Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
-
J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. · Feb 2004
Review Case Reports Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialSubcutaneous and cerebral cysticercosis.
Cysticercosis is a human infestation, which is considered the most common cause of seizures worldwide. The subcutaneous lesions can help in the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis. ⋯ The imaging examinations showed a massive central nervous system involvement. Physicians must be aware of the importance of subcutaneous nodule examination for the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis.
-
J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. · Jan 2004
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialMedicare, Medicaid, and access to dermatologists: the effect of patient insurance on appointment access and wait times.
In 2002, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services implemented a 5.4% cut in Medicare physician payments, and further reductions are expected in 2004. These cuts have raised concerns that beneficiaries of Medicare will face significant problems obtaining needed physician services. Although there is clear evidence of poor access to care for patients with Medicaid, data measuring access to physicians for patients with Medicare are sparse. Given current lengthy appointment wait times resulting from a relative shortage of dermatologists, we hypothesized that patients with lower-paying coverage might be more likely to experience appointment refusals, longer wait times, or both. ⋯ Although overall access to dermatologists appears comparable for patients with Medicare and private insurance, some access limitations in "hot spots" where Medicare payments are low relative to commercial insurers suggest that patients in these areas may be most sensitive to further payment reductions. Significant access problems for beneficiaries of Medicaid, particularly in areas where Medicaid payments are relatively low, may be a harbinger of the potential consequences of sustained declines in Medicare physician reimbursement.
-
J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. · Jun 2003
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialReduction in injection pain with botulinum toxin type B further diluted using saline with preservative: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial.
Injection with botulinum A exotoxin reconstituted with preserved saline has been shown to be less uncomfortable than injection with the same toxin reconstituted with preservative-free saline. ⋯ Use of preservative-containing saline to further dilute botulinum toxin type B can significantly decrease patient discomfort on injection.
-
J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. · Sep 2002
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialImiquimod 5% cream for the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma: a double-blind, randomized, vehicle-controlled study.
Imiquimod 5% cream may provide an effective nonsurgical treatment for superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC) based on results of previous studies. ⋯ Imiquimod 5% cream was effective in the treatment of sBCC. Daily or 5 times a week dosing for 12 weeks demonstrated high efficacy results with acceptable safety profiles.
-
J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. · Aug 2001
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical TrialClinical efficacy of topical docosanol 10% cream for herpes simplex labialis: A multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
Recurrent herpes simplex labialis (HSL) occurs in 20% to 40% of the US population. Although the disease is self-limiting in persons with a healthy immune response, patients seek treatment because of the discomfort and visibility of a recurrent lesion. ⋯ Docosanol applied 5 times daily is safe and effective in the treatment of recurrent HSL. Differences in healing time compared favorably with those reported for the only treatment of HSL that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.