15 keto fluprostenol isopropyl ester (80 µgr/mL) gel for cosmetic eyelash growth and enhancement.

BACKGROUND: Eyelashes have both a protective and an aesthetic function. Hypotrichosis of the eyelashes may negatively influence an individual's self-perception. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate efficacy and safety of topical administration of a new cosmetic preparation containing 15 keto fluprostenol isopropyl ester (80 µgr/mL) for the treatment of idiopathic hypotrichosis of the eyelashes. METHODS: This is a monocentric, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study. Forty patients (18 years) with idiopathic hypotrichosis (GEA 1 or 2), who also exhibit feelings of low confidence, based on the ESQ score, were divided into two groups. Group 1: twenty women treated with once-daily 15 keto fluprostenol isopropyl ester gel and Group 2: twenty women treated only with the vehicle gel. RESULTS: Group 1: The average difference in eyelash length measured at the midpoint of palpebral margins between T0 and T2 for Group 1 was 1633 mm and for Group B was 0.25 (P < 0.0001). Comparing the ESQ questionnaires of Groups 1 and 2 from T0 to T2, only the 80% of the patients of Group 1 declared to dedicate less time to the application of cosmetic mascara, having longer and darker lashes at T2 vs patients of Group 2, of which only 20% reported longer and darker eyelashes at T2. About safety, only one patient of Group 1 experienced sensation of ocular sensation heaviness and headache. No other side effects were referred. CONCLUSIONS: 15 keto fluprostenol isopropyl ester gel was effective in enhancing eyelash growth, with an excellent safety profile.

Patient-reported outcomes of bimatoprost for eyelash growth: results from a randomized, double-masked, vehicle-controlled, parallel-group study.

BACKGROUND: Hypotrichosis of the eyelashes may negatively influence an individual's self-perception and appearance. Assessing the impact of treatment from a patient's perspective may be particularly relevant in trials of aesthetic agents. Once-daily dermal (topically applied) administration of bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03% has been associated with increased eyelash prominence (ie, length, thickness, darkness). OBJECTIVES: The authors assess patient-reported outcomes (PRO) after treatment with bimatoprost for hypotrichosis of the eyelashes. METHODS: In this multicenter, double-masked, randomized, vehicle-controlled, parallel clinical trial, 4 PRO questionnaires were distributed to 278 patients (bimatoprost [n = 137] and vehicle [n = 141]). The primary PRO questionnaire was the 23-item Eyelash Satisfaction Questionnaire (ESQ), which measured satisfaction in 3 domains: length, fullness, and overall satisfaction (LFOS); confidence, attractiveness, and professionalism (CAP); and impact on daily routine (DR). RESULTS: By week 16, the bimatoprost group reported significantly greater improvements from baseline on all ESQ items (P ≤ .0433). These improvements were sustained through the 4-week posttreatment study visit. Patient satisfaction was significantly greater in the bimatoprost group than in the vehicle group for all 3 domains: LFOS (weeks 8-20; P ≤ .0052), CAP (weeks 12-20; P < .0001), and DR (weeks 16 and 20; P ≤ .01). CONCLUSIONS: The bimatoprost group reported significantly greater levels of positive patient outcomes and satisfaction than the vehicle group across all 23 questions and all 3 domains of the primary PRO questionnaire. These results support the effectiveness, as measured by objective measures and PRO, of once-daily bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03% at producing more prominent eyelashes in adults.

Patterns of symptoms in women after gynecologic surgery.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To explore patterns of symptoms over time and the relationships between selected demographic and clinical characteristics. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of longitudinal data. SETTING: A hospital and comprehensive cancer center in the northeastern United States. SAMPLE: 66 women with gynecologic cancers, postsurgical, and scheduled to receive chemotherapy. METHODS: A secondary analysis using descriptive and general estimating equation statistical procedures was conducted on symptom and disease data in a subset of a larger nursing intervention study. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: Demographic and clinical variables including cancer site, new diagnosis or recurrence, stage, treatment, comorbidities, emotional distress, use of a symptom management tool kit, and 10 symptoms over time. FINDINGS: Two patterns of symptoms were identified. The first pattern (pain, bowel dysfunction, disturbed sleep, depression, nausea, and lack of appetite) decreased, and the second pattern (fatigue, anxiety, hair loss, and numbness) remained constant over time. The total number of symptoms decreased over time. Factors associated with symptoms, such as the use of a tool kit and emotional distress, were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Tool kit use by women who experienced fatigue, bowel dysfunction, and anxiety suggests its usefulness as a self-care guide. Explanations for the two patterns of symptoms are discussed. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Postsurgical management should include management and monitoring of symptoms associated with treatment. Screening for emotional distress is recommended in this population. Use of the tool kit could be an effective postsurgical management strategy for women with gynecologic cancers.

Systematic approach to hair loss in women.

Diffuse hair loss is a common complaint and cause of significant emotional distress particularly in women. The best way to alleviate the anxiety is to effectively treat the hair loss. It is paramount to address the symptom systematically. In addition to its psychological impact, hair loss may be a manifestation of a more general medical problem. The diagnosis can be established with a detailed patient history focussing on chronology of events, examination of the scalp and pattern of hair loss, a pull test with examination of bulbs of shed hairs, trichoscopy, and few pertinent screening blood tests. In selected cases a scalp biopsy may be required. The most important differential diagnoses include acute and chronic telogen effluvium, female pattern hair loss, and diffuse alopecia areata. Occasionally, patients seeking advice are not necessarily losing hair. In the absence of convincing evidence of hair loss, they are suffering of psychogenic pseudoeffluvium, and thought should be given to an underlying psychological disorder. Once the diagnosis is established, treatment appropriate for that diagnosis is likely to control the hair loss. Finally, appropriate psychological support and education about the basics of the hair cycle, and why considerable patience is required for effective cosmetic recovery, are essential to help limit patient anxiety.