We studied the clinical and electroencephalographic features in 30 children who were diagnosed with childhood absence epilepsy. According to their EEG pattern we divided the 30 children into two groups: group A: 11 children with classical absences whose ictal EEG showed primary generalized spikes and waves and group B: 19 children with frontal onset of the EEG epileptic abnormalities ('frontal group'). In the frontal group, more frequently complex absences were seen. Although the majority of children responded very well to valproate monotherapy, ethosuximide has to be added in 3 children of the frontal group to achieve seizure freedom. In the frontal group, also more learning and behavioural problems were encountered. This study largely confirms a previous study of Lagae et al. [Lagae L, Pauwels J, Monte B, Verhelle J, Vervisch J. Frontal absences in children. Eur J Pediatr Neurol 2001;5:243-251]. It seems that frontal onset absences constitute a specific subtype within the childhood absence epilepsies.

Introduction: Basal cell carcinoma is the most common tumor of the eyelid. In this region, reconstruction is complex and damage to healthy tissue should be minimal. Objective: To define the relationship between margin clearance at excision and the recurrence rate of basal cell carcinoma of the eyelid. Methods: This prospective study was conducted with 111 patients submitted to surgery for basal cell carcinoma of the eyelid between 2001 and 2003 and followed up for a period of five years. The patients were evaluated according to age, tumor site, recurrence rate and margin clearance at excision. Results: No significant association was found between incomplete tumor excision and recurrence except in patients under 56 years of age, female patients and in the case of tumors of the medial canthus. Conclusion: A risk of recurrence in incompletely excised basal cell carcinomas of the eyelid was only confirmed in younger patients, females and for tumors of the medial canthus. Keywords: Basal cell carcinoma; eyelid; recurrence.Resumo: Introdução: O carcinoma basocelular é o tumor mais comum entre os tumores das pálpebras. Nesta região, a reconstrução é complexa e recomenda-se que haja perda mínima de tecido saudável. Objetivo: Para definir a relação entre margem livre de tumor na excisão e taxa de recidiva do carcinoma basocelular das pálpebras. Métodos: Este estudo prospectivo incluiu 111 pacientes operados para remoção de carcinoma basocelular das pálpebras no período de 2001 a 2003, com acompanhamento subsequente de 5 anos. Os pacientes foram avaliados de acordo com a idade, localização do tumor, taxa de recidiva, e margem livre de tumor na excisão. Resultados: Não se encontrou associação significativa entre a excisão incompleta do tumor e casos de recidiva, exceto em pacientes com idade inferior a 56 anos, pacientes do sexo feminino e em tumores do canto medial. Conclusão: Um risco maior de recidiva de carcinoma basocelular das pálpebras com excisão incompleta foi confirmado estatisticamente apenas em pacientes mais jovens, em mulheres, e nos tumores do canto interno.

Venous leg ulcers represent a significant public health problem that will increase as the population ages. Numerous herbs and their extracts are potentially conducive to wound healing, including the ability to serve as an antimicrobial, antifungal, astringent, etc. A total of 32 patients with venous leg ulcers were randomized into two groups: a group with herbal therapy treatment (PT) (17 patients) and a control group (C) (15 patients). The investigation focused on five controls of parameter changes important for ulcer healing and the control of microbiological flora. Within-treatment analysis of the PT group showed that, following herbal therapy treatment, there was a significant decrease in the scores of surface leg ulcer and venous leg ulcer after week 7 of treatment (p < 0.05). In group C following topical antibiotic treatment there was no significant decrease in the surface leg ulcer. Comparing the results of decreased venous leg ulcer surface of the) PT group with the C group showed a significant difference at p < 0.05 after week 7 of treatment. The number of different types of isolated bacterial species decreased significantly (p < 0.05) after the use of herbal preparations. The results of this pilot study demonstrate the healing and antimicrobiological effects of herbal therapy on non-infected venous leg ulcer.

The urinary excretion of total androstenedione i. e. free, glucosiduronide and sulphate, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone during two normal menstrual cycle is presented. Epitestosterone was determinated during one cycle only. Both cycles were ovulatory as can be seen from the pregnanediol and oestriol determinations. The androstenedione and testosterone excretion values showed a caracteristic decrease from 12th to 16th day and an increase during the luteal phases, reaching their maximal levels between the 20th and 25th (cycle A) and 20th and 24th day (cycle B) respectively. The excretion values of epitestosterone were highest on 22nd and 23rd day. Dehydroepiandrosterone values were also slightly raised during the luteal phase of the cycle.

toll-like receptor 7 agonist imiquimod has been used to treat cutaneous melanoma metastases, [5] although in small numbers of patients we have found it much less effective than diphencyprone in this setting. [3] Imiquimod is also >100 times more expensive than diphencyprone, which costs approximately $US1 per month. Lentigo maligna is another condition where excision may be cosmetically difficult and where topical immunotherapy can play a role. Currently reported cure rates for lentigo maligna using imiquimod are~50-88%. [6] Trials may now be indicated, initially with histologic confirmation of response, using diphencyprone for these lesions.