A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of a Novel Pantothenic Acid-Based Dietary Supplement in Subjects with Mild to Moderate Facial Acne

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to determine the safety, tolerability and effectiveness of daily administration of an orally administered pantothenic acid-based dietary supplement in men and women with facial acne lesions. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of adults previously diagnosed with mild to moderate acne vulgaris was performed. Subjects were randomized to the study agent, a pantothenic acid-based dietary supplement, or a placebo for 12 weeks (endpoint). The primary outcome of the study was the difference in total lesion count between the study agent group versus the placebo group from baseline to endpoint. Secondary measurements included differences in mean non-inflammatory and inflammatory lesions, Investigators Global Assessment and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores between the two groups. Investigator assessment of overall improvement and skin photographs were also taken. Safety and tolerability endpoints were the assessment of adverse events and measurement of serum complete blood count and hepatic function. RESULTS: Forty-eight subjects were enrolled and 41 were evaluable. There was a significant mean reduction in total lesion count in the pantothenic acid group versus placebo at week 12 (P = 0.0197). Mean reduction in inflammatory lesions was also significantly reduced and DLQI scores were significantly lower at week 12 in the pantothenic acid group versus placebo. The study agent was safe and well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study indicate that the administration of a pantothenic acid-based dietary supplement in healthy adults with facial acne lesions is safe, well tolerated and reduced total facial lesion count versus placebo after 12 weeks of administration. Secondary analysis shows that the study agent significantly reduced area-specific and inflammatory blemishes. Further randomized, placebo-controlled trials are warranted. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s13555-014-0052-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users

Prognostic factors in prolactin pituitary tumors: clinical, histological, and molecular data from a series of 94 patients with a long postoperative follow-up.

International audienceCONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Predicting pituitary tumor behavior remains a challenge. This multiparameter investigation aimed to identify markers for recurrence and progression in prolactin tumors. DESIGN: From a cohort of patients treated for prolactin tumors by surgery, we retrospectively studied clinical data, tumor characteristics, clinical outcome, and the expression of nine genes by quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS: This study included 94 patients (62 females and 32 men), with long postoperative follow-up periods (mean, 138 +/- 46 months); 54.3% of patients had a macro or giant adenoma. Tumors were classified into three pathological groups based on their radiological and histological characteristics (noninvasive, 61; invasive, 22; and aggressive-invasive, 11). Immediately after surgery, 60 patients (63.8%) went into remission (prolactin level normalization). Persistently elevated prolactin levels (36.2%) were associated with increasing age, male sex, high preoperative prolactin levels, large tumor size on univariate analysis, and invasion and pathological classification on univariate and multivariate (P = 8 x 10(-10) and 3 x 10(-8)) analysis. During follow-up, 19 patients (20%) had tumors that recurred or progressed under dopamine agonist treatment. Invasion and pathological classification were associated with recurrence or progression on univariate analysis. Seven genes (ADAMTS6, CRMP1, PTTG, ASK, CCNB1, AURKB, and CENPE) were associated with tumor recurrence or progression and five of these (ADAMTS6, CRMP1, ASK, CCNB1, and CENPE) were associated with the pathological classification. CONCLUSION: This study identifies both the clinical and histological factors that relate to prolactin tumor recurrence or progression. Molecular markers give additional information for prognosis of such tumors. Altogether, our results could influence the management of patients with pituitary tumors

1,550 nm Erbium-Doped and 1,927 nm Thulium Nonablative Fractional Laser System: Best Practices and Treatment Setting Recommendations

BACKGROUND: The Fraxel Dual laser system (Solta Medical, Inc., Bothell, WA) contains a 1,550 and 1,927 nm wavelength single handpiece with different indications for each wavelength. OBJECTIVE: To discuss treatment setting recommendations and best practices for select on-label and investigational applications of the 1,550 and 1,927 nm dual laser system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight board-certified dermatologists with 10 or more years of experience with the 1,550 and 1,927 nm laser system completed an online survey about their clinical experience with the system and then participated in a roundtable to share clinical perspectives and best practices for using the laser system. RESULTS: For all Fitzpatrick skin types, treatment recommendations were described for selected approved indications for the 1,550 and 1,927 nm laser system, including both lasers in combination. Treatment recommendations were also reached for investigational applications with the 1,550 nm laser and 1,927 nm laser. Best practices for using the lasers during the treatment session to achieve optimal outcomes and decrease the post-treatment recovery time were compiled. CONCLUSION: The 1,550 and 1,927 nm dual laser system is effective for a wide range of aesthetic and therapeutic applications, on and off the face and across all Fitzpatrick skin types

Self-reported Patient Motivations for Seeking Cosmetic Procedures.

This multicenter observational study assesses the importance of self-reported factors that motivate patients to undergo minimally invasive cosmetic surgical procedures