Effectiveness and safety of methotrexate in the treatment of mycosis fungoides: Real-world data from a multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: Methotrexate (MTX) has been a longstanding therapeutic option for mycosis fungoides (MF); however, data on its real-world effectiveness remain limited. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate treatment-related outcomes of oral MTX in patients with early- and late-stage MF. METHODS: This is a retrospective multicentre analysis involving MF subjects from five referral centres for cutaneous lymphomas in Greece. Data regarding the effectiveness and safety were analysed. RESULTS: In total, 211 MF patients were enrolled (males, 68.3%) with a median (IQR) age of diagnosis at 68.3 (56-75) years. Late-stage (IIB-IVB) disease was present in 124 patients (59.3%). MTX monotherapy was administered to 112 (53.1%) patients, with 99 receiving combination regimens with phototherapy, interferon and retinoids. MTX was used as first-line regimen in 103 (48.9%) cases. An overall response rate (ORR) of 55.5% was observed with 29.9% of patients achieving complete responses. MTX demonstrated greater effectiveness as a first-line treatment compared to subsequent use with no significant differences between monotherapy and combination therapy. The median time to best response was 3.8 months (IQR 2.3-9.9 months). Patients with erythrodermic disease (Stage III) had better ORRs compared to patients with tumour stage disease (Stage II) (61.1% vs. 44.8% respectively). The progression-free survival (PFS) varied according to stage, with a median PFS of 17.1 months for early-stage disease, 5.7 months for Stage IIB disease, 46 months for Stage III and 9.6 months for Stage IV disease (0.7-.). Serious adverse (Grade 3) events leading to treatment discontinuation occurred in 14 (6.7%) cases. All patients received oral MTX once weekly with a median weekly dose of 15 mg/week (7.5-25). CONCLUSION: Our findings support MTX as a viable treatment option for MF, particularly when used in the first-line setting, offering a favourable benefit/risk profile. Response rates are stage-dependent, with erythrodermic patients achieving superior and durable responses.

S2k guidelines on diagnosis and treatment of linear IgA dermatosis initiated by the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

INTRODUCTION: Linear IgA dermatosis (LAD) is a rare subepidermal autoimmune bullous disease (AIBD) defined by predominant or exclusive immune deposits of immunoglobulin A at the basement membrane zone of skin or mucous membranes. This disorder is a rare, clinically and immunologically heterogeneous disease occurring both in children and in adults. The aim of this project is to present the main clinical features of LAD, to propose a diagnostic algorithm and provide management guidelines based primarily on experts' opinion because of the lack of large methodologically sound clinical studies. METHODS: These guidelines were initiated by the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Task Force Autoimmune Bullous Diseases (AIBD). To achieve a broad consensus for these S2k consensus-based guidelines, a total of 29 experts from different countries, both European and non-European, including dermatologists, paediatric dermatologists and paediatricians were invited. All members of the guidelines committee agreed to develop consensus-based (S2k) guidelines. Prior to a first virtual consensus meeting, each of the invited authors elaborated a section of the present guidelines focusing on a selected topic, based on the relevant literature. All drafts were circulated among members of the writing group, and recommendations were discussed and voted during two hybrid consensus meetings. RESULTS: The guidelines summarizes evidence-based and expert opinion-based recommendations (S2 level) on the diagnosis and treatment of LAD. CONCLUSION: These guidelines will support dermatologists to improve their knowledge on the diagnosis and management of LAD.

Protein network and pathway analysis in a pharmacogenetic study of cyclosporine treatment response in Greek patients with psoriasis.

Although cyclosporine comprises a well-established systemic therapy for psoriasis, patients show important heterogeneity in their treatment response. The aim of our study was the pharmacogenetic analysis of 200 Greek patients with psoriasis based on the cyclosporine pathway related protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, reconstructed through the PICKLE meta-database. We genotyped 27 single nucleotide polymorphisms, mapped to 22 key protein nodes of the cyclosporine pathway, via the utilization of the iPLEX®GOLD panel of the MassARRAY® System. Single-SNP analyses showed statistically significant associations between CALM1 rs12885713 (P = 0.0108) and MALT1 rs2874116 (P = 0.0006) polymorphisms with positive response to cyclosporine therapy after correction for multiple comparisons, with the haplotype analyses further enhancing the predictive value of rs12885713 as a pharmacogenetic biomarker for cyclosporine therapy (P = 0.0173). Our findings have the potential to improve our prediction of cyclosporine efficacy and safety in psoriasis patients, as well as provide the framework for the pharmacogenetics of biological therapies in complex diseases.

S2k guidelines on the management of paraneoplastic pemphigus/paraneoplastic autoimmune multiorgan syndrome initiated by the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV).

BACKGROUND: Paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP), also called paraneoplastic autoimmune multiorgan syndrome (PAMS), is a rare autoimmune disease with mucocutaneous and multi-organ involvement. PNP/PAMS is typically associated with lymphoproliferative or haematological malignancies, and less frequently with solid malignancies. The mortality rate of PNP/PAMS is elevated owing to the increased risk of severe infections and disease-associated complications, such as bronchiolitis obliterans. OBJECTIVES: These guidelines summarize evidence-based and expert-based recommendations (S2k level) for the clinical characterization, diagnosis and management of PNP/PAMS. They have been initiated by the Task Force Autoimmune Blistering Diseases of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology with the contribution of physicians from all relevant disciplines. The degree of consent among all task force members was included. RESULTS: Chronic severe mucositis and polymorphic skin lesions are clue clinical characteristics of PNP/PAMS. A complete assessment of the patient with suspected PNP/PAMS, requiring histopathological study and immunopathological investigations, including direct and indirect immunofluorescence, ELISA and, where available, immunoblotting/immunoprecipitation, is recommended to achieve a diagnosis of PNP/PAMS. Detection of anti-envoplakin antibodies and/or circulating antibodies binding to the rat bladder epithelium at indirect immunofluorescence is the most specific tool for the diagnosis of PNP/PAMS in a patient with compatible clinical and anamnestic features. Treatment of PNP/PAMS is highly challenging. Systemic steroids up to 1.5 mg/kg/day are recommended as first-line option. Rituximab is also recommended in patients with PNP/PAMS secondary to lymphoproliferative conditions but might also be considered in cases of PNP/PAMS associated with solid tumours. A multidisciplinary approach involving pneumologists, ophthalmologists and onco-haematologists is recommended for optimal management of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: These are the first European guidelines for the diagnosis and management of PNP/PAMS. Diagnostic criteria and therapeutic recommendations will require further validation by prospective studies.

Dysregulation of Plasma miR-146a and miR-155 Expression Profile in Mycosis Fungoides Is Associated with rs2910164 and rs767649 Polymorphisms.

Diagnosis of Mycosis Fungoides (MF) may be challenging, due to its polymorphic nature. The use of miRNAs as biomarkers to assist in diagnosis has been investigated, mainly in skin lesion biopsies. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the plasma levels of miR-146a and miR-155 in MF patients and to investigate their association with SNPs of their genes. Plasma miRNAs were quantified by RT-qPCR. Genomic DNA was used for SNPs' genotyping by Sanger sequencing. Plasma levels of miR-146a and miR-155 were significantly higher in patients vs. controls, in early MF patients vs. controls, and in advanced vs. early MF patients. Both miRNAs' levels were significantly higher in stage IIB vs. early-stage patients. miR-155 plasma levels were significantly higher in patients with skin tumors or erythroderma. CC genotype (rs2910164 C>G) was significantly more frequent in healthy controls and associated with lower MF risk and lower miR-146a levels. The AA genotype (rs767649 T>A) was significantly more frequent in patients and correlated with increased MF risk and increased miR-155 levels. The combination of GG+AA was only detected in patients and was correlated with higher MF susceptibility. Increased mir-146a and mir-155 plasma levels in MF is an important finding to establish putative noninvasive biomarkers. The presence of SNPs is closely associated with miRs' expression, and possibly with disease susceptibility.

The role of oral microbiome in pemphigus vulgaris.

While the impact of oral microbiome dysbiosis on autoimmune diseases has been partially investigated, its role on bullous diseases like Pemphigus Vulgaris (PV) is a totally unexplored field. This study aims to present the composition and relative abundance of microbial communities in both healthy individuals and patients with oral PV lesions. Ion Torrent was used to apply deep sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene to oral smear samples of 15 healthy subjects and 15 patients. The results showed that the most dominant phyla were Firmicutes (55.88% controls-c vs 61.27% patients-p, p value = 0.002), Proteobacteria (9.17%c vs 12.33%p, p value = 0.007) and Fusobacteria (3.39%c vs 4.09%p, p value = 0.03). Alpha diversity showed a significant difference in the number of genera between patients and controls (p value = 0.04). Beta diversity showed statistical differences in the microbial community composition between two groups. Fusobacterium nucleatum, Gemella haemolysans and Parvimonas micra were statistically abundant in patients. We noticed the characteristic fetor coming out of oral PV lesions. Most of anaerobic bacteria responsible for oral halitosis are periopathogenic. Though, only F. nucleatum and P. micra were differentially abundant in our patients. Especially, F. nucleatum has been reported many times as responsible for bad breath. Furthermore, Streptococcus salivarius and Rothia mucilaginosa, species mostly associated with clean breath, were found in relative abundance in the healthy group. Consequently, the distinct malodor observed in PV patients might be attributed either to the abundance of F. nucleatum and P. micra and/or to the lower levels of S. salivarius and R. mucilanginosa in oral lesions.

Bullous Pemphigoid Associated with Anti-programmed Cell Death Protein 1 and Anti-programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 Therapy: A Review of the Literature.

Bullous pemphigoid constitutes a rare dermatological immune-related adverse event of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors. Herein, we review all published cases of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 related bullous pemphigoid and discuss current knowledge on this condition. Clinical and diagnostic findings were found to resemble those of classic bullous pemphigoid. A delayed onset of bullous pemphigoid after commencement of immunotherapy as well as a frequent precendence of a refractory pruritic eruption prior to blister development was oberved, both posing diagnostic challenges. In addition to topical and systemic treatment, most patients required either discontinuation or permanent interruption of immunotherapy. Assessment of tumour outcome did not reveal improved survival in patients developing bullous pemphigoid during immunotherapy, as suggested for other types of skin toxicity, including vitiligo. Better understanding of the pathogenetic mechanism and prognostic implications of this increasingly-reported adverse event is essential in order to establish optimal diagnostic and therapeutic management of these patients.

Multicenter prospective study on multivariant diagnostics of autoimmune bullous dermatoses using the BIOCHIP technology.

BACKGROUND: The current standard in the serologic diagnosis of autoimmune bullous diseases (AIBD) is a multistep procedure sequentially applying different assays. In contrast, the BIOCHIP Mosaic technology combines multiple substrates for parallel analysis by indirect immunofluorescence. METHODS: Sera from 749 consecutive, prospectively recruited patients with direct immunofluorescence-positive AIBD from 13 international study centers were analyzed independently and blinded by using (1) a BIOCHIP Mosaic including primate esophagus, salt-split skin, rat bladder, monkey liver, monkey liver with serosa, recombinant BP180 NC16A, and gliadin GAF3X, as well as HEK293 cells expressing recombinant desmoglein 1, desmoglein 3, type VII collagen, and BP230 C-terminus and (2) the conventional multistep approach of the Department of Dermatology, University of Lübeck. RESULTS: In 731 of 749 sera (97.6%), specific autoantibodies could be detected with the BIOCHIP Mosaic, similar to the conventional procedure (725 cases, 96.8%). The Cohen κ for both serologic approaches ranged from 0.84 to 1.00. In 6.5% of sera, differences between the 2 approaches occurred and were mainly attributed to autoantigen fragments not present on the BIOCHIP Mosaic. LIMITATIONS: Laminin 332 and laminin γ1 are not represented on the BIOCHIP Mosaic. CONCLUSIONS: The BIOCHIP Mosaic is a standardized time- and serum-saving approach that further facilitates the serologic diagnosis of AIBD.

Diagnosis and management of pemphigus: Recommendations of an international panel of experts.

BACKGROUND: Several European countries recently developed international diagnostic and management guidelines for pemphigus, which have been instrumental in the standardization of pemphigus management. OBJECTIVE: We now present results from a subsequent Delphi consensus to broaden the generalizability of the recommendations. METHODS: A preliminary survey, based on the European Dermatology Forum and the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology guidelines, was sent to a panel of international experts to determine the level of consensus. The results were discussed at the International Bullous Diseases Consensus Group in March 2016 during the annual American Academy of Dermatology conference. Following the meeting, a second survey was sent to more experts to achieve greater international consensus. RESULTS: The 39 experts participated in the first round of the Delphi survey, and 54 experts from 21 countries completed the second round. The number of statements in the survey was reduced from 175 topics in Delphi I to 24 topics in Delphi II on the basis of Delphi results and meeting discussion. LIMITATIONS: Each recommendation represents the majority opinion and therefore may not reflect all possible treatment options available. CONCLUSIONS: We present here the recommendations resulting from this Delphi process. This international consensus includes intravenous CD20 inhibitors as a first-line therapy option for moderate-to-severe pemphigus.

Protein and mRNA Expression Levels of Interleukin-17A, -17F and -22 in Blood and Skin Samples of Patients with Mycosis Fungoides.

This study investigated the expression of interleukin (IL)-17A, -17F and -22 in mycosis fungoides. Blood samples were collected from 50 patients with mycosis fungoides and 50 healthy controls. Skin samples were obtained from 26 patients with mycosis fungoides and 5 healthy controls. Protein levels of IL-17A, -17F and -22 were measured in serum by multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and mRNA expression levels were measured in blood and skin samples by real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Both IL-17A and IL-17F mRNA expression levels were significantly lower in blood of patients with mycosis fungoides in comparison with healthy controls. IL-22 serum levels and expression levels of IL-22 mRNA in skin tissue, were significantly increased in patients with mycosis fungoides in comparison with healthy controls. These results suggest that low levels of IL-17A and IL-17F in mycosis fungoides may be connected to impaired immune surveillance contributing to tumourigenesis. Upregulation of IL-22 may play a role in the establishment of the tumour microenvironment in mycosis fungoides.

Association of NFKB1 -94ATTG ins/del polymorphism (rs28362491) with pemphigus vulgaris.

Pemphigus vulgaris is a rare chronic blistering skin disease resulting from IgG autoantibodies directed against transmembrane desmosomal glycoprotein desmoglein 3 and is the most common form of pemphigus. Since interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK-1)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) pathway plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, the aim of the present study was to explore the role of polymorphisms in three genes, named IRAK1 (rs3027898), NFKBIA (rs696) and NFKB1 (-94ATTG insertion/deletion variant, - rs28362491), in PV susceptibility. Forty-four unrelated patients with PV (23 males) were enrolled in the study. Additionally, 77 ethnic matching healthy volunteers (45 males) with no personal or family history of chronic autoimmune or infectious diseases were studied. Strong statistical significant difference was observed between PV patients and controls for polymorphism -94 insertion/deletion ATTG in the promoter region of NFKB1 gene (P = 0.00005). Additional dedicated studies in larger groups of patients of various ethnicities are needed to replicate and confirm the preliminary findings.

Bullous pemphigoid in adolescence.

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common autoimmune blistering disease affecting the elderly but is quite rare in childhood. The majority of pediatric cases have been reported during early childhood. Adolescence is divided into three phases: early (10-13 years), middle (14-17), and late (18-21). This review aimed to identify BP cases in adolescence and demonstrate their clinical features and course. Our literature search was performed in Medline with the terms "bullous pemphigoid in childhood and adolescence," "childhood bullous pemphigoid," "juvenile bullous pemphigoid," and "autoimmune blistering and autoimmune bullous diseases in childhood." The data extraction for late adolescence was limited by the fact that this age group is included in adult BP registries. We identified nine cases in early adolescence. Mucosa were affected in 5 of 9 cases. Treatment consisted of systemic prednisone (8/9), in combination with dapsone (2/9), azathioprine (2/9), or erythromycin/nicotinamide (1/9). Relapses were reported in 3 of 9 cases. We identified five cases occuring in middle adolescence. Mucosa were not affected. Treatment consisted of systemic prednisone (5/5), in combination with dapsone (3/5), azathioprine (2/5), doxycycline/nicotinamide (1/5), or mycophenolate mofetil (1/5). Relapses were reported in two of five cases. No case of BP in the late adolescence was included in the results, as only one case met the search criteria, and overlapped with pemphigus vulgaris. With only 14 cases found in our review, BP in adolescence appears even rarer than in earlier childhood. Despite its low prevalence, BP should be included in the differential diagnosis of autoimmune blistering diseases in adolescents.

Prospective studies on the routine use of a novel multivariant enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the diagnosis of autoimmune bullous diseases.

BACKGROUND: Serologic diagnosis of autoimmune blistering disease (AIBD) usually follows a sophisticated multistep algorithm. OBJECTIVE: We sought validation of a multivariant enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the routine diagnosis of AIBD. METHODS: The multivariant ELISA comprising 6 recombinant immunodominant forms of major AIBD target antigens, ie, desmoglein 1, desmoglein 3, envoplakin, BP180, BP230, and type VII collagen was applied in: (1) a cohort of well-characterized AIBD (n = 173) and control sera (n = 130), (2) a prospective multicenter study with 204 sera from patients with newly diagnosed AIBD with positive direct immunofluorescence microscopy, and (3) a prospective monocenter study with 292 consecutive sera from patients with clinical suspicion of AIBD in comparison with the conventional multistep diagnostic algorithm. RESULTS: Concordant results in the multivariant ELISA compared with direct immunofluorescence microscopy were seen in 94% of patients with pemphigus and 71% of patients with pemphigoid (Cohen κ value, 0.95 and 0.66) and with the conventional multistep diagnostic approach in 91% of patients with pemphigus and 88% of patients with bullous pemphigoid and 93% of autoantibody-negative sera (Cohen κ, 0.95, 0.84, and 0.78). LIMITATIONS: IgA autoantibodies and less common target antigens were not analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: The multivariant ELISA is a practical, highly standardized, and widely available novel diagnostic tool for the routine diagnosis of AIBD.

Serum Leptin, Resistin, and Adiponectin Concentrations in Psoriasis: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is an immune-mediated, inflammatory disease. Adipokines contribute to the regulation of immune-mediated processes and inflammation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to systematically review the literature for studies that have evaluated the circulating concentrations of adipokines in patients with psoriasis and controls and to meta-analyze the best evidence available. METHODS: Eligible were studies that have assessed leptin, resistin, or adiponectin concentrations in psoriatic patients and a reference group. The study was conducted in adherence with the PRISMA standards. RESULTS: Psoriatic patients had higher leptin concentrations compared to controls (random effects model, mean difference, MD = 5.64 ng/mL, 95% CI: 3.00-8.29, p < 0.0001). Heterogeneity among studies was high (I2 = 95.9%). Psoriatic patients had higher resistin concentrations compared to controls (MD = 4.66 ng/mL, 95% CI: 2.62-6.69, p < 0.0001). Heterogeneity was high (I2 = 99.2%). Finally, psoriatic patients had lower adiponectin concentrations compared to controls (MD = -1.87 µg/mL, 95% CI: -2.76 to -0.98, p < 0.0001). Heterogeneity was high (I2 = 95.9%). CONCLUSION: The study supported the hypothesis that leptin and resistin concentrations are higher and adiponectin concentrations are lower in patients with psoriasis compared to controls. Hereby, the suggested pathogenic link between psoriasis and metabolic syndrome/obesity is reinforced and the role of comorbidities in psoriasis is highlighted.

Quality of Life in Greek Patients with Autoimmune Bullous Diseases Assessed with ABQOL and TABQOL Indexes.

is missing (Short communication).

Prevalence of onychomycosis among patients with nail psoriasis who are not receiving immunosuppressive agents: Results of a pilot study.

Nail psoriasis and onychomycosis can often be hard to differentiate clinically and may coexist, complicating each other's course. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of onychomycosis among patients with nail psoriasis not being treated with immunosuppressive agents, which constitute an independent risk factor for fungal infections. A cross-sectional study was performed. All adult patients with nail psoriasis who were not receiving antifungal and/or immunosuppressive treatment were recruited at the 2nd University Dermatology Department of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki from 10/2016 till 02/2017. If onychomycosis was clinically suspected, nail samples were collected and direct microscopy with 15% KOH solution and culture were performed. Target-NAPSI and DLQI score were also calculated. Of the 23 patients recruited, 20 were men and 3 were women, with a mean age of 53.43 years (48.25, 58.62), a mean target-NAPSI score of 10.72 (9.62, 11.77) and a mean DLQI score of 10.17 (7.46, 12.89). A total of 34.78% of patients tested positive for onychomycosis. Yeast were isolated in 37.50% of cases, non-dermatophyte filamentous fungi in 37.50% and T. rubrum in 12.50%. The prevalence of onychomycosis among nail psoriasis patients is higher than that among the general population of Greece (15%-20%). Yeast and moulds predominate in infection cases of nail psoriasis patients.