Long-Term Follow-Up Results of Topical Imiquimod Treatment in Basal Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND Imiquimod 5% topical cream is approved for treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Data on the long-term efficacy and usage in other BCC subtypes are scarce. OBJECTIVE Evaluation of long-term safety and efficacy of topical imiquimod treatment in various BCC subtypes and locations, with individualized treatment duration. MATERIALS AND METHODS Histopathologically confirmed BCCs treated solely with topical imiquimod were identified retrospectively and included in this study. Clinical and histopathologic tumor clearances were the primary end point. After treatment was concluded, patients were examined every 3 to 6 months. RESULTS In total, 24 BCC samples from 22 patients (F:M = 9: 13;mean age: 73.5 years, SD: 10.767) were evaluated. The majority of the lesions were located in the head and neck area (83%). Mean treatment duration until complete clearance was 15.7 +/- 6 6.9 weeks (6-28 weeks). Imiquimod was discontinued in 3 lesions, due to either clinically or histopathologically insufficient response. During follow-up, 2 lesions recurred, at 42 and 50 months after treatment. During a mean follow-up time of 72.7 (SD = 9) months, 79.1% of the lesions were cured without local recurrence. CONCLUSION Although imiquimod is only approved for superficial BCC, treatment success was high among the study patients with various histological subtypes, with good long-term cosmetic results

The evaluation of personality of epileptic patients by using Cloninger's Temperament and Character Inventory

Objective: There is little research evaluating the personality of epileptic patients dimensionally in the literature. In this study we aimed to evaluate the personality traits of epileptic patients and compare them healthy controls by using Cloninger's Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). Methods: Seventy-eight consecutive epileptic outpatients and 85 healthy controls were included. Both groups were given TCI after evaluation by SCID I, SCID II and HAM-D. The data were analyzed with regard the group differences with t test (parametric condition) or Mann-Whitney U tests by using computer program. Results: The epileptic group were found significantly different (p<0.005) regarding TCI parameters; shyness, harm avoidance, persistence, self-forgetfulness, transpersonal identification, spiritual acceptance and self-transcendence. Accordingly, epileptic patients can be defined as pessimistic, fearful, shy, fatigable, lazy, underachiever, pragmatist, unimaginative, controlling, materialistic and possessive individuals compared to the control group. 23% of the epileptic group has had at least one DSM Axis I disorder. The most common diagnose was depression (n=10, 56%). Detected 37% (n=29) DSM-IV Axis II diagnosis of which 59% (n=17) consisted of cluster C personality disorders within the same group. Discussion: Our results showed that epileptic patients were differentiated with regard the TCI parameters compared to the healthy controls. Our results indicate that epileptics are more fearful, impersistent (easily discouraged) and concrete (lower in ST, less insightful and intuitive). To find out causal relationship between these differentiation and epilepsy, follow up studies in a larger sample are needed. (Anatolian Journal of Psychiatry 2011; 12:13-23

The evaluation of personality of epileptic patients by using Cloninger's Temperament and Character Inventory

WOS: 000290031900004Objective: There is little research evaluating the personality of epileptic patients dimensionally in the literature. In this study we aimed to evaluate the personality traits of epileptic patients and compare them healthy controls by using Cloninger's Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). Methods: Seventy-eight consecutive epileptic outpatients and 85 healthy controls were included. Both groups were given TCI after evaluation by SCID I, SCID II and HAM-D. The data were analyzed with regard the group differences with t test (parametric condition) or Mann-Whitney U tests by using computer program. Results: The epileptic group were found significantly different (p<0.005) regarding TCI parameters; shyness, harm avoidance, persistence, self-forgetfulness, transpersonal identification, spiritual acceptance and self-transcendence. Accordingly, epileptic patients can be defined as pessimistic, fearful, shy, fatigable, lazy, underachiever, pragmatist, unimaginative, controlling, materialistic and possessive individuals compared to the control group. 23% of the epileptic group has had at least one DSM Axis I disorder. The most common diagnose was depression (n=10, 56%). Detected 37% (n=29) DSM-IV Axis II diagnosis of which 59% (n=17) consisted of cluster C personality disorders within the same group. Discussion: Our results showed that epileptic patients were differentiated with regard the TCI parameters compared to the healthy controls. Our results indicate that epileptics are more fearful, impersistent (easily discouraged) and concrete (lower in ST, less insightful and intuitive). To find out causal relationship between these differentiation and epilepsy, follow up studies in a larger sample are needed. (Anatolian Journal of Psychiatry 2011; 12:13-23