Toenail Changes Research Articles

FUNCTIONAL CHANGES IN THE HEPATOBILIARY SYSTEM IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC CORONARY SYNDROME DURING ANTIFUNGAL THERAPY

Modern medicine is faced with the global challenge of multimorbidity. It is a combination of various visceral diseases, which affect the development and manifestation of the underlying disease. In elderly patients, pathologies are often combined with cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary artery disease. Coronary artery disease is usually treated with several drugs or their combinations, such as antianginal, antithrombotic, lipid-lowering, and cardiac metabolic drugs. However, these drugs are metabolized in the liver and may have a direct effect on it. Besides, combined treatment of two pathologies has a pronounced negative effect on the liver. The purpose of the study was to examine functional changes in the liver while treating patients with onychomycosis and coronary artery disease. Materials and Methods. The study involved 68 people who consulted a dermatologist due to toenail changes. All patients were divided into 2 groups: patients with stable coronary artery disease (20 middle-aged and 14 elderly ones) and patients without coronary artery disease (24 middle-aged and 10 elderly ones). in both groups underwent systemic antifungal therapy (terbinafine, 250 mg once a day). Patients with stable coronary artery disease underwent the following therapy: antiplatelet agent (acetylsalicylic acid), HMG-CoA inhibitor (atorvastatin, 40 mg), beta-blocker (82 % of patients, bisoprolol) and ACE inhibitor (enalapril or lisinopril). The effectiveness of therapy was assessed according to the dynamics of clinical manifestations and the results of mycological nail tests. Control microscopic tests of the material from the nails were carried out three times after clinical recovery with a 3-month interval. Conclusion. When treated with antifungal drugs, patients demonstrated elevated liver enzymes. This is because the hepatobiliary system, which is already under high stress during the coronary artery disease treatment, also processes antifungal drugs. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account liver state when prescribing antifungal drugs. It is important to develop an algorithm for onychomycosis diagnosis and treatment in patients with coronary artery disease in order to prevent polypharmacy and impaired liver function.

Foot, Toe, and Nail Changes: Are They Interdependent?

Plain Language SummaryThe foot of man is a strong organ consisting of 26 bones, 33 joints, of which 20 are actively movable, and more than 100 muscles, tendons and connective tissue bands keeping this complex body part together. The foot is usually divided into three parts, the hind, mid, and forefoot. The latter contains the toes as their most forward-pointing parts. They are covered by the nails, which are plates of hard horn substance. The toes increase the weight-bearing surface of the foot and are thus important for balance while standing and walking, for running and jumping. If the foot is not healthy this will seriously influence its function and also change the toenails. An examination of more than 1,600 persons’ toenail photographs was performed to find out, whether foot anomalies can be found in patients with toenail changes. This was in fact the case in a very high number of the patients.

Toe nail changes in diabetes mellitus

Introduction: Diabetes is a metabolic disorder caused by abnormal release of or sensitivity to the insulin hormone, with loss of blood glucose control. Un controlled diabetes can have devastating effects on many organ systems including cardiovascular, neurologic, ocular, and renal, with its impact on skin, hair, and nail. diabetes mellitus is a predisposing factor for onychomycosis (OM),paronychia and ingrowing toe nail defects. In the present study evaluation of the prevalence and types of nail changes was done. Materials and Methods: During a 1 year study period (June 2018 to May 2019), patients with diabetes mellitus were screened for toenail changes. Demographic, social, and clinical data were recorded. Informed written consent was taken. Fungal infection was confirmed by nail clippings microscopy. Results: Of the 60 patients most common nail changes are subungual hyperkeratosis, onycholysis, and onychomycosis, and less common changes are Twenty nail dystrophy, Dorsal pterygium, Terry’s nail in liver disease and diabetes mellitus and Subungual wart. Conclusions: Physicians who care for diabetic patients should not ignore nail changes. Careful global evaluation of patients with diabetes should include observation of nail changes. Keywords: Nails, Diabetes mellitus.

Evaluation of Subclinical Nail changes in Patients with Chronic Plaque Psoriasis using Dermoscopy

Abstract Background Dermoscopy is a non-invasive technique that allows the visualization of subtle clinical features of the skin surface and appendages details not visible to the naked eye, allowing magnifications of up to 200x. It is widely used for evaluating and diagnosing all nail diseases, as it provides important information. As any other examination, nail dermoscopy (onychoscopy) requires a good knowledge of nail anatomy & physiology and the pathogenesis of the nail diseases, and it is helpful for the diagnosis of numerous nail diseases and tumors. Nail disorders are defined according to their appearance and the part of the nail affected (from distal to proximal): hyponychium, onychodermal band (ODB), nail bed, nail plate, lateral nail folds (perionychium), lunula (distal part of the matrix), cuticle, nail matrix and proximal nail fold. Objective To study the dermoscopic findings of subtle nail changes in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis and compare it with that nail changes in healthy controls by both polarized and non polarized mode of dermoscope, aiming to assist clinicians in correctly evaluating and diagnosing nail changes with the help of dermoscopy. Methods We conducted a comparative descriptive study on 50 patients having chronic plaque psoriasis, 26 were males (52.0%) and 24 were females (48.0%), as well as 50 normal healthy control subjects, 31 were males (62.0%) and 19 were females (38.0%). Patients and controls were randomly recruited from the outpatient clinic of dermatology department at Ain Shams University Hospitals, during the period from February 2018 till September 2018. And the age of both groups ranged from 14 to 70 years. Results Our study revealed that the most common fingernail changes found in psoriatic patients were nail plate thickening and crumbling followed by Dilated nailbed capillaries at the onychodermal band, Oncholysis, Subungual hyperkeratosis, Pitting, Longitudinal ridges, Scales, Salmon patch, Leukonychia, Splinter hemorrhage, Lunula red spot and Trachyonychia. And the most common toenail changes found in psoriatic patients were Subungual hyperkeratosis followed by Nail Plate Thickening &Crumbling, Oncholysis, Pitting, Longitudinal ridges, Scales, Salmon patch, Trachyonychia, Dilated nailbed capillaries at the onychodermal band, Splinter hemorrhage, Leukonychia and Lunula red spot. We found there was no difference between polarized and non polarized mode of dermoscope in examination of fingernails and toenails except that the non polarized mode showed the changes of the Dilated capillaries at the onychodermal band more obviously. And also, there was no difference between wet and dry method of polarized mode of dermoscope. Conclusion This study confirms that a handheld dermoscope is a very efficient and simple tool for detection of any nail abnormality.

HSR19-112: Qualitative Development of a Patient-Reported Outcome Measure of Symptom Burden in Breast Cancer

Background: The use of disease-specific patient-reported outcomes (PROs) is critical for facilitating individualized symptom monitoring and improving cancer patient outcomes. The MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI) is a PRO measure of symptom burden. The purpose of this study was to describe the patient experience and define the content domain for the MDASI module specific to breast cancer (MDASI-Br). Methods: 36 patients with breast cancer across the disease and treatment continuum described their experience in single qualitative interviews. Content analysis was used to define the symptom burden content domain. An expert panel scored the relevance on a 0–4 scale (4 = relevant) of the symptoms identified from the qualitative interviews. Symptoms were selected for inclusion in the MDASI-Br if they met at least 1 of the following criteria: (1) mean relevance rating of ≥3 by the expert panel, (2) described by ≥20% of patients in qualitative interviews, or (3) core MDASI items. Results: Participants had a mean age of 57.9 years, 86.1% had stage I–III, and 52.8% were on active treatment. 36 symptoms were identified, with 14 reported by ≥20% of participants. Symptoms varied among participants based on disease stage and treatment modality. Fatigue and distress were described by most women regardless of treatment, whereas arm swelling was reported only by women who had undergone surgery, and skin changes were reported primarily by women who received radiation therapy. Patients volunteered ways in which symptoms affected daily functioning. 21 symptoms were included in the MDASI-Br for psychometric testing, including 6 breast cancer-specific symptoms: breast changes, hot flashes, constipation, arm swelling, fingernail or toenail changes, and skin changes. Two additional symptoms, vaginal dryness and decrease in sexual interest or activity, were included because they are common to endocrine therapy. Conclusions: Patients with breast cancer experience numerous but distinct symptoms related to disease and treatment that may result in interference with daily activities, relationships, life plans, treatment adherence, and mood. Various treatments result in unique symptom burden. The content domain for a PRO symptom-burden measure of breast cancer encompasses the diversity, severity, and activity interference of common symptoms of breast cancer and its treatment.

Nail Dystrophy in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis and Its Association with Disease Severity.

BackgroundNail dystrophy arises from various inflammatory dermatologic diseases. However, there have been few reports on the prevalence of nail abnormality in atopic dermatitis (AD) or on the relationship of this condition with the severity of the disease.ObjectiveThis study was intended to determine the prevalence and types of nail abnormalities associated with AD and to evaluate the relation between nail abnormalities and the severity of AD.MethodsAD patients aged 2 to 19 who visited the outpatient clinic were thoroughly examined for nail abnormalities. Demographic information was collected and eczema area and severity index (EASI) score for severity of AD were checked.ResultsA total of 235 AD patients (children and adolescents) were investigated. There were 24 (10.2%) patients with nail abnormalities: transverse groove (Beau's line) (25.0%), nail pitting (16.7%), koilonychia (16.7%), trachyonychia (12.5%), leukonychia (12.5%), brachyonychia (8.3%), melanonychia (8.3%), onychomadesis (8.3%), onychoschizia (8.3%), and onycholysis (8.3%). There was no statistically significant difference in the total EASI score associated with development of nail abnormalities (p=0.236). However, when the EASI score was confined to the lower extremities, it showed a relation to the prevalence of toe nail dystrophy (odds ratio, 1.115; 95% confidence interval, 1.014~1.316; p=0.030).ConclusionNail abnormalities in AD are thought to be caused mainly by pathologic change in the nail matrix region, and the EASI score confined to lower limbs, might be used as a predictor of toe nail changes in patients with AD.

Toenail alterations in chronic venous disease patients are not always of mycotic origin.

Objective The prevalence of toenail alterations in chronic venous disease has only rarely been studied. We aimed to establish the frequency and clinical characteristics of toenail onychomycosis in chronic venous disease. Methods We included 80 adult patients, in all stages of chronic venous disease. Onychomycosis was confirmed by mycological examination. The clinical type of onychomycosis and the onychomycosis severity index were determined. Clinical characteristics of non-fungal nail changes were also analyzed. Results We included 58 women and 22 men, with a mean age of 67.0 years. Pathological toenail changes were observed in 83.8% of patients. Onychomycosis was confirmed in 33.8% of all patients and was more frequent in higher clinical stages of chronic venous disease (p = 0.009). Trichophyton rubrum was the leading causative pathogen. Disto-lateral onychomycosis was most commonly present. Average onychomycosis severity index was 23.1. Conclusion Onychomycosis accounted for 40% of all toenail alterations. Patients with chronic venous disease often have severe and difficult to treat toenail onychomycosis.

Toenail Changes in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus with and Without Onychomycosis.

Diabetes mellitus is a predisposing factor for onychomycosis (OM). A high frequency of nonfungal onychodystrophy (OD) is also alleged, although information on the prevalence of specific nail changes is scant. We evaluated the prevalence and types of nail changes in a cohort of diabetic patients with fungal and nonfungal OD. During a 6-month period, inpatients with diabetes mellitus were screened for foot and toenail changes. Demographic, social, and clinical data were recorded, as was information concerning foot and toenail care. Fungal infection was confirmed by mycologic examination and by histologic analysis of nail clippings. Of the 82 patients included, 65 (79.3%) had nail changes, and 34 of these 65 patients (52.3%) were diagnosed as having OM. The most frequently observed nail signs were subungual hyperkeratosis, onycholysis, yellow discoloration, and splinter hemorrhages, each seen in more than 25% of the patients. Tinea pedis and superficial pseudoleukonychia were observed more frequently in the OM group (P < .05). Conversely, prominent metatarsal heads and history of nail trauma were more frequent in patients with nonfungal OD (P < .05). Physicians who care for diabetic patients should not ignore nail changes. Fungal and nonfungal OD are common and should be addressed in the global evaluation of the feet to help prevent breaks in the skin barrier and subsequent bacterial infections and ulcers.

278 Nail dystrophy in patients with atopic dermatitis and its association with disease

Nail dystrophy arises from various inflammatory dermatologic diseases. However, there have been few reports on the prevalence of nail abnormality in atopic dermatitis (AD) or on the relationship of this condition with the severity of the disease. Therefore, This study was intended to determine the prevalence and types of nail abnormalities associated with AD and to evaluate the relation between nail abnormalities and the severity of AD. AD patients aged 2 to 19 who visited the outpatient clinic were thoroughly examined for nail abnormalities. Demographic information was collected and eczema area and severity index (EASI) score for severity of AD were checked. A total of 235 AD patients (children and adolescents) were investigated. There were 24 (10.2%) patients with nail abnormalities: transverse groove (Beau’s line) (25%), nail pitting (16.7%), koilonychia (16.7%), trachyonychia (12.5%), leukonychia (12.5%), brachyonychia (8.3%), melanonychia (8.3%), onychomadesis (8.3%), onychoschizia (8.3%), and onycholysis (8.3%). There was no statistically significant difference in the total EASI score associated with development of nail abnormalities (p = 0.236). However, when the EASI score was confined to the lower extremities, it showed a relation to the prevalence of toe nail dystrophy (odds ratio: 1.115; 95% confidence interval: 1.01–1.32; p = 0.03). In conclusion, Nail abnormalities in AD are thought to be caused mainly by pathologic change in the nail matrix region, and the EASI score, if confined to lower limbs, might be used as a predictor of toe nail changes in patients with AD.

ONICOMICOSE EM DOENTES COM PSORÍASE – UMA ENTIDADE SUBESTIMADA?

Introdução: As alterações ungueais em doentes com psoríase podem decorrer ou agravar-se mediante infecção fúngica, cujo risco se poderá encontrar aumentado decorrente de terapêuticas imunossupressoras e alterações estruturais do prato ungueal. A prevalência de onicomicose em psoriáticos é ainda alvo de controvérsia na literatura. O objetivo deste estudo é determinar a prevalência de onicomicose em doentes com psoríase e alterações ungueais observados em consulta externa no decorrer de um ano.Material e Métodos: Estudo prospetivo observacional realizado através da recolha de dados clínicos e colheita de escamas ungueais para exame micológico direto a fresco e cultura. Os dados obtidos foram tratados com os programas Excel e R.Resultados: Dos 47 doentes incluídos, 33 eram do sexo masculino. A média etária foi 55 anos. Vinte e sete doentes (55%) tinham alterações ungueais nas mãos, com NAPSI médio de 3.5. Foi isolada Candida albicans em 6 culturas (22%). Das alterações estudadas, ponteado e linhas longitudinais correlacionaram-se significativamente com cultura negativa (p&lt;0.05). Observaram-se alterações ungueais nos pés em 44 doentes (94%), com NAPSI médio de 3.7. A cultura foi positiva em 11 exames (25%), 7 das quais com isolamento de dermatófito. Não houve correlação estatisticamente significativa entre as alterações ungueais e o resultado da cultura.Conclusão: Na população estudada observou-se uma prevalência superior de onicomicose em relação à população em geral. Ponteado e linhas longitudinais foram preditores negativos de onicomicose das mãos.

Abstract P5-15-09: National survey of chemotherapy-induced appearance issues in breast cancer patients

Abstract Background: Many breast cancer patients suffer hair loss due to chemotherapy, and not only scalp hair loss, but also eyebrow loss, eyelash loss and nail changes induced by chemotherapy are traumatic for patients. These side effects diminish self-esteem and greatly reduce quality of life. However, there has been little research in this field until now. To clarify the actual situation concerning appearance issues in breast cancer patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy, and to consider a support system for these patients, we conducted a questionnaire survey. Methods: Disease-free breast cancer patients who have received adjuvant chemotherapy containing anthracycline and/or taxane within 5 years were recruited from 47 hospitals or clinics in Japan from April to October 2013. The patients participating in this survey completed a 65-question questionnaire concerning appearance issues (48) and their perception of physical and non-physical side effects (17). The drugs administered and treatment period were filled out by their doctors beforehand. The completed questionnaires were mailed directly to the data center by the patients. Results: A total of 1511 patients returned the questionnaire to the data center with a response rate of 82% (1511/1853). Since 33 patients did not meet the entry criteria, the questionnaires returned by 1478 patients were analyzed in this survey. The mean age was 54.7 years (+-10.4, range 17-79). The distribution of the patients by time from the end of chemotherapy to this survey was as follows: &amp;lt; 1 year: 28%; 1 to 2 years: 24%; 2 to 3 years: 19%; 3 to 4 years: 15%; 4 to 5 years: 13%. In this survey, the side effect that most patients (92%) considered traumatic was hair loss. The second most traumatic side effect was fatigue (83%), while the 7th place was taken by nail changes (72%) and nausea/vomiting was in the 10th place (56%). During chemotherapy, scalp hair loss occurred in 98% of patients. Eyebrows fell out in 90% and complete eyebrow loss occurred in 36%. Eyelashes fell out in 88% and complete eyelash loss occurred in 37%. Fingernail changes occurred in 77% and toenail changes in 62%. In 60-70%, scalp hair, eyebrow and eyelashes recovered to the original appearance by 1 to 1.5 years after chemotherapy, but in 3-7%, scalp and face hair loss did not recover at all by 1 to 1.5 years. This proportion remained almost the same for 1.5 to 5 years too. During or after chemotherapy, 84% of patients used wigs. This decreased to 47% by 1 year after chemotherapy and 15.2% by 1.5 years. However 10% of patients were still using a wig 4 to 5 years after chemotherapy. Approximately 30% of the patients had trouble using and selecting a wig. In 51% of the patients, sufficient information on scalp hair loss was obtained. However, sufficient information on eyebrow loss, eyelash loss and nail changes was only obtained from 28%, 25% and 31%, respectively. Conclusions: Our survey demonstrated the outline of hair loss and appearance issues in breast cancer patients who received chemotherapy. Hair loss is the most distressing and occasionally long-lasting side effect. Lack of information is a serious problem. These facts suggested a need for long-time and careful support of these patients. Citation Format: Takanori Watanabe, Hiroshi Yagata, Mitsue Saito, Hiroko Okada, Tomoko Takayama, Hirohisa Imai, Yuko Yoshida, Nao Tamai, Keiko Nozawa, Tamiko Yajima, Kojiro Shimozuma. National survey of chemotherapy-induced appearance issues in breast cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Seventh Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2014 Dec 9-13; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(9 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-15-09.

Onychomycosis in patients with chronic leg ulcer and toenail abnormalities.

Nails have a limited number of reactive patterns to disease. Accordingly, toenail changes of different etiologies may mimic onychomycosis. OBJECTIVETo determine the prevalence of toenail onychomycosis among patients with leg ulcer and toenail abnormalities attending a dermatology clinic.METHODSA cross-sectional study was conducted through the analysis of clinical records and results of mycological examination.RESULTSA total of 81 patients were included, with a median age of 76.0 years. Most ulcers were of venous etiology, followed by those of mixed and arterial pathogenesis. The mycological evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of onychomycosis in 27.2% of the patients. The etiologic agent was a dermatophyte in 59.1% of isolates in nail samples, while Trichophyton interdigitale was the most frequent fungal species (40.9%). CONCLUSIONSMost toenail abnormalities in patients with chronic leg ulcer were not onychomycosis. This study highlights the importance of systematic mycological examination in these patients, in order to avoid overtreatment with systemic antifungals, unnecessary costs and side effects.

Generalized Superficial Mycosis Caused by Trichophyton raubitschekii in China: Case Report and Review of the Literature

This is a generalized superficial mycosis case from which Trichophyton raubitschekii was isolated. A male adult was presented with a 3-year history of fingernail and toenail changes, and a 50-day history of severe and multiple skin lesions. He also complained of intense itching. T. raubitschekii was identified from every skin lesion (trunk, extremities and nail) through microscopic examination, physiological experiment and DNA sequencing. Generalized superficial mycosis was diagnosed and treated by administering a combination of oral (terbinafine tablets) and topical (naftifine hydrochloride and ketoconazole cream) antimycotic drugs. After treatment, the patient was cured and no recurrence has been observed.

Pachyonychia Congenita in Pediatric Patients

IMPORTANCE Nail dystrophy in early childhood often suggests a diagnosis of pachyonychia congenita (PC). No previous investigation has focused on the early signs of PC and the natural course of the disease. OBJECTIVES To determine the course of pediatric PC, correlate the disease course with the clinical appearance and specific gene mutations, and assess the effect of pediatric PC on quality of life. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS One hundred one patients or families with genetically confirmed PC from the International Pachyonychia Congenita Research Registry who completed a survey on the general clinical features of PC and an auxiliary questionnaire on the clinical presentation and quality-of-life issues related to pediatric PC. EXPOSURE Individuals with pachyonychia congenita. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Completion of both surveys. RESULTS At birth, toenail changes were present in 47.5% of patients; fingernail changes in 40.6%; and plantar keratoderma in 6.9%. By 5 years of age, these 3 key manifestations were found in 81.2%, 74.2%, and 75.3%, respectively, of individuals with genotype-confirmed PC. The correct diagnosis was made during the first year of life in 26.7% of patients despite the presence of toenail dystrophy in more than 65.3%. Clinical differences that distinguished PC subtypes included (1) later onset and less frequent occurrence of nail dystrophy and keratoderma in PC-K6b, PC-K6c, and PC-K16; (2) concurrent fingernail and toenail thickening in PC-K6a and PC-K17; (3) more palmar keratoderma in PC-K16; (4) cysts primarily in PC-K17 and follicular hyperkeratoses primarily in PC-K6a; (5) hoarseness and/or oral leukokeratoses in the first year of life most often in PC-K6a; and (6) natal teeth exclusively in PC-K17. Among pediatric patients, PC affected the social interactions and function of adolescents most profoundly. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Among patients with a detectable mutation, PC manifests with nail thickening and plantar keratoderma before school age in more than three-quarters of affected children, allowing early diagnosis. The highly visible nail changes and painful plantar thickening exert a psychosocial effect on most affected adolescents. Phenotype-genotype correlations in children with PC validate the new classification based on the affected gene.

Coexistence of onychomycosis in psoriatic nails: A descriptive study

Psoriatic nail changes predispose to onychomycosis because it becomes easier for fungi to penetrate an already compromised nail plate. Moreover, some of the psoriatic nail changes closely resemble onychomycosis. To investigate cases of nail psoriasis for any evidence of onychomycosis. Seventy-two patients with psoriasis were included in the study. The patients were selected from the psoriasis clinic and dermatology in-patient ward. Direct microscopic examination with 20% KOH and culture were carried out in all patients showing psoriatic nail changes. Histopathological examination with Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) stain was done in cases negative by KOH examination and culture. Nail changes were seen in 66.66% (48/72) of psoriasis patients. The most common fingernail changes observed were pitting, onycholysis and subungual hyperkeratosis, and the most common toenail changes were onycholysis and subungual hyperkeratosis. Nail changes were significantly more common in males. The duration of skin lesions of psoriasis and Psoriasis Area Severity Index scores were significantly higher in patients with nail changes. Out of 48 patients with psoriatic nail change, 23 (47.91%) had investigative evidence of onychomycosis. The fungal isolates on culture were non-dermatophytic molds in nine patients (18.75%) and yeast like fungi also in nine patients (18.75%). Coexistent onychomycosis in psoriatic nails does occur.

Wide clinical spectrum in a family with hereditary lymphedema type I due to a novel missense mutation in VEGFR3

Hereditary lymphedema type I (HL-I), also known as Milroy disease, is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by typical phenotype of infantile onset lower-limb lymphedema accompanied by variable expression of recurrent episodes of cellulites, toenail changes, and papillomatosis. Mutations in the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR3), also known as FLT4 gene, which encodes a lymphatic endothelial-specific tyrosine kinase receptor, have been identified as a genetic cause of HL-I. We report a large Muslim Arab family residing in northern Israel with 14 individuals presenting clinical features of HL-I. Genetic analysis revealed novel missense mutation E1106K in the tyrosine kinase domain II of VEGFR3 that cosegregates with the disorder in the family. Most affected individuals presented with bilateral congenital lower-limb lymphedema. Wide intrafamilial phenotypic variability included two asymptomatic individuals, a case of prenatal hydrothorax evolving to hydrops fetalis, and a late-onset complication, yet unreported, of chronic degenerative joint disease of the knees. This report broadens the known "classic" phenotype of HL-I.

Foot problems in patients with systemic sclerosis.

To assess the nature of the foot problems experienced in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and patient awareness of such problems. Fifty unselected patients (42 females, eight males) with SSc were assessed by means of examination by a senior podiatrist, completion of a questionnaire detailing past and present foot problems, determination of random plasma glucose, plain X-rays of the feet, and measurement of the ankle/brachial index and of digital pulses by Doppler ultrasound. Eighty-six per cent of patients reported colour changes in their feet in response to temperature changes, 82% reported pain usually related to cold, 26% had suffered foot ulceration and 8% had a history of foot surgery. Podiatry assessment confirmed the presence of significant abnormalities, including ulcerations in 10%, pre-ulcerative lesions in 34%, toenail changes in 62%, callus formation in 80% and calcinosis in 18%. Forty per cent of the patients had problems with the fitting of shoes, and 19% had been provided with footwear from the hospital. Plain films of the feet demonstrated the presence of erosions in 6%, soft-tissue calcification in 17%, osteopenia in 26% and degenerative changes in 60% of cases. Ten per cent of the patients had an abnormal ankle brachial index (less than 1.0). Only 21% of the 47 patients in whom digital pulses were examined had normal pulses in all toes, and in 26% all toe pulses were absent. Although problems with the hands are well recognized in SSc, foot problems also occur in the majority of patients, and can be a cause of major disability. Care of the feet is therefore an important part of the management of SSC.

Toxicological consequences of aroclor 1254 ingestion by female rhesus ( macaca mulatta) monkeys. Part 1A. Prebreeding phase: Clinical health findings

A group of 80 menstruating rhesus ( Macaca mulatta) monkeys, with an average estimated age of 11.1 ± 4.1 yr SD, were first randomly allocated to four similar test rooms (20 monkeys/room) and then randomly allocated to one of the five dose groups (four females/dose group/room). Each day, the females self-ingested capsules containing doses of 0, 5, 20, 40 or 80 μg Aroclor 1254/kg body weight. After 25 months of daily dosing, approximately 90% of the treated females attained a qualitative pharmacokinetic steady state with respect to the concentration of polychlorinated biphenyl in their adipose tissue. The test monkeys were monitored daily for health and menstrual status, as well as feed and water consumption. On a weekly basis, each female's body weight was determined and a detailed clinical examination was conducted. Minor treatment effects included a slight, but not statistically significant, decrease in feed and water consumption as well as a decreased feed conversion ratio and a slight increase in the duration of menses. Statistically significant, dose-related treatment effects included inflammation and/or prominence of the tarsal (Meibomian) glands, eye exudate, and various finger and toe nail changes. These results were found at doses lower than those previously reported for non-human primates.

Clinical signs and laboratory markers in predicting progression to AIDS in HIV–1 infected patients

In a prospective longitudinal study 89 men with HIV-1 infection were observed for a mean time of 51 months with regard to clinical signs and laboratory findings predictive of progression to AIDS/opportunistic infection (OI). In a bivariate regression analysis the clinical signs showing a significant relation to AIDS development were: dermatitis of the face, yellow toe nail changes, hairly leukoplakia and oral candidiasis. The laboratory findings significantly associated with progression to AIDS were: decrease of the relative and absolute number of CD4 lymphocytes, decrease of the CD4/CD8 ratio, HIV p24 antigenaemia, lack of anti-HIV p24, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, anaemia and elevated serum-beta-2-microglobulin. The relative number (%) of CD4 cells was found superior to the absolute number and the CD4/CD8 ratio. In a multivariate regression analysis decrease of CD4 lymphocytes and lack of anti-HIV p24 were independently associated with subsequent AIDS/OI development.

Dermatitis of the face, yellow toe nail changes, hairy leukoplakia and oral candidiasis are clinical indicators of progression to AIDS/opportunistic infection in patients with HIV infection.

In a prospective longitudinal study of 89 men with HIV infection and persistent generalized lymphadenopathy (PGL) we tried to find clinical signs predictive of development to AIDS/opportunistic infection (OI). The mean observation time was 47 months. 27 patients (30%) developed AIDS/OI after a mean of 37 months. The estimated median time from diagnosis of PGL to AIDS/OI was 68 months. Four clinical signs of progression towards AIDS/OI were identified: dermatitis of the face, yellow toe nail changes, hairy leukoplakia and oral candidiasis. One or more of these signs were recorded in 25/27 (93%) of the patients before the development of AIDS/OI. The estimated median time from registration of each sign to AIDS/OI was: dermatitis of the face, 29 months; yellow toe nail changes, 21 months; hairy leukoplakia, 18 months; and oral candidiasis, 10 months. The estimated median time from herpes zoster to AIDS was only slightly shorter than the estimated time from diagnosis of PGL to AIDS/OI.