Implementing patient safety and quality improvement in dermatology. Part 1: Patient safety science.

Patient safety (PS) and quality improvement (QI) have gained momentum over the last decade and are becoming more integrated into medical training, physician reimbursement, maintenance of certification, and practice improvement initiatives. While PS and QI are often lumped together, they differ in that PS is focused on preventing adverse events while QI is focused on continuous improvements to improve outcomes. The pillars of health care as defined by the 1999 Institute of Medicine report "To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System" are safety, timeliness, effectiveness, efficiency, equity, and patient-centered care. Implementing a safety culture is dependent on all levels of the health care system. Part 1 of this CME will provide dermatologists with an overview of how PS fits into our current health care system and will include a focus on basic QI/PS terminology, principles, and processes. This article also outlines systems for the reporting of medical errors and sentinel events and the steps involved in a root cause analysis.

Implementing patient safety and quality improvement in dermatology. Part 2: Quality improvement science.

Quality improvement (QI) in medicine is reliant on a team-based approach and an understanding of core QI principles. Part 2 of this continuing medical education series outlines the steps of performing a QI project, from identifying QI opportunities, to carrying out successive Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles, to hard-wiring improvements into the system. QI frameworks will be explored and readers will understand how to interpret basic QI data.

Sun protection behaviors among people living with HIV.

People living with HIV (PLWH) are at increased risk for both melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers, but there is currently no data on sun protection behaviors among PLWH. We created a 28-question paper survey to collect information on patient demographics and sun protection behaviors among PLWH. We found that although 71.6% of respondents reported spending at least 30 minutes to two hours in the sun daily, only 29.7% reported consistent use of sunscreen. In addition, 41.9% rarely or never received sunscreen counseling by their healthcare providers. There is therefore a need for increased training for healthcare providers in sun protection behavior counseling for PLWH.

Serum zinc levels and efficacy of zinc treatment in acne vulgaris: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Oral and topical zinc have been used for the treatment of acne, but there is a lack of definitive evidence for their efficacy. (a) To determine if mean serum zinc levels differ between acne patients and controls and (b) to determine the efficacy of zinc preparations in the treatment of acne. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed according to recommended PRISMA [Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses] guidelines. Subjects with acne had significantly lower serum zinc levels compared to controls. Patients who were treated with zinc had a significant improvement in mean inflammatory papule count compared to those who were not treated with zinc. There was no significant difference in the incidence of side effects in zinc supplementation vs comparators. Acne patients have decreased serum zinc levels. Zinc is effective for the treatment of acne, particularly at decreasing the number of inflammatory papules, when used as monotherapy or as an adjunctive treatment.

Morphologic Forms and Classification of Dermal Mitotic Figure Density in Primary Cutaneous Melanoma: A Retrospective Study.

New American Joint Committee on Cancer eighth edition staging parameters have removed mitotic rate as a stage T1 category criterion, but it remains embedded in the synopsis of primary cutaneous melanoma (CM). A paucity of data is available, characterizing atypical mitotic forms in CM. In this study, we classify the various morphologic forms of atypical mitoses, characterize mitotic figure density, and examine the correlation between atypical mitotic figures and Breslow depth. We performed a retrospective study of 185 thick (>0.8 mm) and thin (<0.8 mm) CM specimens. Metaphase mitotic figures represented the highest percentage of total mitotic figures in cases of thick melanoma (40%) and were the second most common in thin melanoma (18%). The average Breslow depth for melanoma harboring starburst mitoses was 2.85 mm, compared with the average Breslow depth of all thick melanoma cases, 1.88 mm. The average thickness of melanoma cases containing tripolar mitoses was 2.28 mm. Breslow depth correlated with the number of atypical mitotic figures in both thick and thin melanomas (the Pearson correlation test, r = +0.18, P < 0.01). Metaphase and prophase mitoses are a common finding in both thick and thin melanomas. Although atypical mitoses were indiscriminate, starburst and tripolar (ie, multipolar) mitoses were only inherent to cases of thick melanoma (stage T3). In sum, our study reveals a parallel relationship between the density of atypical mitotic figures and Breslow depth.

Lichenoid inflammation of DSAP lesions following treatment with durvalumab, olaparib and paclitaxel: A potential diagnostic pitfall mimicking lichenoid drug eruptions associated with PDL-1 inhibitors.

Disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis (DSAP) is an uncommon skin condition that can be inherited or may occur sporadically with multiple red-brown, thin plaques in a photodistribution. The condition more often affects middle-aged women and is often recalcitrant to therapy. In rare literature reports, systemic medications can trigger exacerbation or promote inflammation in pre-existing lesions of DSAP. We present a novel case of chemotherapy-associated DSAP inflammation in a 66-year-old woman after triple therapy with durvalumab (PD-L1 inhibitor), olaparib (PARP inhibitor) and paclitaxel, showing similarities to primary lichen planus-like eruption from immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Photosensitivity and photoprotection in patients with lupus erythematosus.

Lupus erythematosus (LE) represents a spectrum of inflammatory autoimmune disease comprising varying clinical entities ranging from primary cutaneous to systemic disease. There is a clear relationship between ultraviolet irradiation (UVR) and the clinical manifestations of LE in both adult and pediatric populations. Although it has been established that UVR exacerbates pre-existing LE, it remains unclear whether UVR induces the development of the disease. This review serves to discuss effective photoprotective measures in LE and describe the pathogenic relationship of UVR and LE.

Systemic 5-fluorouracil induced lupus erythematosus: a review of the literature.

Drug-induced subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) is the most common subtype of drug-induced systemic lupus erythematosus and has been associated with more than 100 drugs. It presents weeks to months after initiation of the culprit medication. The eruption is typically in a photodistribution and it is marked by positive serology to anti-Ro (SSA) antibody. Systemic 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is a less-common culprit of drug-induced SCLE and its occurrence is likely dependent on exposure to ultraviolet light. Herein, we present a review of drug-induced lupus induced by the pyrimidine analog, 5-FU, and its prodrugs, capecitabine and uracil-tegafur. The search was carried out using the following terms: (PubMed: keywords included drug-induced lupus, 5-fluorouracil, subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, capecitabine, uracil-tegafur, discoid lupus, systemic lupus erythematosus).

Using Stratum Corneum Thickness and Configuration to Distinguish Lichenoid Dermatoses.

BACKGROUND: Clues in the stratum corneum (SC) can aide in histopathologic diagnosis of many conditions. OBJECTIVE: To determine if SC configuration and thickness could help differentiate the lichenoid dermatoses. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed. A total of 305 cases (55 lichenoid keratosis, 51 lichen planus, 7 hypertrophic lichen planus, 40 lichenoid drug eruption, 19 lichenoid graft-vs.-host disease, 14 hypertrophic lupus, 46 lichenoid actinic keratosis, 73 lentigo maligna) fulfilled the selection criteria. Cases were digitally scanned using the 40× (0.23 µm/pixel) mode of a Hamamatsu NanoZoomer 2.0-HT Slide Scanner (Hamamatsu Photonics, Hamamatsu City, Japan), allowing for the creation of virtual (digital) slides. SC thicknesses and configuration were assessed for each case. RESULTS: Mixed SC patterns were common in cases of lichenoid keratoses. Compact parakeratosis was the most common pattern in lichenoid drug eruption. Tiered parakeratosis was the most predominant pattern in cases of lichenoid graft versus host disease and lichenoid actinic keratosis. Hypertrophic lupus had the highest average SC thickness. LIMITATIONS: The sample size for cases of hypertrophic lupus and hypertrophic lichen planus was low. CONCLUSIONS: SC thickness and configuration can be utilized to help differentiate the lichenoid dermatoses.

Molecular Variations in Histologic Subtypes of Basal Cell Carcinoma.

There are many molecular variations in the histologic subtypes of basal cell carcinoma (BCC); Ki67 and Bcl-2 expression differs among them and might relate to their prognostic features. The clinically notable friability and its histologic counterpart, retraction, are dependent on cell-cell adhesion and basement membrane characteristics, which may be altered in different ways depending on the tumor morphology and phenotype. Finally, we discuss the pathogenesis of BCCs and recent molecular advances with a review of new and upcoming molecular-based therapeutics.

State restrictions on the interstate practice of dermatopathology are unconstitutional: the tissue is the issue.

The regulation of the interstate practice of dermatopathology, teledermatopathology and teledermatology is the subject of discussion in many recent articles. Laws and regulations in many states complicate such interstate practice, requiring the dermatopathologist to be licensed in the state where the biopsy is taken if the dermatopathologist practices in and is licensed in a different state. To date, this discussion has been from the viewpoint of the dermatopathologist or dermatologist. But, when seen from the patient's viewpoint, its apparent that most such state regulation may be void as an unconstitutional infringement of a patient's fundamental right of unrestricted interstate travel under the Constitution of the United States of America.

Histopathologic Distinguishing Features Between Lupus and Lichenoid Keratosis on the Face.

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of lichenoid keratosis (LK) on the face is not well characterized, and the histopathologic distinction between LK and lupus erythematosus (LE) occurring on the face is often indeterminate. The authors aimed to describe differences between LE and LK occurring on the face by hematoxylin and eosin alone. METHODS: Cases of LK and LE were obtained using computer-driven queries. Clinical correlation was obtained for each lupus case. Other diagnoses were excluded for the LK cases. Hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections were reviewed. RESULTS: Forty-five cases of LK and 30 cases of LE occurring on the face were identified. Shared features included follicular involvement, epidermal atrophy, pigment incontinence, paucity of eosinophils, and basket-weave orthokeratosis. Major differences between LK and LE, respectively, included perivascular inflammation (11%, 90%), high Civatte bodies (44%, 7%), solar elastosis (84%, 33%), a predominate pattern of cell-poor vacuolar interface dermatitis (7%, 73%), compact follicular plugging (11%, 50%), hemorrhage (22%, 70%), mucin (0%, 77%), hypergranulosis (44%, 17%), and edema (7%, 60%). A predominate pattern of band-like lichenoid interface was seen more commonly in LK as compared with LE (93% vs. 27%). CONCLUSIONS: The authors established the occurrence of LK on the face and identified features to help distinguish LK from LE. Follicular involvement, basket-weave orthokeratosis, pigment incontinence, paucity of eosinophils, and epidermal atrophy were not reliable distinguishing features. Perivascular inflammation, cell-poor vacuolar interface, compact follicular plugging, mucin, hemorrhage, and edema favored LE. High Civatte bodies, band-like lichenoid interface, and solar elastosis favored LK.

A Dermatopathologist's Guide to Troubleshooting Immunohistochemistry Part 1: Methods and Pitfalls.

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a method by which specific target antigens can be detected in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue and involves the use of monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies; visualization of specific tissue antigens is achieved through an enzymatic reaction that transforms a colorless chromogen to a colored one. These enzymes may be attached to the antibody through a protein-ligand method (eg, biotin-avidin or biotin-streptavidin) or through a secondary antibody. Epitopes that are masked by protein linkage during formalin fixation are unmasked using a retrieval system that either uses heat (heat-induced epitope retrieval) or proteolytic enzymes (proteolytic-induced epitope retrieval). Part 1 of this review will focus and elaborate on the available methodologies for IHC testing, common problems inherent to each technique, and how they can be resolved. Part 2 will focus on common problems and artifacts encountered during IHC staining, likely causes, and methods for addressing each problem.

A Dermatopathologist's Guide to Troubleshooting Immunohistochemistry--Part 2: Troubleshooting Immunohistochemical Tests in the Laboratory.

Unexpected staining patterns can arise from problems occurring in any of the steps required for IHC, some of which are discussed in part I of this CME series. Whether used to differentiate benign from malignant tumors, identify tumor subtypes, subtypes of hematopoietic malignancies, or identifying targets for therapy, the pathologist must be intimately familiar with the potential pitfalls that are inherent in the IHC methodology to troubleshoot problems in the laboratory, and more importantly, when interpreting immunohistochemical staining, to avoid pitfalls of false-positive or false-negative stains.

Basal Cell Carcinoma. Part 1: Basal Cell Carcinoma Has Come of Age.

Almost 2 centuries after its recognition, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) remains the most common cancer worldwide, with a 30% overall lifetime risk in the United States and an incidence that continues to increase annually. The increasing incidence of BCC is multifactorial and likely correlates to multiple risk factors, including exposure to both ionizing and UV radiation. Despite its relatively indolent growth, what was once referred to as a rodent ulcer or basal cell epithelioma is now identified as a full-fledged malignancy. The authors describe the societal burden of this disease and characterize its malignant potential, emphasizing associated clinical and histopathologic prognostic features.

The effectiveness of annotated (vs. non-annotated) digital pathology slides as a teaching tool during dermatology and pathology residencies.

BACKGROUND: With today's technology, paraffin-embedded, hematoxylin & eosin-stained pathology slides can be scanned to generate high quality virtual slides. Using proprietary software, digital images can also be annotated with arrows, circles and boxes to highlight certain diagnostic features. Previous studies assessing digital microscopy as a teaching tool did not involve the annotation of digital images. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of annotated digital pathology slides versus non-annotated digital pathology slides as a teaching tool during dermatology and pathology residencies. METHODS: A study group composed of 31 dermatology and pathology residents was asked to complete an online pre-quiz consisting of 20 multiple choice style questions, each associated with a static digital pathology image. After completion, participants were given access to an online tutorial composed of digitally annotated pathology slides and subsequently asked to complete a post-quiz. A control group of 12 residents completed a non-annotated version of the tutorial. RESULTS: Nearly all participants in the study group improved their quiz score, with an average improvement of 17%, versus only 3% (P = 0.005) in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: These results support the notion that annotated digital pathology slides are superior to non-annotated slides for the purpose of resident education.