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J Hafner

Publications and source records attributed to J Hafner.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa.

Here we present two characteristic cases of cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa (cutaneous PAN). Cutaneous PAN is characterized by a chronic relapsing benign course over many years. In its mild form it presents with live-do and multiple painful nodular skin lesions mainly of the legs. In its more severe form painful skin ulcerations occur that are often accompanied by discrete polyneuropathy. Progression to systemic PAN is the exception. Only the more severe kinds of cutaneous PAN require a low-dose immuno-suppression. Assessment and treatment of cutaneous PAN are discussed.

Aged↗

Influence of leukotrienes on in vitro growth of human mammary carcinoma cell line MCF-7.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work was to study the action of leukotrienes on the growth of human mammary cancer cells MCF-7. STUDY DESIGN: The growth of the cells was measured by incorporation of 3H-thymidine. The action of leukotriene (LT)B4, LTD4, LTC4, LTE4 or arachidonate (AA) was tested in human mammary cancer cells MCF-7 in vitro. RESULTS: LTB4 or LTD4 but not LTC4 or LTE4 reduced significant incorporation of 3H-thymidine in MCF-7 cells up to 52% or 56% respectively, when administered in concentrations 0.1-1000 pM. Agents in concentrations of 0.01 pM or 10000 pM did not effect 3H-thymidine incorporation. We have shown, that MCF-7 cells synthesise LTB4 when treated with calcium ionophor A23187 (10 microM). Leukotriene-antagonist LY171883 (10 microM) lifts inhibitory effects of LTB4 or LTD4. Arachidonic acid (10 microM) inhibits 3H-thymidine incorporation up to 72%. 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor MK-886 (100 nM) lifts the inhibitory effect of arachidonate. CONCLUSIONS: LTB4 or LTD4 inhibits MCF-7 breast cancer cell growth. LT-receptors mediate the growth-inhibitory effect of LTB4 or LTD4.

Acetophenones↗

Calciphylaxis: a syndrome of skin necrosis and acral gangrene in chronic renal failure.

BACKGROUND: Calciphylaxis is a rare condition of rapidly extending ischemic skin necrosis or acral gangrene of fingers, toes or penis in patients with chronic renal failure. It may be accompanied by extensive metastatic calcification of soft tissues. Histology of infarcted tissues shows prominent medial calcification and intimal hyperplasia of subcutaneous arteries and/or digital arteries, respectively. The pathogenesis of calciphylaxis is only poorly understood. Most patients have hyperparathyroidism and an elevated calcium-phosphate-product, which is thought to be a major pathogenetic factor of calciphylaxis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All published cases of calciphylaxis including nine of own (155 patients in total) from 1936 through 1996 were reviewed and subjected to statistical meta-analysis (Fisher's exact test). RESULTS: Proximal locations of necrosis (thighs, buttocks, trunk) carried an unfavourable prognosis (63% mortality) compared to distal locations (calves, forearms, fingers, toes, penis) with 23% mortality (p < 0.0001). Parathyroidectomy was associated with a favourable outcome (p < 0.004). Diabetics with chronic renal failure had acral gangrene in 61% compared to 34% of the non-diabetic calciphylaxis-patients (p < 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: The present analysis of all published cases of calciphylaxis is limited by patient selection and publication bias. The unfavourable prognosis of patients with proximal necrosis is impressive and might justify an early and aggressive treatment in such cases. However, the general benefit of parathyroidectomy remains debatable. Hyperparathyroidism should be managed primarily by conservative means. Parathyroidectomy should be reserved for patients with very high parathyroid hormone level and calcium-phosphate-product or with a rapidly progressive disease.

Calciphylaxis↗

[Therapy of non-melanocytic skin tumors].

Actinic keratosis on sun-damaged skin are very common in individuals with fair complexion. Management encompasses cryosurgery, tretinoin or 5-fluorouracil-cream. Bowen's disease, however, requires surgical excision or radiotherapy. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the two most common malignant skin tumours in Western Europe. Typically these tumours can be managed either by excision and primary wound closure, by cryosurgery or by radiotherapy. The method of choice is determined by the type and location of the tumour and the general condition of the patient. For more difficult-to-treat malignant skin tumours surgical resection with histological margin control is required. Mohs' micrographic surgery is a specialized procedure. This method entails to a full work-up of the excisional margins. The defect is closed only after histological verification of tumour-free surgical margins. Difficult-to-treat tumours are recurrent, sclerodermiform and large (diameter more than 20 mm) basal cell carcinomas. Indications for margin control in squamous cell carcinomas are tumours with more than 20 mm of diameter, with more than 5 mm thickness and with poor histologic differentiation (Broders grade III and IV, desmoplastic squamous cell carcinoma). Therefore, a skin biopsy is often required to plan the optimal treatment of a malignant skin tumour. The collaboration of primary care providers and specialists is beneficial in the management of difficult skin tumours. Renal transplant recipients under immunosuppression are prone to have squamous cell carcinoma of a more aggressive type. Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is another good indication for Mohs' micrographic surgery. A regular follow-up for recurrences or secondary tumours, as well as an effective secondary prevention of sun damage are important for skin cancer patients.

Bowen's Disease↗

[Differential ulcus cruris diagnosis].

Most leg ulcers are of venous or arterial origin (85%). Advanced chronic venous insufficiency is the most common underlying condition (65%), followed by advanced peripheral arterial occlusive disease (10%), and combined chronic venous insufficiency and peripheral arterial occlusive disease (10%). Chronic ulcers in diabetic feet (5%) are of great socio-economic importance, as well. They are a consequence of diabetic polyneuropathy which in part of the patients may be combined with peripheral arterial occlusive disease, usually of the calf arteries. However, a leg ulcer can also be caused by a large array of other underlying conditions, such as ulcerating skin tumours, trauma followed by disturbed wound healing, infectious ulcerations, ulcerations in angiodysplasias, vasculitic ulcerations, pyoderma gangrenosum, cholesterol-embolism, idiopathic livedo reticularis with ulceration, primary and secondary antiphospholipid-antibody-syndrome, coumarin-necrosis, calciphylaxis in chronic renal insufficiency, necrobiosis lipoidica, different forms of panniculitis, hematologic disorders, autoimmun diseases and autoimmun-bullous dermatoses. The following article discusses the differential diagnosis, examination and treatment of leg ulcers in these less common underlying conditions.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

[Dapsone in granulomatous rosacea].

We report on two patients with granulomatous rosacea and another patient with granulomatous perioral dermatitis who responded well to dapsone. Dapsone has a pharmacological double function as both an antibiotic and an antiphlogistic drug. Before the introduction of isotretinoin, dapsone had its place in the treatment of severe acne. To date, its use in granulomatous rosacea has not been described. When hematologic parameters are monitored, dapsone is considered a safe and cost-effective drug, especially in countries where isotretinoin is not readily available. However, the definite value of dapsone in granulomatous rosacea should be established by a controlled study.

Adult↗

[Tufted hair folliculitis].

A case of tufted hair folliculutis presenting as circumscribed, tender and inflamed areas in the occiput with residual tufted follicles in a 28-year old man is reported. Tufted hair folliculitis is a characteristic localized scarring bacterial folliculitis of the scalp due to Staphylococcus aureus. Histopathological studies reveal perifollicular inflammation around the upper portions of the follicles sparing the hair root level. Within areas of inflammation, several follicles converge toward a common follicular duct with a widely dilated opening. Currently, tufted hair folliculitis is considered a variant of folliculitis decalvans of Quinquaud. Staphylococcal infection is believed to be an initial causative factor, and underlying differences in follicular anatomy or host response may be important in determining which reaction pattern occurs in an affected individual. The development of atrophy with loss of adnexal structures (in folliculitis decalvans) or of hair tufts (in tufting folliculitis) may depend upon the depth and destructive potential of the inflammatory process. The therapeutic approach is problematic; prolonged treatment with oral antibiotics may stabilize the disease, but good and at times more definitive results (as in the presented case) have been reported after radical surgical excision of the involved areas.

Adult↗

Successful treatment of an extended leg ulcer in systemic sclerosis.

We report the successful surgical treatment of a large and painful leg ulcer associated with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma). In addition, there was a long occlusion of the superficial femoral artery, and ankle systolic blood pressure was 80 mmHg (ankle-brachial-index 0.65). All conservative treatments including systemic antibiotics, nifedipine, intravenous iloprost, intravenous penicilline G and hyperbaric oxygen failed. Pain was intolerable and below-knee amputation was considered. In a first attempt to save the limb, the patient underwent femoropopliteal bypass surgery. Despite a successful outcome of the bypass operation and normalization of the ankle blood pressure, the large wound remained recalcitrant and extremely painful. A second attempt to save the limb consisted of complete debridement of all sclerotic tissue down to the fascia and split skin grafting. The graft took in over 90% of the surface and the remaining wound healed spontaneously. Large leg ulcers in systemic sclerosis can become limb threatening. Radical debridement combined with a split skin graft seems to be a promising way to avoid amputation.

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