.

The authors report a case of proliferating trichilemmal tumor and review the related literature. Although considered biologically benign, malignant proliferating trichilemmal tumor have been reported. The authors emphasize the importance of recognizing that the tumors can occur in individuals in their 20s and 30s, and that the tumors should be excised with a margin of normal tissue. Routine follow-up is recommended.

Adult

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type III: case report and review.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type III (MEN 3), also known as MEN 2b, is a syndrome that may be recognized at a young age by its characteristic numerous mucosal neuromas and marfanoid habitus. These features are generally evident before the development of medullary thyroid carcinoma and pheochromocytoma, allowing for early diagnosis and intervention. Much has been learned recently in this regard to reduce morbidity and mortality. In addition, periodic screening of first-degree relatives of patients with MEN 3 has proved effective in detecting familial cases. Finally, new findings have been made regarding the etiology of MEN 3, with potentially wide-ranging implications.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms

Griseofulvin: a new look at an old drug.

Griseofulvin is the oral antifungal agent of choice for the treatment of dermatophytoses. This article reviews the history, pharmacokinetics, adverse reactions, and traditional therapeutic applications of griseofulvin. In addition, reports since 1960 of the use of the drug in the treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon, progressive systemic sclerosis, lichen planus, mycosis fungoides, herpes zoster, eosinophilic fasciitis, and molluscum contagiosum are discussed, noting the varying degree of therapeutic success.

Animals

Pemphigoid-like bullous eruption related to ibuprofen.

We report two patients who had a bullous eruption limited to the lower extremities when first seen by us. Clinically the eruption resembled limited bullous pemphigoid. In both patients the onset of the eruption was associated with ibuprofen therapy, and lesions promptly resolved after discontinuing the ibuprofen. This type of presentation has not been reported previously as an adverse effect of ibuprofen. Bullous reactions to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents are briefly reviewed.

Aged

Phenytoin hypersensitivity syndrome.

The clinical manifestations of the phenytoin hypersensitivity syndrome are reviewed. The main symptoms of cutaneous eruptions, hepatitis, lymphadenopathy, as well as other manifestations, are described and discussed. Proposed theories as to the specific etiology of the syndrome are outlined. Finally, the review discusses the course, prognosis, and potential complications of the syndrome along with suggested therapeutic approaches.

Aged

Generic equivalence of dermatologic products. How equivalent is equivalent?

More and more pharmaceutical products are becoming available under the generic designation as patents for their brand-name counterparts expire. Although some generic products are exact duplicates of the brand-name drug, others may vary with regard to their inactive ingredients or in other ways. Sometimes these allowable variations in product formulation are clinically significant for certain individuals. Therefore it is important for both the prescriber and the dispenser of medication to recognize potential differences in marketed products so that a truly equivalent preparation can be provided when a generic substitution is made. This article chronicles a case in which miscommunication and noncommunication led to the suboptimal treatment of a skin disease with a generic "equivalent." Suggestions are made for improving interprofessional communication so that the patient's needs are served to the maximum degree.

Chemical Phenomena