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The effect of the non-calciotropic vitamin D3 analogue MC 903 on psoriasis vulgaris was assessed in a double-blind, placebo controlled trial in 30 patients. Lesions on one side of the body were treated for 6 weeks with a cream containing 10 figig, 33 /^g/g or 100 figig MC 903 and lesions on the other side were treated with the cream base alone, according to a randomized design. Nine of the 10 patients in each treatment group completed the study. MC 903 cream gave a statistically significant decrease in erythema, thickness and scaling of the lesions, compared with the control. Overall assessment of psoriasis after 6 weeks showed moderate or excellent improvement in two of nine patients treated with 10 /^g/g, in five of nine patients treated with 33 figjg, and in seven of nine patients treated with 100 /ig/g MC 903, Placebo treatment showed a moderate improvement in only one of the 27 patients. The histopathological picture of the psoriatic lesions corresponded with the clinical changes. The patients reported no adverse reactions, and laboratory tests did not show any significant changes; in particular there was no change in serum calcium levels. These results suggest that the vitamin D3 analogue MC 903 is an effective and safe topical treatment for psoriasis.

Nasal Schneiderian papillomas are unique lesions involving the mucosa of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Most often epidermoid in histological appearance, they favour 2 sites: the septum and the lateral wall of the nasal cavity. The medical literature on these tumours contains a plethora of contradictions concerning the nomenclature and no less than 54 separate designations are used. The synonyms are discussed and the term Schneiderian papilloma is proposed as the most suitable alternative. This study includes 83 patients with Schneiderian papillomas in whom the history, clinical and radiological findings, treatment procedures, pathological sections, recurrences, and associated malignancies were analyzed. Histological and clinical features were not helpful in predicting recurrence, but the recurrence rate was related to the treatment modalities; with 17% recurrences using an extranasal approach (lateral rhinotomy) and 59% using intranasal approach with limited excision. Schneiderian papillomas were associated with squamous cell carcinoma in 7 patients. Simultaneous papilloma and carcinoma were demonstrated in 4 patients at presentation (5%) and subsequently developing carcinoma in 3 patients (4%). As recurrences are frequent after inadequate removal and as association with maligancies may occur in both septal and lateral wall papillomas, radical aggressive surgery, thorough histological examination of the entire specimen, and careful follow-up are advocated.