Home- vs clinic-based daylight photodynamic therapy with 5-aminolevulinic acid nanoemulsion (BF-200 ALA) for actinic keratosis: A randomized, single-blind, prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Daylight photodynamic therapy (DL-PDT) has become one of the most effective treatments for the resolution of actinic keratosis (AK) of Olsen grade 1 and 2. Generally, PDT it is carried out in a clinic setting, which involves the patient's and their caregivers commuting to the hospital as well as a significant use of resources to carry it out within the clinic setting. OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy and safety of a home-based treatment of AK with DL-PDT with the BF-200 ALA gel compared to a clinic-based setting. METHODS: The study was performed as a randomized, single-center, non-inferiority clinical trial with two parallel groups. 9 patients received one clinic-based DL-PDT (group 1) and 11 patients received one session of home-based DL-PDT (group 2). The primary endpoints were the mean AK clearance per patient and the total AK lesion clearance rate 12 weeks after treatment. The secondary endpoints were the number of remaining AKs and new AKs appearing in the treatment field 12 weeks after one PDT session. The pain during and 24 h after PDT as well as the local skin reactions were also assessed. RESULTS: The overall reduction of AK lesions per patient was similar in both groups with one PDT session. An overall AK clearance per patient of 10 ± 4.33 for group 1 versus 9.73 ± 2.9 for group 2 without statistically significant differences (p = 0.868). Regarding the clearance rate, although it was slightly higher in group 2 (71.58 ± 22.51 vs 82.1 ± 11.13), the analysis did not show statistically significant differences. The mild pain recorded during the treatment course and the mild local skin reactions were similar in both groups. Patient satisfaction was high for both groups without statistically significant differences. CONCLUSION: Self-performed home-based DL-PDT with BF-200 ALA gel is as effective as the one performed in a clinic-based setting, with a comparable safety profile, high levels of patient satisfaction and with advantages for the patients and their caregivers that can enhance patient´s adherence to the treatment.

Nonvenereal Infections in Spanish Dermatology Clinics: Results of the DIADERM Study. / Enfermedades infecciosas no venéreas atendidas en consultas de Dermatología en España: resultados del estudio DIADERM.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The burden of nonvenereal infections in Spanish dermatology practice has not yet been evaluated. The aim of this study was to analyze the overall weight of these infections in outpatient dermatology caseloads. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational cross-sectional study of diagnoses made by a random selection of dermatologists from the Spanish Association of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV) working in outpatient dermatology clinics. The data were obtained through the anonymous DIADERM survey. Diagnoses of infectious diseases were selected using codes from the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision. After excluding sexually transmitted infections, the diagnoses were classified into 22 groups. RESULTS: Spanish dermatologists diagnosed an estimated 16190 (95% CI, 9338-23042) nonvenereal infections on average per week, a figure that accounted for 9.33% of the dermatology caseload. The most common diagnostic groups were nonanogenital viral warts (7475 diagnoses, 46.17% of nonvenereal infections), dermatophytosis (3336, 20.61%), and other viral infections (1592, 9.84%), which included Molluscum contagiosum infections. Nonvenereal infections were more common than noninfectious dermatologic conditions in private clinics (P<.0020) and adults (P<.00001). Patients with these infections were also more likely to be discharged than those with other conditions in both public (P<.0004) and private (P<.0002) practices. CONCLUSIONS: Nonvenereal infections are frequent in dermatology. They are the third most common reason for outpatient visits, behind actinic keratosis and nonmelanoma skin cancer. By enhancing the participation of dermatologists in the management of skin infections and encouraging interactions with other specialists, we will be able to carve out a niche in an area we have scarcely ventured into to date.

Dermatology Care in Spanish Public Hospitals: A Mapping Study of Health Care Resources and Medical and Surgical Activity in Dermatology Departments in 2019. / Mapa asistencial dermatológico: descripción de los recursos estructurales y de la actividad médico-quirúrgica de los servicios de dermatología de los hospitales públicos españoles en 2019.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: No recent data on health care resources and medical and surgical activity in Spanish dermatology departments are available in the literature. The aim of this study was to compile this information for 2019. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study based on an online survey sent to the heads of dermatology departments at public hospitals in Spain. RESULTS: Of the 162 department heads contacted, 59 answered the survey (participation rate, 36.4%). General findings included a shortage of staff, especially dermatologists, in hospitals of low and medium complexity. The main reason given for the shortage of dermatologists was a lack of interested applicants. Large hospital complexes had more infrastructure and equipment. Over 50% of the departments surveyed used a combination of in-person and virtual visits. Psoriasis units were the most common specialized care units. Approximately 75% of the hospitals had operating rooms with an anesthetist. More complex procedures such as sentinel lymph node biopsy and Mohs micrographic surgery were performed more often in large hospital complexes. Hospitalization and the presence of dermatology residents working call shifts were also more common in these hospitals. Teaching and research activity differed according to hospital complexity. CONCLUSIONS: We have mapped health care resource availability and medical and surgical activity in Spanish dermatology departments prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings could be useful for improving clinical management and defining future actions and areas for improvement.

What Proportion of the Spanish Dermatology Caseload Corresponds to Primarily Sexually Transmitted Infections and Other Anogenital Dermatoses? Results From the DIADERM National Random Survey. / ¿Cuánta carga asistencial suponen las infecciones de transmisión predominantemente sexual y otras dermatosis anogenitales en las consultas de Dermatología en España? Resultados del muestreo aleatorio nacional DIADERM.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Predominantly sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and infestations and other anogenital dermatoses are covered in the training of specialists in dermatology and venereology in Spain. This study aimed to analyze the proportion of the dermatology caseload these diseases account for within the public and private dermatological activity of the Spanish health system. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational cross-sectional study of time periods describing the diagnoses made in outpatient dermatology clinics, obtained through the anonymous DIADERM survey of a representative random sample of dermatologists. Based on diagnostic codes of the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, 36 related diagnoses were selected, and classified into 12 groups. RESULTS: Only 3.16% of diagnoses corresponded to STIs and other anogenital dermatoses. The most common diagnostic group was anogenital human papillomavirus infection, followed by molluscum contagiosum, and inflammatory anogenital dermatoses. Lesions with these diagnoses were usually the main reasons for first visits in the National Health Service. In private practice, the diagnoses usually came after referrals from other physicians. CONCLUSIONS: STIs and other anogenital dermatoses account for a very small proportion of the dermatology caseload in Spain, although the inclusion of molluscum contagiosum diagnoses overestimates these conditions. The fact that no STI centers or monographic STI consultations were included in the random sample of dermatology partly explains the under-representation of these areas of the specialty. A determined effort to support and promote monographic STI centres and clinics should be made.

What Proportion of the Caseload at Dermatology Outpatient Clinics in Spain Do Skin Tumors Account for? Results from the DIADERM National Random Sampling Project. / ¿Cuánta carga asistencial supone la enfermedad tumoral cutánea en la actividad ambulatoria en la Dermatología española? Resultados del muestreo aleatorio nacional DIADERM.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: A significant part of a dermatologist's activity involves the diagnosis and management of tumors. The aim of this study was to analyze the caseload at public and private dermatology outpatient clinics in Spain to determine the proportion of tumor diagnoses. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Observational cross-sectional study of diagnoses made in dermatology outpatient clinics during 2 data-collection periods in the DIADERM study, an anonymous survey of a random, representative sample of dermatologists across Spain. Diagnoses made during the 2 periods were coded according to the CIE-10. There were 165 tumor-related codes, classified into 24 groups. For the purpose of this study, these groups were then reduced to benign melanocytic lesions, malignant melanocytic lesions, benign nonmelanocytic lesions, and malignant nonmelanocytic lesions. RESULTS: Tumors accounted for 46.2% of all diagnoses; 18.5% of the tumors were malignant (a category that included in situ forms of keratinocyte cancers). Four of the 10 most common diagnoses were of malignant tumors: in situ keratinocyte cancers, basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Significant differences were observed between malignant and benign tumors according to type of practice (public vs. private) and geographic region. CONCLUSION: Skin cancer accounts for a significant part of the dermatologist's caseload in Spain. Differences can be observed depending on the public/private healthcare setting and other factors.

Sexual impairment in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa: a systematic review.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) can cause considerable impact on several aspects of quality of life. Sexuality is a central aspect of quality of life. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of articles on HS and sexuality. To achieve our aim of synthesizing the available scientific evidence on HS and sexual health, we conducted a systematic review in February 2020. The clinical databases used included Medline and Embase. All types of epidemiological articles were included; reviews, guidelines, protocols, conference abstracts and case report articles were excluded. Eleven studies were included for review, representing 42 729 patients with HS. The most common study design was cross-sectional with or without comparison group(s), conducted in an outpatient setting or through surveys. Prevalence of sexual dysfunction ranged between 51-62%, and in the case of erectile dysfunction, a specific kind of sexual dysfunction affecting penile erection, it ranged from between 52% and 60% of patients studied using validated questionnaires. Potential risk factors for sexual dysfunction among men and women were identified, mainly related to disease activity, symptoms and partners. Mood disorders like depression and anxiety appear to be associated with sexual dysfunction. Women were more affected by sexual distress. HS patients with sexual dysfunction had a decreased overall quality of life. With respect to treatment, surgery did not improve sexual function and there is no scientific evidence regarding medical treatments. Patients stated that they would like to treat their sexual problems with healthcare professionals. In conclusion, sexual and erectile dysfunction are common in HS patients, and negatively affect their quality of life. There are clinical factors potentially associated with this which should be identified and treated by dermatologists in the comprehensive care of HS patients. Prospective studies are needed to provide more scientific evidence on this unmet need.

Pre-operative ultrasound planning in the surgical management of patients with hidradenitis suppurativa.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasonography can improve disease severity assessment in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) patients. The use of pre-operative ultrasonography could improve surgical outcomes in HS patients. OBJECTIVES: (i) To assess changes in the projected skin-excised area after the use of pre-operative ultrasonography, (ii) to explore the clinical factors potentially associated with inaccurate clinical surgical delimitation and (iii) to compare recurrence rates after pre-operative ultrasound vs clinical surgical margin delimitation at week 24. METHODS: Cohort study. Patient candidates for surgical treatment by wide excision and healing by secondary intention with a clinical projected skin-excised area equal to or larger than 15 cm2 were included. The main variables of interest were the clinical and ultrasound projected skin-excised area and surgical recurrence. RESULTS: Pre-operative ultrasound surgical margin delimitation increased the mean excised area by 3.67 (SD 0.86) cm2 , P = 0.004. The Bland-Altman plot showed that in 65% of surgical procedures the use of ultrasonography increased the projected skin-excised area. Higher IHS4 scores, BMI, male sex and Hurley stage II vs III all increased the difference between clinical and ultrasound surgical delimitation. At week 24, the recurrence rate in the surgical clinical delimitation cohort was 30% compared to 10% in the cohort with pre-operative ultrasonography (P = 0.10). CONCLUSIONS: Pre-operative ultrasonography improves surgical margin delimitation and can lower recurrence rates at 24 weeks in HS patients. Potential risk factors for inaccurate clinical surgical delimitation are obesity, male sex, Hurley II stage and elevated IHS4 scores, so special attention should be given to these patients when ultrasonography is not available and surgical delimitation is based only on clinical examination.

Proportion of Potentially Avoidable Referrals From Primary Care to Dermatologists for Cystic Lesions or Benign Neoplasms in Spain: Analysis of Data From the DIADERM Study. / Análisis de la proporción de derivaciones potencialmente evitables desde Atención Primaria a Dermatología por lesiones quísticas o tumorales benignas en España. Datos del estudio DIADERM.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Skin lesions are a common reason for consulting a primary care physician. Current legislation in Spain states that purely aesthetic skin problems that do not pose a health problem are not to be treated within the National Health Service. The aim of this study was to estimate the proportion of referrals from primary care physicians to dermatologists that were for cystic lesions or benign tumors and could potentially have been avoided. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We consulted cases registered in the DIADERM study dataset, which is representative of dermatology practice in Spain, and collected the main diagnoses given on referring patients from primary care. A referral diagnosis was classified as potentially avoidable if it corresponded to one of the primary care discharge diagnoses listed in a consensus paper of the Andalusian section of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV). RESULTS: We collected 2171 main reasons for first-visit referrals to dermatologists; 686 of them (31.6%) were for cystic lesions or benign tumors and classified as potentially avoidable. In 478 cases (22%) the patients were discharged on the first visit. The most frequent diagnoses in such cases were seborrheic keratosis (9.3%) and melanocytic nevus (8.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Nearly a third of referrals from primary care to a dermatologist were for cystic lesions and benign tumors and could have been avoided. A clearer understanding of our caseload can be useful for improving planning, training, and health care system management.

Do Dermatologic Diagnosis Change in Hot vs. Cold Periods of The Year? A Sub-Analysis of the DIADERM National Sample (Spain 2016). / ¿Existe variación en los diagnósticos dermatológicos entre la temporada de frío vs. calor? Un subanálisis del estudio DIADERM (España 2016).

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of seasonal variation of cutaneous disorder may be useful for heath planning and disease management. To date, however, descriptions of seasonality including all diagnoses in a representative country sample are very scarce. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate if clinical dermatologic diagnosis in Spain change in the hot vs. cold periods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Survey based on a random sample of dermatologists in Spain, stratified by area. Each participant collected data during 6 days of clinical activity in 2016 (3 in the cold period of the year, 3 in the hot period). Clinical diagnoses were coded using ICD-10. RESULTS: With a 62% response proportion, we got data on 10999 clinical diagnoses. ICD-10 diagnostic groups that showed changes were: other benign neoplasms of skin (D23), rosacea (L71) and other follicular disorders (L73), which were more common in the hot period and acne (L70) which was more frequent in the cold period. We describe differences in the paediatric population and in private vs. public practice. Some of these differences might be associated to differences in the population demanding consultations in different periods. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of most clinical diagnosis made by dermatologists does not change over the year. Just a few of the clinical diagnoses made by dermatologists show a variation in hot vs. cold periods. These variations could be due to the diseases themselves or to seasonal changes in the demand for consultation.

Outpatient Dermatological Diagnoses in Spain: Results From the National DIADERM Random Sampling Project. / Análisis de los diagnósticos realizados en la actividad ambulatoria dermatológica en España: muestreo aleatorio nacional DIADERM.

INTRODUCTION: Dermatologists perform most of their work in outpatient or private clinics. Data on the diagnoses made by dermatologists in these settings are lacking, however, as outpatient activity, unlike hospital activity, is difficult to code. The aim of this study was to analyze the diagnoses made by members of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV) at dermatology clinics in Spain. METHODOLOGY: We selected a random sample of AEDV dermatologists drawn from the AEDV list and stratified by geographic area. The selected dermatologists received instructions on how to collect the data required. Each participant recorded the diagnosis reached and other data for patients seen during 2 specified periods: 3 days in January and 3 days in May. The diagnoses were subsequently coded by a dermatologist expert in applying the International Classification of Diseases (10th revision). In view of the complex nature of the sample, data were analyzed with standard error and finite population corrections. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 124 dermatologists. Of these, 65% participated in the first phase of the study and 59% in the second. An estimated 621 562 patients (95% CI, 368 130-874 995) visit the dermatologist every month in Spain. This is the equivalent of 28 (25-31) patients per day per clinic. The most common diagnosis recorded was actinic keratosis, followed by basal cell carcinoma and melanocytic nevus. The vast majority of visits took place at the clinic, but 1% of patients (0.3%-3%) were assessed using teledermatology. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study in Spain to analyze diagnoses made by AEDV members at outpatient dermatology clinics. Our findings show a high volume of activity and will be useful for guiding health care planning, resource use, and future studies.

Clinical Research in Dermatology and Venereology in Spanish Research Centers in 2005 Through 2014: Results of the MaIND Study. / Investigación clínica en dermatología y venereología de centros e instituciones españolas, 2005-2014. Resultados del estudio MaINDH.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Bibliometric indicators provide a useful measure of the number of clinical research articles published in scientific journals and their quality. This study aimed to assess the amount and quality of research carried out in Spanish dermatology centers and to describe the research topics. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Bibliometric study of clinical research articles that met the inclusion criteria and had a definitive publication date between 2005 and 2014 in MEDLINE or Embase in which the corresponding author's affiliation was a Spanish hospital dermatology department or other center. RESULTS: Of 8,617 articles found, 1,104 (12.81%) met the inclusion criteria. The main reason for excluding articles was that they did not have an evidence level of 4 or better. The main vehicle for reporting was the journal Actas Dermosifiliográficas, which published 326 articles (29.53%). Melanoma, the disease the researchers studied most often, accounted for 134 articles (12.13%). LIMITATIONS: A limitation to bear in mind when interpreting the results is that we relied on the corresponding author's affiliation to identify articles reflecting research from a Spanish dermatology center. Thus, studies in which dermatologists participated would not be recognized if they were directed by other specialists. CONCLUSION: Only a small portion of articles published from Spanish dermatology centers can be considered clinical research, mainly because many publications provide a low level of scientific evidence. Most publications are case reports.

A Map of Clinical Dermatology Research Centers in Spain: Results of the MaIND Study. / Mapa de centros de investigación clínica dermatológica española: resultados del estudio MaIND.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Bibliometric indicators and analyses of clinical research articles can help to quantify the scientific production of hospitals and institutions and identify their main areas of research. The aim of this study was to draw up a bibliometric map of clinical research in dermatology by Spanish hospitals and institutions through an analysis of quantitative, qualitative, and topic-based variables. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Bibliometric study of clinical research articles that met the inclusion criteria and had a definitive publication date between 2005 and 2014 in PubMed or Embase in which the corresponding author's affiliation was a Spanish dermatology department or institution. RESULTS: Barcelona and Madrid were the provinces with the highest number of articles and citations. The centers with the most articles and citations were Hospital Clínic and Instituto Valenciano de Oncología. Those 2 hospitals also produced the highest number of articles on the most common research topic identified: melanoma. Because the articles were selected on the basis of the affiliation of the corresponding author to a Spanish dermatology center, this analysis does not include collaborative studies or clinical research studies led by nondermatology centers. CONCLUSIONS: We have created a bibliometric map of clinical dermatology research in Spain that shows the distribution of scientific production and the main areas of research by province and hospital/institution. This map could be useful for education and research purposes.

Aislamiento, cultivo y aplicación clínica de los melanocitos humanos: Los melanocitos como una fuente de terapia celular / Isolation, culture and clinical application of human melanocytes: Melanocytes as a source of cell therapy

El vitiligo es una enfermedad pigmentaria cutánea adquirida e idiopática, debido a múltiples factores causales que ocasionan la destrucción o inactivación funcional del melanocito. Ha habido numerosas alternativas terapéuticas a lo largo de los años como: tratamientos tópicos, PUVA (psoralenos más luz ultravioleta) o fototerapia UVB de banda estrecha; sin embargo, muchos no responden a estos tratamientos médicos. El tratamiento quirúrgico del vitiligo se indica cuando las máculas hipo o amelanóticas, se localizan en zonas mal respondedoras o tras fracaso de los tratamientos convencionales. Se trata de favorecer la re-pigmentación de las lesiones, a través del trasplante de melanocitos desde las áreas pigmentadas normales. El objetivo de esta revisión, es el de analizar el estado actual del tratamiento quirúrgico del vitiligo y en concreto, del trasplante de melanocitos autólogos.

Vitiligo is an idiopathic and acquired disorder that affects the pigmentation of the skin due to several factors that cause the destruction of melanocytes. There are numerous therapeutic alternatives, topical treatments, PUVA or narrowband UVB phototherapy. However, many patients do not respond to these medical treatments. Surgical treatment of vitiligo is indicated when depigmented macules are located in poorly responsive or after failure of conventional treatments. It seeks to encourage repigmentation of lesions by transplantation of melanocytes from normal pigmented areas. The objective of this review is to analyze surgical treatment of vitiligo and especially autologous melanocyte transplantation.