Inpatient management of epidermolysis bullosa: Consensus-based hands-on instructions for neonates and postneonates.

BACKGROUND: Epidermolysis bullosa (EB), characterized by skin fragility and blistering, often requires hospitalization. Training for inpatient management of EB is limited, with no unified recommendations available in North America. OBJECTIVE: To develop consensus-derived best practices for hands-on inpatient management of EB in both the neonatal and postneonatal period. METHODS: A modified Delphi method (expert-based input via 2 surveys and a final review) was implemented. Available guidelines from EB Clinical Research Consortium centers were analyzed to determine areas of focus and formulate statements to be voted on by EB Clinical Research Consortium members, experienced EB nurses, and select family members. Study participants evaluated statements using a Likert scale: statements with at least 70% agreement were accepted; statements with 30% or more disagreement were rejected. RESULTS: Ten areas of focus were identified. Delphi participants included 15 dermatologists, 8 nurses, and 6 nonhealth care caregivers. Consensus was established on 103/119 neonatal statements and 105/122 postneonatal statements; no statements were rejected. Most recommendations applied to both age groups. LIMITATIONS: Recommendations may require adjustment based on individual patient's clinical context. CONCLUSION: Using the Delphi method, a consensus-derived resource for hospital-based health care professionals who manage patients with EB has been developed to improve the quality of inpatient care.

An analysis of information about infantile hemangiomas on TikTok: A cross-sectional study.

The video app TikTok, a controversial platform, has increasingly been utilized for the dissemination of health-related topics. In this study, the quality of information on the top 50 most viewed TikTok videos on infantile hemangiomas (IHs) labeled #hemangioma was analyzed. The results showed that the videos were skewed toward more severe subtypes of IH, and most were directed at raising awareness about IH or combating stigmatizing attitudes toward birthmarks. Providers should be aware that social media applications such as TikTok are a commonly used venue for parents to cope and connect but may relay inaccurate or misleading information.

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.

Homozygous deletion of the DSG3 terminal exon associated with acantholytic blistering of the oral and laryngeal mucosa.

We report a novel homozygous 49.6 kb deletion of chromosome 18q12.1 involving the last exon of DSG3 in dizygotic twins with phenotype consistent with acantholytic blistering of the oral and laryngeal mucosa (ABOLM). The twin siblings presented predominantly with friability of the laryngeal and respiratory mucosa. This is only the second report in the literature of this unusual autosomal recessive blistering disorder. The diagnosis explains the mucosal phenotype of a pemphigus-like disorder without evidence of autoimmune dysfunction. The exclusion of an autoimmune basis has management implications. The deletion also involved the DSG2 gene, which is associated with arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD). The affected siblings and heterozygous parents do not show any cardiac phenotype at this time. Functional studies would further clarify how deletions resulting in loss of function of DSG3 may cause the reported phenotypes of DSG3-related ABOLM.

An investigation of vascular anomalies centers' transition of care practices.

This study aims to examine transition of care (TOC) practices of multidisciplinary vascular anomalies centers (VACs). Thirty-seven of 71 VAC leaders to whom the survey was sent completed the questionnaire. TOC and transfer practices varied with only 16% of VACs having TOC programs. The most frequently cited barriers to developing a TOC program were lack of resources and difficulty finding expert adult providers.

Characterization of wound microbes in epidermolysis bullosa: A focus on Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The most common bacteria isolated from wound cultures in patients recorded in the Epidermolysis Bullosa Clinical Characterization and Outcomes Database (EBCCOD) are Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Given the prevalence of P. aeruginosa in this patient population and prior research implicating P. aeruginosa's potential role in carcinogenesis, we sought to further analyze patients with recorded wound cultures positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the EBCCOD. We provide a descriptive analysis of this subset of patients and highlight potential avenues for future longitudinal studies that may have significant implications in our wound care management for patients with epidermolysis bullosa.

Assessing pain catastrophizing and functional disability in pediatric epidermolysis bullosa patients.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to assess pain catastrophizing and functional disability in pediatric patients with epidermolysis bullosa (EB) and their parents/guardians. Secondary objectives included examining relationships between pain catastrophizing, functional disability, and correlations with other factors (e.g., age, disease severity, and percent of body surface area (BSA) involved). METHODS: Patients with EB ages 8-16 and their parents/guardians who were English or Spanish speaking completed a one-time online survey. Parent measures included: demographics questionnaire, Pain Catastrophizing Scale-Parent (PCS), and Parent Functional Disability Inventory (FDI). Child measures included: PCS child and child FDI. Higher scores on both scales indicate higher levels of catastrophizing and functional disability. RESULTS: Of 31 children, the mean age was 11.47 years and the majority (70.97%) had dystrophic EB. Mean scores were: 35.84 = PCS parent; 34.58 = PCS child; 30.87 = parent FDI; 29.77 = child FDI. Total scores for PCS parent, parent FDI, and child FDI increased significantly with disease severity and percentage of involved BSA (p < .01 for all). Total scores for PCS child increased significantly with percent of EB skin involvement (p = .04) but not disease severity. Older children reported more functional disability than their parents and younger children (p = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate significant positive correlations between negative thoughts related to pain and the experience of functional difficulties in patients with EB and their caregivers. Psychological, psychiatric, and/or behavioral interventions to help managing chronic pain may be effective for patients with EB.

Hybrid lung lesions in children with segmental infantile hemangiomas, a new association?

Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are the most common tumors of infancy and, in rare instances, can present in the setting of congenital structural anomalies or as part of syndromic disorders. In this study, we present three cases of children with segmental IHs born with concurrent pulmonary anomalies: congenital pulmonary airway malformations and bronchopulmonary sequestration. To date, no known association between these entities and hemangiomas has been described.

Multicenter retrospective review of pulsed dye laser in nonulcerated infantile hemangioma.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: We sought to describe the experience among members of the Hemangioma Investigator Group with pulsed dye laser (PDL) in the treatment of nonulcerated infantile hemangioma (IH) in pediatric patients in the pre- and post-beta-blocker era. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted in patients with nonulcerated IH treated with laser therapy. Patient demographics, IH characteristics, indications for/timing of laser therapy, as well as laser parameters were collected. Responses to laser therapy were evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: One hundred and seventeen patients with IH were treated with PDL. 18/117 (15.4%) had early intervention (defined as <12 months of life), and 99/117 (84.6%) had late intervention (≥12 months of life). In the late intervention group, 73.7% (73/99) had additional medical management of their IH. The mean age at PDL initiation for the late intervention group was 46.7 ± 35.3 months of life (range 12-172 months) with total number of treatments to maximal clearing of 4.2 ± 2.8 (range 1-17). Those who received propranolol prior to PDL received fewer sessions (1.1 fewer sessions, approaching significance [p = .056]).     On the VAS, there was a mean 85% overall improvement compared to baseline (range 18%-100%), with most improvement noted in erythema and/or telangiectasias. The incidence of adverse effects was 6/99 (6.1%). CONCLUSIONS: PDL is a useful tool in the treatment of IH, with notable improvement of telangiectasia and erythema and low risk of complications.   PDL is often introduced after the maximal proliferative phase.

Paraneoplastic pemphigus associated with Castleman disease: A multicenter case series.

INTRODUCTION: Paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) is a rare, often fatal, autoimmune blistering disease of the skin and mucous membranes. In children, PNP is frequently associated with Castleman disease (CD). This series describes five cases of PNP associated with CD. METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively from the medical records of patients with a diagnosis of PNP and CD from January 2013 to June 2022. Patients ≤22 years old with clinical and immunopathologic evidence of PNP were included; CD was diagnosed histopathologically. RESULTS: Two children, two adolescents, and one young adult (two males, three females) were included. The average age at disease presentation was 11.8 years (range: 7-22 years). Oral (n = 5) and anogenital (n = 3) mucositis were common. Four patients had "unicentric" CD (UCD); one patient had "multicentric" CD (MCD). Castleman tumors were in the retroperitoneum (n = 4) or axilla (n = 1). One patient had myasthenia gravis without thymoma. Three patients had bronchiolitis obliterans (BO). Three patients had complete resection of their CD; two had partial resection. Three patients remain alive with a median follow-up of 13 months (range: 12 months to 13 years); two are clinically stable with resolution of mucocutaneous lesions; one has persistent BO requiring ongoing ventilatory support. Patients who remain alive had UCD with complete resection; all deceased patients had partial resection and BO. CONCLUSION: Most patients had UCD, and the retroperitoneum was the most common location. Patients with MCD, incomplete resection, and BO died; patients with UCD and complete resection remain alive, even in the setting of BO. Consideration of PNP is critical when pediatric patients present with mucositis as PNP may be clinically indistinguishable from more common causes of mucositis.

Lumps and bumps: What not to miss.

The evaluation of pediatric patients with subcutaneous nodules remains a diagnostic challenge. Pediatric dermatologists are regularly confronted with patients who have a nonspecific nodule. Though most masses that require evaluation are ultimately benign, the possibility of a more aggressive process, including borderline or malignant neoplasms, underscores the pivotal role of the pediatric dermatologist in recognizing these lesions. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of lumps and bumps that are important to recognize to prevent delay in diagnosis or treatment of a serious underlying condition. Clinical clues that may lead the pediatric dermatologist to have a higher index of suspicion for more aggressive lesions are reviewed. Suggestions for evaluation and workup, as well as tips for the difficult to discern lesion, are proposed.

Successful use of telemedicine for evaluation of infantile hemangiomas during the early COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a rapid expansion in the use of telemedicine. This study aimed to assess the experiences of hemangioma specialists utilizing telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic to evaluate and manage infantile hemangiomas (IH), including perceived effectiveness of different modalities and barriers to care delivery. METHODS: Multicenter cross-sectional study asking providers to describe their experiences using telemedicine for initial evaluation of IH from March to September 2020. RESULTS: The study included 281 patients from 15 medical centers internationally. Median time from referral to evaluation was 17 days. Median physician confidence in performing evaluations via telemedicine was 95.0 (IQR 90.0-100.0). Most evaluations were performed via video communication with photographs or audio communication with photographs; when not initially available, photographs were requested in 51.4%. Providers preferred follow-up modalities that included photographs. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians with extensive expertise in managing IH are confident in their abilities to assess and manage IH via telemedicine including initiating treatment in patients without risk factors for beta-blocker therapy. There was a preference for hybrid modalities that included photographs. The data suggest that telemedicine can be effective for managing IH and may decrease wait times and improve specialist reach to underserved areas.

Analysis of existing "how to" manuals for the care of inpatients with epidermolysis bullosa.

"How to" skin care manuals assist health care professionals caring for hospitalized patients with epidermolysis bullosa and other disorders. Manuals created by Epidermolysis Bullosa Clinical Research Consortium sites were collected and analyzed. Analysis of manuals revealed variable content. Creating a unified, optimized "how" to manual would benefit providers and patients.

Review of transition of care literature: Epidermolysis bullosa-A paradigm for patients with complex dermatologic conditions.

BACKGROUND: Transition from pediatric to adult care is a critical component of health care for children with long-term needs. The characteristics of epidermolysis bullosa (EB) demand higher than average levels of provider support. There is consensus among health care professionals regarding the importance of transition; however, there is a scarcity of practical information regarding models for patients with EB. OBJECTIVE: To review transition of care programs in varying specialties. Highlight practical considerations to facilitate the development of programs for patients with EB and other complex dermatologic conditions. METHODS: Articles were identified via MEDLINE and EMBASE health literature databases and screened for relevance to transition of care. RESULTS: Various models for transition exist. A well-executed formal transition program, early introduction, interdisciplinary collaboration, and psychosocial support were themes associated with successful outcomes. LIMITATIONS: Transition of care programs that have not been described in the literature are not reflected in this review. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with EB have unique needs that affect transition and span expertise across traditional boundaries, such as dependency on others for daily skin care, failure to thrive, and risk of squamous cell carcinoma. Given the rarity of the disease, patients with EB will benefit from collaborative efforts to develop programs to optimize successful transition.

A retrospective analysis of diagnostic testing in a large North American cohort of patients with epidermolysis bullosa.

BACKGROUND: Accurate diagnosis of epidermolysis bullosa (EB) has significant implications for prognosis, management, and genetic counseling. OBJECTIVE: To describe diagnostic testing patterns and assess diagnostic concordance of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), immunofluorescence mapping (IFM), and genetic analysis for EB. METHODS: A retrospective cohort included patients enrolled in the Epidermolysis Bullosa Clinical Characterization and Outcomes Database from January 1, 2004, to July 8, 2019. Tests concluding the same EB type (EB simplex, junctional EB, dominant dystrophic EB, and recessive dystrophic EB) were considered concordant; those concluding different EB types were considered discordant; and those with nonspecific/nondefinitive results were equivocal. RESULTS: A total of 970 diagnostic tests were conducted from 1984 to 2018 in 771 patients. Genetic analyses were performed chronologically later than IFM or TEM (P < .001). The likelihood of undergoing genetic analysis was greater for junctional EB and recessive dystrophic EB, and the same for dominant dystrophic EB as compared with EB simplex. TEM results in 163 patients were equivocal (55%), concordant (42%), and discordant (3%). IFM results in 185 patients were equivocal (54%), concordant (42%), and discordant (4%). LIMITATIONS: Retrospective design. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnostic testing has shifted in favor of genetic analysis. TEM and IFM frequently offer equivocal findings when compared to the specificity afforded by genetic analysis.

Epidermal Nevi: What Is New.

This article reviews the clinical findings of epidermal nevi and their associated syndromes and provides an update on their pathogenic genetic changes as well as targeted therapies detailed to date.

A dermatologic perspective on multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children.

As of May 2020, an emerging immune-mediated syndrome primarily affecting children has been detected primarily in Europe and the United States. The incidence of this syndrome appears to mirror the initial infectious assault with a delay of several weeks. This syndrome has been termed "multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children" (MIS-C) and is observed in association with the coronavirus disease 2019. The phenotypes of presentation include several characteristic features, including prolonged fever, skin eruptions, neck stiffness, and gastrointestinal manifestations with pronounced abdominal pain. Shock and organ dysfunction on presentation are frequent but inconsistent, whereas respiratory distress is typically, and notably, absent. We have reviewed the recent published data aiming to better understand MIS-C, with a focus on its mucocutaneous manifestations.

Association of Demographic Factors and Infantile Hemangioma Characteristics With Risk of PHACE Syndrome.

Importance: A 2010 prospective study of 108 infants estimated the incidence of PHACE (posterior fossa malformations, hemangioma, arterial anomalies, cardiac defects, eye anomalies) syndrome to be 31% in children with facial infantile hemangiomas (IHs) of at least 22 cm2. There is little evidence regarding the associations among IH characteristics, demographic characteristics, and risk of PHACE syndrome. Objectives: To evaluate demographic characteristics and comorbidities in a large cohort of patients at risk for PHACE syndrome and assess the clinical features of large head and neck IH that may be associated with a greater risk of a diagnosis of PHACE syndrome. Design, Setting, and Participants: This multicenter, retrospective cohort study assessed all patients with a facial, head, and/or neck IH who were evaluated for PHACE syndrome from August 1, 2009, to December 31, 2014, at 13 pediatric dermatology referral centers across North America. Data analysis was performed from June 15, 2017, to February 29, 2020. Main Outcomes and Measures: The main outcome was presence or absence of PHACE syndrome. Data included age at diagnosis, sex, patterns of IH presentation (including size, segment location, and depth), diagnostic procedures and results, and type and number of associated anomalies. Results: A total of 238 patients (mean [SD] age, 2.96 [4.71] months; 184 [77.3%] female) were included in the analysis; 106 (44.5%) met the criteria for definite (n = 98) or possible (n = 8) PHACE syndrome. A stepwise linear regression model found that a surface area of 25 cm2 or greater (odds ratio [OR] 2.99; 95% CI, 1.49-6.02) and involvement of 3 or more locations (OR, 17.96; 95% CI, 6.10-52.85) to be statistically significant risk factors for PHACE syndrome. Involvement of the parotid gland (OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.18-0.85) and segment S2 (OR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.16-0.91) was associated with a lower risk. Race and ethnicity may also be associated with PHACE syndrome risk, although more studies are needed. Conclusions and Relevance: This cohort study further described factors associated with both a higher and lower risk of PHACE syndrome. The presence of multiple anatomical sites and large surface area were associated with greater risk, whereas S2 or parotid IHs were associated with lower, but still potential, risk. These findings can help in counseling families and decision-making regarding evaluation of infants with large head and neck IHs.

A dermatologic perspective on multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children.

As of May 2020, an emerging immune-mediated syndrome mainly affecting children has been detected primarily in Europe and the United States. The incidence of this syndrome appears to mirror the initial infectious assault, with a delay of several weeks. This syndrome has been termed "multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children" (MIS-C) and is observed in association with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The phenotypes of presentation include several characteristic features, including prolonged fever, skin eruption, neck stiffness, and gastrointestinal manifestations with pronounced abdominal pain. Shock and organ dysfunction on presentation are frequent but inconsistent, whereas respiratory distress is typically and notably absent. We have reviewed recently published data aiming to better understand MIS-C, with a focus on its mucocutaneous manifestations.