Robert W. Goltz

Evaluation of hylan b gel as a soft-tissue augmentation implant material

BACKGROUNDnThe ideal soft tissue augmentation material should be an inert, safe, volume-filling material that is easy to use and remains in place over time. Hylan b gel, a cross-linked hyaluronic acid, may have many of these characteristics.nnnOBJECTIVEnWe assessed the potential value of hylan b gel as a soft tissue augmentation material.nnnMETHODSnA 12-month guinea pig model was used to investigate the tissue effects of hylan b gel versus collagen controls.nnnRESULTSnHylan b gel was found to be biologically compatible and stable in dermal tissues. At 1 year, only hylan b gel implants were evident (12 of 16 test sites).nnnCONCLUSIONnIn this model hylan b gel performed favorably when compared with the most commonly used soft-tissue augmentation products. The material possesses many desirable implant material characteristics.

Focal dermal hypoplasia in a father and daughter

Focal dermal hypoplasia (FDH) is most often seen in females who have severe mesenchymal defects as well as distinctive cutaneous abnormalities. We describe a 45-year-old man with mild FDH limited entirely to the skin, who was never correctly diagnosed until he fathered a female infant with severe multisystem FDH.

Acquired zinc deficiency in a premature breast-fed infant

Acrodermatitis enteropathica is the most common expression of zinc deficiency. It is an autosomal recessive disorder with impaired absorption of zinc from the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms usually Occur on weaning from breast m ilk or with formula feeding. There have also been a few case reports of nonhereditary, temporary zinc deficiency in breastfed infants. We report another case of temporary zinc deficiency occurring in a premature breast-fed infant.

A three-dimensional photography system for dermatologic diagnosis.

Dermatology is a visual specialty, Three-dimensional photography was used in our study to capture significant morphologic detail not present in ordinary two-dimensional photographs. Using three-dimensional photographs, texture and depth assessment are readily apparent, Three-dimensional photography enhances the real life morphologic changes of dermatologic patients. This can greatly assist in the confidence and accuracy in diagnosing of dermatologic conditions at a distance.

A High Profile for Dermatology

In the decades since World War II, remarkable growth has occurred in the specialty of dermatology in America and worldwide. In the United States the number of practitioners of this specialty has more than tripled. At the same time dermatology has gained greatly in public recognition. Persons with skin disorders have recognized the clear advantage of directly seeking expert dermatologic care. There have also been unprecedented additions to knowledge of the causes and effective management of skin diseases. Contributions made by dermatologists who are also researchers have played no small part in the enhanced image of cutaneous medicine in academic centers. This, in turn, has resulted in a considerably greater emphasis on teaching about skin disorders to medical students and primary care physicians. At the same time that the specialty of dermatology has been growing in size and prestige, there have been impressive advances in therapy. Effective treatment for many