Non-sequential fractional ultrapulsed CO2 resurfacing of photoaged facial skin: preliminary clinical report.

This study evaluates results, adverse side effects and downtime of the protocol 'ActiveFX' for photodamaged facial skin. A non-sequential fractional ultrapulsed CO2 laser with specific settings is used in addition to a new computer pattern generator (CPG). From September 2006 to March 2007, 55 patients underwent this new 'soft' single-session, single-pass and full-face ablative fractional treatment. The patients were evaluated at baseline and 1 and 3 months after the treatment using a five-point scale. Seven aspects of photodamaged skin were recorded: global score, fine lines, mottled pigmentation, sallow complexion, tactile roughness, coarse wrinkles and telangiectasias. The results were compared with a non-parametric statistical test, the Wilcoxon's exact test. Eight patients received a double-pass treatment on the crow's feet regions and the improvement of the coarse wrinkles was analyzed with a quartile grading scale. Significant differences (p<0.05) between baseline and 1 and 3 months post-treatment were observed for all features except telangiectasias. Coarse wrinkles presented a good improvement only in the regions submitted to a double-pass. Minimal and isolated adverse side effects were noted and the downtime was very low. Non-sequential fractional ultrapulsed CO2 light treatment ('ActiveFX') can be considered an excellent alternative for photodamaged facial skin.

Absent or reverse end-diastolic flow in the umbilical artery: intellectual development at school age.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to establish whether, in growth-retarded fetuses, absent or reverse end-diastolic (ARED) flow velocity in the umbilical artery can be predictive of an increased incidence of long-term neurological and intellectual impairment. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 14 children with intra-uterine growth retardation (IUGR) and ARED flow in the umbilical artery and 11 children without this velocimetric pattern were examined by pediatric neuropsychiatrists at a median age of 8.7 years to evaluate and compare their neurological and intellectual development. RESULTS: The incidence of major neurological sequelae was higher in the children with ARED velocity in the umbilical artery (21%) than in those without this velocimetric pattern (9%), as was the incidence of mild neurological sequelae (35% versus 27%). No differences in mean intelligence quotient (IQ) as evaluated by mean of Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) scale were found between the two groups of children at school age. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that Doppler velocimetry in the umbilical artery is a reliable predictor for neurological sequelae when ARED flow is present but cannot be considered a good predictor of intellectual performance at school.