Molecular Testing in Epidermolysis Bullosa
The development of DNA technology and improved knowledge of the structure and function of the human genome have led to the identification of the causative genes responsible for the different…
Dermatology
Transmission Electron Microscopy for the Diagnosis of Epidermolysis Bullosa
Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has long been the best available method for the diagnosis of epidermolysis bullosa. Today, TEM is largely superseded by immunofluorescence microscopy mapping, which is generally more…
Immunofluorescence Mapping for the Diagnosis of Epidermolysis Bullosa
Immunofluorescence mapping is based on the detection of structural proteins of keratinocytes or of the dermo-epidermal junction using specific poly- or monoclonal antibodies. Through this method, the level of split…
How to Take Skin Biopsies for Epidermolysis Bullosa
The definitive diagnosis of inherited epidermolysis bullosa is best made with positive immunofluorescence antigenic mapping, transmission electron microscopy, and epidermolysis bullosa–related monoclonal antibody studies. However, immunofluorescence microscopy is faster and…
Innovative Use of Spironolactone as an Antiandrogen in the Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss
Patterned hair loss in men and women, although medically benign, is a common, albeit unwelcome, event that may cause considerable anxiety and concern. Patterned hair loss is progressive and when…
Innovative Therapeutics in Pediatric Dermatology
Although clinical trials for new drugs are often limited in children because of safety concerns or restrictions, new therapies or novel strategies with old drugs have recently expanded dermatologic armamentarium…
Innovative Use of Dapsone
After synthesis of dapsone (4,4′ diaminodiphenylsulfone) in 1908, the compound was known exclusively in chemistry. Following the epoch-making discovery of the antimicrobial potential for sulfonamides emerged, the sulfone class was…
Innovative Uses for Zinc in Dermatology
Severe zinc deficiency states, such as acrodermatitis enteropathica, are associated with a variety of skin manifestations, such as perioral, acral, and perineal dermatitis. These syndromes can be reversed with systemic…
Innovative Uses of Thalidomide
Thalidomide is approved for treating erythema nodosum leprosum and multiple myeloma, but it has also emerged as a useful treatment option for many refractory dermatologic disorders. Some of the innovative…
Innovative Uses of Tumor Necrosis Factor α Inhibitors
Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) is an inflammatory cytokine that is released by a variety of cell types, including immune effector cells and tissue-specific cells. TNF-α has been shown to promote…
