Pediatric Dermatology

Chicago - As patient accrual to phase III trials of Canvaxin therapeutic polyvalent cancer vaccine nears the 1,000-mark, a randomized phase II trial of the vaccine was reported at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. The trial used an immunostimulant to enhance the antibody response to a tumor-associated antigen (TA90) found on melanoma cells.

San Francisco - Although bacterial sexually transmitted diseases are decreasing in prevalence in the United States, viral STDs are on the rise, according to Ted Rosen, M.D. Of particular concern, he said, are the increasing numbers of people infected with herpes simplex virus (HSV) and human papilloma virus (HPV).

San Francisco - Accumulating evidence suggests new biologic agents may be used with potential benefit in the management of dermatomyositis, pyoderma gangrenosum, bullous diseases, cutaneous sarcoidosis, and severe atopic dermatitis.Dermatologists, however, have also been looking to use various older therapies in new ways to treat these disabling diseases, Jeffrey P. Callen, M.D., said.

San Francisco - One of the basic tenets of medical dermatology is that the skin serves as a window into the internal parts of the body and internal diseases. Visual examination of the skin can reveal signs of systemic disease, including gastrointestinal disease such as GI polyposis syndromes, inflammatory bowel disease, GI malignancy, hepatobiliary disease, nutritional deficiencies, and other disorders, according to dermatologist Amit G. Pandya, M.D., University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas.

Orlando, Fla. - Patients with psoriasis are at higher risk for celiac disease than the general population, according to Veronica Ojetti, M.D., a gastroenterologist at Gemelli Hospital in Rome.

Chicago - With all the new at-home hair treatments and recent reports of contact dermatitis and other cutaneous manifestations from using shampoos, conditioners and hair dyes, dermatologists should be keenly aware of products that can harm patients' hair and skin.

San Francisco - Several of the melanocytic nevi in a "moley" child often have a similar clinical appearance, leading to the concept of a characteristic "signature nevus." Learning to recognize a patient's signature nevus aids in the evaluation of nevi, in particular those with an irregular outline of more than one color, according to Jean Bolognia, M.D.

Dr. Dave is always looking for ways to increase his practice revenues. In his practice, he has a good mix of general and surgical dermatology patients, has learned to ethically promote his talents, and has launched a successful Web site. He ponders what else he can do to increase revenues.

Having recently returned to my "roots" to assume the position of professor and chief of dermatology at my alma mater, the University of Arizona, I'm struck by the fact that, although many changes have occurred during the 30 years I've been away pursuing other academic positions and activities, much remains the same. Predictably, the campus has grown and

San Francisco - Ablative laser resurfacing procedures can result in a range of complications, including some that are serious; therefore, careful patient selection and preparation, attention to treatment technique, and close postoperative observation are critical for optimizing safety, Tina S. Alster, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Orlando -- As baby boomers become seniors and the elderly become very old, a good understanding of geriatric dermatology will become increasingly critical for providing the best care for one's patients, according to Robert A. Norman, D.O., M.P.H.

San Francisco - Topical preparations remain the first-line therapy for pruritus and often include such old-fashioned therapies as medicated baths, wet dressings, and shake lotions to induce feelings of coolness or heat, Jana Hercogov?, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

San Francisco - A better understanding of the pathophysiologic mediators of itch has led to some novel and promising approaches to its successful treatment, Gil Yosipovitch, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology. Several exciting systemic therapies approved for the treatment of various neurologically mediated disorders now show potential in the treatment of itch.

San Francisco - Phototherapy is effective for a host of skin conditions, but many dermatologists reserve it only for what it is best known for: psoriasis.

San Francisco - Oatmeal, sunscreen ingredients, and newer plastic products are causing some of the latest allergies confronting dermatologists. The number of patients experiencing sensitivity to these products can be expected to increase, Robert L. Rietschel, M.D., said.

San Francisco - Consumer interest in alternative and complementary medicines continues to grow; hence, dermatologists need to be knowledgeable about herbal remedies and query patients carefully about their use. Some agents have the potential to cause adverse effects or serious drug interactions, Mary Ruth Buchness, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Many issues surrounding Tx of condition still up in air

San Francisco - Two research projects have serendipitously led one researcher to a third study - with an unanticipated result.

San Francisco - Supplemental patch testing for allergens not included in TRUE Test is necessary, albeit less convenient, for dermatologists, according to Erin M. Warshaw, M.D.

San Francisco - Diagnosing occupational dermatitis is often a cumbersome task but a seven-point checklist is available to make it less daunting, Denis Sasseville, M.D., said.

San Francisco - According to an analysis of data from more than 700 patients, a new nonsteroid treatment for atopic dermatitis is a safe, effective, and cost-effective alternative to conventional therapy for the chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disease that primarily affects infants and children.

San Francisco - A randomized, two-center study conducted at the University of Cincinnati and Oregon Health & Science University suggests that topical bexarotene gel (Targretin) 1 percent monotherapy may be a promising new treatment for severe chronic hand dermatitis.

San Francisco -- Results of a study evaluating topical tacrolimus ointment 0.03 percent (Protopic) indicate it is a safe and effective treatment for patients of all ages with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (AD), John Y M Koo, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Chicago - Fluocinolone acetonide (0.01 percent) in a blend of mineral oils and refined peanut oil is an effective therapy for pediatric atopic dermatitis, even in children with peanut allergy, according to Amy S. Paller, M.D.

San Francisco - A fuller understanding of the pathophysiologic processes of pruritus associated with atopic dermatitis (AD) may yield effective new therapies, Martin Steinhoff, M.D., Ph.D. said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

San Francisco - Bacitracin, the widely used topical antibiotic, has been named "Contact Allergen of 2003."

Maui, Hawaii - Topical anesthetics represent the state-of-the-art for minimizing pain and anxiety in procedures ranging from filler injections and chemical peels to those used in pediatric dermatology, Lawrence F. Eichenfield, M.D., said at the annual Hawaii Dermatology Seminar, sponsored by the Skin Disease Education Foundation.

San Francisco - Etanercept (Enbrel) produces rapid, significant, and sustained improvement in symptoms in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis, according to the results of a large, multicenter Phase III study presented by Alice Gottlieb, MD, Ph.D.

San Francisco - Daily antiviral therapy can prevent transmission of genital herpes simplex virus (HSV-2) from an infected individual to his or her partner, according to Stephen K. Tyring, M.D., Ph.D.

San Francisco - The innate immune system is proving to be key in fighting microbial infections in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), and understanding this system could lead to new approaches in modulating AD inflammatory responses, John C. Ansel, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.