A randomized controlled trial analyzing nonthermal atmospheric plasma for the treatment of verruca vulgaris in pediatric patients.

BACKGROUND: Verruca vulgaris (VV) is a common viral disease in children. Treatment options are often not well tolerated in children due to pain or adverse effect risk. Nonthermal atmospheric plasma (NTAP), which generates reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, is well tolerated and without adverse effects. OBJECTIVE: Determine efficacy of NTAP as compared to standard of care (SOC) therapy for VV in children. METHODS: This prospective open-label study randomized lesions 1:1 to receive NTAP or SOC (cryotherapy). Patients were treated at 4-week intervals for a maximum of 3 treatments. They were evaluated 4 weeks postfinal treatment for sustained response. Primary outcome was lesion response. RESULTS: One hundred twelve VV lesions in 14 patients were enrolled. Patients were mostly White (92.9%) males (71.4%) with mean age of 9.5 [±2.5] years. Responses of SOC- and NTAP-treated lesions, respectively, included no response (5.4%, 7.1%); partial response (33.9%, 41.1%); and complete resolution (60.7%, 51.8%; P value = .679). Patients were more likely to report pain in SOC lesions post-treatment (P value <.001). No significant adverse events (AEs) occurred. LIMITATIONS: Limitations include single-site, maximum of 3 treatments, and short post-treatment follow-up. CONCLUSION: NTAP is an efficacious, safe intervention for treatment of VV in children.

The management of pediatric hidradenitis suppurativa differs between dermatologic and non-dermatologic providers: A retrospective review.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: There is a paucity of pediatric hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) literature. The objective of this study was to characterize differences in management of pediatric HS patients by dermatology versus non-dermatology clinicians. METHODS: We examined a retrospective cohort of 195 pediatric patients with HS seen at our institution (3/1/19-3/1/20). Two-sample t-tests and two-proportion z-tests were performed. RESULTS: A total of 76.1% of subjects were seen by dermatology at least once, and of these, 79.1% were referred. HS diagnosis was most often made by dermatology (36.6%), followed by pediatrics (21.6%). Patients managed by dermatology were significantly more likely to have used standard of care therapies (p < .001). Of dermatology-managed patients, 19.7% were currently prescribed a biologic, as compared with zero patients not managed by dermatology. Those managed by dermatology were less likely to undergo surgical excision (13.3% vs. 25.5%, p = .04). CONCLUSIONS: Our results support increased likelihood of treatment escalation with medical management by dermatologists. Relatively high utilization of referral to dermatology exists, but with only moderate patient adherence. There is a need for improved access to dermatologic care and prospective studies to determine whether differences in specialty management translate to improved patient outcomes.

The Utility of the Paramedian Forehead Flap in Lower Eyelid Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Malignant cutaneous eyelid tumors account for approximately 10% of all cutaneous cancers. Like other cancerous skin lesions, treatment commonly involves excision with wide margins, requiring tissue reconstruction. The use of the paramedian forehead flap (PMFF) has been described for reconstruction of the medial and upper eyelid, but literature is lacking for its use in lower eyelid anterior lamella reconstruction. We present a case series of patients who underwent reconstruction of lower eyelid defects using the PMFF. CASE PRESENTATIONS: We present 2 patients who underwent reconstruction of lower eyelid defects using the PMFF surgical technique. The patients had previous history of lower lid repair with other reconstructive methods because of cancerous eyelid lesions. In addition, both received adjuvant radiation therapy, which led to development of ectropion. Postoperative signs, symptoms, and photographs were collected to monitor outcomes. MANAGEMENT AND OUTCOMES: Reconstructions were performed by the collaborative efforts of a facial plastic reconstructive surgeon and oculoplastic surgeon using a staged PMFF approach. Postoperatively, both patients had significant improvement in ophthalmologic symptoms, particularly ectropion and lagophthalmos. At their most recent follow-up visit, they were satisfied with their functional and aesthetic outcomes. CONCLUSION: The PMFF may be safely used to reconstruct defects of the lower eyelid anterior lamella. In this study, the PMFF has proven to be an excellent option for patients with complications after previous lower eyelid reconstructions or history of radiation therapy. Overall, the PMFF should be considered as part of the surgeon's reconstructive ladder when addressing lower eyelid defects.

Sociodemographic Factors Affecting Loss to Follow-Up After Newborn Hearing Screening: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Universal newborn hearing screening (NBHS) has been widely implemented as a part of early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI) programs worldwide. Even with excellent provider knowledge and screening rates, many infants do not receive definitive hearing testing or intervention after initial screening. The objective of this study was to identify sociodemographic factors contributing to loss of follow-up. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL. REVIEW METHODS: Per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, the databases were searched from the date of inception through December 28, 2021. Studies containing sociodemographic information on patients who were referred to NBHS were included. Meta-analysis of odds ratios (ORs) was performed comparing rates of sociodemographic variables between patients adherent and nonadherent to follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 169,238 infants from 19 studies were included. Low birth weight (OR 1.6 [95% confidence interval, CI 1.2-2.2, p < .001), racial minority (OR 1.4 [95% CI 1.2-1.6], p < .001), rural residence (OR 1.5 [95% CI 1.1-1.9], p = .005), lack of insurance (OR 1 [95% CI 1.4-2.5], p < .001), and public or state insurance (OR 1.7 [95% CI 1.2-4.2], p = .008) were associated with missed follow-up after referred NBHS. Associated maternal factors included low maternal education (OR 1.8 [95% CI 1.6-2.0], p < .001), young maternal age (OR 1.5 [95% CI 1.5-1.6], p < .001), unmarried maternal status (OR 1.5 [95% CI 1.1-1.9], p = .003), and current or former maternal smoking status (OR 1.8 [95% CI 1.4-2.2], p < .001). CONCLUSION: Both infant and maternal sociodemographic factors influence follow-up compliance after referred NBHS. Focused efforts should be made by medical providers and policymakers to address these factors to ensure appropriate newborn hearing care and interventions are achieved.

Comparison of Patient and Provider Practices between Bone Marrow and Solid Organ Transplantation Programs for Patient Education on Increased Risk of Skin Cancer.

Patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy following transplantation are at risk for skin cancer owing to dampened tumor surveillance. As long-term immunotherapy is necessary to prevent graft rejection, transplantation providers and recipients are expected to perform regular surveillance for the development of suspicious lesions, and recipients are encouraged to practice preventative sun safe behaviors. No consensus exists regarding the timing of full body skin exams, and despite the well-established risk, patient education is not always prioritized. We investigated whether differences exist between bone marrow transplant (BMT) and organ transplant (OT) recipients and their providers regarding prevention and screening. We distributed surveys to adult and pediatric BMT and OT recipients, as well as their providers, at a single academic institution. Results were evaluated using the chi-square test. The survey results show that most BMT recipients (69%) and OT recipients (77%) were aware of their increased risk for skin cancer, but despite this knowledge, only 13% of patients overall reported using sunscreen, 29% reported reapplying sunscreen, and 48% reported wearing sun protective clothing. Most OT recipients (63%) reported never having a total body skin exam, whereas only 34% BMT recipients reported having a total body skin exam every 6 months (P = .006). BMT providers recommended a total body skin exam every 6 or 12 months (44.4% each), and OT providers recommended a total body skin exam every 12 months (58.3%). Only 11.1% of BMT providers and 8.3% of OT providers reported performing a total body skin exam at each visit. Despite results indicating widespread patient knowledge of skin cancer risk, most patients do not practice adequate prevention. Inclusion of a transplantation dermatologist in the care team or use of risk stratification tools by providers may help streamline timely referrals to Dermatology.

Vascular Anomalies: Other Vascular Tumors.

Vascular tumors are classified into three categories by the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA): benign, locally aggressive/borderline, and malignant. Many of these tumors are rare, cutaneous in nature, and present in childhood. The characterization and delineation of these distinct vascular tumors is an evolving area of clinical research. The diagnosis of these lesions relies on history and clinical presentation, location, histologic appearance, immunohistochemistry, and more recently, associated genetic mutations. This article provides a brief, yet comprehensive overview of all cutaneous vascular tumors currently recognized by the ISSVA, including presentation, diagnosis, and treatment.