Psoriasis: McKenna K

Ibbotson SH, Bilsland D, Cox NH, Dawe RS, Diffey B, Edwards C, Farr PM, Ferguson J, Hart G, Hawk J, Lloyd J, Martin C, Moseley H, McKenna K, Rhodes LE, Taylor DK, Anonymous00115. · Pathobiology Unit, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK. · Br J Dermatol. · Pubmed #15327535 No free full text.

Abstract: Summary These guidelines for use of narrowband (TL-01) ultraviolet B have been prepared for dermatologists by the British Photodermatology Group on behalf of the British Association of Dermatologists. They present evidence-based guidance for treatment of patients with a variety of dermatoses and photodermatoses, with identification of the strength of evidence available at the time of preparation of the guidelines, and a brief overview of background photobiology.

Morton CA, Brown SB, Collins S, Ibbotson S, Jenkinson H, Kurwa H, Langmack K, McKenna K, Moseley H, Pearse AD, Stringer M, Taylor DK, Wong G, Rhodes LE. · Department of Dermatology, Falkirk Royal Infirmary, Falkirk FK1 5QE, U.K. · Br J Dermatol. · Pubmed #11966684 No free full text.

Abstract: Topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) is effective in the treatment of certain non-melanoma skin cancers and is under evaluation in other dermatoses. Its development has been enhanced by a low rate of adverse events and good cosmesis. 5-Aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) is the main agent used, converted within cells into the photosensitizer protoporphyrin IX, with surface illumination then triggering the photodynamic reaction. Despite the relative simplicity of the technique, accurate dosimetry in PDT is complicated by multiple variables in drug formulation, delivery and duration of application, in addition to light-specific parameters. Several non-coherent and coherent light sources are effective in PDT. Optimal disease-specific irradiance, wavelength and total dose characteristics have yet to be established, and are compounded by difficulties comparing light sources. The carcinogenic risk of ALA-PDT appears to be low. Current evidence indicates topical PDT to be effective in actinic keratoses on the face and scalp, Bowen's disease and superficial basal cell carcinomas (BCCs). PDT may prove advantageous where size, site or number of lesions limits the efficacy and/or acceptability of conventional therapies. Topical ALA-PDT alone is a relatively poor option for both nodular BCCs and squamous cell carcinomas. Experience of the modality in other skin diseases remains limited; areas where there is potential benefit include viral warts, acne, psoriasis and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. A recent British Photodermatology Group workshop considered published evidence on topical PDT in order to establish guidelines to promote the efficacy and safety of this increasingly practised treatment modality.

Cooke N, Jenkinson H, Wojnarowska F, McKenna K, Alderdice J. · Department of Dermatology, Royal Victoria Hospital, UK. · Clin Exp Dermatol. · Pubmed #16197377 No free full text.

Abstract: We report the case of a 29-year-old man with chronic plaque psoriasis who developed linear IgA disease following herpes zoster infection. There has only been one previous report describing the coexistence of psoriasis and linear IgA disease, which was confirmed by immunopathological studies. In our patient, immunoblotting studies identified IgA antibodies binding to BP180 and BP230 antigens, and IgG autoantibodies binding weakly to the BP180 antigen. This is an interesting case that we believe is an example of epitope spreading in the development of autoimmune subepidermal bullous diseases.