1.Childhood disabling Pansclerotic Morphoea complicated by leg ulcers, contractures and gangrene
Malaysian Journal of Dermatology 2010;25(-):25-30
Disabling pansclerotic morphoea of childhood is a
subset of localized scleroderma. It is a rare disease
in both the adult and paediatric population.
E t i o l ogical factors are unknown although
autoimmune, infectious, genetic and environmental
factors have been postulated. Sclerotic plaques
predominantly affect the scalp, face, trunk and
extensor surfaces of limbs, leaving fingertips and
toes uninvo l ved. The absence of Raynaud’s
phenomenon, dysphagia, visceral involvement and
certain laboratory derangements diff e r e n t i a t e
systemic sclerosis and disabling pansclerotic
morphoea of childhood. Diagnosis can be
supported by histology. There are seve r a l
management options including topical, systemic
and phototherapy.
2.Acute cardiac failure in a young atopic patient
Pan JY ; Yong WH ; Audrey TWH
Malaysian Journal of Dermatology 2009;22(-):19-23
Churg-Strauss syndrome is a granulomatous smallvessel
vasculitis in which multiple organ systems
can be involved. It is often diagnosed late and
physicians need to be vigilant and keep this
uncommon diagnosis in mind. The appearance of
visible cutaneous features is often the key to
diagnosis and skin biopsy is confirmatory. Early
recognition and aggressive therapy is required to
prevent end-organ complications and mortality.
4.Fusarium Cutaneous Infection in a neutropenic girl with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia
Pan JY ; Ker KJ ; Audrey T ; Colin T ; Tan AM ; Tan HH
Malaysian Journal of Dermatology 2010;25(-):10-14
Fusarium species are common plant pathogens
present in the environment but can cause invasive
infections in immunocompromised patients,
especially those with haematologic malignancies
and bone marrow transplant recipients1. Tissue and
blood cultures are especially important as they offer
a high diagnostic yield in invasive fusariosis2-3.
Amphotericin B has been used as the mainstay of
treatment4 although resistant rates are high,
especially in Fusarium solani species5. The
treatment outcome is also closely related to rate of
recovery of neutropenia