Palmoplantar keratodermas (PPKs) are a diverse entity of disorders that are characterized by abnormal thickening of the skin on the palms and soles. Traditionally they have been classified as either hereditary or acquired and are distinguished from each other on the basis of mode of inheritance, presence of transgrediens (defined as contiguous extension of hyperkeratosis beyond the palmar and/or plantar skin), co-morbidities with other symptoms, and extent of epidermal involvement, namely diffuse, focal, and punctate. As the terms hyperkeratosis and keratoderma have been used interchangeably throughout the literature, we define acquired keratoderma as a non-hereditary, non-frictional hyperkeratosis of the palms and/or soles that involves >/=50% of the surface of involved acral areas and that may or may not be associated with clinical and histologic inflammation. Given the numerous possible underlying causes for acquired PPKs, evaluation of patients presenting with acquired PPK can be a perplexing task. To facilitate such evaluations, this review categorizes the acquired PPKs as: keratoderma climactericum, drug related, malnutrition associated, chemically induced, systemic disease related, malignancy associated, dermatoses related, infectious, and idiopathic. In order to avoid the possibility of overlooking an underlying etiology and to eliminate excessive testing, we present an algorithm for assessing patients presenting with acquired PPK. The first step should include a comprehensive history and a physical examination, including a complete skin examination. If findings are consistent with a hereditary keratoderma, then a genetics consultation should be considered. Any findings suggestive of underlying conditions should be aggressively evaluated and treated. If no pertinent findings are identified after a history and a physical examination, laboratory and radiology studies should be undertaken in a systematic, logical fashion. In terms of treatment, the most successful results occur when the underlying etiology is diagnosed and treated. If no such etiology is evident, then conservative treatment options include topical keratolytics (urea, salicylic acid, lactic acid), repeated physical debridement, topical retinoids, topical psoralen plus UVA, and topical corticosteroids. Etretinate and acitretin have also shown some success as alternative treatments in recalcitrant cases.
Imported tropical diseases are among the top three leading causes for morbidity and may affect up to 8% of returning travelers. Because the spectrum of dermatological manifestations seen in travelers is broad, it can be challenging for physicians to recognize and treat such conditions in a timely and efficient manner. Therefore, the present review highlights common imported tropical diseases with a focus on treatment regimens. Specifically, cutaneous larva migrans, myiasis, swimmer's itch, mycetoma, Chagas disease, and leishmaniasis are discussed. As awareness increases among travelers, immigrants, and health care providers regarding imported tropical diseases, early intervention and proper diagnosis can ensue, thus reducing morbidity and mortality in affected individuals.
A study of peak flow variability was carried out among a population sample of 63 wheezy children aged 9-11 years. Recordings were made over 12 days at three times during the day-first thing in the morning, on returning home from school and at bedtime. Eighty nine per cent of the children had symptoms during the diary period. The mean amplitude (difference between the highest and lowest daily peak flow values) was 17% of the mean daily value (range 4-48%). By cosinor analysis the amplitude was 12% of the mean value (range 1-53%). In 65% of the children the lowest point of the daily rhythm as determined by cosinor analysis lay between midnight and 8am; the rhythm was, however, statistically significant in only fourteen individuals (22%). These levels of variability are considerably lower than those previously reported in hospital based studies of adult asthmatics. As a method of demonstrating variable airflow obstruction, which is the defining physiological characteristic of asthma, the use of a peak flow diary alone appears to be of limited value in children.
A simple, fast, precise and biologically relevant toxicity assay for screening cytotoxicity of minerals would have distinct advantages due to its cost benefits and relative savings in time. Furthermore, a bioassay to differentiate acute and chronic in vivo pulmonary reactions could have potential value as predictors of fibrogenicity and pathogenicity. In this study we examined the potential use of lucigenin as a probe to evaluate the correlation between chemiluminescence (CL) generated by alveolar macrophages with the known cytotoxicity and patho genicity by conventional bioassays. In this study, we used small doses of dust (20 microg) to minimize cellular overload and to maintain homeostasis. Crystalline silica a highly fibrogenic dust was used as positive control and results are compared with those for bentonite, kaolin and talc. Among the three minerals compared with silica, bentonite was more reactive (27%) in CL assay and declined sharply compared to other minerals. This sudden decline in bentonite CL is caused by cytotoxicity leading to cell death. CL-induced by talc was comparable to silica and declines slowly. Kaolin on the other hand produced relatively a weaker (25%) CL compared to silica. Our data using relatively low doses of dust suggest that the CL assay may have a better predictive value in cytotoxicity evaluations compared to conventional toxicity assays.
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