Diane Baker - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Diane Baker

Research paper thumbnail of EAACI/GA2LEN/EDF/WAO-Leitlinie für die Definition, Klassifikation, Diagnose und das Management der Urtikaria — konsentierte, deutschsprachige Übersetzung

Research paper thumbnail of The safety of alefacept using a reduced schedule for monitoring T cells

Data Revues 01909622 V50i3ss S0190962203039380, Aug 25, 2011

Psoriasis is a chronic, relapsing skin disease that often requires multiple courses of treatment.... more Psoriasis is a chronic, relapsing skin disease that often requires multiple courses of treatment. Alefacept improves psoriasis by selectively targeting the T cells involved in psoriasis pathogenesis. It has been shown to have an encouraging efficacy and safety profile in multiple randomized, placebo-controlled studies and retreatment trials. To understand the best way to manage existing therapies during a course of alefacept, an international study is being conducted under conditions reflective of the clinical practice setting (ie, combining alefacept with other agents). Patients are eligible for enrollment provided they have chronic plaque psoriasis requiring systemic therapy, are at least 16 years of age, have CD4ϩ T-cell counts at or above the lower limit of normal (at least 300 cells/mm3 if on a stable dose of prednisone), and are naïve to alefacept therapy. Patients may receive up to 3 treatment courses of intramuscular alefacept 15 mg. Each course consists of 12 weekly injections followed by 12 weeks of observation. Retreatment courses of alefacept are provided for patients whose disease has progressed to require systemic therapy and whose CD4ϩ T-cell counts meet the above criteria. In each course, patients are allowed to receive 1 concomitant psoriasis therapy in addition to alefacept. To date, enrolled patients are receiving alefacept in addition to low-potency topicals (31%), high-potency topicals (29%), methotrexate (15%), cyclosporine (12%), ultraviolet B light (6%), systemic retinoids (6%), and prednisone (1%). Methotrexate is being tapered over the first 4 weeks of alefacept therapy. To avoid flares, patients receiving cyclosporine must continue such treatment through week 11 of the alefacept dosing period followed by gradual tapering over the following 6 weeks. An objective of this study is to determine the efficacy of initial and repeat courses of alefacept and the duration of response after the first 2 courses in combination regimens. Physician Global Assessment is being used to evaluate efficacy. Circulating total, CD4ϩ, and CD8ϩ lymphocyte counts are being measured at various time points throughout the study. All patients who have completed 12 weeks of treatment will be included in the efficacy analysis. Efficacy results will be presented, which should provide valuable insight into the management of other psoriasis therapies when used concurrently with alefacept.

Research paper thumbnail of The safety of alefacept using a reduced schedule for monitoring T cells 1 1 Disclosure not available at press time

J Amer Acad Dermatol, 2004

Psoriasis is a chronic, relapsing skin disease that often requires multiple courses of treatment.... more Psoriasis is a chronic, relapsing skin disease that often requires multiple courses of treatment. Alefacept improves psoriasis by selectively targeting the T cells involved in psoriasis pathogenesis. It has been shown to have an encouraging efficacy and safety profile in multiple randomized, placebo-controlled studies and retreatment trials. To understand the best way to manage existing therapies during a course of alefacept, an international study is being conducted under conditions reflective of the clinical practice setting (ie, combining alefacept with other agents). Patients are eligible for enrollment provided they have chronic plaque psoriasis requiring systemic therapy, are at least 16 years of age, have CD4ϩ T-cell counts at or above the lower limit of normal (at least 300 cells/mm3 if on a stable dose of prednisone), and are naïve to alefacept therapy. Patients may receive up to 3 treatment courses of intramuscular alefacept 15 mg. Each course consists of 12 weekly injections followed by 12 weeks of observation. Retreatment courses of alefacept are provided for patients whose disease has progressed to require systemic therapy and whose CD4ϩ T-cell counts meet the above criteria. In each course, patients are allowed to receive 1 concomitant psoriasis therapy in addition to alefacept. To date, enrolled patients are receiving alefacept in addition to low-potency topicals (31%), high-potency topicals (29%), methotrexate (15%), cyclosporine (12%), ultraviolet B light (6%), systemic retinoids (6%), and prednisone (1%). Methotrexate is being tapered over the first 4 weeks of alefacept therapy. To avoid flares, patients receiving cyclosporine must continue such treatment through week 11 of the alefacept dosing period followed by gradual tapering over the following 6 weeks. An objective of this study is to determine the efficacy of initial and repeat courses of alefacept and the duration of response after the first 2 courses in combination regimens. Physician Global Assessment is being used to evaluate efficacy. Circulating total, CD4ϩ, and CD8ϩ lymphocyte counts are being measured at various time points throughout the study. All patients who have completed 12 weeks of treatment will be included in the efficacy analysis. Efficacy results will be presented, which should provide valuable insight into the management of other psoriasis therapies when used concurrently with alefacept.

Research paper thumbnail of Allergic contact dermatitis from retapamulin ointment

Dermatitis : contact, atopic, occupational, drug

Research paper thumbnail of The efficacy of multiple courses of alefacept in patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2006

Among patients with psoriasis who did not achieve Psoriasis Area and Severity Index 50 during the... more Among patients with psoriasis who did not achieve Psoriasis Area and Severity Index 50 during the first course of alefacept therapy, 53% achieved Psoriasis Area and Severity Index 50 during the second course (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] vs placebo 2.30 [1.26-4.19]). Alefacept provided incremental efficacy over 5 successive 12-week treatment courses.

Research paper thumbnail of Reply to “Comment on 2012 appropriate use criteria for Mohs micrographic surgery”

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of The safety of alefacept using a reduced schedule for monitoring T cells

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2004

Psoriasis is a chronic, relapsing skin disease that often requires multiple courses of treatment.... more Psoriasis is a chronic, relapsing skin disease that often requires multiple courses of treatment. Alefacept improves psoriasis by selectively targeting the T cells involved in psoriasis pathogenesis. It has been shown to have an encouraging efficacy and safety profile in multiple randomized, placebo-controlled studies and retreatment trials. To understand the best way to manage existing therapies during a course of alefacept, an international study is being conducted under conditions reflective of the clinical practice setting (ie, combining alefacept with other agents). Patients are eligible for enrollment provided they have chronic plaque psoriasis requiring systemic therapy, are at least 16 years of age, have CD4ϩ T-cell counts at or above the lower limit of normal (at least 300 cells/mm3 if on a stable dose of prednisone), and are naïve to alefacept therapy. Patients may receive up to 3 treatment courses of intramuscular alefacept 15 mg. Each course consists of 12 weekly injections followed by 12 weeks of observation. Retreatment courses of alefacept are provided for patients whose disease has progressed to require systemic therapy and whose CD4ϩ T-cell counts meet the above criteria. In each course, patients are allowed to receive 1 concomitant psoriasis therapy in addition to alefacept. To date, enrolled patients are receiving alefacept in addition to low-potency topicals (31%), high-potency topicals (29%), methotrexate (15%), cyclosporine (12%), ultraviolet B light (6%), systemic retinoids (6%), and prednisone (1%). Methotrexate is being tapered over the first 4 weeks of alefacept therapy. To avoid flares, patients receiving cyclosporine must continue such treatment through week 11 of the alefacept dosing period followed by gradual tapering over the following 6 weeks. An objective of this study is to determine the efficacy of initial and repeat courses of alefacept and the duration of response after the first 2 courses in combination regimens. Physician Global Assessment is being used to evaluate efficacy. Circulating total, CD4ϩ, and CD8ϩ lymphocyte counts are being measured at various time points throughout the study. All patients who have completed 12 weeks of treatment will be included in the efficacy analysis. Efficacy results will be presented, which should provide valuable insight into the management of other psoriasis therapies when used concurrently with alefacept.

Research paper thumbnail of Measurement of the Staphylococcal Epidermolytic Toxin: A Comparison of Bioassay, Radial Immunodiffusion, and Radioimmunoassay

Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 1976

Research paper thumbnail of The Epidermolytic Toxin of Staphylococcus aureus: Its Failure to Bind to Cells and Its Detection in Blister Fluids of Patients with Bullous Impetigo

Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 1978

Research paper thumbnail of AAD/ACMS/ASDSA/ASMS 2012 Appropriate Use Criteria for Mohs Micrographic Surgery: A Report of the American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Mohs Surgery, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association, and the American Society for Mohs Su

Dermatologic Surgery, 2012

The appropriate use criteria process synthesizes evidence-based medicine, clinical practice exper... more The appropriate use criteria process synthesizes evidence-based medicine, clinical practice experience, and expert judgment. The American Academy of Dermatology in collaboration with the American College of Mohs Surgery, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association, and the American Society for Mohs Surgery has developed appropriate use criteria for 270 scenarios for which Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is frequently considered based on tumor and patient characteristics. This document reflects the rating of appropriateness of MMS for each of these clinical scenarios by a ratings panel in a process based on the appropriateness method developed by the RAND Corp

Research paper thumbnail of Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome: detection of antibody to epidermolytic toxin by a primary binding assay

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 1978

Measurement by radioimmunoassay of the epidermolytic toxin of Staphylococcus aureus and antibodie... more Measurement by radioimmunoassay of the epidermolytic toxin of Staphylococcus aureus and antibodies to epidermolysin was attempted in sera from patients with the staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. Antibodies to epidermolysin were also measured in sera from normal adults and patients with drug-related toxic epidermal necrolysis. Epidermolysin was not detectable by radioimmunoassay (in the range of 5-100 ng/ml), radial immunodiffusion or bioassay in newborn mice. Antibodies to epidermolysin were detectable in sera from patients in all three groups studied, but there was a significant increase in the amount of antibody in convalescent, compared to acute phase sera, only in the patients with the staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. We propose that neutralizing antibodies play a major role in termination or prevention of the staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. Melish & Glasgow (1971) proposed that the term staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome be used to encompass three manifestations of disease caused by coagulase positive staphylococci: bullous impetigo, a staphylococcal scarlatiniform eruption, and the generahzed epidermolytic eruption formerly called Fitter's disease. These investigators (Melish & Glasgow, 1970) were also the first to develop an experimental model of the scalded skin syndrome in newborn mice and suggest that a toxin produced by Staphylococcus aureus caused the subgranular

Research paper thumbnail of Top-Accessed Article: On Beauty

Archives of Dermatology, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of In Memoriam: Walter Charles Lobitz, Jr, MD (1911-2006): A Life Well Lived

Archives of Dermatology, 2006

died in Portland, Ore, at age 94 years. During his lifetime, he saw dermatology evolve into a sci... more died in Portland, Ore, at age 94 years. During his lifetime, he saw dermatology evolve into a scientifically based specialty, and he was a major contributor to the evolution. Dr Lobitz was passionate about life. His enthusiasm was apparent and contagious in all he did, whether he was mentoring young dermatologists, teaching medical students, caring for patients, or fishing, skiing, or mountaineering. He was a connoisseur of fine wines, a gourmet cook, a musician and composer, even a world-class watercolor artist. His watercolors adorn the walls of homes of dermatologist friends all over the world and the hallways at Mary's Woods, his residence in Oregon for the last several years of his life. In spite of his many talents, he was a humble man and insisted on being called "Wally." Those of us who trained with him could never quite accept such informality in addressing a person we so profoundly admired. Walter C. Lobitz, Jr, was born and educated in Cincinnati, Ohio. During a residency year in internal medicine there, he met, fell in love with, and married a young intern, Caroline Elizabeth Rockwell. She died in 2001. They had been married for 59 years. "Betty and Wally" Lobitz wrote poetry and music for each other and lived according to the creed, "If I had but one loaf of bread, I would sell half to buy white hyacinths to feed my soul." Their 3 children, W.

Research paper thumbnail of AAD/ACMS/ASDSA/ASMS 2012 Appropriate Use Criteria for Mohs Micrographic Surgery: A Report of the American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Mohs Surgery, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association, and the American Society for Mohs Su

Dermatologic Surgery, 2012

The appropriate use criteria process synthesizes evidence-based medicine, clinical practice exper... more The appropriate use criteria process synthesizes evidence-based medicine, clinical practice experience, and expert judgment. The American Academy of Dermatology in collaboration with the American College of Mohs Surgery, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association, and the American Society for Mohs Surgery has developed appropriate use criteria for 270 scenarios for which Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is frequently considered based on tumor and patient characteristics. This document reflects the rating of appropriateness of MMS for each of these clinical scenarios by a ratings panel in a process based on the appropriateness method developed by the RAND Corp (Santa Monica, CA)/University of California-Los Angeles (RAND/UCLA). At the conclusion of the rating process, consensus was reached for all 270 (100%) scenarios by the Ratings Panel, with 200 (74.07%) deemed as appropriate, 24 (8.89%) as uncertain, and 46 (17.04%) as inappropriate. For the 69 basal cell carcinoma scenarios, 53 were deemed appropriate, 6 uncertain, and 10 inappropriate. For the 143 squamous cell carcinoma scenarios, 102 were deemed appropriate, 7 uncertain, and 34 inappropriate. For the 12 lentigo maligna and melanoma in situ scenarios, 10 were deemed appropriate, 2 uncertain, and 0 inappropriate. For the 46 rare cutaneous malignancies scenarios, 35 were deemed appropriate, 9 uncertain, and 2 inappropriate. These appropriate use criteria have the potential to impact health care delivery, reimbursement policy, and physician decision making on patient selection for MMS, and aim to optimize the use of MMS for scenarios in which the expected clinical benefit is anticipated to be the greatest. In addition, recognition of those scenarios rated as uncertain facilitates an understanding of areas that would benefit from further research. Each clinical scenario identified in this document is crafted for the average patient and not the exception. Thus, the ultimate decision regarding the appropriateness of MMS should be determined by the expertise and clinical experience of the physician.

Research paper thumbnail of EAACI/GA2LEN/EDF/WAO-Leitlinie für die Definition, Klassifikation, Diagnose und das Management der Urtikaria — konsentierte, deutschsprachige Übersetzung

Research paper thumbnail of The safety of alefacept using a reduced schedule for monitoring T cells

Data Revues 01909622 V50i3ss S0190962203039380, Aug 25, 2011

Psoriasis is a chronic, relapsing skin disease that often requires multiple courses of treatment.... more Psoriasis is a chronic, relapsing skin disease that often requires multiple courses of treatment. Alefacept improves psoriasis by selectively targeting the T cells involved in psoriasis pathogenesis. It has been shown to have an encouraging efficacy and safety profile in multiple randomized, placebo-controlled studies and retreatment trials. To understand the best way to manage existing therapies during a course of alefacept, an international study is being conducted under conditions reflective of the clinical practice setting (ie, combining alefacept with other agents). Patients are eligible for enrollment provided they have chronic plaque psoriasis requiring systemic therapy, are at least 16 years of age, have CD4ϩ T-cell counts at or above the lower limit of normal (at least 300 cells/mm3 if on a stable dose of prednisone), and are naïve to alefacept therapy. Patients may receive up to 3 treatment courses of intramuscular alefacept 15 mg. Each course consists of 12 weekly injections followed by 12 weeks of observation. Retreatment courses of alefacept are provided for patients whose disease has progressed to require systemic therapy and whose CD4ϩ T-cell counts meet the above criteria. In each course, patients are allowed to receive 1 concomitant psoriasis therapy in addition to alefacept. To date, enrolled patients are receiving alefacept in addition to low-potency topicals (31%), high-potency topicals (29%), methotrexate (15%), cyclosporine (12%), ultraviolet B light (6%), systemic retinoids (6%), and prednisone (1%). Methotrexate is being tapered over the first 4 weeks of alefacept therapy. To avoid flares, patients receiving cyclosporine must continue such treatment through week 11 of the alefacept dosing period followed by gradual tapering over the following 6 weeks. An objective of this study is to determine the efficacy of initial and repeat courses of alefacept and the duration of response after the first 2 courses in combination regimens. Physician Global Assessment is being used to evaluate efficacy. Circulating total, CD4ϩ, and CD8ϩ lymphocyte counts are being measured at various time points throughout the study. All patients who have completed 12 weeks of treatment will be included in the efficacy analysis. Efficacy results will be presented, which should provide valuable insight into the management of other psoriasis therapies when used concurrently with alefacept.

Research paper thumbnail of The safety of alefacept using a reduced schedule for monitoring T cells 1 1 Disclosure not available at press time

J Amer Acad Dermatol, 2004

Psoriasis is a chronic, relapsing skin disease that often requires multiple courses of treatment.... more Psoriasis is a chronic, relapsing skin disease that often requires multiple courses of treatment. Alefacept improves psoriasis by selectively targeting the T cells involved in psoriasis pathogenesis. It has been shown to have an encouraging efficacy and safety profile in multiple randomized, placebo-controlled studies and retreatment trials. To understand the best way to manage existing therapies during a course of alefacept, an international study is being conducted under conditions reflective of the clinical practice setting (ie, combining alefacept with other agents). Patients are eligible for enrollment provided they have chronic plaque psoriasis requiring systemic therapy, are at least 16 years of age, have CD4ϩ T-cell counts at or above the lower limit of normal (at least 300 cells/mm3 if on a stable dose of prednisone), and are naïve to alefacept therapy. Patients may receive up to 3 treatment courses of intramuscular alefacept 15 mg. Each course consists of 12 weekly injections followed by 12 weeks of observation. Retreatment courses of alefacept are provided for patients whose disease has progressed to require systemic therapy and whose CD4ϩ T-cell counts meet the above criteria. In each course, patients are allowed to receive 1 concomitant psoriasis therapy in addition to alefacept. To date, enrolled patients are receiving alefacept in addition to low-potency topicals (31%), high-potency topicals (29%), methotrexate (15%), cyclosporine (12%), ultraviolet B light (6%), systemic retinoids (6%), and prednisone (1%). Methotrexate is being tapered over the first 4 weeks of alefacept therapy. To avoid flares, patients receiving cyclosporine must continue such treatment through week 11 of the alefacept dosing period followed by gradual tapering over the following 6 weeks. An objective of this study is to determine the efficacy of initial and repeat courses of alefacept and the duration of response after the first 2 courses in combination regimens. Physician Global Assessment is being used to evaluate efficacy. Circulating total, CD4ϩ, and CD8ϩ lymphocyte counts are being measured at various time points throughout the study. All patients who have completed 12 weeks of treatment will be included in the efficacy analysis. Efficacy results will be presented, which should provide valuable insight into the management of other psoriasis therapies when used concurrently with alefacept.

Research paper thumbnail of Allergic contact dermatitis from retapamulin ointment

Dermatitis : contact, atopic, occupational, drug

Research paper thumbnail of The efficacy of multiple courses of alefacept in patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2006

Among patients with psoriasis who did not achieve Psoriasis Area and Severity Index 50 during the... more Among patients with psoriasis who did not achieve Psoriasis Area and Severity Index 50 during the first course of alefacept therapy, 53% achieved Psoriasis Area and Severity Index 50 during the second course (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] vs placebo 2.30 [1.26-4.19]). Alefacept provided incremental efficacy over 5 successive 12-week treatment courses.

Research paper thumbnail of Reply to “Comment on 2012 appropriate use criteria for Mohs micrographic surgery”

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of The safety of alefacept using a reduced schedule for monitoring T cells

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2004

Psoriasis is a chronic, relapsing skin disease that often requires multiple courses of treatment.... more Psoriasis is a chronic, relapsing skin disease that often requires multiple courses of treatment. Alefacept improves psoriasis by selectively targeting the T cells involved in psoriasis pathogenesis. It has been shown to have an encouraging efficacy and safety profile in multiple randomized, placebo-controlled studies and retreatment trials. To understand the best way to manage existing therapies during a course of alefacept, an international study is being conducted under conditions reflective of the clinical practice setting (ie, combining alefacept with other agents). Patients are eligible for enrollment provided they have chronic plaque psoriasis requiring systemic therapy, are at least 16 years of age, have CD4ϩ T-cell counts at or above the lower limit of normal (at least 300 cells/mm3 if on a stable dose of prednisone), and are naïve to alefacept therapy. Patients may receive up to 3 treatment courses of intramuscular alefacept 15 mg. Each course consists of 12 weekly injections followed by 12 weeks of observation. Retreatment courses of alefacept are provided for patients whose disease has progressed to require systemic therapy and whose CD4ϩ T-cell counts meet the above criteria. In each course, patients are allowed to receive 1 concomitant psoriasis therapy in addition to alefacept. To date, enrolled patients are receiving alefacept in addition to low-potency topicals (31%), high-potency topicals (29%), methotrexate (15%), cyclosporine (12%), ultraviolet B light (6%), systemic retinoids (6%), and prednisone (1%). Methotrexate is being tapered over the first 4 weeks of alefacept therapy. To avoid flares, patients receiving cyclosporine must continue such treatment through week 11 of the alefacept dosing period followed by gradual tapering over the following 6 weeks. An objective of this study is to determine the efficacy of initial and repeat courses of alefacept and the duration of response after the first 2 courses in combination regimens. Physician Global Assessment is being used to evaluate efficacy. Circulating total, CD4ϩ, and CD8ϩ lymphocyte counts are being measured at various time points throughout the study. All patients who have completed 12 weeks of treatment will be included in the efficacy analysis. Efficacy results will be presented, which should provide valuable insight into the management of other psoriasis therapies when used concurrently with alefacept.

Research paper thumbnail of Measurement of the Staphylococcal Epidermolytic Toxin: A Comparison of Bioassay, Radial Immunodiffusion, and Radioimmunoassay

Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 1976

Research paper thumbnail of The Epidermolytic Toxin of Staphylococcus aureus: Its Failure to Bind to Cells and Its Detection in Blister Fluids of Patients with Bullous Impetigo

Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 1978

Research paper thumbnail of AAD/ACMS/ASDSA/ASMS 2012 Appropriate Use Criteria for Mohs Micrographic Surgery: A Report of the American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Mohs Surgery, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association, and the American Society for Mohs Su

Dermatologic Surgery, 2012

The appropriate use criteria process synthesizes evidence-based medicine, clinical practice exper... more The appropriate use criteria process synthesizes evidence-based medicine, clinical practice experience, and expert judgment. The American Academy of Dermatology in collaboration with the American College of Mohs Surgery, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association, and the American Society for Mohs Surgery has developed appropriate use criteria for 270 scenarios for which Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is frequently considered based on tumor and patient characteristics. This document reflects the rating of appropriateness of MMS for each of these clinical scenarios by a ratings panel in a process based on the appropriateness method developed by the RAND Corp

Research paper thumbnail of Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome: detection of antibody to epidermolytic toxin by a primary binding assay

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 1978

Measurement by radioimmunoassay of the epidermolytic toxin of Staphylococcus aureus and antibodie... more Measurement by radioimmunoassay of the epidermolytic toxin of Staphylococcus aureus and antibodies to epidermolysin was attempted in sera from patients with the staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. Antibodies to epidermolysin were also measured in sera from normal adults and patients with drug-related toxic epidermal necrolysis. Epidermolysin was not detectable by radioimmunoassay (in the range of 5-100 ng/ml), radial immunodiffusion or bioassay in newborn mice. Antibodies to epidermolysin were detectable in sera from patients in all three groups studied, but there was a significant increase in the amount of antibody in convalescent, compared to acute phase sera, only in the patients with the staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. We propose that neutralizing antibodies play a major role in termination or prevention of the staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. Melish & Glasgow (1971) proposed that the term staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome be used to encompass three manifestations of disease caused by coagulase positive staphylococci: bullous impetigo, a staphylococcal scarlatiniform eruption, and the generahzed epidermolytic eruption formerly called Fitter's disease. These investigators (Melish & Glasgow, 1970) were also the first to develop an experimental model of the scalded skin syndrome in newborn mice and suggest that a toxin produced by Staphylococcus aureus caused the subgranular

Research paper thumbnail of Top-Accessed Article: On Beauty

Archives of Dermatology, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of In Memoriam: Walter Charles Lobitz, Jr, MD (1911-2006): A Life Well Lived

Archives of Dermatology, 2006

died in Portland, Ore, at age 94 years. During his lifetime, he saw dermatology evolve into a sci... more died in Portland, Ore, at age 94 years. During his lifetime, he saw dermatology evolve into a scientifically based specialty, and he was a major contributor to the evolution. Dr Lobitz was passionate about life. His enthusiasm was apparent and contagious in all he did, whether he was mentoring young dermatologists, teaching medical students, caring for patients, or fishing, skiing, or mountaineering. He was a connoisseur of fine wines, a gourmet cook, a musician and composer, even a world-class watercolor artist. His watercolors adorn the walls of homes of dermatologist friends all over the world and the hallways at Mary's Woods, his residence in Oregon for the last several years of his life. In spite of his many talents, he was a humble man and insisted on being called "Wally." Those of us who trained with him could never quite accept such informality in addressing a person we so profoundly admired. Walter C. Lobitz, Jr, was born and educated in Cincinnati, Ohio. During a residency year in internal medicine there, he met, fell in love with, and married a young intern, Caroline Elizabeth Rockwell. She died in 2001. They had been married for 59 years. "Betty and Wally" Lobitz wrote poetry and music for each other and lived according to the creed, "If I had but one loaf of bread, I would sell half to buy white hyacinths to feed my soul." Their 3 children, W.

Research paper thumbnail of AAD/ACMS/ASDSA/ASMS 2012 Appropriate Use Criteria for Mohs Micrographic Surgery: A Report of the American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Mohs Surgery, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association, and the American Society for Mohs Su

Dermatologic Surgery, 2012

The appropriate use criteria process synthesizes evidence-based medicine, clinical practice exper... more The appropriate use criteria process synthesizes evidence-based medicine, clinical practice experience, and expert judgment. The American Academy of Dermatology in collaboration with the American College of Mohs Surgery, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association, and the American Society for Mohs Surgery has developed appropriate use criteria for 270 scenarios for which Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is frequently considered based on tumor and patient characteristics. This document reflects the rating of appropriateness of MMS for each of these clinical scenarios by a ratings panel in a process based on the appropriateness method developed by the RAND Corp (Santa Monica, CA)/University of California-Los Angeles (RAND/UCLA). At the conclusion of the rating process, consensus was reached for all 270 (100%) scenarios by the Ratings Panel, with 200 (74.07%) deemed as appropriate, 24 (8.89%) as uncertain, and 46 (17.04%) as inappropriate. For the 69 basal cell carcinoma scenarios, 53 were deemed appropriate, 6 uncertain, and 10 inappropriate. For the 143 squamous cell carcinoma scenarios, 102 were deemed appropriate, 7 uncertain, and 34 inappropriate. For the 12 lentigo maligna and melanoma in situ scenarios, 10 were deemed appropriate, 2 uncertain, and 0 inappropriate. For the 46 rare cutaneous malignancies scenarios, 35 were deemed appropriate, 9 uncertain, and 2 inappropriate. These appropriate use criteria have the potential to impact health care delivery, reimbursement policy, and physician decision making on patient selection for MMS, and aim to optimize the use of MMS for scenarios in which the expected clinical benefit is anticipated to be the greatest. In addition, recognition of those scenarios rated as uncertain facilitates an understanding of areas that would benefit from further research. Each clinical scenario identified in this document is crafted for the average patient and not the exception. Thus, the ultimate decision regarding the appropriateness of MMS should be determined by the expertise and clinical experience of the physician.