A retrospective multicenter cohort study of differences in clinical characteristics of Infantile Hemangiomas in preterm and term infants: Prematurity increases risk of permanent cutaneous sequelae.

BACKGROUND: We observed many preterm infants with unexpectedly thick infantile hemangiomas (IH), a subtype known to be associated with increased risk of scarring. OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical features of localized IH in preterm versus term infants. METHODS: A retrospective study at three tertiary referral centers was conducted on 830 consecutive patients with localized IH. RESULTS: Preterm infants had a significantly higher incidence of superficial IH (75% in <33weeks, 57% in 33-<37 weeks, and 50% in term infants, p=0.007). Overall, their IH had thicker superficial components (p<0.001) and more stepped borders (p<0.001). These features correlated with the degree of prematurity. The average chronological age at presentation to the specialist was 5.6 (SD=6.2) months, with no difference between gestational age. LIMITATIONS: The retrospective design and use of non-standardized clinical photographs. There may be biases introduced toward more severe IH types because the study sites were tertiary referral centers. CONCLUSION: Preterm infants have features of IH that have obvious implication for systemic therapies. Most of these infants were seen beyond the typical proliferative phase when irreversible skin changes may have already occurred.

Defining the transcriptome of PIK3CA-altered cells in a human capillary malformation using single cell long-read sequencing.

PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum (PROS) disorders are caused by somatic mosaic variants that result in constitutive activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/AKT/mTOR pathway. Promising responses to molecularly targeted therapy have been reported, although identification of an appropriate agent can be hampered by the mosaic nature and corresponding low variant allele frequency of the causal variant. Moreover, our understanding of the molecular consequences of these variants-for example how they affect gene expression profiles-remains limited. Here we describe in vitro expansion of a human capillary malformation followed by molecular characterization using exome sequencing, single cell gene expression, and targeted long-read single cell RNA-sequencing in a patient with clinical features consistent with Megalencephaly-Capillary Malformation Syndrome (MCAP, a PROS condition). These approaches identified a targetable PIK3CA variant with expression restricted to PAX3+ fibroblast and undifferentiated keratinocyte populations. This study highlights the innovative combination of next-generation single cell sequencing methods to better understand unique transcriptomic profiles and cell types associated with MCAP, revealing molecular intricacies of this genetic syndrome.

Clinical characteristics of infantile hemangiomas with aggressive, persistent, and destructive ulceration.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Ulceration is a common complication of infantile hemangioma (IH). Severe, persistent ulceration occurs in a minority of patients. This study aims to characterize the clinical features of IH with aggressive ulceration (AU). METHODS: Multicenter retrospective study of clinical features of IH with AU. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients with AU were identified and included in the study. The majority of AU occurred in segmental IH (23/35, 65%). Segmental IH with AU were large (≥10 cm2 ; 16/23, 69%, p < .001) with a thin (<3 mm) superficial component (16/23, 69%, p < .001). Localized IH with AU had a thick (>3 mm) superficial component (11/12, 92%, p < .001). All diaper area IH with AU (9/35) were segmental with thin superficial component (100%, p = .02). IH with AU in the head/neck (10/35) were more commonly localized (67%) and mixed (62.5%), while segmental, thick superficial morphology was more common on trunk (9/35) and upper extremities (7/35). CONCLUSIONS: IH resulting in AU differ in clinical features by anatomic site. Those in the diaper area are nearly always segmental with thin superficial component, whereas other sites tend to be localized, mixed, with thick superficial component. These distinct phenotypes may prove useful in the clinical setting for physicians to identify patterns of IH ulceration with increased risk of aggressive, persistent ulceration.

Incidence and clinical factors associated with ulceration in infantile hemangiomas.

BACKGROUND: Ulceration is an important complication in infantile hemangiomas (IHs). Prior to the use of ß-blockers, the estimated incidence of this complication in a referral population was between 15% and 30%. The incidence and factors associated with ulceration have not been systematically studied since the emergence of ß-blocker therapy. OBJECTIVE: Examine the incidence and clinical predictors for ulceration in IHs. METHODS: Retrospective study at tertiary referral centers. RESULTS: Compared with a previous large pre-propranolol cohort study, ulceration occurred at a significantly lower incidence of 11.4%. Clinical factors associated with ulceration included partial segmental morphology, location in the diaper area, and size greater than 5 cm. Higher risk of ulceration in Black patients was observed, suggesting barriers to care including delayed diagnosis and referral to specialty care. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective design at tertiary referral centers. CONCLUSION: Compared with reports before the use of ß-blockers became widespread, the incidence of ulceration in IHs has decreased. However, it continues to be a relatively frequent complication of IH.

Trigeminal trophic syndrome in a pediatric patient with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma.

A 13-year-old girl with a history of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) suffered from progressively worsening facial ulcerations secondary to paresthesia-induced self-excoriation. She was diagnosed with trigeminal trophic syndrome (TTS) induced by DIPG and struggled to heal her lesions in the background of this excoriation disorder. A multidisciplinary approach that included mood disorder management with sertraline and amitriptyline helped diminish paresthesia, improve her quality of life, and promote healing of the ulcers despite the progression of her DIPG. This case highlights the multifactorial complexity of TTS in pediatric patients and the need for successful management strategies.

Life-threatening hypothermia in a child with primary erythromelalgia.

Primary erythromelalgia is a rare autosomal-dominant condition due to pathogenic variant in the SCN9A gene, characterized by childhood onset of excruciating pain, redness, and warmth of acral sites. Patients often resort to ice water baths and other cooling measures to manage the discomfort. Hypothermia is a rare complication, reported only twice previously. We report a child with primary erythromelalgia due to a confirmed pathogenic variant admitted with life-threatening hypothermia. Although the overuse of cooling mechanisms may have contributed, we postulate that the SCN9A mutation may lead to thermodysregulation and make patients with primary erythromelalgia particularly susceptible to this complication.

A case series of giant molluscum contagiosum in an immigrant African pediatric population.

Giant molluscum contagiosum (MC) has a well-known association with human immunodeficiency virus and other immune deficiency states. Although rare, it can be seen in healthy immunocompetent children. We describe eight cases of giant MC in healthy, immunocompetent African immigrant children in the Columbus, Ohio area. This report describes the clinical characteristics, treatment, and course of giant MC in this patient population.

Clinical Features, Prognostic Factors, and Treatment Interventions for Ulceration in Patients With Infantile Hemangioma.

Importance: Ulceration is a common complication of infantile hemangioma (IH), which leads to substantial morbidity. Ulceration in IH has not been systematically studied since the advent of ß-blocker therapy for IH. Objectives: To examine treatment interventions used for ulceration in IH and identify clinical prognostic indicators of healing time. Design, Setting, and Participants: A retrospective, multicenter cohort study was conducted on 436 consecutive patients with a clinical diagnosis of ulcerated IH and available clinical photographs. Patients receiving care at tertiary referral centers evaluated between 2012 and 2016 were included; statistical and data analysis were performed from February 7 to April 27, 2020. Exposures: Clinical characteristics, treatment interventions, course, complications, and resource use were analyzed. Treatment interventions for ulceration in IH included local (wound care, topical), systemic (ß-blocker, corticosteroids), and procedural (pulsed-dye laser). Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary end point was time to complete or nearly complete ulceration healing. Clinical characteristics were analyzed to determine the responses to most common interventions and prognostic factors for healing of ulceration. Results: Of the 436 patients included in the study, 327 were girls (75.0%); median age at ulceration was 13.7 weeks (interquartile range, 8.86-21.30 weeks). The median heal time was 4.79 weeks (95% CI, 3.71-5.86 weeks) with wound care alone, 5.14 weeks (95% CI, 4.57-6.00 weeks) with timolol, 6.36 weeks (95% CI, 5.57-8.00 weeks) with a systemic ß-blocker, and 7.71 weeks (95% CI, 6.71-10.14 weeks) with multimodal therapy. After adjusting for IH size, a dose of propranolol less than or equal to 1 mg/kg/d was associated with shorter healing time compared with higher propranolol doses (hazard ratio, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.11 to 3.73; P = .02). Size of the IH was identified as a significant prognostic factor for healing time in multivariable analysis. Increasing size of IH portends a proportionately longer time to heal of the ulceration. Conclusions and Relevance: Despite the use of ß-blockers, this cohort study found that a subset of patients with IH ulceration continued to experience prolonged IH healing times. Larger IH size appears to be a poor prognostic factor for time to heal. For patients requiring systemic therapy, initiation of propranolol at lower doses (≤1 mg/kg/d) should be considered.

Bullous diaper dermatitis with cloth diaper use.

Irritant diaper dermatitis occurs at a higher frequency with cloth diaper use than disposable diapers. We present four cases of vesiculobullous, erosive diaper dermatitis occurring in older infants and toddlers with cloth diaper use that resolved completely after transitioning to disposable diapers. This is the first report of vesicles and bullae as a type of irritant diaper dermatitis.

Urinary Excretion of MicroRNA-126 Is a Biomarker for Hemangioma Proliferation.

BACKGROUND: Hemangiomas are unique endothelial cell tumors that involute spontaneously, which makes interpreting their response to therapies difficult. The objective of this work was to identify a potential biomarker in the urine of children with infantile hemangiomas that would facilitate testing new therapies. METHODS: A prospective longitudinal study in children with hemangiomas and age-matched healthy controls was performed to determine whether microRNA-126, which is highly abundant in fetal endothelial cells, was more abundant in the urine of affected children. Prospective ultrasound measurements of hemangioma size and blood flow velocity were obtained as secondary endpoints to document longitudinal changes in untreated hemangiomas. RESULTS: Urinary microRNA-126 levels were significantly elevated in children with proliferating hemangiomas, and relative levels of urinary microRNA abundance correlated with hemangioma size. Hemangiomas had elevated levels of microRNA abundance compared with healthy controls. Ultrasound data revealed that hemangioma proliferation typically stopped between 6 and 9 months of age. When hemangioma proliferation stopped, urinary microRNA-126 levels in children with hemangiomas dropped to levels observed in healthy age-matched controls. CONCLUSIONS: These are the first reported results to identify a potential microRNA biomarker in the urine of children with hemangiomas. Measurement of urinary levels of microRNA-126 could potentially be used to monitor hemangioma response to therapies. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic, II.

Infantile Hemangiomas of the Lip: Patterns, Outcomes, and Implications.

BACKGROUND: Infantile hemangiomas of the lip are potentially problematic because of high visibility and risk of disfigurement and ulceration. This study examined sizes, patterns, and locations of lip hemangiomas, their prognostic value, and their implications in hemangioma pathogenesis. METHODS: Records of 106 patients seen for lip hemangiomas from 2006 to 2013 at Nationwide Children's Hospital were reviewed. Localized hemangiomas were mapped to a location on the lip based on their focus. Size, location, and morphology were assessed with regard to outcome. Poor outcomes were considered to be marked anatomic deformity, scarring, functional complications, and ulceration. RESULTS: Of 72 untreated hemangiomas with discernible outcomes, 92% of segmental lip hemangiomas were associated with poor outcomes, as opposed to 32% of localized hemangiomas (p < 0.001). Localized lip hemangiomas originated from six distinct locations. Localized untreated hemangiomas with poor outcomes were, on average, approximately 2.36 cm(2) larger (95% confidence interval 1.47, 3.25) than those that resolved favorably (p < 0.001); 52% of upper lip untreated hemangiomas and 6% of lower lip hemangiomas had poor outcomes (p = 0.001), and 61% of untreated localized hemangiomas involving the vermilion border and 25% of those that did not had poor outcomes (p = 0.01). Hemangiomas that received early medical or surgical intervention were less likely to have poor outcomes than untreated hemangiomas (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Localized lip hemangiomas occur in distinct locations on the lip that are not random and appear to reflect known models of facial development. Segmental morphology is associated with poor outcomes. In localized hemangiomas, the upper lip is associated with more problematic outcomes than the lower lip. Large size and involvement of the vermilion border are also valuable prognostic indicators associated with poor outcomes. Early intervention in lip hemangiomas is associated with better outcomes.

Successful Treatment of Keratosis Pilaris Rubra with Pulsed Dye Laser.

BACKGROUND: Keratosis pilaris rubra is a common but rarely reported condition characterized by follicular-based hyperkeratotic papules on a background of erythema. It can be embarrassing and symptomatic for patients, particularly adolescent boys. We sought to explore the efficacy of pulsed dye laser (PDL) in the treatment of keratosis pilaris rubra. METHODS: Eight patients were treated with PDL for keratosis pilaris rubra. RESULTS: All patients reported noticeable improvement after one to four treatments. CONCLUSIONS: PDL is an effective, easily accessible, and underused therapy in the treatment of keratosis pilaris rubra.

Eccrine Angiomatous Hamartoma: A Clinicopathologic Review of 18 Cases.

BACKGROUND: Eccrine angiomatous hamartoma (EAH) is a benign cutaneous lesion defined by the proliferation of hamartomatous eccrine and capillary-like vascular elements in the dermis. However, the epidemiologic, morphologic, and histopathologic aspects of this uncommon disorder have yet to be fully delineated. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed 18 EAH cases (including 14 accompanying skin biopsy specimens) diagnosed at 4 American university hospitals from 1996 to 2014. RESULTS: Patients ranged from 3 days to 84 years at time of diagnosis with a median age of 15 years. A male:female ratio of 11:7 was observed. Sixty-seven percent of cases presented in the extremities, but lesions in the trunk and head/neck regions also occurred. Four patients had multiple lesions, and 2 displayed a segmental pattern. Histologically, dermal vascular dilatation and acanthosis often accompanied EAH's typical eccrine and vascular comingling. One individual developed EAH at the site of a recurrent squamous cell carcinoma after previous excision. CONCLUSIONS: Although previously thought to occur primarily as a solitary angiomatous-appearing malformation on the extremities of children, EAH may develop with some frequency in adults and may manifest in a multifocal linear distribution. The authors also raise additional histopathologic consideration in support of the vascular theory of histogenesis for this condition.

Experience with Holter monitoring during propranolol therapy for infantile hemangiomas.

BACKGROUND: Although adverse events in children treated with propranolol have proven rare, the appropriate methods of assessing cardiovascular risk and monitoring for toxicity when the medication is used for infantile hemangiomas remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: We sought to analyze Holter monitor reports of otherwise healthy patients on propranolol for infantile hemangiomas to determine the incidence of sustained arrhythmias and to evaluate the utility of Holter monitoring in the outpatient setting. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients with infantile hemangioma who underwent 24-hour Holter monitoring after initiation or dose escalation of propranolol between 2011 and 2014. RESULTS: In all, 43 patients aged 1.8 to 36.2 months, with 44 Holter monitor reports, were included in the study. No sustained arrhythmias were revealed. The treatment plan was not altered in any patient based on the Holter monitor report. LIMITATIONS: This was a retrospective study design. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that Holter monitoring may be unnecessary in otherwise healthy patients with infantile hemangioma older than 12 weeks who are treated with propranolol in the outpatient setting.

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: An Update for Dermatologists.

Tuberous sclerosis complex is an autosomal dominant disorder that often manifests early in life with cutaneous features, and it is important that dermatologists who care for children remain up to date on its diagnosis and management. This article provides an update regarding the most recent guidelines for diagnosis published by the International Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Consensus Conference, which took place in 2012, and provides a brief literature review of the most recent developments in the treatment of skin findings.

Dermatologic and dental aspects of the 2012 International Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Consensus Statements.

IMPORTANCE: The 2012 International Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Clinical Consensus Conference was convened to update the last consensus statement in 1998. Skin and dental lesions are common in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and are a frequent concern for patients. Recognition of these lesions is imperative for early diagnosis, given the treatment advances that may improve patient outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To detail recommendations for the diagnosis, surveillance, and management of skin and dental lesions in TSC. EVIDENCE REVIEW: The TSC Dermatology and Dentistry Subcommittee, 1 of 12 subcommittees, reviewed the relevant literature from 1997 to 2012. FINDINGS: A consensus on skin and dental issues was achieved within the Dermatology and Dentistry Subcommittee before recommendations were presented, discussed, and agreed on in a group meeting of all subcommittees from June 14 to 15, 2012. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Skin and dental findings comprise 4 of 11 major features and 3 of 6 minor features in the diagnostic criteria. A definite diagnosis of TSC is defined as the presence of at least 2 major features or 1 major and 2 or more minor features; in addition, a pathological mutation in TSC1 or TSC2 is diagnostic. Skin and oral examinations should be performed annually and every 3 to 6 months, respectively. Intervention may be indicated for TSC skin or oral lesions that are bleeding, symptomatic, disfiguring, or negatively affecting function. Options presented include surgical excision, laser(s), or use of a mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor.

Analysis of two candidate genes for Basan syndrome.

Basan syndrome is an extremely rare ectodermal dysplasia with autosomal dominant inheritance and variable expressivity. The etiology of Basan syndrome remains unknown. To identify the Basan syndrome gene, we sequenced keratin 14 (KRT14) and SMARCAD1 in a previously unreported kindred with the disease. Sequencing of the coding regions and splice junctions of KRT14 and SMARCAD1 was performed using PCR-amplified genomic DNA isolated from blood or saliva and standard PCR protocols. In vitro functional studies were performed for a variant identified in SMARCAD1. While direct sequencing of KRT14 failed to reveal any likely pathogenic sequence alterations or splice site variants, a heterozygous splicing variant (c.378+3A>T) that segregated with the disease was identified in the skin-specific isoform of SMARCAD1. In vitro studies failed to demonstrate a splicing defect in SMARCAD1. We screened two candidate genes for Basan syndrome in a 3-generation pedigree. The skin-specific isoform of SMARCAD1 remains a good candidate for this disease.

Persistent pediatric contact leukoderma after exposure to butterfly electrocardiogram back pad: a report of three cases.

Contact leukoderma or chemical leukoderma refers to hypopigmentation related to the application of chemical compounds to the skin. Hypopigmentation can occur with or without preceding inflammatory eczematous changes. We present three cases of contact leukoderma associated with exposure to a new type of electrocardiogram electrode back pad.

The curette prep: a modification of the traditional scabies preparation.

An accurate diagnosis of scabies is critical for proper treatment of this common infestation. In our clinic, we have developed a modification of the traditional method of performing a scabies preparation, called the curette prep, that substitutes a disposable curette for a scalpel blade when obtaining skin scrapings for examination. The major advantages of this technique are greater acceptability and safety for pediatric patients.

Results of Goeckerman treatment for psoriasis in children: a 21-year retrospective review.

Goeckerman treatment has been used for the management of widespread psoriasis in children for several decades at Mayo Clinic. We aimed to review our institutional experience with the effectiveness of Goeckerman treatment for psoriasis in children. We retrospectively reviewed the records of pediatric patients who underwent Goeckerman treatment over a 21-year period (1983-2003). The main outcome measure was improvement in psoriasis. During the study period, 65 children received Goeckerman treatment for predominantly widespread, recalcitrant psoriasis. The mean age was 11.6 years (range, 3 mos to 18 yrs), and the female-to-male ratio was 2:1. Psoriasis improved in all patients: 55 patients (85%) had >80% clearance of their psoriasis. The only adverse effect was folliculitis, occurring in 27 patients (42%). Mean duration of follow-up was 2.6 years (range, 17 days-18.2 yrs); average duration of remission was 2.6 years (range, 2 mos-12.79 yrs). Goeckerman treatment is an effective treatment for widespread psoriasis in children.