 This
is the first clinical PhD thesis ever written
in The Netherlands on the subject vitiligo. The
book consists of 5 chapters. In Chapter 1 the
aims of the studies are described. Chapter 2 provides
a highly surveyable and delicately illustrated
overview of the literature on vitiligo as a pigment
disorder. Historical aspects, epidemiology, clinical
picture, differential diagnosis and psychosocial
aspects of vitiligo are discussed. Furthermore,
current concepts regarding the pathogenesis of
this pigment disorder are reviewed. Treatment
strategies of currently most applied therapies
in vitiligo are described. Chapter 3 consists
of 7 different subchapters containing high quality
black and white illustrations. In these subchapters,
the results of literature, experimental, and clinical
studies regarding classical and novel therapeutic
modalities in vitiligo are presented. These studies
have led to the development of evidence-based
practice guidelines for the treatment of patients
with vitiligo and which have been successfully
implemented at the Netherlands Institute for Pigment
Disorders and the Department of Dermatology of
the Academic Medical Center in the Netherlands.The
results of these studies are summarized and put
in perspective in chapter 4. Conclusions are drawn
regarding the treatment of vitiligo and the implications
of novel clinical and experimental data for current
therapeutic regimens. Finally, recommendations
are made for future clinical trials in vitiligo.
Chapter 4 is written in English and in Dutch.
Chapter 5 contains a bibliography and a curriculum
vitae of the author.
The studies presented in this book are oriented
towards the practicing physician, with emphasis
on guidelines for the treatment of vitiligo. Any
dermatologist or general practitioner will find
this book a worthwhile investment. For those who
are not directly active in clinical practice,
reading this book will provide them with an update
on vitiligo which in the end should benefit the
patients.
Edition March 2000, 223 pp. |
