Biomedical subjects

Zrinjka Pastar

Publications and source records attributed to Zrinjka Pastar.

8 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2007

Allergic contact dermatitis to cow's hair.

A 32-year-old farmer woman with delayed type of allergy to cow's hair is described in this study. She had the 5-year history of erythematous, desquamative lesions on the dorsal side of the hands and forearms. Shortly after entering the cowshed, she showed relapse of skin symptoms and total regression when she was away from the farm. The patch test to European standard series, hair of the cow from the patient's cowshed, hay, and stable hay was performed. Additionally, prick tests were performed on inhalant allergens such as hair of the cow from the patient's cowshed, hay, stable hay and cow's milk, total immunoglobulin class E (IgE) together and specific IgE to cow dander and milk. Patch test showed positive reaction to cow's hair, cobalt chloride, nickel sulfate, and thimerosal. All other tests were negative.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Contact allergy and sociodemographic characteristics.

The aim of the study was to determine the frequency of positive patch test reaction to different contact allergens according to patients age, sex, occupation and clinical features. Between 1999 and 2003, patch testing was performed in 3,293 patients with respective clinical diagnoses. Patch testing was done by the standard technique proposed by the International Contact Dermatitis Research Group (ICDRG). Study results showed statistically significant differences in patch test response according to sex and age for three allergens (cobalt chloride, nickel sulphate and thiomersal); according to occupation for nine allergens (cobalt chloride, nickel sulphate, balsam of Peru, fragrance mix, thiuram mix, wood tars, neomycin sulphate, thiomersal and detergents), and clinical diagnosis for two allergens (nickel sulphate, and wood tars). The most common and relevant allergens were: nickel sulphate, cobalt chloride and carba mix. They were found in all examinees regardless of age, sex, occupation and diagnoses. The increased awareness of allergens and their potential sources may help to limit the usage of these chemicals in manufacture of consumer products.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Moisturizers.

Moisturizers combine occlusives and humectants to enhance the water-holding capacity of the skin. Further diversity in moisturizer formulation is created through the addition of special ingredients, designed to enhance the functions of the skin. These agents mimic natural ingredients. Application of moisturizers can serve as important adjunctive therapy for patients with various dermatologic disorders.

Dermatologic Agents↗

PubMed2006

Neurofibromatosis--review of the literature and case report.

Neurofibromatoses are genetic disorders of the nervous system that primarily affect the development and growth of neural (nerve) cell tissues. These disorders cause tumors to grow on nerves, and produce other abnormalities such as skin changes and bone deformities. Although many affected persons inherit the disorder, between 30 and 50 percent of new cases arise spontaneously through mutation in the individual's genes. We report on seven cases of type 1 neurofibromatosis (NF1) diagnosed from 2001 to 2006 at our Department. There were four female and three male patients, mean age 46.1 and 49 years, respectively. All patients showed neurofibromas accompanied by fibromas, café au lait spots, cases showed five axillary freckling (lentigines) and one case showed five plexiform neurofibromas and pruritus belonging to NF1 category. All patients had affected first degree relatives. Systemic findings were rare and included optic glioma in one case and Lisch hamartoma nodules in three cases. In all cases, the diagnosis was established according to the National Institutes of Health criteria, including at least two of the diagnostic criteria for NF1 diagnosis. None of our cases had malignancies or gastrointestinal tract involvement.

Female↗

PubMed2005

Etiopathogenesis of atopic dermatitis--an overview.

Atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome is a term that covers different subtypes of atopic dermatitis. The "intrinsic" type of atopic dermatitis is non-IgE-associated, and the "extrinsic" type is IgE-associated atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome. In the etiopathogenesis of atopic dermatitis there are well known interactions among genetic, environmental, skin barrier, immune factors, and stress. Genetic factors determine the expression of atopic dermatitis as pure or mixed with concomitant respiratory or intestinal allergy, depending on genetic susceptibility. Immunologic abnormalities of type I and type IV reactions have been described in patients with atopic dermatitis. Immunologic triggers are aeroallergens, food allergens, microbial products, autoallergens and contact allergens. Immune reactions determine many features of atopic dermatitis. These immune reactions also include cell mediated or delayed hypersensitivity. The currently accepted model proposes a predominant Th2 cytokine milieu in the initiating stages of acute atopic dermatitis lesions, and a mixed Th1 and Th2 pattern in chronic lesions. A two-phase model includes Th2 initiation with attraction of macrophages and eosinophils, which in turn produce interleukin 12 that is the activator of Th1 type response. Atopic dermatitis skin contains an increased number of IgE-bearing Langerhans cells which bind allergens via the high-affinity IgE receptor (FcepsilonRI). Langerhans cells play an important role in cutaneous allergen presentation to Th2 cells via major histocompatibility molecules. Eosinophilia and IgE production are influenced by type 2 cytokines. Degranulation of eosinophils occurs in the dermis with the release of toxic proteins such as major basic protein and could account for much of the inflammation. Mast cells are increased in number and produce mediators other than histamine that induce pruritus and may have an effect on interferon gamma expression. Mast cells produce a number of proinflammatory cytokines. There is an elevated production of prostaglandin E2 by peripheral monocytes. Prostaglandin E2 has at least two potential roles in the initiation of atopic dermatitis. Firstly, it reduces interferon-gamma production by T helper cells, thereby favoring the initial, dominant Th2 immune response; and secondly, it directly enhances IgE production by B lymphocytes with an increased secretion of interleukin 4, interleukin 5 and interleukin 13. Many lesions of atopic dermatitis result from scratching, thus it is tempting to speculate that immune perturbations in genetically predisposed individuals provoke the release of local pruritogens and keratinocyte-derived cytokines, which then further exacerbate the previously described immune response.

Dermatitis, Atopic↗

PubMed2005

Comparison of the effect of two viscoelastic agents on an early postoperative intraocular pressure.

This prospective study compares the effect of two viscoelastic agents (Viscoat and Provisc) on an early postoperative intraocular pressure after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. The study compares 36 patients with senile cataract. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured by standard Goldmann aplanation tonometry preoperatively as well as on the first postoperative day, after 24 hours and 1 week postoperatively. The mean postoperative IOP at first postoperative day in the Viscoat group was 24.2 mmHg and in the Provisc group was 21.2 mmHg. The increase was significantly higher in the Viscoat group than in the Provisc group but after 24 hours and 1 week postoperatively the mean IOP was not statisticaly different. The two viscoelastic agents cause equivalent pressure elevation postoperatively.

Chondroitin Sulfates↗

PubMed2004

Zoon plasma cell balanitis: an overview and role of histopathology.

Balanitis circumscripta plasmacellularis or Zoon's balanitis is an idiopathic, benign condition of the genitalia that mostly presents as a solitary, persistent plaque on the glans of primarily uncircumcised, middle-aged to older men. Its etiology and pathogenesis remains speculative. This article provides an overview of the clinical morphology, microscopic features, differential diagnosis and therapy. Particular attention is paid to histopathologic features. Besides, a case is presented of an uncircumcised man with clinical and histologic features of balanitis circumscripta plasmacellularis who was successfully cured by circumcision. The distinction of this lesion from similar lesions is rather important, and a large group of disorders such as premalignant, infective and other inflammatory penile diseases should be definitely taken into consideration on the differential diagnosis. It seems that circumcision might be the current 'gold standard' for treatment of this disorder.

Balanitis↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Adverse reactions to food and clinical expressions of food allergy.

Adverse reactions to foods are frequent in everyday life. They are divided into toxic and immunologic food reactions. The awareness of toxic food reactions among adverse reactions to food is essential for correct diagnosis. Enzymatic food intolerance, adverse reactions to food or food additives, pharmacologic food intolerance, psychosomatic factors, food allergy with classic symptoms (anaphylaxis, urticaria-angioedema), atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis (protein), upper and lower respiratory symptoms like rhinitis or asthma, and gastrointestinal disorders (oral allergy syndrome, colic, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain) are discussed. Target organs throughout the body-ear, eye, pharynx, skin, lung, joints, and muscles-can be involved. The gold standard in diagnosis is a double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge test. The diagnostic tools available for most food-related disorders are the skin-prick test and radioallergosorbent test. The treatment of food-induced urticaria consists of elimination of the offending food or substance from the diet, use of antihistamines, and immunotherapy.

Food↗