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Biomedical subjects

Monica Corazza

Publications and source records attributed to Monica Corazza.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2007

Vulvar lichen sclerosus: 11 women treated with tacrolimus 0.1% ointment.

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic relapsing disease, usually treated with ultra-potent corticosteroids. As immunological alterations are considered important aetiopathogenetic factors in lichen sclerosus, the new immunomodulating topical agents, such as tacrolimus and pimecrolimus, have been employed sporadically as alternative therapies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of tacrolimus 0.1% ointment in lichen sclerosus in 11 patients unresponsive or poorly responsive to previous treatments. Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment was applied twice daily for 6 weeks, then tapered over a further 6 weeks. Symptoms and objective parameters were evaluated and quantified at the start, after 6 weeks, at the end of the topical treatment, and at follow-up visits. Improvement or remission of symptoms was observed in the patients who completed the study, while objective parameters were poorly influenced and often were not related to symptom behaviour. Topical tacrolimus can be considered an alternative treatment for lichen sclerosus.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed2006

Are melanocytic nevi influenced by pregnancy? A dermoscopic evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Dermoscopic data of melanocytic nevi (MN) in pregnancy are very limited and related to small groups of women. OBJECTIVE: This study systematically analyzes dermoscopic parameters in a wide series of MN during and after pregnancy. METHODS: Eighty-six MN on the back of 47 women were studied. Dermoscopic parameters, total dermoscopic score (TDS) according to Stolz's ABCD rule, and the sizes of the nevi were evaluated over time. RESULTS: Progressive lightening of the nevi resulted at the end of pregnancy (p<.05) and after delivery (p<.001). Pigment network showed a progressive reduction in prominence and thickness (end of pregnancy, p<.05; after delivery, p<.01). At the end of pregnancy, vessels increased (p<.05) and a higher TDS was observed, with a significant reduction in both after delivery (vessels, p<.05; TDS, p<.01). Area changes were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: At the end of pregnancy, both vascular structures and TDS increased. These modifications were transient as the nevi recovered their prior appearance after delivery. The results indicate that an intrinsic influence of pregnancy may induce structural modifications without influencing the size of the nevi. Behavioral factors during the observational period, like a reduced exposure to sunlight reported by most of the women, may have influenced other characteristics, like global pigmentation and pigment network. The authors thank the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Ferrara for its financial support, which enabled them to acquire the instrumentation necessary for this study.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

An unusual local reaction after microsclerotherapy with chromated glycerin.

A case of papular itching lesions after microsclerotherapy with chromated glycerin (CG) at a 72% concentration for telangiectases of the thighs is reported. Patch-test results were strongly positive for nickel sulfate (+++/+++) and thimerosal (++/++) whereas results were negative for the sclerosing agent CG 72% and glycerol (control). Intradermal injection of CG 72% in the thigh and intravascular injection of CG 72% into telangiectases of the knee produced erythematous papular itching lesions in about 5 to 6 hours. As a negative control, glycerol and sodium chloride 0.9% injected intradermically on the thigh did not cause any reaction. CG can elicit allergic reactions in patients who are sensitive to chromium and can cause new sensitizations to chromium. In our case, no positivity to potassium dichromate was observed.

Alum Compounds↗
PubMed2005

Allergic contact dermatitis from ophthalmic products: can pre-treatment with sodium lauryl sulfate increase patch test sensitivity?

In patients suspected of allergic contact dermatitis because of topical ophthalmic medicaments, patch tests performed with patients' own products are often negative. The irritant anionic surfactant sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) may alter the stratum corneum and increase antigen penetration. Pre-treatment of the skin with SLS 0.5% for 24 h was performed in the sites of patch tests with patients' own products in 15 selected patients. In patients previously negative to their own products tested with conventional patch tests, SLS pre-treatment showed 6 new relevant positive reactions and induced a stronger positive reaction in 1 patient. SLS pre-treatment could be proposed as an alternative promising method, which may increase sensitivity of patch tests with patients' own products.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Retrospective histopathologic reevaluation of 18 cases of plasma cell vulvitis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine some common histologic features in a series of plasma cell vulvitis (PCV) cases. STUDY DESIGN: In a retrospective study, 18 histologic sections, previously obtained by vulvar biopsy in women diagnosed as having PCV, were critically reevaluated by the same pathologist. RESULTS: We observed that plasma cells in the dermal infiltrate were frequently present in a high percentage. Hemosiderin deposition and epithelial atrophy were 2 other histologic parameters useful for the diagnosis of PCV. Lozenge-shaped keratinocytes were rarely observed. CONCLUSION: In our series of PCV the percentage of plasma cells seemed to be the most important parameter when making the diagnosis. In particular, when this percentage was > or = 50% it was a sufficient histologic parameter for a diagnosis of PCV. When the percentage was 25-50%, hemosiderin deposition and epithelial atrophy were additional histologic features helpful in diagnosing PCV. Under 25% plasma cells was nonspecific and related to the mucosal site of involvement.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Primary vulvar melanoma with satellite metastasis: dermoscopic findings.

A 79-year-old woman presented with a 1-year history of a pigmented nodular lesion on the left labium minor. Histopathology of the nodule led to a diagnosis of metastatic melanoma. A pigmented flat lesion on the inner side of the left labium major was also biopsied and was found to be a superficial spreading melanoma. The dermoscopic findings of primary and metastatic vulvar melanoma which simultaneously occurred in the same patient are described. Dermoscopy revealed a homogeneous pattern associated with linear irregular vessels in the metastatic nodule, while irregular globules and streaks were seen in the primary melanoma.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

Effects of airbag deployment: lesions, epidemiology, and management.

Airbags are restraining safety devices, but their activation may sometimes induce injuries during road accidents. Rapid deceleration due to an impact causes the ignition of a sodium azide cartridge, which releases nitrogen gas to inflate the nylon rubber bag. Numerous high-temperature gases, sodium hydroxide, carbon dioxide, and various other metallic oxides are also released producing a corrosive alkaline aerosol. Cutaneous and extracutaneous injuries due to airbag deployment may occur. Cutaneous injuries are frequent, and consist of irritant dermatitis, and chemical and thermal burns. Furthermore, numerous kinds of traumatic lesions (abrasions, friction burns, and lacerations) may be observed. Extracutaneous damage may involve the eyes, ears, cardiovascular system, nerves, joints, and bones. The nature of airbag lesions, their frequency, and management are reported. Even though the majority of airbag lesions are minor and do not require hospitalization, correct diagnosis and the choice of the most suitable treatment are necessary.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed2004

Are patch tests useful in plasma cell vulvitis?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate eventual contact sensitization in 7 patients with plasma cell vulvitis (PCV). STUDY DESIGN: Seven women with PCV underwent patch tests with the Italian standard series and with additional batteries of allergens (perfumes, preservatives, emulsifiers, medicaments and corticosteroid series). RESULTS: One patient experienced a positive reaction t o balsam of Peru and wool alcohol. CONCLUSION: Patch testing is not normally necessary in the management of PCV. However, when a patient with PCV complains of burning or pruritus after application of topical products, patch tests could prove useful.

Adult↗