Objective measurement of topically applied corticosteroids

The vasoconstriction caused by four topical corticosteroid preparations was compared according to subjective ranking and according to measurement by a tristimulus colourimeter (Momcolor). The measured results agreed well with visual evaluation. The colourimeter was proved to be measuring the degree of vasoconstriction. Among the preparations examined, the vasoconstriction effected by hydrocortisone 17-butyrate cream (Locoid) and by betamethasone dipropionate ointment (Diprosone) was stronger than that exerted by triamcinolone acetonide (Ftorocort) and fluocinolone acetonide (Flucinar). With the aid of colourimetric measurement of the vasoconstriction, differences could be demonstrated between clinically effective topical corticosteroid preparations. An open question remains, what the predictive significance is of the objectively measured vasoconstriction test, for clinical practice.

[Arthropathy as a late result of trauma (author's transl)]

On the basis of 5 cases the syndrome of post traumatic arthropathy is described. Like its other forms it shows radiographyically a high degree of osteolysis, fragmentation and para-articular calcification of soft parts. The picture is similar to that of syringomyelia and tabes. If trauma occurs in childhood there will also be developmental retardation. One has to assume that trauma may be responsible for these isolated arthropathies at its site. Since the further course corresponds to that of a neurogenous arthropathie it is likely that in these cases there is an underlying disturbance of the relationship between nervous system and bone and joint which, so far, cannot be proved clinically.