| 1. |
- Carlsson, Christer, et al.
(författare)
-
Cutaneous innervation before and after one treatment period of acupuncture.
- 2006
-
Ingår i: British Journal of Dermatology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1365-2133 .- 0007-0963. ; 155:5, s. 970-976
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: The effect of acupuncture on nociceptive pain is well documented, but effects on nociceptive itch have been contradictory. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate possible effects of acupuncture on the occurrence, distribution and function of sensory nerve fibres in human skin. METHODS: Ten subjects were treated by inserting 10 acupuncture needles subcutaneously at the upper lateral aspect of one buttock. The subjects were recruited from an acupuncture clinic and were undergoing specific acupuncture treatment for their disorders. The needles were stimulated (rotated to and fro) twice during the twice-weekly 25-min sessions over 5 weeks. Skin biopsies, diameter 3 mm, were taken before and 3-6 days after local acupuncture. Antibodies to the pan-neuronal marker protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), vanilloid receptor 1 (VR1) and mu- and delta-opioid receptors were employed to study sensory unmyelinated nerve fibres that transmit nociceptive pain and itch. A histamine prick test using planimetry was used to record experimental itch after acupuncture on the treated area and on the corresponding control skin, and a visual analogue scale was used to evaluate itch. RESULTS: The mean +/- SEM number of CGRP-immunoreactive nerve fibres per biopsy section was reduced from 36.0 +/- 3.3 to 21.3 +/- 4.0 (P = 0.05) after the treatment. PGP 9.5-immunoreactive nerve fibres were found both in the epidermis and in the subpapillary dermis. The mean +/- SEM total number of PGP 9.5-immunoreactive nerve fibres decreased from 249.8 +/- 16.7 to 211.8 +/- 12.0 (P = 0.03). The PGP 9.5-immunoreactive nerve fibres occurring in the dermis appeared more fragmented after the acupuncture compared with pretreatment. VR1 immunoreactivity was found both in the free nerve fibres and in kite-like formations, possibly mast cells, throughout the dermis, sometimes occurring around hair follicles. The mean +/- SEM number of VR1-immunoreactive elements was not significantly influenced by acupuncture, at 33.5 +/- 4.6 vs. 43.0 +/- 4.4 (P = 0.09). No immunoreactivity was found in the skin against mu- and delta-opioid receptors with the antibodies used in this study. Neither histamine-induced itch nor cutaneous responses were influenced by acupuncture. CONCLUSIONS: The present data indicate an effect of acupuncture on neuropathic itch but not histamine-mediated itch. Our findings support the opinion that the pain-relieving effects of acupuncture partly depend on its effect on the peripheral innervation.
|
|
| 2. |
- Dalgard, F, et al.
(författare)
-
Self-reported skin morbidity and mental health. A population survey among adults in a Norwegian city.
- 2005
-
Ingår i: British Journal of Dermatology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1365-2133 .- 0007-0963. ; 153:1, s. 145-149
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background Several studies among dermatological patients have shown a link between various chronic dermatological diseases and mental morbidity. Objectives To explore the association between self-reported skin morbidity and psychosocial factors in the general population. Methods This population-based cross-sectional study is part of the Oslo Health Study conducted during 2000–2001. All individuals in Oslo County, Norway, born in 1924/25, 1940/41, 1955, 1960 and 1970 received a postal questionnaire, which 18 770 men and women answered. The questionnaire provided information on sociodemographic factors and self-reported health and psychosocial factors. Dichotomous variables for 10 self-reported skin complaints were used. These were previously validated and refer to the most common chronic skin diseases. Mental distress was measured with a validated 10-item instrument, the Hopkins Symptom Check List-10; social support with the number of confidants; and negative life events with a 12-item validated instrument. Results The odds ratio (OR) for mental distress was 1·70 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1·21–2·38] for having itch, 1·64 (95% CI 1·15–2·34) for pimples and 1·72 (95% CI 1·06–2·80) for face rash in an adjusted model. In an adjusted model the OR for skin disease was 1·60 (95% CI 1·39–1·84) when the individual had experienced more than two negative life events; and 2·52 (95% CI 2·12–3·00) for mental distress. Skin morbidity increased for both genders, with poor social support network. There was a significant interaction between social support network and negative life events in the logistic regression model for skin disease when adjusted for sociodemographic factors. Conclusions The study quantifies the association between dermatological problems and psychosocial factors at a population level. It underlines the need to focus on these issues in research and needs assessment in dermatology.
|
|
| 3. |
- Diepgen, T. L., et al.
(författare)
-
Hand eczema classification: a cross-sectional, multicentre study of the aetiology and morphology of hand eczema
- 2009
-
Ingår i: British Journal of Dermatology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1365-2133 .- 0007-0963. ; 160:2, s. 353-358
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Hand eczema is a long-lasting disease with a high prevalence in the background population. The disease has severe, negative effects on quality of life and sometimes on social status. Epidemiological studies have identified risk factors for onset and prognosis, but treatment of the disease is rarely evidence based, and a classification system for different subdiagnoses of hand eczema is not agreed upon. Randomized controlled trials investigating the treatment of hand eczema are called for. For this, as well as for clinical purposes, a generally accepted classification system for hand eczema is needed. The present study attempts to characterize subdiagnoses of hand eczema with respect to basic demographics, medical history and morphology. Clinical data from 416 patients with hand eczema from 10 European patch test clinics were assessed. A classification system for hand eczema is proposed. It is suggested that this classification be used in clinical work and in clinical trials.
|
|
| 4. |
- Ekqvist, Susanne, et al.
(författare)
-
Does gold concentration in the blood influence the result of patch testing to gold?
- 2009
-
Ingår i: British Journal of Dermatology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1365-2133 .- 0007-0963. ; 160:5, s. 1016-1021
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We have recently found a correlation between contact allergy to gold sodium thiosulphate (GSTS) and gold concentration in the blood (B-Au) in a stented population: the higher the B-Au, the stronger the patch-test reaction. To further investigate the correlation between B-Au and patch-test reactivity to gold. In this provocation control cross-over trial of 24 patients with dermatitis with a known contact allergy to gold, the patients were randomized into two groups where one was topically provoked to gold (15 mg GSTS) and one to the control. All patients were simultaneously patch tested with GSTS in 10 aqueous dilutions (1.1 mg GSTS). Patch-test readings were performed and blood was drawn. After 6 weeks, the experiment was repeated and the group that had previously been provoked with gold was now provoked with the control and vice versa. B-Au was higher after gold provocation whereas no treatment effect was discerned for minimal eliciting concentration (MEC) or summarized test score (STS). Instead, significant differences in period effect were observed implying higher B-Au and STS and lower MEC on test occasion II. The most likely explanation is the increased B-Au and/or booster effect from test occasion I. There was a correlation between B-Au and MEC: the higher the B-Au, the lower the MEC. The correlation between B-Au and MEC indicates that the B-Au is of importance for the skin reactivity to gold.
|
|
| 5. |
- Ekqvist, Susanne, et al.
(författare)
-
High frequency of contact allergy to gold in patients with endovascular coronary stents
- 2007
-
Ingår i: British Journal of Dermatology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1365-2133 .- 0007-0963. ; 157:4, s. 730-738
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background Stent implantation is an effective method for treatment of atherosclerotic disease. Factors predisposing to in-stent restenosis are still largely unknown. Contact allergy to metal ions eluted from the stent has been suggested to be a risk factor. Objectives To explore whether there is a possible induction of contact allergy to metals used in stents among patients with a stainless steel stent containing nickel (Ni stent) and patients with a gold-plated stent (Au stent). Methods Adults (n = 484) treated with coronary stent implantation participated in the study with patch testing. The study design was retrospective and cross-sectional with no assessment of contact allergy before stenting. Age- and sex-matched patch-tested patients with dermatitis (n = 447) served as controls. Results Of Au-stented patients, 54 of 146 (37%) were allergic to gold compared with 85 of 447 (19%) controls (P < 0.001). Within the stented population there were no statistically significant differences in contact allergy to gold or nickel between Ni-stented and Au-stented patients. In multivariate models where other risk factors for contact allergy to gold were considered, the Au stent showed a trend towards statistical significance (odds ratio 1.43, 95% confidence interval 0.95-2.16; P = 0.09). Conclusions As the frequency of contact allergy to gold is higher in stented patients independent of stent type it suggests a previous sensitization. However, several pieces of circumstantial evidence as well as statistical analysis indicate the possibility of sensitization in the coronary vessel by the Au stent. Ni stents and Au stents should not be ruled out as risk factors for induction of contact allergy to these metals.
|
|
| 6. |
- Flytström, I, et al.
(författare)
-
Methotrexate Versus Cyklosporine in Psoriasis: effectiveness quality of life and safety. A randomized controlled trial
- 2008
-
Ingår i: British Journal of Dermatology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1365-2133 .- 0007-0963. ; 158:1, s. 116-121
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background When this study was initiated, no previous studies comparing methotrexate and ciclosporin for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis had been performed. Objectives To compare the effectiveness, quality of life and side-effects of methotrexate and ciclosporin treatments in a context reflecting normal clinical practice. Methods Eighty-four patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis were randomized to treatment with methotrexate or ciclosporin for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). The secondary outcome was quality of life, measured by the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used for patients' assessment. Results Sixty-eight patients started treatment and were included in the analysis. Dropout before initiation of treatment was higher in the ciclosporin group. Mean PASI change from baseline at 12 weeks was 58% in the methotrexate group and 72% in the ciclosporin group, showing ciclosporin to be more effective than methotrexate. Improvement of the VAS score was higher in the ciclosporin group. The methotrexate group showed a greater improvement in the subscale Physical Functioning of the SF-36. No significant difference between the groups was found for DLQI. Conclusions Treatment with methotrexate or ciclosporin for chronic plaque psoriasis brings satisfactory disease control, improved quality of life and tolerable side-effects. A statistically significant difference in effectiveness between treatment groups was recorded, showing ciclosporin to be more effective than methotrexate in a short-term perspective.
|
|
| 7. |
|
|
| 8. |
- Kragballe, K, et al.
(författare)
-
A 52-week randomized safety study of a calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate two-compound product (Dovobet((R))/Daivobet((R))/Taclonex((R))) in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris
- 2006
-
Ingår i: British Journal of Dermatology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1365-2133 .- 0007-0963. ; 154:6, s. 1155-1160
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate two-compound product Dovobet (R)/Daivobet (R)/Taclonex (R)(LEO Pharma A/S, Ballerup, Denmark) has been shown to be safe and effective in the treatment of psoriasis for up to 8 weeks. As psoriasis is a chronic disease, long-term treatment may be required, so there is a need to investigate the safety of its use over a longer period of time. To investigate the safety of two treatment regimens involving use of the two-compound product over 52 weeks in the treatment of patients with psoriasis. Patients (n = 634) were randomized double-blind to treatment with: (i) 52 weeks of the two-compound product (two-compound group); (ii) 52 weeks of alternating 4-week periods of the two-compound product and calcipotriol (alternating group); or (iii) 4 weeks of the two-compound product followed by 48 weeks of calcipotriol (calcipotriol group). Treatments in all groups were used once daily when required. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) occurred in 45 (21.7%) patients in the two-compound group, 63 (29.6%) in the alternating group and 78 (37.9%) in the calcipotriol group. The odds ratio for an ADR in the two-compound group relative to the calcipotriol group was 0.46 (95% confidence interval 0.30-0.70; P < 0.001). ADRs of concern associated with long-term topical corticosteroid use occurred in 10 (4.8%) patients in the two-compound group, six (2.8%) in the alternating group and six (2.9%) in the calcipotriol group; those with the highest incidence were skin atrophy, occurring in four (1.9%), one (0.5%) and two (1.0%) patients, respectively, and folliculitis, in three (1.4%), one (0.5%) and no patients, respectively. Treatment with the two-compound product for up to 52 weeks appears to be safe and well tolerated whether used on its own or alternating every 4 weeks with calcipotriol treatment.
|
|
| 9. |
- Masjedi, K., et al.
(författare)
-
Is the variability of nickel patch test reactivity over time associated with fluctuations in the systemic T-cell reactivity to nickel?
- 2009
-
Ingår i: British Journal of Dermatology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0007-0963 .- 1365-2133. ; 161:1, s. 102-109
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background Patch test reactivity to nickel varies over time. To what extent this variation is associated with fluctuations in the T-cell reactivity to nickel is not known. Objectives Our aim was to investigate the relationship between variation over time in the patch test and the systemic T-cell reactivity to nickel. Methods Patients (n = 15) with a history of contact allergy to nickel were subjected to three consecutive patch tests at 3-month intervals, utilizing NiSO4 at 10 concentrations ranging from 0.0032% to 12.5%. Prior to each patch test, blood mononuclear cells were analysed for T-cell reactivity to nickel by interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 enzyme-linked immunospot assay. Results Eleven patients reacted positively in all three patch tests, two patients reacted in one or two tests and two remained negative. All 13 positive patients displayed variability over time, in terms of the lowest dose of nickel to which they responded. Also the cytokine response to nickel varied over time but the patients' mean cytokine response was positively correlated with their mean patch test reactivity (r(s) = 0.70, P < 0.01 for IL-4; r(s) = 0.78, P < 0.001 for IL-13). However, although the changes over time in patch test reactivity and the cytokine responses to nickel displayed a similar pattern in many patients, there was no significant correlation between the individuals' variation over time in vivo and in vitro. Conclusions The overall magnitude of the T-cell reactivity to nickel and the patch test reactivity are closely associated but fluctuations in the systemic T-cell reactivity cannot be singled out as the major cause of longitudinal variability in nickel patch test reactivity.
|
|
| 10. |
|
|
