| RESEARCH ROUND-UP
LOW-FLUENCE VS. STANDARD FLUENCE HAIR REMOVAL: A CONTRALATERAL CONTROL NON-INFERIORITY STUDY
Halachmi S, Lapidoth M. J Cosmet Laser Ther 2012; 14(1): 2–6
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NTRODUCTION: LASER HAIR REMOVAL at lower fluences, delivered under certain
conditions, may retain the efficacy of high-fluence lasers while improving tolerability. We performed a pilot study comparing the efficacy, safety and tolerability of laser hair removal using traditional settings compared to lower fluences, delivered from a larger handpiece and under vacuum. Material and methods: Fourteen healthy participants underwent 5 axillary hair removal treatments with an 800 nm diode laser at 1-month intervals, with follow-up 1 and 3 months after the 5th treatment. In all patients, one side was treated with standard parameters using a 9 9 mm chilled tip and gel, while the contralateral side was treated using a 22 35 mm vacuum-assisted handpiece at fluences up to 12 J/cm2. Follow-up assessments were performed after each treatment and at each follow-up visit, and included photography and questionnaires. Results:
Eleven
participants completed the study and follow- up. All experienced significant hair removal in all treated areas. At the 3-month follow-up visit, the high-fluence and low-fluence treated axillae demonstrated comparable hair reduction. Participants found the lower fluence treatments to be more tolerable. No adverse events were reported. Conclusion: Lower fluence diode laser, delivered under conditions of vacuum and using larger spot sizes, can provide significant hair reduction.
PROLONGED-RELEASE FORMULATION OF MELATONIN (CIRCADIN) FOR THE TREATMENT OF INSOMNIA
Lemoine P, Zisapel N. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2012; 13(6): 895–905
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NTRODUCTION: INSOMNIA IS COMMON among the elderly. The use of hypnotic drugs
in elderly patients is frequently criticized owing to dependency, cognitive impairments, falls and withdrawal effects. The production of melatonin, a physiological sleep and circadian rhythm regulator, declines with age. Prolonged-release melatonin (Circadin ), designed to mimic the endogenous pattern of melatonin production, is licensed for insomnia in patients aged ≥ 55 years. Areas covered: This review summarizes published studies on CircadinÕs efficacy and safety (Summary of Product Characteristics and Medline search on
ÔCircadinÕ and ÔinsomniaÕ ). Expert opinion: The main significant and clinically relevant benefits are improvements in sleep quality and latency, next-day morning alertness and quality of life. The responses may develop over several days. An oral 2-mg dose once daily, for 3 months, has generally been well tolerated with no rebound, withdrawal or ÔhangoverÕ effects and no safety concerns on concomitant therapy with antihypertensive, antidiabetic, lipid-lowering or anti-inflammatory drugs. Untoward effects of hypnotics on cognition, memory, postural stability and sleep structure are not seen with Circadin. Given as a first-line prescription, with 13 weeksÕ posology and the lack of rebound effects, Circadin has the potential to improve quality of life in insomnia patients aged 55 years and older and avoid long-term use of hypnotics.
TRANSPLANTATION OF AUTOLOGOUS MINIGRAFTS FOR THE TREATMENT OF STABLE VITILIGO
Sun X, Qian G, Wu Y et al. J Dermatolog Treat 2012; 23(2): 122–7
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ACKGROUND: SURGICAL TREATMENT of vitiligo is indicated when lesions are
localized in poorly responding areas. Various surgical procedures are used to treat stable vitiligo with an inherited shortage in each one. Objectives: To evaluate the usefulness of the treatment of transplantation of a ut olo g o u s minigrafts for (local and generalized) stable vitiligo. Methods: Eight patients (three males and five females) with stable vitiligo qualified for the study. They were treated with
autologous minigrafts after
ultrapulsed carbon dioxide laser abrasion. Results: Seven patients showed excellent to good repigmentation with an average of 84.4% coverage of the treated patches. One patient had a poor response after at least 6 months of follow-up. Conclusions: Autologous minigrafts with ultrapulsed carbon dioxide laser abrasion appear to have the potential to achieve complete repigmentation in patients with stable vitiligo who fail to respond to medical treatments.
prime-journal.com | April/May 2012
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