J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2017 Oct 20;70(10):1369-1376. Epub 2017 May 20.

Department of Medicine, Dermatology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 16 E 60th Street, New York, NY 10022, USA.

Background: Approximately one-third of women diagnosed with breast cancer undergo mastectomy with subsequent implant-based or autogenous tissue-based reconstruction. Potential complications include infection, capsular contracture, and leak or rupture of implants with necessity for explantation. Skin rashes are infrequently described complications of patients who undergo mastectomy with or without reconstruction. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2017 Mar;96(10):e6244

aDepartment of Dermatology bDepartment of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang cDepartment of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.

Rationale: Ecthyma gangrenosum (EG) is an aggressive cutaneous disease caused by local or systemic infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. EG is characterized by cutaneous manifestations ranging from nodule and papule, to necrotic ulceration with surrounding erythema, especially with black eschar or central crust. EG presents with characteristic skin lesions which is important to establish diagnosis of sepsis caused by P aeruginosa, a serious condition that can be treated efficiently if diagnosed early. Read More

Microbiol Spectr 2017 Jan;5(1)

Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112.

Cutaneous tuberculosis (TB) may present in various clinical manifestations. Skin involvement may occur as a result of exogenous inoculation, contiguous spread from a nearby focus of infection, or by hematogenous spread from a distant focus. Because the clinical presentation of cutaneous TB can vary widely, it is important to have a high index of suspicion in appropriate clinical settings. Read More

G Ital Dermatol Venereol 2016 Oct;151(5):499-506

Clinical Allergological and Venereological Dermatology Section, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy -

Background: The treatment of cutaneous advanced non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) and multiple cutaneous and subcutaneous melanoma metastases (Mm) represents a main therapeutic challenge. Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is an anticancer procedure that facilitates the penetration of cytotoxic drugs into cancer cells by means of the application of electrical pulses. The aim of our study was to evaluate efficacy and tolerability of ECT in the treatment of advanced NMSC and Mm. Read More

Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2016 Sep 18;6(3):363-78. Epub 2016 Jul 18.

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.

Acne keloidalis nuchae (AKN) is a chronic inflammatory condition that leads to fibrotic plaques, papules and alopecia on the occiput and/or nape of the neck. Traditional medical management focuses on prevention, utilization of oral and topical antibiotics, and intralesional steroids in order to decrease inflammation and secondary infections. Unfortunately, therapy may require months of treatment to achieve incomplete results and recurrences are common. Read More

Transplantation 2017 Feb;101(2):294-301

1 Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY. 2 Thomas Starzl Transplant Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA.

Background: Immunoglobulin-cytokine fusion molecules have been shown to be the new generation of immunomodulating agents in transplantation tolerance induction. In the present study, we tested whether immunoregulatory cytokine fusion proteins of IL-10/Fc, TGF-β/Fc, or IL-2/Fc would enhance allogeneic bone marrow cell (BMC) engraftment and promote tolerance induction.

Methods: B6 (H2) mice were conditioned with anti-CD154 (MR1) and rapamycin (Rapa) plus 100 cGy total body irradiation (MR1/Rapa/100 cGy) and transplanted with allogeneic B10. Read More

Transpl Int 2016 Aug 14;29(8):930-40. Epub 2016 Jun 14.

Center for Transplantation Science, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.

MyD88 signaling directly promotes T-cell survival and is required for optimal T-cell responses to pathogens. To examine the role of T-cell-intrinsic MyD88 signals in transplantation, we studied mice with targeted T-cell-specific MyD88 deletion. Contrary to expectations, we found that these mice were relatively resistant to prolongation of graft survival with anti-CD154 plus rapamycin in a class II-mismatched system. Read More

J Mol Cell Cardiol 2016 Apr 18;93:18-31. Epub 2016 Feb 18.

Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Center for Cardiovascular Research and Alternative Medicine, University of Wyoming College of Health Sciences, Laramie, WY 82071, USA. Electronic address:

Background: Adiponectin (APN), an adipose-derived adipokine, alleviates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced injury in multiple organs including hearts although the underlying mechanism in endotoxemia remains elusive. This study was designed to examine the role of adiponectin in LPS-induced cardiac anomalies and inflammation as well as the underlying mechanism with a focus on autophagy - a conserved machinery for bulk degradation of intracellular components.

Methods And Results: Wild-type (WT) and APN(-/-) mice were challenged with LPS (4mg/kg) or saline for 6h. Read More

Cureus 2015 Oct 21;7(10):e359. Epub 2015 Oct 21.

Infectious Disease, Nassau University Medical Center.

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a life-threatening cutaneous reaction to various medications, including antipsychotics and antibiotics. While cephalosporin-induced TEN is very rare, we present a case of cefepime-induced TEN. There are several commonly used therapies for TEN, including immunosuppressive agents and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), but their true efficacy has not been proven. Read More

J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2015 Nov 26;29(11):2104-11. Epub 2015 Aug 26.

Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany.

Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease that affects numerous organs, commonly manifesting at the lungs and skin. While corticosteroids remain the first line of treatment, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors have been investigated as one potential steroid sparing treatment for sarcoidosis. TNF-α is one of many components involved in the formation of granulomas in sarcoidosis. Read More

Head Neck 2015 Nov 6;37(11):E157-60. Epub 2015 Aug 6.

University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Cleveland, Ohio.

Background: Cervical necrotizing fasciitis is an aggressive infection that can be rapidly fatal if aggressive therapies are not initiated early. Negative pressure wound therapy has been established as an effective tool in promoting wound healing, but its use in the acutely infected wound has been avoided because it limits frequent irrigations and standard dressing changes.

Methods: We discuss a novel application of negative pressure wound therapy with instillation in an immunocompromised patient with extensive cervical necrotizing fasciitis. Read More

Burns 2015 Aug 21;41(5):1076-85. Epub 2015 Feb 21.

Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China; Department of Aerospace Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China. Electronic address:

Background: Severe burns often initiate the prevalence of hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, significantly contributing to adverse clinical outcomes. However, there are limited treatment options. This study was designed to investigate the role and the underlying mechanisms of oral antibiotics to selectively decontaminate the digestive tract (SDD) on burn-induced insulin resistance. Read More

Ann Vasc Surg 2015 Feb 5;29(2):361.e13-5. Epub 2014 Nov 5.

Department of Nuclear Medicine, CHU Bordeaux, Pessac, France.

Background: Diagnosis of prosthetic vascular graft infections is a clinical challenge, and surgical therapy is associated with comorbidity. Therefore, accurate diagnostic methods are required for their optimal management.

Methods: A 61-year-old-patient presented with erysipelas of the right lower limb 7 months after receiving a hybrid femoropopliteal bypass composed of a saphenous vein distally and external supported polytetrafluoroethylene proximally. Read More

Am J Transplant 2014 Dec 13;14(12):2874-82. Epub 2014 Nov 13.

Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Est Créteil, Créteil, France; Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale (IMRB), INSERM U 955, Créteil, France; AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Henri-Mondor Albert-Chenevier, CIC-BT-504, Créteil, France.

Human CD4(+) CD25(+) FoxP3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) prevent allogeneic graft rejection by inhibiting T cell activation, as has been shown in mouse models. Recently, low-dose IL-2 administration was shown to specifically activate Tregs but not pathogenic conventional T cells, leading to resolution of type 1 diabetes in nonobese diabetic mice. We therefore tested the ability of low-dose IL-2 to prevent allogeneic skin graft rejection. Read More

Adv Exp Med Biol 2015 ;830:47-67

Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA,

While microbial biofilms have been recognized as being ubiquitous in nature for the past 40 years, it has only been within the past 20 years that clinical practitioners have realized that biofilm play a significant role in both device-related and tissue-based infections. The global impact of surgical site infections (SSIs) is monumental and as many as 80 % of these infections may involve a microbial biofilm. Recent studies suggest that biofilm- producing organisms play a significant role in persistent skin and soft tissue wound infections in the postoperative surgical patient population. Read More

J Wound Care 2014 Oct;23(10 Suppl):S18-22

Minneapolis Heart Institute; Minneapolis Heart Institute Research Foundation; 920 E 28th Street, Minneapolis MN 55449.

We present a case report of intractable multifactorial leg ulcer that was treated successfully with multiple approaches including hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) to prepare for skin grafting. A 66-year-old female with a history of rheumatoid arthritis and Felty's syndrome presented with a non-healing ulcer on her left leg that was caused by a trauma. She failed multiple treatment options including debridement, different wound dressings, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and vein closure procedure. Read More

Am J Transplant 2014 Jul 19;14(7):1678-89. Epub 2014 May 19.

Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.

Anti-lymphocyte-depleting antibodies have increasingly been utilized in the clinic as induction therapy aiming to improve transplantation outcomes by reducing the need for long-term immunosuppression. However, maintenance immunosuppression is still required as lymphocyte reconstitution through homeostatic proliferation, partially driven by IL-7, continues to replenish tolerance-refractory immune cells capable of rejection. In murine models of MHC mismatched skin grafting, we investigated whether it is feasible to control the lymphocyte reconstitution process to delay rejection and favor tolerance processes. Read More

J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2014 Jul 14;72(7):1320-4. Epub 2014 Feb 14.

Department Head, Department of Trauma and General Surgery, Role III Multinational Medical Unit, Kandahar, Afghanistan, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, Adjunct Assistant Professor, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, Assistant Professor, The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD. Electronic address:

First described in 1924, necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rapidly progressing, severe suppurative infection of the superficial fascia, often associated with vascular thrombosis and necrosis of the overlying skin. Despite advances in medical therapy, the mortality remains high, with rates exceeding 25 to 50% in some studies. Early diagnosis and treatment is paramount in the management of this serious infection and should include wide surgical debridement and drainage of all necrotic tissues, coupled with aggressive parenteral antibiotics. Read More

Dermatol Online J 2013 Apr 15;19(4). Epub 2013 Apr 15.

Weil Cornell Medical College, New York, NY.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a pathological follicular disease, impacts patients' lives profoundly. HS most commonly involves cutaneous intertriginous areas, such as the axilla, inner thighs, groin and buttocks, and pendulous breasts, but can appear on any follicular skin. Protean, HS manifests with variations of abscesses, folliculitis, pyogenic granulomas, scars (oval honeycombed), comedones, tracts, fistulas, and keloids. Read More

Eye (Lond) 2013 Mar 15;27(3):432-7. Epub 2013 Feb 15.

Orbital Unit, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK.

Background: Necrotising fasciitis (NF) is a devastating disease with considerable mortality and morbidity, and early aggressive surgical debridement of devitalised necrotic tissues has traditionally been advocated.

Methods: We describe three patients who were referred from other units several weeks after developing periocular necrotising fasciitis; in all the three, the disease had been managed medically without surgical debridement, with apparent 'stalling' of the inflammatory process despite persistent necrotic periocular tissue.

Results: Following 'elective debridement' of the devitalised tissues and reconstruction with local flaps, all achieved a satisfactory aesthetic result. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2013 Jul 4;69(1):127-34. Epub 2013 Feb 4.

Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine, San Francisco, California 94115, USA.

Keratitis, ichthyosis, and deafness (KID) syndrome is a rare genodermatosis associated with mutations in the connexin 26 gene. Although characterized by this clinical triad, KID syndrome predisposes to a heterogeneous spectrum of cutaneous manifestations and complications, both infectious and neoplastic in nature. Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis and/or superinfection of skin lesions commonly occur and warrant aggressive therapeutic intervention. Read More

Transplantation 2013 Mar;95(6):791-800

Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.

Background: Sorafenib, a multikinase inhibitor approved for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma, has been reported inhibitory on the function of dendritic cells. This study was aimed to determine the effects of sorafenib on inducing autophagy and immunomodulatory activity and its implication on graft rejection.

Methods: Cell viability and surface antigens were examined by 7-amino-actinomycin D and flow cytometric analysis. Read More

Immunol Lett 2013 Jan 21;149(1-2):1-8. Epub 2012 Nov 21.

The Toronto Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.

In transgenic mice over-expressing CD200 (CD200(tg)) graft survival is associated with increased intra-graft expression of mRNAs for genes associated with altered T cell subset differentiation (Foxp3; TGFβ; IL-10). Grafts are rejected in recipients lacking the inhibitory receptor for CD200, CD200R1. We compared grafts of C57BL/6 skin taken from control, CD200KO, CD200(tg), CD200R1KO or CD200(tg). Read More

Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2011 Dec;19(6):462-6

Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.

Purpose Of Review: There has been an increase in the incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in recent years. This article reviews the literature on three manifestations of MRSA infections in the head and neck of children: sinonasal infections, otologic infections, and neck abscesses.

Recent Findings: Historically nosocomial in origin, MRSA infections more recently are found to occur in otherwise healthy patients with no obvious risk factors. Read More

J Drugs Dermatol 2011 Jul;10(7):724-33

Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.

Within a relatively short period of time after the first antimicrobial drugs were introduced, bacteria began exhibiting varying degrees of resistance. The excessive use (and abuse) of antibiotics in agriculture, and in both human and veterinary medicine, has played a critical causative role in the development of antibiotic resistance, which is now recognized as a global public health threat. Increasing concern over this issue should impact the practice of cutaneous medicine and surgery, as dermatologists can easily adopt new healthcare delivery patterns that might reduce the development of antibiotic resistance and still achieve acceptable treatment outcomes. Read More

J Fr Ophtalmol 2011 Apr 15;34(4):258.e1-5. Epub 2011 Mar 15.

Service d'ophtalmologie, centre hospitalier régional de la Citadelle, 1, boulevard du 12(e) de Ligne, 4000 Liège, Belgique.

We report a rare case of periorbital necrotizing fasciitis following a dacryocystorhinostomy procedure. We describe the common features of this rare infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissues and discuss the different management strategies as well as the controversial role of anti-inflammatory medication in treating this condition. Read More

J Immunol 2011 Feb 21;186(4):2033-41. Epub 2011 Jan 21.

Department of Surgery and Emory Transplant Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.

Donor-reactive memory T cells (Tmem) can play an important role in mediating graft rejection after transplantation. Transplant recipients acquire donor-reactive Tmem not only through prior sensitization with alloantigens but also through previous exposure to environmental pathogens that are cross-reactive with allogeneic peptide-MHC complexes. Current dogma suggests that most, if not all, Tmem responses are independent of the requirement for CD28 and/or CD154/CD40-mediated costimulation to mount a recall response. Read More

J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2010 Oct 2;63(10):e733-6. Epub 2010 Jun 2.

Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK.

Electrochemotherapy, a tumour ablation modality, which facilitates intracellular delivery of poorly-permeable cytotoxic drugs, such as bleomycin, has shown promising results in the treatment of cutaneous and subcutaneous melanomatous and non-melanomatous metastases. We report the case of a 52-year-old Caucasian gentleman with a keloid scar to his left earlobe that developed following a piercing. Despite multiple intralesional steroidal injections, five intralesional excisions and a course of superficial radiotherapy the keloid scar remained over nine years later. Read More

Am J Clin Dermatol 2010 ;11(1):35-44

Skin Cancer Department, Bond University, Belmont, Victoria, Australia.

Clean, non-contaminated skin surgery is associated with low rates of surgical site infection (SSI), bacterial endocarditis, and joint prosthesis infection. Hence, antibacterial prophylaxis, which may be associated with adverse effects, the emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens, and anaphylaxis, is generally not recommended in dermatologic surgery. Some body sites and surgical reconstructive procedures are associated with higher infection rates, and guidelines for SSI antibacterial prophylaxis have been proposed for these cases. Read More

PLoS One 2008 23;3(12):e4009. Epub 2008 Dec 23.

Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America.

The Kv1.3 potassium channel plays an essential role in effector memory T cells and has been implicated in several important autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis, psoriasis and type 1 diabetes. A number of potent small molecule inhibitors of Kv1. Read More

AORN J 2008 May;87(5):935-46; quiz 947-50

Department of Orthopaedics, Podiatry Division, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA.

The incidence of diabetes with severe foot infections (eg, necrotizing fasciitis, gas gangrene, ascending cellulitis, infection with systemic toxicity or metabolic instability) has risen significantly during the past decade. Foot infections are a major cause of hospitalization and subsequent lower extremity amputation among patients with diabetes mellitus who have a history of a preexisting ulceration. Surgical management often is required to address severe diabetic foot infections because they can be limb- or life-threatening. Read More

Rev Iberoam Micol 1998 Dec;15(4):261-4

University of Wisconsin Medical School, Departments of Surgery and Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Madison, WI 53706-1532, USA.

A good deal of data support a role for probiotic intestinal bacteria in the prophylaxis and therapy of candidiasis. Candida spp. are highly infectious eukaryotes that can colonize and infect humans and other warm-blooded mammals, worldwide. Read More

Ann Plast Surg 2008 Apr;60(4):433-6

Department of Surgery, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA.

We report a case of primary cutaneous zygomycosis caused by Rhizopus species in an infant with a hematological malignancy. Multiple surgical debridements, skin grafting, and intravenous antifungal therapy were necessary to ultimately eradicate the infection. Zygomycotic infections are an emerging concern in immunocompromised patients because of their increased incidence as well as their potential to cause substantial morbidity through both emotional distress and impaired functionality. Read More

Wound Repair Regen 2008 Jan-Feb;16(1):23-9

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA.

A biofilm is a collection of microbial cells that are attached to a surface and embedded in a self-produced extrapolymeric substance. The understanding of the biofilm phenotype is important in the understanding of bacteria in vitro but it has been difficult to translate biofilm science to the clinical setting. More recently, preliminary criteria for defining biofilm associated diseases have been proposed and the purpose of this study was to create a biofilm-associated wound model based on these criteria. Read More

Clin J Oncol Nurs 2007 Jun;11(3):387-95

Anthracycline chemotherapy agents bind to DNA and cause cell death when they extravasate into healthy tissue. Although many approaches to managing extravasations have been studied and reported, data from two prospective clinical trials suggest that Totect (dexrazoxane for injection, TopoTarget USA, Inc.) is an effective anthracycline extravasation treatment. Read More

Ann Fr Anesth Reanim 2006 Sep 22;25(9):982-5. Epub 2006 Aug 22.

Service de réanimation médicochirurgicale, hôpital Mignot, centre hospitalier de Versailles, 78157 Le Chesnay cedex, France.

Antimicrobial therapy of complicated skin and soft tissue infections is guided by microbiological samplings performed in the preoperative period or during surgery. Antimicrobial treatment plays only an adjuvant role, the most important part of therapy is based on surgery. Systemic and local diffusion of antibiotic agents is poor. Read More

Surg Infect (Larchmt) 2006 ;7 Suppl 2:S65-7

Anaesthesia and Palliative Care, Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi, Varese, Italy.

Background: Central venous catheters (CVCs) are used to deliver a variety of therapies, as well as for measurement of hemodynamic parameters. The major associated complication is catheter-related blood stream infection (CRBSI).

Method: Review of the pertinent English-language literature. Read More

Nephrol Dial Transplant 2006 Jul;21 Suppl 3:iii38-41

Servicio de Nefrologia, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Carretera de Colmenar, Km9.100, 28034 Madrid, Spain.

Calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) are frequently associated with side effects such as nephrotoxicity and hypertension, so CNI withdrawal from immunosuppressive regimens is desirable in certain cases. The proliferation signal inhibitors/mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors everolimus and sirolimus may play an important role in achieving CNI withdrawal. Studies on sirolimus have shown that conversion from CNIs is associated with improvements in renal function and hypertension. Read More

AORN J 2005 Dec;82(6):1031-40

Hutchinson Medical Center, Kan, USA.

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection of the skin, deep subcutaneous tissue, and fascia. Early symptoms may be misdiagnosed as cellulitis. A hallmark symptom that distinguishes NF from cellulitis is severe local pain that is out of proportion to the size and type of the wound present. Read More

Roum Arch Microbiol Immunol 2003 Jul-Dec;62(3-4):179-89

1 - NIRDMI "Cantacuzino ", Bucharest, 2 - Fetesti-District Sanitary Center, Romania.

Over the last three decades, the literature pointed out the implications of Aeromonas species in human pathology. These species were described as being involved in intestinal (several outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis of choleric/dysenteric form or chronic diarrhoea, ulcerative colitis, etc.) in normal adults or children, as well as in extraintestinal infections in immunocompromised hosts. Read More

Am J Infect Control 2005 Jun;33(5):268-75

Ohio State University and Columbus Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA.

Neonates represent a unique and highly vulnerable patient population. Advances in medical technology that have occurred over the last few decades have improved the survival and quality of life for neonates, particularly those infants born with extreme prematurity or with congenital defects. Although immunologic immaturity and altered cutaneous barriers play some role in the vulnerability of neonates to nosocomial infections, clearly, therapeutic interventions that have proven to be lifesaving for these fragile infants also appear to be associated with the majority of infectious complications resulting in neonatal morbidity and mortality. Read More

Burns 2005 May;31(3):383-7

Department of Surgery, North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center CB# 7600, University of North Carolina Hospitals, 101 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA.

AGEP (acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis) is a relatively rare exfoliative skin syndrome consisting of generalized eruption of pustules in response to medication or infection. Because AGEP may have other systemic manifestations, such as renal failure, hyperthermia, lab abnormalities, and/or hemodynamic instability, it is important to make the distinction between AGEP and other life-threatening generalized skin diseases, such as toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Here we present a case of AGEP in response to valdecoxib, which has not previously been described in the literature. Read More

Transplantation 2004 Sep;78(6):825-30

Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.

Background: A regimen consisting of antilymphocyte serum (ALS), sirolimus, and donor bone-marrow-cell (BMC) infusion induces indefinite skin allograft survival across fully mismatched mouse strain combinations. We investigated the role of chimerism in this transplantation tolerance model.

Materials: B10. Read More

Saudi Med J 2004 Jul;25(7):890-4

Department of General Surgery, Riyadh Medical Complex, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Objective: To evaluate our experience of management of necrotizing fasciitis (NF) particularly the role of early and aggressive surgical intervention.

Methods: This is a retrospective review of the cases affected by this disease and managed at Riyadh Medical Complex, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, during 5 calendar years from 1996 through to 2000 (1416-1420 A.H). Read More

J Immunol 2004 Jul;173(1):214-21

Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.

Costimulatory signals and growth factor signals play a key role in commanding T cell activation and T cell effector function. However, how costimulatory signals and growth factor signals interact and integrate into the activation program of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells during the allograft response remains poorly defined. In the present study we found that either CD4- or CD8-deficient mice can vigorously reject the skin allografts. Read More

Semin Cutan Med Surg 2003 Sep;22(3):196-211

Department of Dermatology, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA.

Antibiotics play a vital role in contemporary cutaneous medicine and surgery. They are prescribed more commonly than perhaps any other group of medications with the exception of the corticosteroids. This review discusses the major oral antibacterial agents used in dermatology today, including the beta-lactams, macrolides, tetracyclines, quinolones, sulfonamides, clindamycin, and rifampin. Read More

Postgrad Med J 2003 Sep;79(935):519-21

University of Leicester.

Background: Pus samples for microbiological examination are routinely sent after incision and drainage of abscesses. There is no evidence that microbiology reports influence treatment for non-perineal cutaneous abscesses.

Aims: This study assessed (1) how often the microbiology report is used to manage patients' treatment after incision and drainage of an abscess and (2) junior surgical trainees' opinions on sending pus for microbiological examination. Read More

J Pak Med Assoc 2002 Dec;52(12):557-60

Department of Urological Surgery and Transplantation, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi.

Aims: To evaluate the frequency of urinary tract infection in patients with suprapubic cystostomy and other complications of the procedure within 30 days of placement.

Methods: Patients characteristics, indication and types of cystostomy and short term (within 30 days); complications were analyzed in 91 patients. Urine analysis and culture was done in all patients to exclude those with urinary tract infection. Read More

Am J Pathol 2002 Dec;161(6):2143-52

Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Research, Brown Medical School/Rhode Island Hospital, 593 Eddy Street, Providence, RI 02903, USA.

The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in two different murine wound models was investigated. Animals were subjected to either full-thickness linear skin incision with subcutaneous implantation of sterile polyvinyl alcohol sponges, or to 1.5 x 1. Read More

J Chemother 2001 Nov;13 Spec No 1(1):96-101

Professorial Unit of Surgery, North Tees General Hospital, Stockton-on-Tees, Cleveland, UK.

Wound infection after clean surgery (the majority being hernia, varicose vein and breast surgery) is often greatly underestimated. If a trained and blinded observer is involved using close and prolonged surveillance to at least 30 days postoperatively with appropriate definitions or wound scores, an infection rate of up to 15% or more may be found. Equally controversial is the value of prophylactic antibiotics in preventing postoperative wound infection; there is no clear cut evidence of efficacy and some random controlled trials (RCTs) have shown no differences at all. Read More