Dermatology : international journal for clinical and investigative dermatology
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Bacterial attachment to host cells is the initial step in the pathogenesis of infection. Our studies and those of others also showed that there is a significant correlation between the attachment of bacteria to human pharyngeal epithelial cells and the occurrence of respiratory tract infections. We identified the receptor on human pharyngeal epithelial cells which mediate binding of Moraxella catarrhalis and Haemophilus influenzae. ⋯ We assume that the colonized bacteria were destroyed and thus infection could not occur. Therefore, povidone-iodine gargle may be used in these patients as a preventive therapy. Further studies are needed to find out the mechanism of action of this drug for the prevention of respiratory tract infections.
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Dermatology (Basel) · Jan 2002
Diagnostic features of pemphigus vulgaris in patients with bullous pemphigoid. Molecular analysis of autoantibody profile.
The simultaneous presence of features of pemphigus vulgaris (PV) in patients with bullous pemphigoid (BP) has previously been reported in the literature. ⋯ In patients with BP, who are nonresponsive to conventional therapy, the presence of two autoimmune diseases or a dual diagnosis should be considered.
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Dermatology (Basel) · Jan 2002
Thyroid function in nurses: the influence of povidone-iodine hand washing and gargling.
The effect of povidone-iodine (PVP-I) hand washing and gargling on thyroid function was assessed. In 16 nurses using PVP-I products and 16 control subjects, serum inorganic iodine levels and thyroid functions were investigated. The status of PVP-I use was also surveyed in the nurses. ⋯ In nurses, serum inorganic iodine levels were slightly increased as compared to those in the control subjects, although the difference was not significant. The iodine incorporated during working hours of nurses appears to be attributable to gargling rather than to hand washing. The long-term use of PVP-I for gargling should be avoided by (1) people with a high risk of developing thyroid dysfunction due to the excessive intake of iodine, (2) pregnant women and (3) breast-feeding mothers.
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Dermatology (Basel) · Jan 2002
Antiseptic efficacy of local disinfecting povidone-iodine (Betadine) therapy in chronic wounds of lymphedematous patients.
In chronic wounds (ulcus cruris) of lymphedematous patients (n = 25) opportunistic infections caused by gram-negative rods and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus can be detected in 35% of cases. The healing of the wound takes a long time, which is the reason why the patients are taught how to manage the wound care. Local antibiotics must be avoided. ⋯ The opinion of the patients was registered on a visual analog scale and statistically analyzed. No development of resistance has been noted. For local treatment, Betadine proved to be an effective preparation tolerable for a long time in the treatment of chronic wounds.