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This Month in Archives of Dermatology
Arch Dermatol. 2003;139:982.
Pancreatic Carcinoma Surveillance in Patients With Familial Melanoma
Approximately 5% to 12% of melanomas occur in the familial setting, and molecular analyses have established CDKN2A (p16) as the major melanoma susceptibility gene in the familial melanoma syndrome. There is growing evidence that CDKN2A mutations may also predispose patients to pancreatic carcinoma. In this case report, Parker et al describe a kindred that inherits both melanoma and pancreatic carcinoma caused by a functional mutation in the CDKN2A gene and provide a useful pancreatic carcinoma screening and surveillance algorithm for patients with familial melanoma syndrome who have been demonstrated to have these mutations.
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The Economic Impact of Acute Sunburn
The economic impact of damaging UV exposure has been previously analyzed with respect to the long-term consequences, particularly UV-induced photocarcinogenesis. In this survey of 56 sunburned beachgoers, Warthan et al instead focus on the economic impact of acute UV-induced damage, or sunburn. A total of 16.1% of sunburned beachgoers were found to have missed an average of 1.89 days of work yearly, and the economic implications of this largely preventable condition are examined.
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The Handheld Dermatoscope as a Nail-Fold Capillaroscopic Instrument
In connective tissue diseases such as scleroderma, dermatomyositis, mixed connective tissue disease, and overlap syndromes, early localized vascular abnormalities may be observed on the nail folds, where the arrangement of the capillaries allows in vivo visualization of the complete capillary loop. In this study, Bergman et al evaluate the modified use of a conventional handheld dermatoscope, finding that this instrument offers a simple, quick, and inexpensive method for capillaroscopy.
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After a drop of oil is applied to the proximal nail fold, the objective of the dermatoscope is placed on the nail fold and lightly pressed. The capillary bed is viewed through the ocular piece.
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Permethrin-Resistant Human Head Lice,Pediculus capitis, and Their Treatment
Pediculosis, caused by the human head louse, Pediculus capitis, is the most prevalent parasitic infestation in US children, and consumer treatment products typically contain pyrethrins or permethrin as the active ingredient. Increasing rates of permethrin resistance in this setting have been demonstrated. A recently reintroduced prescription therapy contains malathion as the active ingredient. In this study, Yoon et al exposed head lice from different populations to these pediculicides in vitro and assessed mortality at fixed times thereafter. Malathion resistance was not observed, but the presence of permethrin resistance was confirmed and, further, shown to be associated with specific mutations associated with knockdown resistance.
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Consensus Statement on the Use of Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy in the Treatment of Autoimmune Mucocutaneous Blistering Diseases
Pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus foliaceus, bullous pemphigoid, cicatricial pemphigoid, and epidermolysis bullosa acquisita constitute a group of uncommon blistering disorders that have several features in common. Standard therapies for these bullous diseases include high-dose, long-term corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive agents. In this consensus statement, the use of intravenous immunoglobulin for these conditions is discussed, providing scope-of-treatment, prescreening, dosing, frequency, and monitoring guidelines.
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SECTION EDITOR: ROBIN L. TRAVERS, MD
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