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Biomedical subjects

N B Simpson

Publications and source records attributed to N B Simpson.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1987

Functional blockage of open comedones.

Sebum excretion rate was measured by a photometric technique. We demonstrated a high correlation between sebum excretion rates on the left and right sides of the upper back and between back and forehead skin. Sebum excretion rate measurements overlying an open comedone (blackhead) were significantly lower than those obtained from normal skin. This observation demonstrates a functional obstruction to the outflow of sebum and would suggest that the lack of involvement of open comedones in inflammatory acne is not because of the maintenance of a free flow of sebum.

Acne Vulgaris↗
PubMed1987

2% topical minoxidil solution in male-pattern baldness: preliminary European results.

A 48-week, double-blind, randomized study was conducted in France, West Germany and the UK to compare the safety and efficacy of topical minoxidil 2% (Regaine; registered trade mark of the Upjohn Company) solution with placebo in the treatment of early male-pattern baldness. At week 24, the end of the placebo period, there were 225 evaluable patients, 116 in the treatment group and 109 in the placebo group. The 2% minoxidil group showed superiority to the placebo group with respect to the following parameters at week 24: (1) non-vellus hair counts (p = 0.0084); (2) changes in non-vellus hair counts compared with baseline values (p = 0.0227), and (3) investigators' evaluations of hair growth (p = 0.019). There was no significant difference between minoxidil and placebo treatment with regard to blood pressure, pulse or weight changes. No serious side effects were reported during the study. The greatest number of medical events were dermatological in nature and mainly local and mild in intensity. From week 24 to week 48 all patients received active medication and showed further hair growth. At week 48 the investigators evaluated the new hair growth as moderate or dense in 32.7% of the patients. Our conclusion confirms previous reported studies according to which topical minoxidil seems to offer a safe and efficacious treatment for early male-pattern baldness in some patients. Further studies need to be done to characterize the most likely responders.

Administration, Cutaneous↗
PubMed1984

The treatment of erosive lichen planus with a retinoid--etretinate.

The synthetic retinoid, etretinate, has been used to treat ten patients with erosive lichen planus of the oral mucosa. Beneficial effects were minimal, with only a slight decrease in the areas of ulceration being recorded after 8 weeks of therapy. Side effects were common and troublesome, however, outweighing the marginal improvement.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

A more reliable photometric technique for the measurement of scalp sebum excretion.

The objective assessment of antiseborrhoeic therapy for the scalp requires a reliable technique for the measurement of sebaceous gland activity. Previously published methods were tried but found to be unreliable. This paper describes a photometric technique which gave repeatable results and demonstrated a reduction of sebaceous gland activity on the scalp with both oral isotretinoin and topical II alpha-hydroxyprogesterone. The accuracy of the method was achieved by careful preparation of the scalp but was affected by recent shampooing.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Treatment of arsenical keratosis with etretinate.

Treatment with oral etretinate is reported in a case of arsenical keratosis with Bowen's disease. Good (80%) clearance in keratoses was obtained, which is maintained after 15 months' follow up.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1982

5% Aluminium chloride hexahydrate and sebum excretion rate.

The present study was designed to assess whether 5% aluminium chloride hexahydrate in absolute alcohol exerted any effect on sebaceous gland excretory activity. Eleven acne patients controlled with long-term antibiotics applied active and placebo solutions in a double-blind trial. The sebum excretion rate was measured on two control visits and thereafter at fortnightly intervals for a further 6 weeks. Patients preferred the 'active' solution, many claiming increased dryness of their skin. However, neither the 'active' nor 'placebo' solution had a significant demonstrable effect on sebum excretion rate. The beneficial effect of topical aluminium chloride hexahydrate is therefore assumed to be due to factors other than an alteration in sebum excretion.

Acne Vulgaris↗
PubMed1980

A modified photometric technique for measuring sebum excretion rate.

Accurate measurement of sebum excretion is necessary to evaluate drugs such as anti-androgen and the new retinoic acid derivatives. Existing techniques are good, but some are inaccurate at high levels of sebum and are time-consuming for technicians. We have therefore, re-examined sebum excretion methodology and have developed a modified photometric technique. This technique, which utilizes a robust, portable machine gives data which are accurate at all levels of sebum production and reduces the technician time of analysis without loss of accuracy or reproducibility.

Humans↗
PubMed1979

The effect of topically applied progesterone on sebum excretion rate.

There is evidence that anti-androgens may help in the treatment of acne vulgaris. We therefore performed a double-blind trial to assess the effect of topically applied progesterone on sebum excretion rate. Thirty-eight patients took part in the trial which was for 3 months. The preparation had no effect in males. However, a significant reduction in sebum excretion rate was found in females, the effect being maximal at the end of the second month. There was a significant loss of effect at the end of the third month and this was not related to deterioration of the progesterone preparation.

Acne Vulgaris↗