Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to Rachel S Altman.
An hemangioma is a common benign growth of vascular endothelium that may have multiple clinical manifestations. Either identified at birth or shortly thereafter, hemangiomas have both proliferative and involutional phases. Certain varieties are associated with congenital anomalies. Numerous therapy options are discussed.
BACKGROUND: Isotretinoin has been proven to be an effective treatment for acne vulgaris. The enclosed package insert with isotretinoin suggests weekly/biweekly laboratory testing (hepatic functions and lipid analysis) but fails to recommend the needed action levels for abnormalities. METHODS: We provide a statistical analysis of a retrospective study of 141 individuals' course of therapy on isotretinoin and their laboratory blood analysis results. RESULTS: Very few statistically significant elevations in liver enzymes or lipid profiles occurred. More importantly, in only 1 case did these elevations warrant the discontinuation of therapy. CONCLUSION: The data presented here support the conclusion that limited blood testing should be performed for most patients and that more complete blood testing be done only for those patients with a significant response in liver enzymes, cholesterol or triglycerides. A set of guidelines is proposed for the practicing physician to interpret blood test results.
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Hyperhidrosis, a disorder that usually begins in childhood or adolescence, is defined as sweating in excess of what is required for normal thermoregulation. This condition may adversely affect one's quality of life by causing emotional disturbance and social embarrassment. Three forms of hyperhidrosis exist: emotionally induced, localized, and generalized. Hyperhidrosis may be either idiopathic or secondary to other diseases, metabolic disorders, febrile illnesses, or drugs. Diagnosis usually is made based on the patient's history and visible signs of excessive sweating. Various effective treatment options are available.