Early postoperative water exposure does not increase complications in cutaneous surgeries: A randomized, investigator-blinded, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients are often advised to keep the initial postoperative dressings dry and undisturbed for 24 to 72 hours. However, these requirements may result in significant disruption of patients' activities of daily living, such as bathing, leisure, and exercise. OBJECTIVE: Compare standard management of keeping wounds dry and covered (48 hours) with early (6 hours) postoperative water exposure. METHODS: Investigator-blinded, randomized (1:1), controlled trial evaluating rate of infection and additional outcomes of interest. RESULTS: Overall, 437 patients were randomized to either the early (6-hour) water exposure (n = 218) intervention group or the standard cohort (n = 219). The incidence of culture-proven infection in the intervention group (1.8%) was similar to the standard group (1.4%) (P > .99). There was also no difference in rates of bleeding or bruising. Scar assessment using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale revealed similar scar outcomes. LIMITATIONS: Single site, academic center. CONCLUSION: Surgical wounds can be allowed to get wet in the immediate postoperative period with no increased incidence of infection or other complications and with similar cosmesis.

Sebaceous carcinoma: evidence-based clinical practice guidelines.

Sebaceous carcinoma usually occurs in adults older than 60 years, on the eyelid, head and neck, and trunk. In this Review, we present clinical care recommendations for sebaceous carcinoma, which were developed as a result of an expert panel evaluation of the findings of a systematic review. Key conclusions were drawn and recommendations made for diagnosis, first-line treatment, radiotherapy, and post-treatment care. For diagnosis, we concluded that deep biopsy is often required; furthermore, differential diagnoses that mimic the condition can be excluded with special histological stains. For treatment, the recommended first-line therapy is surgical removal, followed by margin assessment of the peripheral and deep tissue edges; conjunctival mapping biopsies can facilitate surgical planning. Radiotherapy can be considered for cases with nerve or lymph node involvement, and as the primary treatment in patients who are ineligible for surgery. Post-treatment clinical examination should occur every 6 months for at least 3 years. No specific systemic therapies for advanced disease can be recommended, but targeted therapies and immunotherapies are being developed.

Physician-Centered Outcomes for Skin Cancer Treatment: A Single-Day Modified Delphi Process to Assess the Importance of Themes in Skin Cancer Management.

BACKGROUND: Success in skin cancer treatment is determined through outcome measurement. Patients and physicians may prioritize different outcomes of care, and identification of such may enhance patient-centered care. OBJECTIVE: To identify gaps between patient and physician attitudes toward skin cancer outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-day, 21-patient, modified, in-person Delphi process to solicit and rate the importance of skin cancer-related outcomes was conducted. Twelve masked dermatologic surgeons rated patient-generated outcomes in a 2-round modified Delphi process. Each item was rated on a 1 to 9 scale (1, least important; 9, most important) using the Qualtrics web platform (Qualtrics, Provo, UT). Results of the physician ratings were compared with the patient ratings. RESULTS: A list of 53 skin cancer treatment-related themes and outcomes was generated. Eight items were ranked by physicians as "very high" (>80% importance), 5 as "high" (>70% importance), 19 as intermediate, and 21 as low. The physician and patient panels' ratings were concordant for 56% of items, whereas 7 outcome items showed a 2-category discordance. CONCLUSION: Physicians and patients were concordant regarding skin cancer treatment on multiple spheres. Areas of discordance include patient fear of unknown future risk, recurrence, or empowering patients to make treatment choices, and may be areas of continued improvement for delivery of patient-centered care.

Patient-Centered Outcomes for Skin Cancer Management: Utilization of a Patient Delphi Process to Identify Important Treatment Themes.

BACKGROUND: Patient-reported outcomes are critical to research directed at maximizing patient benefit. The outcomes patients consider most relevant in the treatment of skin cancer have not been directly investigated. OBJECTIVE: To develop a ranked list of outcomes deemed most important by patients with skin cancer through a proctored Delphi process. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with a history of skin cancer volunteered to participate in the patient summit. The patient members participated in a guided discussion to generate a long list of potentially relevant outcomes. The list was then condensed and ranked through 2 rounds of a proctored Delphi process. RESULTS: Patients were diverse in their skin cancer histories and complexities, ages, and states of residence. Twelve themes were rated as highly important by 70% or more of participants. Most of these themes related to patient education and the collaborative nature of the physician-patient relationship. Fear of recurrence and cosmetic outcome were also highly rated. Limitations include a preponderance of older patients and patients from the midwest and northeast. CONCLUSION: Patients with skin cancer overwhelmingly prioritize a shared decision-making process, in which they are actively engaged and value detailed education regarding their disease. This should inform future research directed at skin cancer treatment and current physician-patient interactions.

Assessing Skin Biopsy Rates for Histologic Findings Indicative of Nonpathological Cutaneous Disease.

BACKGROUND: Recent increase in skin biopsies has been attributed to an epidemic of skin cancer. This may be avoidable, with potential savings. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the increase in skin biopsies is attributable to increasing frequency of biopsies associated with histology lacking pathological cutaneous disease. Pathological cutaneous disease was defined as (1) a malignancy, precancerous lesion, or lesion of uncertain behavior; or (2) disease symptomatic or associated with adverse quality of life impact. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort study, 2006 to 2013 of dermatology practice serving Florida and Ohio. Data were a consecutive sample of skin biopsies for diagnosis of dermatologic disease. RESULTS: A total of 267,706 biopsies by an average of 52 providers per month from January 06 to December 13 were analyzed. Number of biopsies per visit increased 2% per year (RR: 1.02, CI: 1.00-1.04). Likelihood of biopsy associated with histology indicative of nonpathological cutaneous disease did not increase over time (OR: 0.99, CI: 0.95-1.03, p = .6302). CONCLUSION: Rates of biopsies associated with nonpathological cutaneous disease is not increasing. Overall biopsy rates per visit have gradually increased; this seems attributable to greater rates of detection of pathological dermatologic disease.

Quantification of noninvasive fat reduction: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Noninvasive fat reduction appears effective, but there are various methods for quantifying changes. The objective of this review is to assess comparative utility measures of subcutaneous fat. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Articles describing noninvasive fat reduction were searched using MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Scopus electronic databases on two dates (January 28, 2014 and February 16, 2016). Titles of studies and abstracts were screened for eligibility. Manual review was performed by two investigators to detect those that: (1) included original data; (2) were randomized controlled trials, or prospective or retrospective cohort studies; (3) quantified fat outcomes; and (4) enrolled at least 10 subjects. RESULTS: Of 1,057 retrieved articles, 36 met criteria. Most reported four or more measurement techniques. Circumference measurements were most commonly cited. Other objective techniques, like caliper thickness, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and three-dimensional (3D) photography, were also used. Common subjective methods were evaluation of standardized photographs by blinded raters and patient satisfaction surveys. CONCLUSIONS: For quantifying noninvasive fat reduction, all available methods had significant limitations: photographic comparisons were subjective; circumference or caliper measurements were confounded; ultrasound was operator dependent; MRI was expensive; computed models and simulations were in early development. As new technologies are developed, the need for reliable, accurate and practical measures of subcutaneous fat will increase. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:96-110, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A Systematic Review of Completeness of Reporting in Randomized Controlled Trials in Dermatologic Surgery: Adherence to CONSORT 2010 Recommendations.

BACKGROUND: Randomized controlled trials are the gold standard for comparing safety and effectiveness of surgical interventions. Reporting guidelines are available for conveying the results of such trials. OBJECTIVE: To assess adherence to standard reporting guidelines among randomized controlled trials in dermatologic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Systematic review. Data source was randomized controlled trials in the journal Dermatologic Surgery, per PubMed search, 1995 to 2014. Studies were appraised for the number of the 37 CONSORT 2010 Checklist criteria reported in each. Analysis included comparison of reporting across 4 consecutive periods. RESULTS: Three hundred sixty-three studies were eligible. The mean number of items reported per study increased monotonically from 14.5 in 1995 to 1999 to 16.2 in 2002 to 2004, 17.7 in 2005 to 2009, and 18.0 in 2010 to 2014 (p < .0001). A limitation was that study procedures may have been performed without being reported. CONCLUSION: Completeness of reporting in randomized controlled trials in dermatologic surgery has improved significantly during the preceding 2 decades. Some elements are still reported at lower rates.

"Collodion baby": A unique challenge for newborn hearing screening.

We present an infant with collodion membrane who had an obstructed external auditory canal, causing the infant to fail her newborn hearing screen (otoacoustic emissions) bilaterally. An auditory brainstem response (ABR) test was deferred due to the reported increased risk of infections in these babies. Meticulous but gentle debridement of the membranes on the external auditory canal, using a combination of otic drops (ofloxacin), emollients (baby oil/mineral oil), and suctioning, permitted the infant to ultimately pass otoacoustic emissions bilaterally and subsequent serial audiograms.

Rosacea Core Domain Set for Clinical Trials and Practice: A Consensus Statement.

Importance: Inconsistent reporting of outcomes in clinical trials of rosacea is impeding and likely preventing accurate data pooling and meta-analyses. There is a need for standardization of outcomes assessed during intervention trials of rosacea. Objective: To develop a rosacea core outcome set (COS) based on key domains that are globally relevant and applicable to all demographic groups to be used as a minimum list of outcomes for reporting by rosacea clinical trials, and when appropriate, in clinical practice. Evidence Review: A systematic literature review of rosacea clinical trials was conducted. Discrete outcomes were extracted and augmented through discussions and focus groups with key stakeholders. The initial list of 192 outcomes was refined to identify 50 unique outcomes that were rated through the Delphi process Round 1 by 88 panelists (63 physicians from 17 countries and 25 patients with rosacea in the US) on 9-point Likert scale. Based on feedback, an additional 11 outcomes were added in Round 2. Outcomes deemed to be critical for inclusion (rated 7-9 by ≥70% of both groups) were discussed in consensus meetings. The outcomes deemed to be most important for inclusion by at least 85% of the participants were incorporated into the final core domain set. Findings: The Delphi process and consensus-building meetings identified a final core set of 8 domains for rosacea clinical trials: ocular signs and symptoms; skin signs of disease; skin symptoms; overall severity; patient satisfaction; quality of life; degree of improvement; and presence and severity of treatment-related adverse events. Recommendations were also made for application in the clinical setting. Conclusions and Relevance: This core domain set for rosacea research is now available; its adoption by researchers may improve the usefulness of future trials of rosacea therapies by enabling meta-analyses and other comparisons across studies. This core domain set may also be useful in clinical practice.

How many sections are required to clear a tumor? Results from a web-based survey of margin thresholds in Mohs micrographic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) offers an unparalleled cure rate for cutaneous malignancy. Its success hinges on achieving reliably negative histologic margins. When assessing margins, Mohs surgeons generally examine multiple histologic sections per Mohs stage. In some cases, the most-peripheral section or sections are clear, but tumor is identified in deeper sections within the same tissue block. OBJECTIVE: To explore approaches to margin analysis in these scenarios. METHODS: A web-based survey was administered to members of the American College of Mohs Surgery investigating their standard practice when definitively tumor-free section(s) are examined during a Mohs stage before finding cancer in a deep section. Factors influencing the decision were explored. RESULTS: The number of clear sections required to declare margin negativity and terminate MMS (margin threshold) varied widely among respondents; 25% were comfortable with one clear section, whereas 19% would obtain an additional layer with eight clear sections. Margin thresholds depended on tumor type but were independent of surgeon experience. CONCLUSION: Although no consensus emerged, a majority of respondents would not take an additional layer with four clear sections if resecting basal cell carcinoma. Prospective outcomes data are needed to standardize management of this important oncologic issue.

Straight suture needle for full-thickness skin graft fixation on the ear.

Close opposition of full-thickness skin grafts to the recipient wound bed is felt to be critical for graft survival. This is usually accomplished by bolster dressings, basting sutures, or both. Herein, we describe a facile and rapid technique for placing quilting sutures in full-thickness grafts within the fossae of the anterior ear. In our experience, this approach promotes graft survival and produces excellent cosmetic results.

Treatment of Periorbital Vascularity, Erythema, and Hyperpigmentation.

Periorbital hyperpigmentation (POH) is a common aesthetic concern that impacts patients' emotional well-being and quality of life. POH can be difficult to manage as the etiology is often multifactorial or difficult to elucidate. An understanding of different contributing factors and ability to classify hyperpigmentation can aid in the management of POH. Classification of POH is divided into pigmented, vascular, structural, and mixed subtypes. A wide array of treatment options has been proposed belying the challenges inherent to improving POH. Modalities vary from topical therapies, chemical peels, dermal fillers, and lasers, to surgical intervention. Because POH can be multifactorial, successful management of POH will depend on elucidating the etiology and often requires a combination of therapies.

Performing research and publishing in the peer-reviewed medical literature should be a requirement for completion of post-graduate residency and fellowship training.

Graduate medical education (GME) in the USA is an increasingly organized and formalized process overseen by regulatory bodies, notably the American Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), and associated specialty-specific Residency Review Committees (RRCs) to ensure that trainees, including residents and fellows, receive comprehensive, high-quality didactic education, clinical training, and research experience. Among the required elements of GME, performance of independent research is emphasized less than clinical and didactic education. In general, there are no ACGME requirements that trainees successfully publish papers in the peer reviewed. Indeed, unlike as is the case with procedure case logs, there are no minimum thresholds for specific numbers of abstracts presented, posters accepted, or manuscripts published. As such, while residencies and fellowships in certain disciplines or institutions may require considerable, documented research activity, others may not. Since future attending physicians are expected to be experts in their fields, able to digest relevant medical knowledge, critically evaluate emerging findings in the literature, and lead multi-professional healthcare teams, they must have a level of facility with the medical literature than can only be acquired by having performed research and having published papers themselves. Publishing one paper during training is easily attainable for all trainees. Having this be an ACGME requirement will necessitate protected time, research methods education, and mentorship for trainees. This can be accomplished without disrupting the other elements of resident and fellow training. From an ACGME perspective, required scholarly activity will support the competencies of practice-based learning and improvement as well as professionalism. In lay terms, benefits will be a higher level of education and attainment for trainees, and a potentially higher standard of health care for our patients.

Sweet syndrome associated with hydralazine-induced lupus erythematosus.

Sweet syndrome (SS) is a distinctive but poorly understood clinical syndrome, which likely represents an immunologic reaction pattern to a wide range of underlying or preceding conditions, including viral illnesses, inflammatory bowel disease, and malignancies. We report the case of a patient who presented with an acute eruption that was clinically and histologically consistent with SS. The patient also met diagnostic criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus with serositis, stomatitis, positive antinuclear antibody (ANA), and positive anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies. Additionally, positive antihistone antibodies and exposure to hydralazine supported the specific diagnosis of drug-induced lupus erythematosus, and we concluded that his SS was a manifestation of hydralazine-induced lupus. We also briefly review the precedence for this unusual dual diagnosis in the literature.

Treatment of Periorbital Vascularity, Erythema, and Hyperpigmentation.

Periorbital hyperpigmentation (POH) is a common aesthetic concern that impacts patients' emotional well-being and quality of life. POH can be difficult to manage as the etiology is often multifactorial or difficult to elucidate. An understanding of different contributing factors and ability to classify hyperpigmentation can aid in the management of POH. Classification of POH is divided into pigmented, vascular, structural, and mixed subtypes. A wide array of treatment options has been proposed belying the challenges inherent to improving POH. Modalities vary from topical therapies, chemical peels, dermal fillers, and lasers, to surgical intervention. Because POH can be multifactorial, successful management of POH will depend on elucidating the etiology and often requires a combination of therapies.

Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation: protocol for development of a core outcome set for clinical trials.

Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a disorder of pigmentation that is a common presenting complaint, especially in individuals with skin of color. It is associated with a significant psychological burden and decrement of quality of life. Management options include photoprotection, topical lightening agents, and lasers and energy devices. Clinical trials of melasma report a diversity of outcomes, which often impedes synthesis of results across trials, or comparison of results associated with different treatment modalities. This protocol describes the design of a consensus process that would culminate in the development of a core set of outcomes to be assessed in all clinical trials for PIH. A long list of candidate outcomes will be developed through a systematic review, combined with semi-structured interviews with various stakeholders, including patients, scientists, regulators, and health care professionals. This long list of outcomes will be reviewed and refined by a steering committee. Then two rounds of Delphi surveys of patient and physician groups, respectively, will be used to cull the list, with provisional inclusion of those items deemed "important" by 70% of the respondents. A consensus meeting will be held virtually or in person to vote on these items, and also to consider any changes necessary before acceptance of a final core outcome set. Development of a core outcome set for PIH is expected to improve and standardize outcomes reporting in current and future clinical trials. This, in turn, may facilitate aggregation of research results and permit comparison of outcomes across multiple studies.

Protocol for development of a core outcome set for clinical trials in melasma.

INTRODUCTION: Melasma is a pigmentation disorder of the skin. Characterised by brown to gray-brown patches on the face and neck, the condition predominantly affects women and has been associated with pregnancy, hormonal variation and sun exposure. Melasma can be disfiguring and anxiety-provoking, and quality of life is often adversely impacted. Management includes sun protection, laser and energy device therapy, topical and oral skin-bleaching agents and chemical peels. While clinical trials of melasma exist, there is a lack of consistency in reported outcomes, which has been a barrier to the aggregation of data in systematic reviews and meta-analyses. This protocol describes a planned process for development of a minimum set of outcomes (ie, 'core outcome set') that should be measured in all clinical trials of melasma. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: An exhaustive list of potential outcomes will be extracted from four sources: (1) systematic literature review of outcomes in clinical trials; (2) semistructured patient interviews; (3) brochures, pamphlets, clinical trial registries, and other published and unpublished sources and documentation; and (4) interviews with non-patient, non-physician stakeholders, including federal regulators, industry scientists and non-physician providers. An international two-round Delphi process will then be performed to identify the outcomes deemed most important to patients and physicians. Subsequently, a consensus meeting will be convened to review and process the results, and to vote on a final set of core outcomes. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval was provided by the Northwestern University Institutional Review Board (protocol ID: STU00201637). This study is registered with both the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials and Cochrane Skin-Core Outcome Set Initiative initiatives, and this protocol is in accordance with the guidelines for protocol development of both groups. All findings from the study described in this protocol will be disseminated to all stakeholders involved in the development process and will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020214189.