The combined effect of tranilast 8% liposomal gel on the final cosmesis of acne scarring in patients concomitantly treated by isotretinoin: prospective, double-blind, split-face study.

BACKGROUND: Tranilast [N-(3,4-dimethoxycinnamoyl) anthranilic acid] has never been investigated for the prevention and treatment of acne scars. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of tranilast 8% gel in improving the final appearance of patients with acne scarring concomitantly treated by isotretinoin. METHODS: This was a prospective, double-blind, split-face study, which enrolled 40 otherwise healthy participants (aged 18-49 years) with facial acne scars. For each patient, one half of the face were treated with tranilast 8% liposomal gel and the other half with a water-based placebo. Using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS), acne scars were evaluated by two dermatologists and by the patients, and the patients also rated their satisfaction with the treatment and reported adverse effects. RESULTS: In total, 32 participants completed the trial. The mean GAIS scores at 5 months post-treatment were significantly lower (better outcome) for the tranilast-treated side than the placebo-treated areas in patients concomitantly treated with isotretinoin (P < 0.001). All the isotretinoin-treated patients reported greater satisfaction and better general improvement in the skin's appearance and texture, and also greater improvement of pigment and redness on the tranilast 8% gel-treated side compared with the control side. CONCLUSION: Combined topical application of tranilast 8% gel twice daily with oral isotretinoin treatment in the active phase of acne vulgaris may result in fewer scars, finer skin texture and enhanced appearance.

[Sodium cromoglycate in the treatment of food hypersensitivity in children under 3 years of age]. / Kromoglikan disodowy w leczeniu nadwrazliwosci pokarmowej u dzieci do 3. roku zycia.

Dietary elimination is a treatment of first choice in food hypersensitivity. Such therapy is not always enough to stop the disease and introduction of pharmacological treatment is necessary. In prevention and long term treatment antiallergic drugs are recommended. The aim of the study was to assess efficacy and safety of oral sodium cromoglycate in treatment of food hypersensitivity in the youngest children. In our study we examined: the group of 25 children aged 6 months-3 years treated with oral cromolyn sodium during the period 4-20 weeks and 29 children aged 6 months-3 years treated with ketotifen. Symptoms from skin, digestive and respiratory tract, behaviour status were evaluated for drugs efficacy. Cromolyn and ketotifen effected a significant decrease in total symptoms score. The treatment was well tolerated. No serious side effects were noted. The incidents of skin rash, disquiet during the night, diarrhoea and urticaria were only 8 percent. Sodium cromoglycate is safe and effective drug in treatment of food allergy in children; specially in symptoms from gastrointestinal tract and multi-organs allergy.

[Fermentable carbohydrates in teething preparations as a cause of caries in small children]. / Vergärbare Kohlenhydrate in Zahnungsmitteln als Ursache von Karies bei Kleinkindern.

Occasional clinical observations have shown extensive caries lesions in small children between 12 and 36 months of age, in some of which cases, while sugar intake history was negative, continuous use of teething jellies, lozenges or syrups was established. This prompted the hypothesis that such products were the source of the hidden fermentable sugars, and the sugar content of a number of products available on the Swiss market was therefore analyzed. Sucrose was determined enzymatically using the Boehringer sucrose/glucose UV-test. The content of other fermentable carbohydrates was checked by GLC. The use of such products should not be recommended for real or assumed pain related to the eruption of primary teeth. Among the eight products tested only one was found to be free of fermentable sugars. All other preparations contained 31-93% fermentable sugars, chiefly sucrose. Declaration of fermentable sugars in such products should be enforced by food and drug legislation.

[Pedodontics, a new teaching and examination specialty]. / Kinderzahnmedizin, ein neues Lehr- und Prüfungsfach

Since 1969, pedodontia has become an official part of dental education in this country. In the study and examination plan, the requirements are accurately defined. The build up and scope of the pedodontic plan of instruction at the dental school of the University of Zurich during the last 3 years is described.