No abstract

The Scandinavian photopatch test procedure has been applied to 745 patients with suspected photodermatoses during the years 1980-1981. Our experience has been encouraging with the recording of several relevant reactions. A total of 132 positive photocontact reactions and 120 ordinary contact reactions were seen. Photocontact reactions to musk ambrette (19 cases) and PABA (19 cases) were surprisingly frequent. The next most common photocontact reactions were to promethazine (24), chlorpromazine (22 cases) and fentichlor (12). Ordinary contact reactions were observed to balsam of Peru (30), PABA (23), lichen mix (21), wood mix (14) and to perfume mix (10).

No abstract

The nail fold capillary morphology and blood flow were examined by capillaroscopy in 10 patients with primary fibromyalgia. Only slight morphological anomalies such as moderate enlargement of capillary loops and variations in calibre were found. No obvious correlation emerged between capillary morphology and the duration of the disease, smoking, or history of Raynaud's phenomenon. Three patients with a history of Raynaud's phenomenon showed sluggish capillary flow correlated with subnormal skin temperature during registration. The findings suggest that marked generalized capillary abnormality such as that often involving the nail fold capillaries in many connective tissue disorders is not a prominent feature of primary fibromyalgia.

Nine patients with severe or therapy-resistant psoriasis were treated by plasma exchanges or leukapheresis; one received both treatments in succession. None of the patients showed convincing signs of improvement. We therefore conclude that there is little evidence for the existence of a "psoriasis factor", the removal of which, it has been suggested, would explain the beneficial effects of dialysis. Nor is there anything to indicate that the removal of large numbers of leukocytes would bring about healing.