Micheline Song

The prevalence of positive reactions in the atopy patch test with aeroallergens and food allergens in subjects with atopic eczema: a European multicenter study

Background:  The atopy patch test (APT) was proposed to evaluate IgE‐mediated sensitizations in patients with atopic eczema (AE).

Limitations of standardized skin surface biopsy in measurement of the density of Demodex folliculorum. A case report

Standardized skin surface biopsy (SSSB) is an appropriate method for measuring the density of Demodex folliculorum (Dd). Nevertheless, the observation of a clinical case demonstrates that, contrary to what was presumed before, a single SSSB can fail to collect the complete biotope of the mite. This could give rise to false negative results regarding the measurement of Dd.

Pulse steroid therapy for children's severe Alopecia areata?

Seven children with severe, rapidly evolving alopecia areata (AA) were treated with pulse steroid therapy (PST). AA had been present for 3-44 weeks and involved more than 30% of the scalp. One patient had alopecia totalis. Intravenous methylprednisolone (5 mg/kg twice a day) was administered for 3 days. No serious side effects were noted. At the 12-month follow-up, complete regrowth had occurred in 5 patients (71%). The patient with alopecia totalis had no regrowth. PST appears to be a promising and safe treatment for extensive, recent-onset AA in children. No response is to be expected in alopecia totalis or long-standing AA.

Tinea capitis in Brussels: epidemiology and new management strategy.

Background: We found pre-established directives inadequate to cope with the current increase in anthropophilic tinea capitis in Brussels. Objectives: To study new epidemiological profiles and to define new strategies for management and prevention. Patients and Methods: A total of 122 children affected by tinea capitis were followed in our department from October 1, 2001, until September 30, 2002. The results were assessed retrospectively. Results: Anthropophilic tinea capitis represented 89.34% of the cases. The implicated anthropophilic dermatophytes were by decreasing frequency: Microsporum langeronii (39.34%), Trichophyton soudanense (28.69%), Trichophyton violaceum (18.03%) and Trichophyton tonsurans (3.28%). Conclusion: The responsible pathogens reflect immigration flows originating mostly from Black and North Africa. Precise recommendations for each visit are detailed.

Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis in three atopic children with hypersensitivity to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus

Three children will be described who present recurrent episodes of pruritic papulopustular follicular lesions on the face, the extremities and the trunk. The episodes lasted for 1-3 months with intermittent remission. Each flare was accompanied by hypereosinophilia and an increased total IgE titer. RAST and prick tests were positive for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DPT). Laboratory tests disclosed no infectious or parasitic etiology. Histological examination showed eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (EPF) in each of the 3 cases. The lesions responded well to topical corticosteroids. The aim of this article is to underline the importance of hypersensitivity reactions (in these particular cases to DPT) in the pathogenesis of EPF.

Docetaxel-induced subungual hemorrhage

Docetaxel (RP 56976 or Taxotere), a semisynthetic drug belonging to the family of taxoids, is a new chemotherapeutic agent used in phase II trials for breast, ovarian and lung cancer. We report 2 cases of subungual hemorrhages, which, to our knowledge, have yet to be cited in association with the use of docetaxel. Although not incapacitating, the patient should be made aware of the potential risk of this drug reaction.

Adhesion molecule profiles in atopic dermatitis vs. allergic contact dermatitis: pharmacological modulation by cetirizine.

Experimental data suggest that there is an imbalance between Th1 and Th2 cells in atopic dermatitis (AD) skin compared to allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). This imbalance (Th2 and Th1 predominance, respectively) implies the production of different cytokines in these two conditions leading to different expression of adhesion molecules on skin endothelial cells.

Characterization of Cellular Infiltrates in Skin Lesions of Atopic Eczema by Means of Monoclonal Antibodies

Frozen skin biopsies from 3 acute and 3 chronic lesions of atopic dermatitis were examined by means of various ortho-monoclonal antibodies (OKT3, 4] not equal to----4, OKT6, OKT8; OKIa and OKM1) in an indirect immunofluorescence technique. The results show that both T helper (T4) and T suppressor cytotoxic (T8) lymphocytes are present in the inflammatory infiltration which predominantly contained Ia mononuclear cells. Despite the absence of double staining procedure, the observations suggest that T4 cells predominate over T8 cells in the acute lesions whereas the reverse tendency is noted in the chronic lesions. T8 cells are found mainly in the superficial dermis or even in the epidermis; by contrast, T4 cells tend to be more deeply located in the dermis. The lesions are characterized by a dramatic increase in the number of Langerhans cells (OKT6, OKIa+) that are found not only in the epidermis but also in the dermis.

Lethal Course of X-Linked Dominant Chondrodysplasia punctata in a Male Newborn

We report a newborn with some manifestations of chondrodysplasia punctata. Additional abnormalities were hydrocephalus, bilateral syndactyly of the fourth and fifth fingers and toes, absence of the middle phalanx of all toes, hypoplasia of the second and third phalanges of all fingers and cryptorchidism. This observation suggests that we are possibly dealing with a rare male case of X-linked dominant chondrodysplasia punctata.

Tufted Angioma, a Particular Form of Angioma

Tufted angioma is a rare acquired cutaneous angiomatous proliferation characterized by slowly spreading erythematous macules and plaques, sometimes surmounted by nodular formations. Synonyms are progressive capillary hemangioma and Nakagawas angioblastoma. Tufted angioma appears to be benign since follow-up studies did not report malignant transformation. This lesion must be distinguished from other vascular tumors, especially from Kaposis sarcoma. If this lesion appears in an older patient, angiosarcoma should be excluded.