RSS 1.0Dermatology
Recent Submissions
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Approach to Mycosis Fungoides in children: Consensus-based recommendationsBackground: Pediatric Mycosis fungoides (MF) management extrapolates from adult guidelines, despite differing clinical aspects. Recommendations are essential to address unique challenges in this distinct patient group. Objective: This project aims to derive consensus recommendations for pediatric MF management. Methods: Experts from pediatric dermatology, general dermatology, dermatopathology, and pediatric hematology-oncology (N = 83) were invited to contribute to consensus recommendations. The process involved 3 electronic Delphi rounds, concluding with a final consensus meeting using a modified Nominal Group Technique for unresolved items. Results: Consensus included more clinical severity measures than tumor-node-metastasis-blood staging: pruritus, functional or esthetic impairment (eg, palms, soles, genitalia), quality of life impact, and psychological aspects (eg, embarrassment, anxiety, depression), plus parental anxiety. Ten recommendations were made for managing early and advanced pediatric MF. Disagreement emerged in choosing therapies beyond stage I of the disease. Discussion: This multinational initiative aimed to standardize optimal pediatric MF management and successfully generated consensus recommendations. Additional work is needed for structured, prospective protocols in advanced-stage pediatric MF. Limitations: Lack of pediatric hematologists-oncologists and patients' representatives. Conclusion: Documentation of extended clinical severity and outcome measures is recommended. Addressing the need for structured protocols in advanced-stage pediatric MF and implementing systematic, prospective data collection is crucial.
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Comparative analysis of cellulite treatment modalities: a systematic review.Background: Cellulite is a highly prevalent and aesthetically distressing skin condition. Whilst there are a variety of treatment modalities, none are definitively established. Objective: This systematic review aims to assess invasive and noninvasive treatment modalities for cellulite management. Methods: The review protocol was published and registered a priori (PROSPERO CRD42022359334). A comprehensive electronic search for relevant randomised controlled trials, (RCTs) was performed in CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science databases. Study quality and risk of bias were assessed using Cochrane's risk of bias tool, respectively. Results: Overall, 753 studies were initially identified, of which 24 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) satisfied the eligibility criteria with a total of 2084 patients with a mean follow-up of 3.33 ± 13.4 weeks. Evaluated interventions included mechanical stimulation, topical therapy, shock wave therapy (SWT), laser and light-based devices, radiofrequency therapy, subcutaneous injectables, and ultrasound. SWT emerged as a standout intervention, demonstrating a consistent cellulite reduction score of 2.07 ± 0.39 across four studies. Radiofrequency therapy exhibited a statistically significant reduction of thigh circumference (- 2.09 cm, p < 0.001) and subcutaneous tissue thickness (- 2.23 cm, p < 0.001). Subcutaneous injectables, specifically collagenase Clostridium histolyticum-aaes, demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in the clinician-reported photonumeric cellulite severity scale (17.0%) and patient-reported photonumeric cellulite severity scale (25.7%) (p < 0.001). The overall quality of the studies using the grading of recommendations, assessment, development and evaluation approach was moderate. Conclusion: This is the first methodologically robust systematic review evaluating interventions for cellulite. SWT, radiofrequency therapy, and subcutaneous injectables have shown promising findings in cellulite treatment. Level of evidence i: The journal asks authors to assign a level of evidence to each article. For a complete description of Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, see the Table of Contents or the online Instructions for Authors at www.springer.com/00266 .
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Bilateral lower limb ulceration in a patient with a malignancyNo abstract available
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Cutaneous metastasis: A rare presentation of prostate cancer.No abstract available
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Findings of the british association of dermatologists career survey of dermatologists in training and new consultant dermatologists 2023.Previous surveys of UK dermatology trainees have identified key patterns regarding future career intentions that can help to inform workforce planning as consultant vacancies continue to grow. We invited all doctors training in dermatology, as well as all dermatology doctors who have completed training between 2018-2023 to complete separate surveys over a six-week period. These surveys explored: career locations, working patterns, pull factors towards particular posts, and push factors away from NHS consultant posts. The findings of these surveys confirm persisting trends towards less than full time working, ongoing limited geographical mobility of trainees, and a reducing appetite for academic work all identified in previous surveys. This survey offers the first insight into the working lives and factors influencing these career choices of consultants who completed their dermatology training between 2018-2023.
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Raising the bar for randomized trials involving artificial intelligence: the SPIRIT-artificial intelligence and CONSORT-artificial intelligence guidelinesArtificial intelligence (AI)-based applications have the potential to improve the quality and efficiency of patient care in dermatology. Unique challenges in the development and validation of these technologies may limit their generalizability and real-world applicability. Before the widespread adoption of AI interventions, randomized trials should be conducted to evaluate their efficacy, safety, and cost effectiveness in clinical settings. The recent Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials-AI extension and Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials-AI extension guidelines provide recommendations for reporting the methods and results of trials involving AI interventions. High-quality trials will provide gold standard evidence to support the adoption of AI for the benefit of patient care.
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The epidemiology of epidermolysis bullosa in England and Wales: data from the national epidermolysis bullosa databaseBackground: The National Health Service (NHS) epidermolysis bullosa (EB) service, established in 2002, offers comprehensive, free care to all patients in England and Wales. Objectives: To quantify prevalence, incidence and mortality of EB in England and Wales. Methods: Demographic data for patients in England and Wales were collected on a secure electronic database, prospectively from January 2002 to April 2021 and retrospectively for cases prior to 2002. Vital status was verified using central NHS data. Results: By March 2021, 2594 individuals were registered, of whom 2361 were living, which yielded a prevalence of 34·8 per million of the population for all EB types [EB simplex (EBS) 17 per million, dystrophic EB (DEB) 10·7 per million, junctional EB (JEB) 1 per million and Kindler EB 0·3 per million]. We recorded 1200 babies with EB born since 2002. The average incidence per million live births for EBS, DEB, JEB and Kindler EB was 32·5, 26·1, 8·9 and 0·9, respectively (total incidence for all types of EB was 67·8 per million). Birth rates fell progressively over the 19-year period for JEB-severe (JEB-S) (r = -0·56) and recessive DEB-severe (r = -0·44) and also for milder types of EB. We observed longer survival in JEB-S over the 19-year period (r2 = 0·18) with a median survival of 12·7 months over the past 5 years. Conclusions: In this study, we provide the first accurate epidemiological data for EB in England and Wales. We believe the observed reduction in birth incidence of severe types of EB reflects an uptake of genetic counselling advice, whereas the reduction in milder types may be due to delayed presentation. A potential small trend towards longer survival of babies with JEB-S may reflect improved multidisciplinary care.
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The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) used as the benchmark in validation of 101 quality-of-life instruments: A systematic review.Background: The validation of psychometric measures requires use of other established and standardized validated measures. The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) is the most widely used tool to measure the burden of skin diseases and assess effectiveness of interventions based on patients' perspective. Objectives: The objective of this study was to systematically analyse peer-reviewed publications describing use of the DLQI in validation of other patient-reported outcome (PRO) and quality-of-life (QoL) measures. Methods: Seven databases were searched for papers published between January 1994 and December 2022 for articles containing data using DLQI in the validation of other PRO/QoL measures. The methodology followed PRISMA guidelines. The protocol was prospectively registered on PROSPERO. Results: Of 1717 screened publications, 122 articles including 30,727 patients from 34 different countries with 41 diseases met the inclusion criteria. The DLQI was used in validation of 101 measures: 80 dermatology-specific QoL measures, mostly disease-specific, and 21 generic measures. Of these studies, 47 were cross-cultural adaptations, 116 single arm, 100 were cross-sectional, 18 longitudinal and six randomized placebo controlled. DLQI was used for 14 known group, and correlation for 10 construct, 101 convergent, 10 concurrent, 10 divergent/discriminant and three criterion validity tests using Mann-Whitney (2), Spearman's (80), Pearson's correlation (26) and Student's t-test (1). The DLQI was used in responsiveness analysis in 13 studies. Conclusions: This review identified widespread use of the DLQI in validation of other dermatology PRO/QoL measures and confirmed the central role that the DLQI plays as a benchmark in instrument development and validation across dermatology and beyond. The use of the DLQI by so many developers of other instruments has provided a common standard for comparability.
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Pityriasis rubra pilaris-like eruption following administration of the BNT163b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) mRNA COVID-19 vaccineWe describe a case of a pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP)-like eruption occurring following administration of the Pfizer-Biontech mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, with worsening of the condition following the second dose. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a PRP-like eruption as a cutaneous adverse event of the Pfizer-Biontech mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
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The risk of chemical leucoderma with skin-lightening therapies.No abstract available
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What is the role of the surgeon in the management of head and neck mucosal melanoma in the immunotherapy era?Introduction: The advent of immunotherapy has impacted both the management and, to a lesser extent, the outcomes for patients with head and neck mucosal melanoma. As a consequence, one might expect that the role of the surgeon would be limited to the diagnostic work-up and that systemic therapies would be the mainstay of treatment. Methods and results: Here, we present the surgical aspects of the recently published United Kingdom Head and Neck Mucosal Melanoma Guideline to highlight the continued role of surgeons in the management of this disease. We highlight key areas where surgeons remain the lead clinician and reinforce the multidisciplinary requirement for exemplary patient care. Conclusions: Despite the advent of immunotherapy, surgeons continue to have a key role to play in this disease. When indicated, it is essential that appropriate surgery is offered by a suitably experienced team.
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Total body photography for the diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Background: Early detection of melanoma is essential to reduce mortality. Total body photography (TBP) can facilitate the detection of melanoma in high-risk individuals. However, the accuracy of TBP in diagnosing melanoma remains unclear. Objectives: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of TBP for the detection of melanoma in adults. Methods: MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane and Centre for Reviews databases were searched from inception to 26 May 2020. Studies that included TBP for diagnosing melanoma with at least one follow-up appointment were eligible for inclusion in the systematic review if they provided data to calculate at least one diagnostic accuracy measure. Two authors independently screened articles, extracted data and assessed quality. Disagreements were resolved by a third reviewer. Results: In total, 10 studies were included, comprising 41 703 patients who underwent TBP and 6203 biopsies. Melanoma in situ (MIS) was diagnosed in 315 (5·1%) lesions and invasive melanoma was diagnosed in 187 (3·0%) lesions biopsied. Summary estimates for TBP in diagnosing melanoma were calculated as follows: mean percentage of biopsies positive for MIS or melanoma was 15% [95% confidence interval (CI) 10-21], number needed to biopsy (NNB) was 8·6 (range 2·3-19·6), naevus : melanoma ratio was 7·6 (range 1·3-18·6), and MIS : melanoma ratio was 1·7 (1·0-3·5). Regression analysis showed a negative correlation between NNB and MIS : melanoma ratio. Conclusions: Available data regarding the diagnostic accuracy of TBP are heterogeneous, owing to variability in the risk profile of cohorts and TBP protocols. Best current estimates suggest that TBP for diagnosing melanoma has an acceptable NNB in high-risk patients. However, prospective diagnostic test accuracy studies are needed to gauge the diagnostic accuracy of TBP.
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Supportive care in the acute phase of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis: an international, multidisciplinary Delphi-based consensus.Background: Supportive care is the cornerstone of management of adult and paediatric Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). However, consensus on the modalities of supportive care is lacking. Objectives: Our aim in this international multicentric Delphi exercise was to establish a multidisciplinary expert consensus to standardize recommendations regarding supportive care in the acute phase of SJS/TEN. Methods: Participants were sent a survey via the online tool SurveyMonkey, consisting of 103 statements organized into 11 topics: multidisciplinary team composition, suspect drug management, infection prevention, fluid resuscitation and prevention of hypothermia, nutritional support, pain and psychological distress management, management of acute respiratory failure, local skincare, ophthalmological management, management of other mucosa, and additional measures. Participants evaluated the level of appropriateness of each statement on a scale of 1 (extremely inappropriate) to 9 (extremely appropriate). The results were analysed according to the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method. Results: Forty-five participants from 13 countries (on three continents) participated. After the first round, a consensus was obtained for 82.5% of the 103 initially proposed statements. After the second round, a final consensus was obtained for 102 statements. Conclusions: We have reached an international Delphi-based consensus on best supportive care practice for SJS/TEN. Our expert consensus should help guide physicians in treating patients with SJS/TEN and thereby improve short-term prognosis and the risk of sequelae.
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Photodiagnostic services in the UK and Republic of Ireland: a British Photodermatology Group Workshop Report.Background: Photodiagnostic investigations are essential for the accurate diagnosis of abnormal cutaneous photosensitivity and provide important information for the management of patients with photodermatoses (cutaneous photosensitivity disorders). Although photodiagnosis has been undertaken since the early 1970s, specialist services in the United Kingdom (UK) and Republic of Ireland are limited and there is no formal guidance on diagnostic approach. Indeed, there is a limited literature in this area of methodology and diagnostic practice. Objectives: The primary objective was to undertake a British Photodermatology Group Workshop to review the role and activities of specialist centres in the UK and Republic of Ireland in order to ascertain whether there were consensus practices. Secondary objectives were to identify key priorities for service, training and research. Methods: An initial detailed survey review of current activities was undertaken prior to the Workshop and data from this survey were used to inform discussion at the Workshop, which was attended by key photodermatology experts from the UK and Republic of Ireland. Results/conclusions: We have undertaken a detailed review of current Photodiagnostic Services in the UK and Republic of Ireland and report on our findings from the 12 centres and we have identified key areas of consensus practice. This is an important step in the process of standardising and optimising procedures and protocols and defining minimum clinical standards for photodiagnostic investigations, which are of such diagnostic importance in Dermatology.
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Multi-omics-based identification of atopic dermatitis target genes and their potential associations with metabolites and miRNAsAtopic dermatitis (AD), or atopic eczema, is one of the most common inflammatory skin diseases with up to 10% prevalence in adults, and approximately 15-20% in children in industrialized countries. As a result, there is an unmet need for faster, safer, and effective treatments for AD. AD pathogenesis represents a complex interplay between multiple factors, such as environmental factors or stimuli, genetic factors, immune dysfunctions. However, although multi-omics label studies have been very useful in understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms of AD and its clinical manifestations, there have been very few studies that integrate different labels of omics data. Here, we attempted to integrate gene expression and metabolomics datasets from multiple different publicly available AD cohort datasets and conduct an integrated systems-level AD analysis. We used four different GEO transcriptome data sets and, by applying an elastic net machine learning algorithm, identified robust hub genes that can be used as signatures, for example, H2AFX, MCM7, ESR1 and SF3A2. Moreover, we investigated potential associations of those genes by applying a pathway-based approach over metabolomics and miRNA datasets. Our results revealed potential novel associations between fatty acids and peroxisomal lipid metabolism pathways, as well as with several microRNAs.
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Patient perspective on a novel psychological therapy approach (flash technique) for neurofibromatosisExtract Patient viewpoint (NF1) [neurofibromatosis type 1] is a genetic disorder that many doctors just don't know about and have no idea of the emotional implications it has. The quote runs ‘sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me’; well I strongly disagree with that!! Once the words have been spoken, you can't take them back. I remember finding it difficult to concentrate at school, and having lumps and bumps appearing on my back in my early teenage years. These are some of my first memories, knowing I was different. Being told at an early age by someone who loves you ‘you need to cover up, you don't look pretty’ or ‘that's just not nice to look at’, I think these words massively affected me and how I would look at myself each day. Putting myself back into the situation that was troubling me was too hard. It's like you are the one who's embarrassed by the situation, so you don't want to speak about it as it hurts and you just end up in tears with the memory. It always brings back memories you had locked away.
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Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis: european expert consensus for diagnosis and management.Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a rare, usually drug-induced, acute pustular rash. Despite the lack of strong data supporting the effectiveness of topical or systemic corticosteroids in this drug reaction, they are widely used. More generally, there is no consensus on the diagnostic modalities and the management of patients with AGEP. We aimed to provide European expert recommendations for the diagnosis and management or patients with AGEP. Members of the ToxiTEN group of the European Reference Network (ERN)-skin, all dermatologists and/or allergologists with expertise in drug reactions, elaborated these recommendations based on their own experience and on a review of the literature. Recommendations were separated into the following categories: professionals involved, assessment of the diagnosis of AGEP, management of the patient and allergological work-up after the acute phase. Consensus was obtained among experts for the list of professionals involved for the diagnosis and management of AGEP, including the minimum diagnostic work-up, the setting of management, the treatments, the modalities and the timing of allergological work-up and follow-up. European experts in drug allergies propose herein consensus on the diagnosis and management of patients with AGEP. A multidisciplinary approach is warranted, including dermatologists, allergologists and pharmacovigilance services.
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Organ donation and the dermatologist.No abstract available