[Mucocutaneous manifestations of amyloidosis]. / Mucocutane manifestaties van amyloyïdose.

Amyloidosis is the collective term for a group ofuncommon metabolic disorders in which insoluble amyloid protein-fibres are deposited in tissues and organs. Mucocutaneous manifestations are frequently found in this disease. The different types ofamyloidosis are divided into a systemic and a non-systemic group. Systemic amyloidosis is characterised by amyloid deposits in several organs. In the most frequent type, amyloid light chain (AL) systemic amyloidosis, the skin is involved in 29-40% of the cases. These mucocutaneous manifestations are sometimes the first clue to the discovery of systemic involvement. The non-systemic group comprises primarily localised amyloid deposits in skin and mucosa. The treatment of localised mucocutaneous amyloidosis is aimed at the local changes themselves. The mucocutaneous manifestations due to systemic amyloidosis may improve when it is possible to treat the underlying disease successfully.

Hydroxyethylrutosides in elderly patients with chronic venous insufficiency: its efficacy and tolerability.

The efficacy and tolerability of O-(beta-hydroxyethyl)-rutosides (HR) in elderly patients (aged over 65 years) with chronic venous insufficiency or varicose veins was studied in a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. Of the 104 patients entered into the trial, data from 102 were available for analysis of tolerability and from 86 for efficacy. Treatment was for 6 months, with monthly examinations. Three different dosages were used due to slight differences in the registered dosage in various countries: (1) 250 mg 4 times daily (1 g/day), UK, n = 19 patients; (2) 300 mg 3 times daily (900 mg/day), FRG and Belgium, n = 55, and (3) 300 mg 4 times daily (1,200 mg/day), The Netherlands, n = 30. Each centre had its own placebo control group. The HR-treated group (n = 41) showed a significantly greater reduction in the total symptom score, 5.7 +/- 2.4 to 2.3 +/- 1.8, than in the placebo group, 4.4 +/- 3.0 to 3.0 +/- 2.4 (p < 0.01). Of the 5 studied symptoms there was also a significant (p < 0.05) improvement in leg cramps, heavy legs and restless legs. No significant differences between the two groups were seen for aching pains and paraesthesia. A small reduction was also seen in ankle and calf circumferences, which became significant at the end of the trial (p < 0.05). Pitting oedema of the leg (p < 0.01) and eczema of the leg (p < 0.05) also improved significantly greater than in the control group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Erythema multiforme in childhood and early infancy.

Erythema multiforme is said to be rare in childhood and especially in early infancy. Three infants, none older than 1 year, were seen with this condition; all showed typical clinical features. In one of the three infants, no distinctive etiological factor(s) could be found. One was suffering from congenital hepatitis (cause unknown) and another from a staphylococcal infection.