Masza Mukamel

Naproxen as an alternative to aspirin for the treatment of arthritis of rheumatic fever: a randomized trial

We performed a prospective, randomized, open-label equivalence study comparing the use of naproxen to aspirin in 33 patients with rheumatic fever. The mean time until resolution of arthritis was 2.9+/-2.9 days in both groups. Liver enzyme elevations were more frequent in the aspirin group (P=.002). We conclude that naproxen is as effective, is easier to use, and is safer than aspirin in the treatment of the arthritis of rheumatic fever.

Scintigraphic evaluation of calcinosis in juvenile dermatomyositis with Tc-99m MDP.

Two children with juvenile dermatomyositis and extensive, debilitating soft tissue calcifications are described. Whole-body bone scans with Tc-99m MDP were performed in both cases before and during specific treatment for the calcinosis. Baseline studies showed marked tracer localization in the soft tissues and provided an objective baseline assessment of the extent of the soft tissue calcifications. Follow-up studies showed gradual clearance of the extraskeletal uptake and were useful in monitoring the therapeutic response. These cases show that skeletal scintigraphy can function as a useful auxiliary tool to evaluate calcinosis in children with juvenile dermatomyositis.

Prognosis of infantile seborrheic dermatitis

Of 191 children who had had infantile seborrheic dermatitis, 88 were reexamined after 10 years. One child had psoriasis, four had atopic dermatitis, and seven had seborrheic dermatitis, which suggests a link with adult seborrheic dermatitis. A familial tendency toward infantile seborrheic dermatitis was noted, as was an increased incidence of allergy within the family.