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Biomedical subjects

H C Williams

Publications and source records attributed to H C Williams.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Is the prevalence of atopic dermatitis increasing?

Several studies have suggested that the prevalence of atopic dermatitis has increased over the last three decades, and similar trends have been reported with asthma and hay fever. However, in common with other 'allergic' disease, the definition and measurement of atopic dermatitis in populations has been fraught with problems and has led to difficulties in separating any real changes in disease prevalence from secular changes in diagnosis. In this article, the evidence surrounding the claims of an increased prevalence of atopic dermatitis is examined, and possible reasons for such a change are suggested.

Data Collection↗
PubMed1991

Etretinate and AIDS-related Reiter's disease.

We report a case of a 34-year-old homosexual man who developed Reiter's disease with severe cutaneous and joint involvement shortly after he was diagnosed as having acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Therapy with potent topical steroids and oral methotrexate was ineffective, but etretinate at a dose of 0.75 mg/kg resulted in rapid clearing of the skin lesions and a marked improvement of his arthralgia.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1991

How do malignant melanomas present and does this correlate with the seven-point check-list?

A pigmented-lesion clinic was established in the skin department at King's College Hospital to coincide with the British public-education campaign on malignant melanoma. One-hundred cases of malignant melanoma have subsequently been seen and evaluated prospectively with regard to the usefulness of the Glasgow seven-point check-list as a guide to diagnosis. The most-frequently reported patient observations were growth of the lesion (74%) and change in its colour (53%) (especially darkening). However, 50% of the lesions were smaller in size than the 1 cm referred to in the check list and 15% were less than 0.5 cm. Itching was noted in 24% and bleeding and crusting were remarked upon in 18% of cases. Abnormal shape was noted in 20% of the patients. Inflammation was visible in only 11%. Seventy-three per cent of our patients had early lesions (less than 1.5 mm Breslow thickness) and nearly half presented at the insistence of their relatives or friends or because of the family doctor's incidental diagnosis. They stated they would not otherwise have attended the hospital and many had noticed nothing untoward even on direct questioning. Half of the patients scored less than three on the check list and 10 out of the 22 cases of nodular melanoma might not therefore have been referred to our clinic. The check list has subsequently been revised and now provides a more-sensitive guide.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Melanoma. Differences observed by general surgeons and dermatologists.

A retrospective review of 182 cutaneous melanomas seen at King's College Hospital from 1970 to 1987 showed that surgeons saw much thicker melanomas (median 3.64 mm) when compared to dermatologists (median 1.14 mm). Surgeons saw a greater proportion of nodular melanomas, less superficial spreading melanomas, were less likely to make the correct clinical diagnosis, and were more likely to perform wide excisions for thin melanomas (less than 2 mm) when compared to dermatologists. General surgeons see a different group of melanoma patients compared to dermatologists and manage them differently from dermatologists working with plastic surgeons. There is a need for a combined approach for the diagnosis and management of cutaneous melanoma between specialists.

Dermatology↗
PubMed1991

Successful use of topical vitamin E solution in the treatment of nail changes in yellow nail syndrome.

A double-blind controlled study was performed on a patient with long-standing yellow nail syndrome to investigate the potential beneficial role of topical vitamin E solution for the nail changes seen in this disorder. Three nails received active solution containing DL-alpha-tocopherol in dimethyl sulfoxide; three nails received dimethyl sulfoxide only; and the remainder were untreated. After 6 months of therapy, the three nails treated with active solution showed marked clinical improvement and a corresponding increase in nail growth rates. Dimethyl sulfoxide alone produced a small increase in nail growth rate and slight clinical improvement. Active solution was then applied to all of the nails for a further 6 months, resulting in clinical improvement and increased nail growth rates in the remaining nails. These beneficial effects require further study.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1990

Evaluation of public education campaigns in cutaneous melanoma: the King's College Hospital experience.

The effects of a public education campaign directed at earlier self-recognition of malignant melanoma were assessed at King's College Hospital by reviewing the pathology of all melanomas seen between 1970 and 1987. During the campaign years (1986 and 1987) the number of patients with melanomas nearly doubled, and there was an increase in the proportion of thin, good prognosis lesions, and a fall in the proportion and absolute number of thick lesions. Data from the earlier years showed that median melanoma thickness had been decreasing throughout the series, well before the introduction of the campaign. A greater proportion of tumours of the superficial spreading variety was seen and also an increase in patients below the age of 40. These findings suggest that the biological characteristics of melanomas might be changing in addition to increased public and professional awareness.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

FACE--facial Afro-Caribbean childhood eruption.

Five cases of a distinctive facial eruption in Afro-Caribbean children are described. Distinctive features include monomorphic papules that are confined to the face, especially around the mouth, eyelids and ears, its greater prevalence in black children, and its tendency to persist for several months before spontaneous resolution. The aetiology of this condition is unknown and its importance lies in reassuring patients of the benign and purely cutaneous nature of the eruption.

Child↗
PubMed1990

Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis. Detailed immunophenotyping confirms macrophage origin.

A case study of multicentric reticulohistiocytosis is presented with extensive immunohistochemical studies of the infiltrate in both paraffin and cryostat sections. These studies showed that the cells are of monocyte/macrophage origin. B- and T-cell gene rearrangement analysis of multicentric reticulohistiocytosis was also performed and showed a germline configuration.

Cell Line↗
PubMed1985

Intracranial teratoma associated with agenesis of the corpus callosum.

Several intracranial tumors are known to occur in conjunction with agenesis of the corpus callosum. We report the occurrence of a teratoma with callosal agenesis, an association not previously described, and suggest that the tumor's ventral location may serve to differentiate it from other lesions.

Adult↗