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Biomedical subjects

Roy G Geronemus

Publications and source records attributed to Roy G Geronemus.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Mohs surgical extirpation of a basal cell carcinoma in a patient with familial multiple trichoepitheliomas.

BACKGROUND: The success of Mohs surgery relies on the ability to histologically differentiate tumor from the normal background tissue of the patient. In most cases of basal cell carcinoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer, this is a relatively straightforward process. However, in distinction, when only subtle histopathologic features differentiate the background tissue from the tumor of interest, the determination of a tumor-free margin becomes more challenging. OBJECTIVE: Our objective is to highlight the histopathologic features that we used to differentiate our patient's near-confluent background of trichoepitheliomas from the basal cell carcinoma that we were extirpating. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 41-year-old white female with a history of familial multiple facial trichoepitheliomas presented for removal of a basal cell carcinoma on her right lower cutaneous lip. Mohs surgery was used to remove the tumor. The characteristic features of basal cell carcinoma and trichoepithelioma were used to differentiate the basal cell carcinoma that we were removing from the surrounding trichoepitheliomatous neoplasia. CONCLUSION: Mohs surgical extirpation of a basal cell carcinoma in a patient with multiple familial trichoepitheliomas requires a clear understanding of the histopathologic features that differentiate a trichoepithelioma from a basal cell carcinoma.

Adult↗

Treatment of atrophic facial acne scars with the 1064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser: six-month follow-up study.

OBJECTIVES: To quantitatively assess improvement in acne scarring after a series of nonablative laser treatments and to determine efficacy at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up after treatment. DESIGN: Before-after trial of consecutively selected patients. SETTING: Private practice at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of New York, New York. PATIENTS: Eleven patients with mild to moderate atrophic acne scarring were treated. INTERVENTIONS: A 3-dimensional optical profiling imaging system was used to assess skin topography before, during, and after treatment. Patients were treated with a 1064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser and reassessed after 3 treatment sessions and at 1, 3, and 6 months after the fifth treatment session. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The skin roughness analysis was quantified at baseline and at each follow-up interval. Pain, erythema, and petechiae formation were assessed on 3-point scales. RESULTS: At midtreatment (1 month after the third treatment session), an 8.9% improvement in roughness analysis was seen. This improvement increased to 23.3%, 31.6%, and 39.2% at 1, 3, and 6 months after the fifth treatment, respectively. Patients reported mild to moderate pain with treatment. The only adverse effects noted were transient erythema and mild pinpoint petechiae. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with the nonablative 1064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser results in significant quantitative improvements in skin topography in patients with mild to moderate atrophic acne scars. Continued incremental improvements were noted at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up, indicating ongoing dermal collagen remodeling after the treatment.

Acne Vulgaris↗

The safety and efficacy of the 308-nm excimer laser for pigment correction of hypopigmented scars and striae alba.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and efficacy of the 308-nm excimer laser in pigment correction of hypopigmented scars and striae alba. DESIGN: Institutional review board-approved randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Private research center. PATIENTS: Volunteer sample of 31 adult subjects with hypopigmented scars or striae alba distributed on the face, torso, or extremities. INTERVENTIONS: Lesions were randomized to receive treatment or not, with site-matched normal control areas. Treatments were initiated with a minimal erythema dose minus 50 mJ/cm(2) to affected areas. Subsequent treatments were performed biweekly until 50% to 75% pigment correction, then every 2 weeks thereafter until a maximum of 10 treatments, 75% increase in colorimetric measurements, or 100% visual pigment correction. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pigment correction by visual and colorimetric assessments compared with untreated control lesions and site-matched normal skin before each treatment and at 1-, 2-, 4-, and 6-month follow-up intervals. Occurrence of erythema, blistering, dyspigmentation, or other adverse effects was monitored. RESULTS: The percentage pigment correction by both assessments increased in direct proportion to the number of treatments. The mean percentage pigment correction by visual assessment relative to control of 61% (95% confidence interval [CI], 55%-67%) for scars and 68% (95% CI, 62%-74%) for striae was achieved after 9 treatments. The mean percentage pigmentation by colorimetric measurements relative to control of 101% (95% CI, 99%-103%) for scars and 102% (95% CI, 99%-104%) for striae was achieved after 9 treatments. Both sets of values gradually declined toward baseline levels during the 6-month follow-up. No blistering or dyspigmentation occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Therapy with the 308-nm excimer laser is safe and effective in pigment correction of hypopigmented scars and striae alba. Mean final pigment correction rates relative to control sites of approximately 60% to 70% by visual assessment and 100% by colorimetric analysis were observed after 9 treatments administered biweekly. Maintenance treatment every 1 to 4 months is required to sustain the cosmetic benefit.

Abdomen↗

Nonphysician practice of dermatologic surgery: the Texas perspective.

BACKGROUND: Increases in complications resulting from the nonphysician practice of dermatologic procedures have been reported nationally. This investigation was initiated owing to growing concern regarding the nonphysician practice of medicine in Texas. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to survey dermatologists in Texas to determine the number of patients seeking corrective treatment owing to complications from dermatologic procedures performed by nonphysicians. METHODS: A total of 488 dermatologists in Texas were surveyed and seven patients who experienced complications were interviewed by phone. RESULTS: Nearly 53% of responding physicians noted increased complications resulting from nonphysician practice of medicine. Approximately 33% of responding physicians reported that complications were known to have occurred in the absence of an on-site supervising physician. CONCLUSION: The increase in the number of complications owing to nonphysician practice of medicine in Texas mirrors the increases that have been reported nationally. The serious complications reported underscore the need for improved awareness and regulatory changes by state boards of medicine.

Clinical Competence↗

Laser-mediated photodynamic therapy of actinic keratoses.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and efficacy of the long-pulsed pulsed dye laser (LP PDL) (595 nm) with photodynamic therapy (PDT) for treatment of actinic keratoses (AKs). DESIGN: Prospective, controlled study with 10-day and 2-, 4-,6-, and 8-month follow-ups. SETTING: Clinical research center. PATIENTS Volunteer sample of 41 patients (age range, 35-91 years; skin types I-III) with AKs. INTERVENTION: Single treatment with application of topical 20% 5-aminolevulinic acid for 3 hours or 14 to 18 hours, followed by LP PDL irradiation at 595 nm. Controls received LP PDL irradiation alone. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Safety assessments, treatment and recovery times, and efficacy assessments, including patient mean percentage of lesions cleared and distribution of patients by percentage of lesions cleared for different anatomic sites. RESULTS: We observed no to slight pain; slight to moderate erythema; no purpura, crusting, or scarring; treatment time of 1 lesion per second; and resolution of erythema by 7 to 14 days. The patient mean (95% confidence interval) percentage of head lesions (2620 lesions) cleared after 1 treatment was 99.47% (99.44%-99.50%) at 10 days, 98.19% (98.15%-98.23%) at 2 months, 92.94% (92.73%-93.14%) at 4 months, 91.65% (91.15%-92.15%) at 6 months, and 90.32% (78.10%-100%) at 8 months. For extremities (949 lesions), these were 83.1% (81.4%-84.9%) at 10 days, 75.5% (73.4-77.6) at 2 months, 70.9% (68.9%-72.8%) at 4 months, 92.0% (84.0%-100%) at 6 months, and 100% at 8 months. For trunk (53 lesions), these were 85% (74%-100%) at 10 days, 85% (74%-100%), and 65% (50%-80%) at 4 months. No difference in safety or efficacy was found between the 3-hour and 14- to 18-hour incubation times. In the laser-only control group, no decrease in lesions was observed. Among 31 patients with head lesions, 28 (90%) at 10 days, 19 (70%) at 2 months, 9 (47%) at 4 months, 5 (42%) at 6 months, and 5 (56%) at 8 months were completely (100%) clear following a single treatment. Skin biopsy specimens of nonresponding lesions demonstrated a high rate of squamous cell carcinoma and other non-AK neoplasms. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of AKs using LP PDL (595 nm) at nonpurpuric parameters following topical application of 5-aminolevulinic acid is safe and effective. The advantages may include minimal discomfort, rapid incubation treatment and recovery times, excellent posttreatment cosmesis, high efficacy rates with respect to head lesions, and practical applicability to large body surface areas.

Adult↗

Beauty versus medicine: the nonphysician practice of dermatologic surgery.

BACKGROUND: This investigation was initiated because of a growing concern by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery about the proliferation of nonphysicians practicing medicine and its impact on public health, safety, and welfare. OBJECTIVE: Prompted by an alarming rise in anecdotal reports among dermatologic surgeons, the study sought to determine whether there was a significant increase in the number of patients seeking corrective treatment due to complications from laser and light-based hair removal, subsurface laser/light rejuvenation techniques, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, injectables, and other cosmetic medical/surgical procedures performed by nonphysicians without adequate training or supervision. METHODS: A survey of 2,400 American Society for Dermatologic Surgery members in July 2001 and in-depth phone interviews with eight patients who experienced complications from nonphysicians performing cosmetic dermatologic surgery procedures were conducted. RESULTS: Survey data and qualitative research results attributed patient complications primarily to "nonphysician operators" such as cosmetic technicians, estheticians, and employees of medical/dental professionals who performed various invasive medical procedures outside of their scope of training or with inadequate or no physician supervision. CONCLUSION: The results underscore the need for improved awareness, legislation, and enforcement regarding the nonphysician practice of medicine, along with further study of this issue.

Allied Health Personnel↗

Two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies evaluating the S-Caine Peel for induction of local anesthesia before long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser therapy for leg veins.

BACKGROUND: Topical anesthetics are valuable tools for many dermatologic procedures. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of S-Caine Peel composed of 1:1 (wt:wt) mixture of 7% lidocaine and 7% tetracaine in the induction of local anesthesia before long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser therapy for leg veins. METHODS: Two randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trials were performed. In study 1, 60 adults received S-Caine Peel and placebo cream for 30 or 60 minutes. Efficacy was evaluated by a patient visual analog scale and impression. The pain scale and impression were evaluated by the investigator and an independent observer. In study 2, 40 adults received 60- and 90-minute applications. RESULTS: In study 1, the 30- and 60-minute application times were grouped: Patients had adequate pain relief in 48% of S-Caine sites versus 23% of placebo sites (P<0.001). Investigators reported none-to-mild pain in 50% of active sites versus 33% of placebo sites (P=0.007), with adequate anesthesia in 65% of active sites versus 43% of placebo sites (P=0.002). The independent witness assessed none-to-mild pain in 52% of active sites versus 37% of placebo sites (P=0.067). In study 2, investigators rated none-to-mild pain in 75% of 60-minute and 85% of 90-minute S-Caine sites versus 30% and 50% of placebo sites (P=0.012 and P=0.002, respectively), with adequate anesthesia in 70% and 85% of 60- and 90-minute of active sites versus 25% and 20% of placebo sites (P=0.029 and P=0.001, respectively). The independent witness rated none to mild pain in 80% and 85% of 60 and 90 minute of S-Caine sites versus 35% and 50% of placebo sites (P=0.008 and P=0.004). CONCLUSION: The S-Caine Peel provides safe and highly effective local anesthesia when applied for at least 60 minutes for laser therapy of leg veins. Facile removal of the peel provides a unique advantage and ease in administration.

Administration, Topical↗

Review of nonablative photorejuvenation: reversal of the aging effects of the sun and environmental damage using laser and light sources.

This review article outlines all the latest light or electromagnetic radiation based technologies used for nonablative skin rejuvenation. While many technologies have been available for a number of years, emerging technologies are also discussed, which may play a role in treatment of photoaged skin in the very near future. The principles behind these technologies are discussed in detail.

Humans↗

Cooling gel improves pulsed KTP laser treatment of facial telangiectasia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Pulsed KTP lasers effectively treat facial telangiectasia without purpura production. Transient side effects following treatment include erythema, edema, and vesiculation leading to crust formation. The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of an aqueous gel in reducing side effects associated with pulsed KTP laser treatment of facial telangiectasia. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen patients with extensive facial telangiectasias were treated with a pulsed KTP laser (Versapulse, Coherent, Palo Alto, CA). The laser was used with the water cooled handpiece chilled to 4C, a 4 mm spot size, a 10-millisecond pulse duration and a fluence of 9.5 J/cm2. One side of the face was treated with the laser using the cooling handpiece alone. The other side was treated using the cooling handpiece applied to a 2-mm film of aqueous gel spread over the treatment area. RESULTS: Treatment side effects, including pain, erythema, edema, vesiculation, and crusting were scored following treatment with and without the aqueous gel. Use of the aqueous gel in conjunction with the cooling handpiece decreased the incidence and severity of pain, erythema, edema, and crusting following pulsed KTP laser treatment of facial telangiectasia. Most patients demonstrated 50-75% clearance of their telangiectasias 1 month after one treatment session, and use of the gel did not alter the treatment efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: The application of an aqueous gel during pulsed KTP laser treatment of facial telangiectasia improves treatment associated side effects without affecting vessel clearance.

Anti-Infective Agents, Local↗

Safety data of injectable nonanimal stabilized hyaluronic acid gel for soft tissue augmentation.

BACKGROUND: Nonanimal hyaluronic acid gel was recently developed for soft tissue augmentation and volume expansion and has been shown to offer several advantages in comparison to other augmentation materials. There are rare reports of adverse events believed to be secondary to trace amounts of proteins in the hyaluronic acid raw material. OBJECTIVE: To determine the safety profile of nonanimal stabilized hyaluronic acid gel (Restylane, Perlane, Restylane Fine Lines, Q-Med AB, Uppsala, Sweden) for soft tissue augmentation using a retrospective review of all adverse events data from Europe, Canada, Australia, South American, and Asia from 1999 and 2000. RESULTS: Data from an estimated 144,000 patients treated in 1999 indicated the major reaction to injectable hyaluronic acid was localized hypersensitivity reactions, occurring in approximately 1 of every 1400 patients treated. In 1999 there was an adverse event reported for 1 of every 650 patients (0.15%) treated. These were temporary events that included redness, swelling, localized granulomatous reactions, bacterial infection, as well as acneiform and cystic lesions. For 2000 there was an estimated 262,000 patients treated with hyaluronic acid gel. The total number of adverse events was 144, corresponding to one adverse event for every 1800 patients (0.06%) treated. The major adverse event was again hypersensitivity, occurring in 1 of every 5000 patients treated. CONCLUSION: According to the reported worldwide adverse events data, hypersensitivity to nonanimal hyaluronic acid gel is the major adverse event and is most likely secondary to impurities of bacterial fermentation. According to data from 2000, the incidence of hypersensitivity appears to be declining after the introduction of a more purified hyaluronic acid raw material.

Gels↗

3D in-vivo optical skin imaging for topographical quantitative assessment of non-ablative laser technology.

BACKGROUND: A new method for treating facial rhytides and acne scars with nonablative laser and light source techniques has recently been introduced. Given the inherent limitations of photographic and clinical evaluation to assess subtle changes in rhytides and surface topography, a new noninvasive objective assessment is required to accurately assess the outcomes of these procedures. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to measure and objectively quantify facial skin using a novel, noninvasive, In-vivo method for assessing three-dimensional topography. This device was used to quantify the efficacy of five treatment sessions with the 1064 nm QS Nd:YAG laser for rhytides and acne scarring, for up to six months following laser treatment. METHODS: Two subjects undergoing facial rejuvenation procedures were analyzed before and after therapy using a 30-mm, three-dimensional microtopography imaging system (PRIMOS, GFM, Teltow, Germany). The imaging system projects light on to a specific surface of the skin using a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD Texas Instruments, Irving, TX) and records the image with a CCD camera. Skin Surface microtopography is reconstructed using temporal phase shift algorithms to generate three-dimensional images. Measurements were taken at baseline, at various times during the treatment protocol, and then at three and six-month follow-up visits. Silicone skin replicas (FLEXICO, Herts, England) were also made before and after the laser treatment protocol for comparison to In-vivo acquisition. RESULTS: Skin roughness decreased by 11% from baseline after three treatment sessions in the wrinkles subject, while a 26% improvement of skin roughness was recorded by 3D In-vivo assessment six months following the fifth treatment session. The subject with acne scarring demonstrated a 33% decrease in roughness analysis after three treatment sessions by 3D In-vivo assessment. A 61% improvement in surface topography was recorded 3-months following the fifth treatment session, which was maintained at the 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional In-vivo optical skin imaging provided a rapid and quantitative assessment of surface topography and facial fine lines following multiple treatment sessions with a 1064-nm QS Nd:YAG laser, correlating with clinical and subjective responses. This imaging technique provided objective verification and technical understanding of nonablative laser technology. Wrinkle depth and skin roughness decreased at the three and six-month follow-up evaluations by 3D In-vivo assessment, indicating ongoing dermal collagen remodeling after the laser treatment protocol. Future applications may include comparison of nonablative laser technology, optimization of treatment regimens, and objective evaluation of other aesthetic procedures performed by dermatologists.

Acne Vulgaris↗

Treatment of inverse psoriasis with the 308 nm excimer laser.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of inverse psoriasis can be both challenging and frustrating. Conventional topical and systemic treatments can be limited in terms of efficacy, acceptability and safety. The 308 nm excimer laser has been shown to be effective in the treatment of psoriatic plaques. METHODS: A patient with chronic inverse psoriasis was treated with 308 nm excimer laser using a 3.5 cm spot, a dosage of 2 minimal erythema doses and a pulse width of 30 ns. RESULTS: Complete clearance of the psoriatic lesions was obtained after 3 weeks of treatment. Remission duration was at least 6 months. CONCLUSION: The 308 nm excimer laser is safe and effective for the treatment of inverse psoriasis. Treatments are well tolerated with minimal side effects.

Adult↗

Quantitative evaluation of nonablative laser technology.

A new method for treating facial rhytides and acne scars with nonablative laser and light source techniques has recently been introduced. Given the inherent limitations of photographic and clinical evaluation to assess subtle changes in rhytides and surface topography, new noninvasive, objective instruments were used to accurately assess the outcome of these procedures. This study measures and objectively quantifies facial skin by using 2 novel, noninvasive measuring systems after 3 to 5 treatment sessions with the 1,064 nm QS Nd:YAG laser in patients with photodamage and acne scarring. One system measures the skin surface topography and the other characterizes the biomechanical properties of the skin. Patients undergoing facial rejuvenation procedures were analyzed before and after therapy with a 32 x 32 mm in vivo three-dimensional microtopography imaging system (PRIMOS, GFM, Teltow, Germany). The imaging system projects light on to a specific surface of the skin with a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD; Texas Instruments, Irving, TX) and records the image with a CCD camera. Skin Surface microtopography is reconstructed using temporal phase shift algorithms to generate three-dimensional images. Measurements were taken at baseline, at various times during the treatment protocol, and then at 3 and 6 month follow-up visits. Silicone skin replicas (FLEXICO, Herts, England) were also made before and after the laser treatment protocol for comparison to in vivo acquisition. Skin stiffness and compliance were measured with the BTC-2000 (BTC 2000, S.R.L.I. Inc. Nashville, TN). This instrument measures the response of the skin during dynamic stress created by suction. An infrared targeting laser measures the vertical displacement of the skin during the cycle. Pressure and deformation are graphically displayed on the monitor and embedded biomechanical algorithms determine the aforementioned parameters based on the average of 3 repetitive cycles. Four sites on the face were analyzed and compared including the right and left cheek and the right and left forehead. Measurements were taken at baseline and then at 1-, 3- and 6-month follow-up visits. Skin roughness decreased 11% from baseline in the patient with photodamaged skin, while the patients with acne scarring showed a 33% improvement from baseline after 3 treatment sessions. Six-months after the fifth treatment session, a 26% improvement in skin smoothness was documented in the patients with photodamaged skin, while a 61% improvement was recorded in the subject with acne scarring. Biomechanical analysis of the skin showed a 23% decrease in skin stiffness and a 30% increase in skin compliance at the 6-month follow-up in the patients with photodamage. Alternatively, the patient with acne scarring showed a 50% increase in skin stiffness, and a 30% decrease in skin compliance at the 6-month follow-up. Three-dimensional in vivo optical skin imaging provided a rapid and quantitative assessment of surface topography and facial fine lines after multiple treatment sessions with a 1064-nm QS Nd:YAG laser, correlating with clinical and subjective responses. Biomechanical analysis provided technical understanding of structural changes in photodamaged skin and acne scarring following nonablative laser treatment. Future applications of these devices may include comparison of nonablative laser technology, optimization of treatment regimens, and objective evaluation of other aesthetic procedures performed by dermatologists.

Cicatrix↗

Efficacy of the 308-nm excimer laser for treatment of psoriasis: results of a multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to demonstrate the efficacy of the 308-nm excimer laser for treatment of psoriasis. METHODS: This study was a multicenter open trial from 5 dermatology practices (one university-based and 4 private practices). Up to 30 patients per center with stable mild to moderate plaque-type psoriasis constituted the study population. Patients received 308-nm ultraviolet B doses to affected areas. The initial dose was based on multiples of a predetermined minimal erythema dose. Subsequent doses were based on the response to treatment. Treatments were scheduled twice weekly for a total of 10 treatments. The main outcome measure was 75% clearing of the target plaque. Time to clearing was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier methods, accounting for truncated observations. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-four patients were enrolled in the study, and 80 completed the entire protocol. The most common reason for exiting from the study was noncompliance. Of the patients who met the protocol requirements of 10 treatments or clearing, 72% (66/92) achieved at least 75% clearing in an average of 6.2 treatments. Eighty-four percent of patients (95% confidence interval [CI], 79%-87%) reached improvement of 75% or better after 10 or fewer treatments. Fifty percent of patients (95% CI, 35%-61%) reached improvement of 90% or better after 10 or fewer treatments. Common side effects included erythema, blisters, hyperpigmentation, and erosions, but they were well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Monochromatic 308-nm excimer laser treatment appears to be effective and safe for psoriasis. It requires fewer patient visits than conventional phototherapy, and, unlike those treatments, the laser targets only the affected areas of the skin, sparing the surrounding uninvolved skin.

Adolescent↗