How to use the Harmonising Outcome Measures for Eczema Core Outcome Set for atopic dermatitis trials: a users' guide.

BACKGROUND: The Harmonising Outcome Measures for Eczema (HOME) initiative has agreed upon the Core Outcome Set (COS) for use in atopic dermatitis (AD) clinical trials, but additional guidance is needed to maximize its uptake. OBJECTIVES: To provide answers to some of the commonly asked questions about using the HOME COS; to provide data to help with the interpretation of trial results; and to support sample size calculations for future trials. METHODS AND RESULTS: We provide practical guidance on the use of the HOME COS for investigators planning clinical trials in patients with AD. It answers some of the common questions about using the HOME COS, how to access the outcome measurement instruments, what training/resources are needed to use them appropriately and clarifies when the COS is applicable. We also provide exemplar data to inform sample size calculations for eczema trials and encourage standardized data collection and reporting of the COS. CONCLUSIONS: By encouraging adoption of the COS and facilitating consistent reporting of outcome data, it is hoped that the results of eczema trials will be more comprehensive and readily combined in meta-analyses and that patient care will subsequently be improved.

A Practical Guide to Using Oral JAK Inhibitors for Atopic Dermatitis from the International Eczema Council.

BACKGROUND: Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKinibs) have the potential to dramatically alter the landscape of atopic dermatitis (AD) management due to their promising efficacy results from phase 3 trials and rapid onset of action. However, JAKinibs are not without risk, and their use is not appropriate for all AD patients, making this a medication class that dermatologists should understand and consider when treating patients with moderate-to-severe AD. OBJECTIVE: This consensus expert opinion statement from the International Eczema Council (IEC) provides a pragmatic approach to prescribing JAKinibs, including choosing appropriate patients, dosing, clinical and lab monitoring, as well as long-term use. METHODS: An international cohort of authors from the IEC with expertise in JAKinibs selected topics of interest and were formed into authorship groups covering 10 subsections. The groups performed topic-specific literature reviews, consulted up-to-date adverse event (AE) data, referred to product labels and provided analysis and expert opinion. The manuscript guidance and recommendations were reviewed by all authors as well as the IEC Research Committee. RESULTS: We recommend JAKinibs be considered for patients with moderate to severe AD seeking the benefits of rapid reduction in disease burden and itch, oral administration, and the potential for flexible dosing. Baseline risk factors should be assessed prior to prescribing JAKinibs, including increasing age, venous thromboembolisms, malignancy, cardiovascular health, kidney/liver function, pregnancy and lactation, and immunocompetence. Patients being considered for JAKinib therapy should be current on vaccinations and we provide a generalized framework for laboratory monitoring, though clinicians should consult individual product labels for recommendations as there are variations among the JAKinib class. Patients who achieve disease control should be maintained on the lowest possible dose, as many of the observed AEs occurred in a dose-dependent manner. Future studies are needed in AD patients to assess the durability and safety of continuous long-term use of JAKinibs, combination medication regimens, and the effects of flexible, episodic treatment over time. CONCLUSIONS: The decision to initiate a JAKinib should be shared among patient and provider, accounting for AD severity and personal risk/benefit assessment, including consideration of baseline health risk factors, monitoring requirements and treatment costs.

Treat-to-target in dermatology: A scoping review and International Eczema Council survey on the approach in atopic dermatitis.

Treat-to-target (T2T) is a pragmatic therapeutic strategy being gradually introduced into dermatology after adoption in several other clinical areas. Atopic dermatitis (AD), one of the most common inflammatory skin diseases, may also benefit from this structured and practical therapeutic approach. We aimed to evaluate existing data regarding the T2T approach in dermatology, with a specific focus on AD, as well as the views of International Eczema Council (IEC) members on the potential application of a T2T approach to AD management. To do so, we systematically searched for peer-reviewed publications on the T2T approach for any skin disease in the PubMed and Scopus databases up to February 2022 and conducted a survey among IEC members regarding various components to potentially include in a T2T approach in AD. We identified 21 relevant T2T-related reports in dermatology, of which 14 were related to psoriasis, five to AD, one for juvenile dermatomyositis and one for urticaria. In the IEC member survey, respondents proposed treatable traits (with itch, disease severity and sleep problems getting the highest scores), relevant comorbidities (with asthma being selected most commonly, followed by anxiety and depression in adults), recommended specialists that should define the approach in AD (dermatologists, allergists and primary care physicians were most commonly selected in adults), and applicable assessment tools (both physician- and patient-reported), in both adult and paediatric patients, for potential future utilization of the T2T approach in AD. In conclusion, while the T2T approach may become a useful tool to simplify therapeutic goals and AD management, its foundation in AD is only starting to build. A multidisciplinary approach, including a wide range of stakeholders, including patients, is needed to further define the essential components needed to utilize T2T in AD.

The Harmonising Outcome Measures for Eczema (HOME) implementation roadmap.

BACKGROUND: Core outcome sets (COS) are consensus-driven sets of minimum outcomes that should be measured and reported in all clinical trials. COS aim to reduce heterogeneity in outcome measurement and reporting, and selective outcome reporting. Implementing COS into clinical trials is challenging. Guidance to improve COS uptake in dermatology is lacking. OBJECTIVES: To develop a structured practical guide to COS implementation. METHODS: Members of the Harmonising Outcome Measurement for Eczema (HOME) executive committee developed an expert opinion-based roadmap founded on a combination of a review of the COS implementation literature, the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) initiative resources, input from HOME members and experience in COS development and clinical trials. RESULTS: The data review and input from HOME members was synthesized into themes, which guided roadmap development: (a) barriers and facilitators to COS uptake based on stakeholder awareness/engagement and COS features; and (b) key implementation science principles (assessment-driven, data-centred, priority-based and context-sensitive). The HOME implementation roadmap follows three stages. Firstly, the COS uptake scope and goals need to be defined. Secondly, during COS development, preparation for future implementation is supported by establishing the COS as a credible evidence-informed consensus by applying robust COS development methodology, engaging multiple stakeholders, fostering sustained and global engagement, emphasizing COS ease of use and universal applicability, and providing recommendations on COS use. Thirdly, incorporating completed COS into primary (trials) and secondary (reviews) research is an iterative process starting with mapping COS uptake and stakeholders' attitudes, followed by designing and carrying out targeted implementation projects. Main themes for implementation projects identified at HOME are stakeholder awareness/engagement; universal applicability for different populations; and improving ease-of-use by reducing administrative and study burden. Formal implementation frameworks can be used to identify implementation barriers/facilitators and to design implementation strategies. The effect of these strategies on uptake should be evaluated and implementation plans adjusted accordingly. CONCLUSIONS: COS can improve the quality and applicability of research and, so, clinical practice but can only succeed if used and reported consistently. The HOME implementation roadmap is an extension of the original HOME roadmap for COS development and provides a pragmatic framework to develop COS implementation strategies.

The HOME Core outcome set for clinical trials of atopic dermatitis.

Core outcome sets are critically important outcomes that should be measured in clinical trials. Their absence in atopic dermatitis is a form of research waste and impedes combining evidence to inform patient care. Here, we articulate the rationale for core outcome sets in atopic dermatitis and review the work of the international Harmonising Outcome Measures for Eczema group from its inception in Munich, 2010. We describe core domain determination (what should be measured), to instrument selection (how domains should be measured), culminating in the complete core outcome measurement set in Tokyo, 2019. Using a "road map," Harmonising Outcome Measures for Eczema includes diverse research methods including Delphi and nominal group techniques informed by systematic reviews of properties of candidate instruments. The 4 domains and recommended instruments for including in all clinical trials of atopic dermatitis are patient symptoms, measured by Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure and peak Numerical Rating Scale 11 for itch intensity over 24 hours, clinical signs measured using the Eczema Area and Severity Index, quality of life measured by the Dermatology Life Quality Index series for adults, children, and infants, and long-term control measured by either Recap of atopic eczema or Atopic Dermatitis Control Tool.

Early rituximab treatment is associated with increased and sustained remission in pemphigus patients: A retrospective cohort of 99 patients.

Rituximab is the front-line therapy for pemphigus disease. Although very effective, relapse rates are high. We assessed factors associated with disease remission and early relapse following the first rituximab cycle. A single center, retrospective cohort study of patients with pemphigus treated with rituximab (1000 mg 0, 14 days) at the Autoimmune Bullous Disease Clinic of the Division of Dermatology in Rabin Medical Center, Israel, between January 1, 1995 and March 31, 2020. The cohort included 99 patients with a median follow-up of 37 months (range 12-155). After a single rituximab cycle, 74 patients (75%) achieved remission. Increased time to rituximab was associated with decreased remission rates (OR, 0.98 per month; 95% CI, 0.97-0.998). Of patients in remission with sufficient follow-up, 15/69 (22%) experienced an early relapse (≤12 months from remission). Prolonged time to rituximab and increased baseline disease severity, were associated with early relapse (OR, 1.02 per month; 95% CI, 1.001-1.04; OR, 1.04 per point; 95% CI, 1.01-1.08, accordingly). Initiating rituximab early following diagnosis is recommended. Maintenance rituximab infusions, especially for patients with severe baseline disease, should be further investigated.

Efficacy and safety of a thermal fractional skin rejuvenation system (Tixel) for the treatment of facial and/or scalp actinic keratoses.

Actinic keratoses are common cutaneous lesions with a potential to progress to invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Therefore, treatment is crucial. The Tixel® is a noninvasive thermomechanical device designed to transfer heat to the upper dermis in a controlled manner according to a predetermined setting. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a thermomechanical fractional skin resurfacing technology for the treatment of facial and scalp actinic keratoses. A prospective, open-label, before-after study was conducted in a tertiary medical centre from May 2020 to April 2021. Patients presenting with facial/scalp actinic keratoses of mild-to-moderate thickness underwent 2 or 3 Tixel treatments (depending on clinical improvement), 3-4 weeks apart. The reduction in lesion count and overall improvement in appearance were assessed by clinical examination and digital photography. Findings were compared between baseline and follow-up at 3 months after the last treatment session. Patient satisfaction was evaluated by questionnaire, and adverse effects were documented. A total of 20 patients participated in the study. All completed 2-3 treatments and follow-up visits. Assessment of digital photographs was performed by 2 assessors blinded to the timepoint at which each photo was taken (before or after treatment). The average number of lesions at baseline was 9.8 (± 4.8) and the mean reduction in lesion count was 7.9 (± 4.4) (80.6%). Complete clearance was observed in 31.6% of patients. No adverse effects were noted during treatment and follow-up. Most patients reported being "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with the treatment results (85%) and experience (95%). Treating facial and scalp actinic keratoses with the Tixel device was found to be effective and safe.

Hidradenitis suppurativa and atopic dermatitis: A 2-way association.

BACKGROUND: The coexistence of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and atopic dermatitis (AD) had been reported but, to our knowledge, was not investigated in controlled studies. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the bidirectional association between HS and AD. METHODS: A population-based retrospective cohort study was conducted to compare the incidence rate of AD among patients with HS (n = 6779) and age-, sex-, and ethnicity-matched control individuals (n = 33,260). Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and adjusted odds ratios were estimated. RESULTS: The incidence of AD was 2.51 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.07-3.02) and 1.24 (95% CI, 1.10-1.40) per 1000 person-years among patients with HS and control individuals, respectively. Patients with HS were twice as likely to develop AD as control individuals (HR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.64-2.58). Furthermore, the prevalence of pre-existing AD was higher in patients with HS than in control individuals (2.5% vs 1.8%, respectively; P < .001). A history of AD was associated with a 40% increase in the odds of HS (odds ratio, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.19-1.67). Relative to patients with isolated HS, those with a dual diagnosis of HS and AD were younger and had a female predominance, lower prevalence of smoking, and lower body mass index. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective data collection. CONCLUSIONS: A bidirectional association between HS and AD was observed. Dermatologists should be aware of this association.

Dermoscopic features of basal cell carcinoma and its subtypes: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Multiple studies have reported on dermoscopic structures in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and its subtypes, with varying results. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the prevalence of dermoscopic structures in BCC and its subtypes. METHODS: Databases and reference lists were searched for relevant trials according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies were assessed for the relative proportion of BCC dermoscopic features. Random-effects models were used to estimate summary effect sizes. RESULTS: Included were 31 studies consisting of 5950 BCCs. The most common dermoscopic features seen in BCC were arborizing vessels (59%), shiny white structures (49%), and large blue-grey ovoid nests (34%). Arborizing vessels, ulceration, and blue-grey ovoid nests and globules were most common in nodular BCC; short-fine telangiectasia, multiple small erosions, and leaf-like, spoke wheel and concentric structures in superficial BCC; porcelain white areas and arborizing vessels in morpheaform BCC; and arborizing vessels and ulceration in infiltrative BCC. LIMITATIONS: Studies had significant heterogeneity. Studies reporting BCC histopathologic subtypes did not provide clinical data on pigmentation of lesions. CONCLUSION: In addition to arborizing vessels, shiny white structures are a common feature of BCC. A constellation of dermoscopic features may aid in differentiating between BCC histopathologic subtypes.

The trichoscopic features of hair shaft anomalies induced by epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors: A case series.

BACKGROUND: Although the clinical hair changes that occur under treatment with epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRIs) are documented, their trichoscopic features have not been reported. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the trichoscopic findings in scalp and facial hair, induced by EGFRI treatment. METHODS: Patients treated with EGFRIs at a tertiary oncodermatology clinic in 2015 through 2017 were evaluated for macroscopic and trichoscopic changes. RESULTS: The cohort included 23 patients (13 women; median age, 68 years) treated with EGFRIs for an average of 13 months (range, 2-40 months). Macroscopically, 18 patients (78%) had dry, lusterless, coarse, kinky, brittle scalp hair, and 17 (74%) had trichomegaly of the eyebrows/eyelashes. Trichoscopic findings were of hair shaft anomalies including pili torti, affecting scalp hair in 20 patients (87%), eyebrows in 6 (26%), and eyelashes in 8 (50%), and asymmetric hyperpigmented fusiform widening of hair scalp in 3 (13%), eyebrows in 10 (43%), and eyelashes in 4 (25%). Dermoscopic findings of the peri- and interfollicular skin were scale, whitish erythematous structureless areas, and branching vessels. LIMITATIONS: Lack of trichoscopic-histologic correlation, lack of baseline examination. CONCLUSION: The trichoscopic correlates of the macroscopic hair changes under EFGRI treatment include pili torti, and asymmetric hyperpigmented fusiform widening, with dermoscopic cutaneous manifestations of scale, whitish erythematous structureless areas, and branching vessels.

Treatment of Pemphigus with Rituximab: Real-Life Experience in a Cohort of 117 Patients in Israel.

BACKGROUND: A combined regimen of rituximab with corticosteroids for the treatment of pemphigus was effective in a prospective randomized controlled trial. OBJECTIVE: To assess real-life response to rituximab in patients with pemphigus. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of patients with pemphigus treated with ≥1 rituximab cycles (1,000 mg on days 0 and 14). The primary outcome was remission rate after 1 cycle. For efficacy analyses, a minimal 6-month follow-up was required. Adverse events were assessed in all patients. RESULTS: The cohort included 117 patients for safety analysis, 108 for efficacy analysis (median follow-up of 33 months). All but one received concomitant corticosteroids, a third also received adjuvants. Overall, 80/108 patients (74%) achieved remission after the first rituximab cycle at a median of 5.5 months. Relapses occurred in 39 patients (49%) at a median of 18 months. Repeating treatment in relapsed patients increased remission rates to 75 and 88% after the second and third cycles, respectively. Adverse events were similar to those of previous publications. Two elderly patients died of infections attributable to rituximab combined with high-dose corticosteroids. CONCLUSION: In a large real-life long-term cohort, rituximab with corticosteroids ± adjuvants induced remission in most patients with pemphigus, with relatively favorable safety. Repeating treatment following relapse or remission failure was beneficial.

Treatment of Pemphigus Vulgaris and Foliaceus with Adjuvant Rituximab Compared to Immunosuppression Alone: Real-Life Experience.

INTRODUCTION: In a randomized prospective trial, adjuvant rituximab was more efficacious than corticosteroids alone in the treatment of pemphigus; however, real-life data are limited. Rituximab treatment for pemphigus has only recently been introduced to the Israeli health basket. Previously, patients received rituximab if they paid out of pocket or through private insurance, separating patients into 2 treatment groups, mostly based on economic capability. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of the 12-month clinical response of pemphigus vulgaris/foliaceus patients. We compared patients after a single cycle (1,000 mg on days 0 and 15 or weekly 375 mg/m2 for 4 weeks) of adjuvant rituximab with systemic corticosteroids ± steroid-sparing agents, to patients who were prescribed rituximab, could not obtain it, and received systemic corticosteroids ± steroid-sparing agents. RESULTS: Forty-five patients were included (adjuvant rituximab, n = 29; immunosuppression alone, n = 16). At baseline, rituximab patients had a higher mean pemphigus disease area index (PDAI) (p = 0.07) and higher mean daily dosages of prednisone (1.51 vs. 1.16 mg/kg, p = 0.39). All patients but 1 in the rituximab group continued systemic steroids, and 31% in the rituximab group versus 50% in the immunosuppression-alone group received systemic adjuvants. At 12 months, partial or complete remission rates (on or off maximum 40 mg/day prednisone equivalent) were nonsignificantly higher in the rituximab group (62 vs. 50%, p = 0.53); however, patients on rituximab showed faster remissions (3.4 ± 1.9 vs. 5.9 ± 3.6 months; p = 0.03) with a trend for a greater PDAI reduction (p = 0.051). Adverse events were comparable. CONCLUSIONS: In this real-life study, a single cycle of rituximab achieved more remissions and sooner compared to conventional immunosuppression, but the differences were not significant, probably due to a small sample size and severe baseline disease in the rituximab group. Future real-life studies on larger groups are needed.

Prophylactic Topical Treatment for EGFR Inhibitor-Induced Papulopustular Rash: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor (EGFRI)-induced papulopustular rash is 60-85%. OBJECTIVE: To investigate prophylactic topical treatment for EGFRI-induced rash. METHODS: A single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Adult cancer patients initiating treatment with EGFRIs were randomized to receive facial topical treatment with chloramphenicol 3% + prednisolone 0.5% (CHL-PRED) ointment, chloramphenicol 3% (CHL) ointment, or aqua cream (AQUA). The primary end points were the incidence of ≥grade 3 rash using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), on days 14 and 30. A subanalysis was conducted for incidence of a protocol-specified significant rash, defined as ≥10 facial papulopustular lesions. RESULTS: The per-protocol analysis on day 14 included 69 patients, who received CHL-PRED (21), CHL (23), or AQUA (25). The incidence of CTCAE ≥grade 3 rash was not statistically significant between arms; however, the incidence of the protocol-specified significant rash was: CHL-PRED 14%, CHL 39%, and AQUA 48% (p = 0.03, CHL-PRED vs. AQUA). At 30 days, the CTCAE ≥grade 3 incidence was similar, but the incidences of protocol-specified significant rash were 6%, 16%, and 43% (p = 0.03, CHL-PRED vs. AQUA). No significant differences were found between CHL and CHL-PRED and between CHL and AQUA. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic topical CHL-PRED was efficacious when compared to AQUA, in the treatment of EGFRI-induced facial papulopustular rash.

Isolated solar angioedema: A systematic review of the literature.

Solar urticaria is a well-recognized photodermatosis, sometimes accompanied by angioedema. However, isolated solar angioedema (ISA) is a rare and unrecognized entity. The purpose of our work was to systematically review the available data on ISA. Therefore, a systematic review of studies evaluating ISA was performed. Additionally, a case of a 21-years-old patient from our photodermatosis service is presented. The search yielded 421 publications, with 3 eligible for review. Together with our case, 5 cases were included overall. All patients were female. Four out of 5 patients first experienced ISA at childhood or early adulthood (age range 6-22 years). UVA photoprovocation was positive in the 3 out of the 4 patients who were tested. Improvement was noted following NB-UVB hardening (2 out of 5 patients) or a short course of oral prednisone (3 out of 5 patients) combined with regular sunscreen application. To conclude, ISA is an extremely rare entity, although it may be underdiagnosed due to lack of awareness. The clinician must consider ISA in the differential diagnosis of angioedema since it can have a detrimental effect on quality of life. Besides sun avoidance, there is no consensus regarding treatment.

Measuring atopic eczema symptoms in clinical practice: The first consensus statement from the Harmonising Outcome Measures for Eczema in clinical practice initiative.

BACKGROUND: Measuring patient-centered outcomes in clinical practice is valuable for monitoring patients and advancing real-world research. A new initiative from the Harmonising Outcome Measures for Eczema (HOME) group aims to recommend what might be recorded for atopic eczema patients in routine clinical care. OBJECTIVES: Prioritize outcome domains to measure atopic eczema in clinical practice and select valid and practical outcome measurement instruments for the highest-priority domain. METHODS: An online survey of HOME members identified and ranked 21 possible health domains. Suitable instruments were then selected for the top-prioritized domain at the HOME VI meeting, using established consensus processes informed by systematic reviews of instrument quality. RESULTS: Patient-reported symptoms was the top-prioritized domain. In accordance with psychometric properties and feasibility, there was consensus that the recommended instruments to measure atopic eczema symptoms in clinical practice are the POEM, the PO-SCORAD index, or both. The numeric rating scale for itch received support pending definition and validation in atopic eczema. CONCLUSION: Following the first step of the HOME Clinical Practice initiative, we endorse using the POEM, the PO-SCORAD index, or both for measuring atopic eczema symptoms in clinical practice. Additional high-priority domains for clinical practice will be assessed at subsequent HOME meetings.

Self-administered daylight-activated photodynamic therapy for the treatment of hand eczema: A prospective proof-of-concept study.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT), traditionally used in patients with nonmelanoma skin cancer, has been found to be effective for various inflammatory skin conditions. Daylight-activated PDT (DL-PDT), in which the sun serves as the light source, is substantially less painful than conventional PDT. This study aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of DL-PDT in a series of patients with chronic hand eczema (CHE). A proof-of-concept prospective design was used. Eight patients diagnosed with CHE at a tertiary dermatology clinic underwent DL-PDT. The first treatment was administered at the clinic and subsequent treatments (up to four total) were self-administered at home at 2-week intervals. Outcome was evaluated with the Investigator Global Assessment (IGA; score 0-4), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI; score 0-24), and blinded review of clinical photographs (graded on a quartile scale by percent improvement). There were six male and two female patients of mean age 35 years. All underwent at least three treatments. The IGA score improved by 2.5 points at 1 month, 2.7 at 3 months, and 2.2 at 6 months post-treatment, and the DLQI score improved by 7.9, 6.6, and 6.1 points, respectively. Clinical photograph grades improved by 2.9 points at 3 months. Side effects were mild and transient. All patients had some degree of recurrence after 6 months of treatment. The self-administered DL-PDT is easy to perform, moderately effective, and safe to use in patients with CHE. Repeated treatments might be required to maintain remission.

The diagnostic accuracy of dermoscopy for basal cell carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Dermoscopy is a noninvasive technique for the diagnosis of skin lesions. Its accuracy for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) has not been systematically studied. OBJECTIVE: We sought to systematically investigate the accuracy of dermoscopy for the diagnosis of BCC compared with examination with the naked eye. METHODS: A systematic review of studies reporting the accuracy of naked eye examination and dermoscopy for the diagnosis of BCC was conducted. A meta-analysis for sensitivity and specificity was performed using a bivariate mixed-effects logistic regression modeling framework. RESULTS: Seventeen studies were identified. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of dermoscopy for the diagnosis of BCC were 91.2% and 95%, respectively. In studies comparing test performance, adding dermoscopy to naked eye examination improved sensitivity from 66.9% to 85% (P = .0001) and specificity from 97.2% to 98.2% (P = .006). The sensitivity and specificity of dermoscopy were higher for pigmented than nonpigmented BCC. Sensitivity increased when dermoscopy was performed by experts and when the diagnosis was based on in-person dermoscopy as opposed to dermoscopic photographs. LIMITATIONS: Significant heterogeneity among studies with a medium-to-high risk of bias. CONCLUSION: Dermoscopy is a sensitive and specific add-on tool for the diagnosis of BCC. It is especially valuable for pigmented BCC.

Cutaneous presentations of omphalomesenteric duct remnant: A systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Disorders of the umbilicus are commonly seen in infancy, including hernias, infections, anomalies, granulomas, and malignancies. Meticulous inspection of the umbilicus at birth might reveal a persisting embryonic remnant, such as an omphalomesenteric duct (OMD), manifested by a variety of cutaneous signs, such as an umbilical mass, granulation tissue, or discharge. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the available data regarding the presence and management of OMD remnant with cutaneous involvement to suggest a practical approach for diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature evaluating OMD anomalies presenting with cutaneous symptoms was performed. In addition, an index case of an 11-month-old patient is presented. RESULTS: We included 59 publications reporting 536 cases; 97% of the patients whose age was noted were infants (mean age 11 months). In 7.5% of the cases, diagnosis was established only after treatment failure. In 6.4% of patients, nonlethal complications were reported, and in 10.3%, the outcome was death, partly due to delayed diagnosis or mismanagement. LIMITATIONS: Limited quality of the collected data, reporting bias. CONCLUSION: OMD is relatively rare; however, the clinician must consider this remnant while examining patients with umbilical abnormalities because mismanagement could cause severe morbidity and mortality.

Acne and obesity: A nationwide study of 600,404 adolescents.

BACKGROUND: The association between body mass index (BMI) and acne is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between BMI and acne in youths. METHODS: A nationwide, population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in 2002-2015 by using medical data on 600,404 youths during compulsory military service. BMI was measured at age 17 years. Acne was diagnosed by dermatologists. Unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of acne in relation to BMI (stratified into 8 groups) were calculated, with the low-normal group (18.5≤ BMI ≤21.99 kg/m2) serving as the reference. RESULTS: The study included 299,163 males (49.9%) and 301,241 females (50.1%) with a mean age of 18.9 years (standard deviation, 0.6) and 18.7 years (standard deviation, 0.5), respectively, at recruitment. Acne was diagnosed in 55,842 males (18.7%) and 48,969 females (16.3%). The proportion of participants with acne decreased gradually from the underweight to the severely obese group (males, from 19.9% to 13.9%; females, from 16.9% to 11.3%). The findings on multivariable analysis were similar to the unadjusted analysis results, showing the lowest odds of acne in severely obese participants (aOR for males, 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.42-0.64; aOR for females, 0.5; 95% confidence interval, 0.37-0.62). The findings persisted in the sensitivity analyses. LIMITATIONS: Information was lacking on potential confounders and acne severity. CONCLUSION: In youths, overweight and obesity are inversely associated with acne in a dose-dependent manner.