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Biomedical subjects

Robert T Brodell

Publications and source records attributed to Robert T Brodell.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of clobetasol propionate spray in the treatment of plaque-type psoriasis.

Treatment of the inflammatory component of plaque psoriasis is an important part of psoriasis management. A new and unique spray formulation of clobetasol propionate 0.05% may provide advantages over the currently available formulations through easy application to hard-to-reach areas and the ability to deliver a fixed dose of corticosteroid per spray. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of clobetasol propionate spray 0.05% in the treatment of moderate to severe plaque-type psoriasis. This study was conducted as a multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, vehicle-controlled, parallel-group, comparative study in subjects with plaque psoriasis. Subjects were randomized to receive either clobetasol propionate spray 0.05% (n=60) or vehicle spray (n=60) twice daily for 4 weeks, followed by a 4-week treatment-free follow-up period. Efficacy evaluations at all visits included assessment of scaling, erythema, plaque elevation, pruritus, and overall disease severity. Success rates for each of the signs and symptoms evaluated, as well as for the overall disease severity assessment, were significantly in favor of clobetasol propionate (P<.001). The additional 2 weeks of treatment from weeks 2 to 4 increased the number of cleared subjects from 2% to 25%; treatment success was still in favor of clobetasol propionate (P<.001) at week 8 (4 weeks post-treatment). No treatment-related serious adverse events occurred during the course of the study. Mild application site burning/stinging was the most common treatment-related adverse event, with similar frequency and severity for both active and vehicle groups. There were no reports of skin atrophy, telangiectasia, folliculitis, or hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression. Overall, clobetasol propionate spray 0.05% administered twice daily for 4 weeks was effective and safe in reducing scaling, erythema, plaque elevation, and overall disease severity and demonstrates durable clinical response up to 4 weeks after treatment end.

Administration, Cutaneous↗

Exfoliative dermatitis. Erythroderma can be a sign of a significant underlying disorder.

64-year-old man presented with a 3-week history of a diffuse, pruritic rash that had started on his trunk and then spread to his entire cutaneous surface, including the palms of his hands and soles of his feet. Physical examination revealed widespread fine scaling and diffuse erythema. Generalized lymphadenopathy was noted. No fever, hair loss, onycholysis, or nail shedding was detected. The patient had neither a personal history of skin disorders or, specifically, atopic eczema or psoriasis nor a family history of eczema or psoriasis. He also had no history of malignancy and was taking no medications. The patient's complete blood cell count with differential was unremarkable. He was treated with moisturizers, topical corticosteroids, and antihistamines and was advised to avoid possible irritants. One week later, the patient returned because of a worsening of his erythroderma. He also reported malaise and chills. Three 4-mm biopsy specimens were obtained from representative areas (ie, back, arm, and abdomen), and a 2-week course of oral corticosteroids was prescribed. The erythroderma greatly improved but worsened shortly after the steroid dose was tapered. The specimens showed psoriasiform hyperplasia with features suggestive of psoriasis vulgaris. The patient was treated with 25 mg of oral acitretin once a day. His erythroderma slowly resolved over 6 months, at which time the acitretin dose was tapered. The patient reported no recurrence of the erythroderma.

Dermatitis, Exfoliative↗

Frictional asymptomatic darkening of the extensor surfaces.

Frictional asymptomatic darkening of the extensor surfaces (FADES), also known as hyperkeratosis of the elbows and knees, is commonly seen by dermatologists but has never been well characterized. Patients present with uniform, asymptomatic, brown darkening over the extensor surfaces of the elbows and knees with minimal scaling. Both frictional stress and family history may play a role in the pathogenesis of this condition. The results of cutaneous biopsy specimens typically reveal hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, and mild papillomatosis with minimal inflammation. Keratolytic agents such as lactic acid and urea cream along with avoiding frictional stress can be effective in the management of this condition. We describe a series of cases of FADES and its etiology and management options.

Adult↗

The dermatologist's academic portfolio: a template for documenting scholarship and service.

The clinician-teacher of dermatology often seeks recognition for academic efforts, the most visible of which is a university appointment with the potential for promotion. Success in achieving this goal requires careful planning to ensure effective involvement in academic pursuits that serve the mission of the university, and there must be concomitant documentation of this involvement. The template in this article provides one format for organizing an academic portfolio that stimulates prospective documentation and enhances the possibility of academic advancement.

Career Mobility↗