Inherited deficiencies of complement in man

Fatal pyoderma gangrenosum in association with C7 deficiency

Although pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is often associated with systemic diseases, it has not been reported in association with congenital complement deficiencies. We describe an aggressive and ultimately fatal case of PG in a patient with a congenital C7 deficiency. Deficiencies of C7 can be associated with decreased neutrophil chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and opsonization, similar to the immunologic abnormalities described in patients with PG. Our patient's decreased complement level, if not directly related to the development of PG, may have contributed to the aggressive nature of her disease.

Noncorticosteroidal anti-inflammatory agents in Ophthalmology

Efforts have been made to develop noncorticosteroidal anti-inflammatory therapy. The goals of such therapy have been to eradicate the primary cause, prevent the initial tissue injury, moderate inflammatory response, and enhance tissue repair while minimizing and eliminating the undesirable aspects of the therapy.