Assessment of iron deficiency and anemia in pregnant women: an observational French study.

AIM: We explored the prevalence and management of iron deficiency and anemia among pregnant women in France. PATIENTS & METHODS: In this prospective, observational, multicenter registry study, randomly selected investigators (gynecologists/obstetricians/midwives registered in the CEGEDIM(®) database) assessed pregnant women presenting for a consultation. Participants completed a questionnaire at study inclusion. RESULTS: A total of 1506 patients were enrolled by 95 investigators. Overall, investigators estimated a moderate or significant risk of iron deficiency in almost 60% of women. The overall prevalence of anemia (15.8%) increased with longer pregnancy duration. Medication (mainly iron-based) was prescribed to 57.3% of patients. CONCLUSION: In French clinical practice, the estimated risk of iron deficiency and prevalence of anemia during pregnancy align with expectations and are managed according to national/international recommendations.

Sensitive skin in Brazil and Russia: an epidemiological and comparative approach.

BACKGROUND: Sensitive skin is characterized by the occurrence of sensations of tingling, prickling, heat, burning, pain or itching and, on occasion, erythema, in response to multiple physical, chemical or hormonal factors that do not have irritant properties by themselves. OBJECTIVE: We chose here to evaluate sensitive skin in two countries with very different populations, climates and lifestyles: Russia and Brazil. METHOD: Representative nationwide samples of the Russian and Brazilian populations aged 15 and over were selected. The same methodology was used: the individuals were questioned by telephone and selected as per the quotas method (sex, age, householder profession, rural/urban location and region). RESULTS: In the Brazilian population, 22.3% versus 45.7%, in favour of women, reported having a "sensitive" skin. Significant differences were only observed by geographic residence. In the Russian population, 25.4% versus 50.1%, in favour of women, reported having a "sensitive" skin. Significant differences were observed in skin sensitivity according to social-professional categories, region of residence and subject age. The same results were found in both populations for sensitivity to cosmetics and food intake. CONCLUSION: Respondents with rather sensitive or very sensitive skin are 2 or 3 times more reactive to climatic, environmental factors, cosmetics and food intake.

PPAD: a tool for presumption of atopic dermatitis.

Although it is a frequent disease, atopic dermatitis is poorly recognised and therefore under-diagnosed. The aim of this study was to define and validate a convenient tool allowing presumption of atopic dermatitis for non-dermatologists. A 20-item questionnaire (PPAD) and an 8-item short version (PPAD-S) were developed in French by a board of experts, then tested on outpatients presenting with atopic dermatitis or not. Diagnosis was confirmed by a dermatologist, who measured the severity of the disease by using SCORAD. PPAD and PPAD-S proved to be efficient tools for presumption of atopic dermatitis, but not tools for diagnosis. Scores were correlated to the severity of the disease. PPAD and PPAD-S can be considered useful tools for orientating patients with undiagnosed atopic dermatitis to a specialised consultation, all the more quickly since atopic dermatitis is severe.

Adhesiveness of a new testosterone-in-adhesive matrix patch after extreme conditions.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the adhesiveness of a new thin, transparent and comfortable testosterone-in-adhesive matrix patch, Testopatch, after extreme conditions. The study was a single-centre, open-label with randomization of sites (upper arms, lower back, thighs) and sides (left, right) of two 45 cm(2) patches, in 24 healthy subjects. Patches were symmetrically applied on one of the three sites. One patch was removed after 2.0 h, under resting conditions and the other patch was removed at 3.5 h, after extreme conditions (physical exercise, sauna, whirl bath). Adhesiveness was assessed of the area stuck and the measure of the forces necessary for patch removal using a Peel Patch Tester. Local safety was assessed at 2.0 and 3.5 h. After physical exercise and after sauna, patch adhesiveness was excellent (95%) when applied on the thigh and very good (90%) on the upper arm. Forces of patch removal were significantly lower at 3.5 h than 2.0 h, and at the lower back compared to the other application sites. There were no adverse effects. Slight erythema was observed that was considered to be clinically insignificant. Testopatch was safe and displayed adhesiveness, compatible with physical activities.

Efficacy and safety of a new testosterone-in-adhesive matrix patch applied every 2 days for 1 year to hypogonadal men.

OBJECTIVES: To study long-term efficacy and safety of a testosterone-in-adhesive matrix patch, delivering 4.8 mg of testosterone daily. METHODS: Randomized, open label, multicenter 1-year study. 224 hypogonadal patients were included. 188 received 2 patches of 60 cm2 every 48 h and 36 patients had IM testosterone enanthate injection every 3 weeks. T, bioavailable T (BT), DHT, E2, LH, FSH and SHBG and clinical symptom scores (AMS and MSF-4) were assessed at 3, 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: In the patch group, T serum levels were above 3 ng/mL in 85% of patients and remained stable over time. BT, DHT and E2 levels were restored within physiological range. BT/T ratio varied from 20 to 70%. In the IM group, the percentages of "normalized" patients appeared to be lower, although the two groups cannot be adequately compared due to the kinetic profile of T following IM administration, resulting in greater variations of serum T levels, blood samplings occurring randomly at time of peak, trough, or in between. A significant correlation was found between T, BT and the MSF-4 changes. BT levels were significantly related to total AMS score. PSA values showed a mean (S.D.) increase of 0.13 (0.38), 0.23 (0.79) and 0.30 (1.47)ng/mL at weeks 14, 27 and 53, respectively. The patch was well tolerated with no negative impact either on lipid profile, or red blood cells. Administration site reactions occurred in 35 patients (18.8%). Adhesiveness was good (>or=75%) in >90% patients over the 1 year application period. CONCLUSION: Two 60 cm2 patches, allowed constant physiological levels of sexual hormones over time. This new patch was well tolerated, easy to use, well accepted by the patients and displayed a very good adhesiveness. Clinical efficacy was more related to BT than to T.