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She is not 18; can she provide informed consent?
March 2nd 2002Jane, a very mature 17-year-old adolescent, presents to Dr. Jones forremoval of a facial nevus. Dr. Jones discusses the risk/benefit ratio ofsuch an excision. In the course of the discussion, he determines that sheis working a full-time job and lives with her boyfriend at home with herparents. She signs a standard consent form. Dr. Jones does not realize thatshe is 17; he did not ask. Ultimately she is not happy with the scar andwishes to sue her dermatologist. The basis of her suit is that at age 17she was not able to provide informed consent. Dr. Jones is aware that, asa general rule, a patient must be 18 years of age to provide informed consent.However, he contends that Jane was highly intelligent, articulate and hada better understanding of the procedure than some 19 year olds might have.Can Jane, as an adolescent, give informed consent?
Hemangioma observations illuminate variations
March 1st 2002New Orleans - Although the natural history and imaging characteristics of hemangiomas are well known, some new or relatively new observations have led to further sub-categorization, Patricia E. Burrows, M.D., said at the 60th annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Infliximab dramatically clears severe psoriasis
March 1st 2002New Orleans - The experience of a teenage girl treated successfully with infliximab (Remicade) for severe, recalcitrant psoriasis of her hands and feet indicates the value of the TNF-alpha chimeric monoclonal antibody as a therapeutic option for psoriasis.
Topical tacrolimus improves vitiligo; adding sunlight may help even more
March 1st 2002New Orleans - Results from an exploratory study indicate a potential role for topical tacrolimus in the management of vitiligo, Emil A. Tanghetti, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Calcium alginate dressing closes cancer defects
March 1st 2002New Orleans - Second intention healing with a calcium alginate dressing can be a useful alternative for closing skin-cancer excision facial defects in select patients who might otherwise be managed with primary closure, local flaps, or skin grafts, Roger H. Weenig, M.D., M.P.H., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Anticonvulsant additive reduces herpetic pain
March 1st 2002New Orleans - Data from an open-label study suggest that the anticonvulsant drug gabapentin (Neurontin) added to antiviral treatment during acute herpes zoster infection may further reduce the duration and severity of postherpetic neuralgia, Mathijs H. Brentjens, M.S., M.D., reported at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Hemangiomas, malformations continue to evolve in definition
March 1st 2002New Orleans - Just like the endothelial cells that proliferateand produce hemangiomas, the field of study that surrounds these benigntumors of infancy and childhood continues to be a work in progress, MoiseL. Levy, M.D., said at the 60th annual meeting of the American Academy ofDermatology.
The human genome: Applying it to practice
March 1st 2002Miami Beach, Fla. - Dermatologists and pediatricians often areafraid of learning the technicalities of the human genome. However, onlya basic knowledge, an understanding of how genetics might apply to practice,and a relationship with a geneticist who can answer your questions are necessaryto use the tools available today, Judith G. Hall, O.C., M.D., said.
Derms divulge how they have such flawless skin
March 1st 2002* Never use the same product year-round. "Because skin isa living organ that's constantly affected by everything from hormones tohumidity, I use a variety of products - some only in certain seasons andothers just on certain days," says Susan Taylor, M.D., director, Skinof Color Center at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, New York.
Oritavancin shortens treatment time for complicated skin-structure infections
March 1st 2002Chicago - Oritavancin (InterMune), an investigational glycopeptidewith activity against a wide range of Gram-positive pathogens, has beenshown to cut the treatment time in half for complicated skin and skin structureinfections (CSSIs) compared to current standard therapy with vancomycinplus cephalexin, Margaret Wasilewski, M.D., said at the 41st InterscienceConference on Antimicrobial Agents & Chemotherapy.
Patients rights bill: A new political football?
March 1st 2002Lobbyists for insurance companies, the managed care industry, and dozensof large trade associations are worried. Their old buddy, PresidentBush, has been talking to one of their biggest enemies, Sen. Ted Kennedy(D-MA), about, heaven forbid, managed care reform.
New acne drug battles bacterial resistance
February 2nd 2002Chicago - A new acne drug under development shows promise of efficacyand does not produce resistance in bacteria that causes the condition. Thenews comes at a time when the bacterium P. acnes demonstrated resistanceto traditional treatment antibiotics tetracycline and erythromycin.