ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To characterize long-term outcomes of PHACE syndrome. STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter study with cross-sectional interviews and chart review of individuals with definite PHACE syndrome ≥10 years of age. Data from charts were collected across multiple PHACE-related topics. Data not available in charts were collected from patients directly. Likert scales were used to assess the impact of specific findings. Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scales were used to assess quality of life domains. RESULTS: A total of 104/153 (68%) individuals contacted participated in the study at a median of 14 years of age (range 10-77 years). There were infantile hemangioma (IH) residua in 94.1%. Approximately one-half had received laser treatment for residual IH, and the majority (89.5%) of participants were satisfied or very satisfied with the appearance. Neurocognitive manifestations were common including headaches/migraines (72.1%), participant-reported learning differences (45.1%), and need for individualized education plans (39.4%). Cerebrovascular arteriopathy was present in 91.3%, with progression identified in 20/68 (29.4%) of those with available follow-up imaging reports. Among these, 6/68 (8.8%) developed moyamoya vasculopathy or progressive stenoocclusion, leading to isolated circulation at or above the level of the circle of Willis. Despite the prevalence of cerebrovascular arteriopathy, the proportion of those with ischemic stroke was low (2/104; 1.9%). PROMIS global health scores were lower than population norms by at least 1 SD. CONCLUSIONS: PHACE syndrome is associated with long-term, mild to severe morbidities including IH residua, headaches, learning differences, and progressive arteriopathy. Primary and specialty follow-up care is critical for PHACE patients into adulthood.
Subject(s)
Aortic Coarctation , Eye Abnormalities , Neurocutaneous Syndromes , Humans , Infant , Child , Adolescent , Young Adult , Adult , Middle Aged , Aged , Neurocutaneous Syndromes/complications , Eye Abnormalities/complications , Aortic Coarctation/complications , Quality of Life , Cross-Sectional Studies , HeadacheABSTRACT
PURPOSE: RAS genes (HRAS, KRAS, and NRAS) are commonly found to be mutated in cancers, and activating RAS variants are also found in disorders of somatic mosaicism (DoSM). A survey of the mutational spectrum of RAS variants in DoSM has not been performed. METHODS: A total of 938 individuals with suspected DoSM underwent high-sensitivity clinical next-generation sequencing-based testing. We investigated the mutational spectrum and genotype-phenotype associations of mosaic RAS variants. RESULTS: In this article, we present a series of individuals with DoSM with RAS variants. Classic hotspots, including Gly12, Gly13, and Gln61 constituted the majority of RAS variants observed in DoSM. Furthermore, we present 12 individuals with HRAS and KRAS in-frame duplication/insertion (dup/ins) variants in the switch II domain. Among the 18.3% individuals with RAS in-frame dup/ins variants, clinical findings were mainly associated with vascular malformations. Hotspots were associated with a broad phenotypic spectrum, including vascular tumors, vascular malformations, nevoid proliferations, segmental overgrowth, digital anomalies, and combinations of these. The median age at testing was higher and the variant allelic fraction was lower in individuals with in-frame dup/ins variants than those in individuals with mosaic RAS hotspots. CONCLUSION: Our work provides insight into the allelic and clinical heterogeneity of mosaic RAS variants in nonmalignant conditions.
Subject(s)
Mosaicism , Vascular Malformations , Humans , Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)/genetics , Mutation , Alleles , Vascular Malformations/geneticsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and laboratory outcomes of infants with subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn (SCFN) and propose a care algorithm. METHODS: This single-center, retrospective study of infants diagnosed with SCFN at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago from 2009 to 2019. RESULTS: Of 32 infants who met inclusion criteria, most were born full-term (84%), born via cesarean section (58%), had normal weight for gestational age (69%), and experienced delivery complications (53%). Twenty-nine infants (91%) had calcium drawn, and all had hypercalcemia. Three infants developed clinical symptoms of hypercalcemia, two required hospital admission, two developed nephrocalcinosis, and one developed acute kidney injury. The majority of infants (62%) had a peak ionized calcium between 1.5 and 1.6 mmol/L. No infants with peak ionized calcium less than 1.5 mmol/L developed complications of hypercalcemia. Most patients were diagnosed with hypercalcemia (86%) and demonstrated peak ionized calcium levels (59%) within the first 28 days of life. No patients developed hypercalcemia after 3 months of age. CONCLUSION: Hypercalcemia occurred in 100% of infants who had laboratory monitoring. We recommend obtaining an initial ionized calcium level when SCFN is suspected, and monitoring for the first 3 months of life if hypercalcemia has not been detected. In patients with asymptomatic hypercalcemia less than 1.5 mmol/L, there appears to be low likelihood of related complications. For symptomatic, markedly elevated (>1.6 mmol/L), or persistently elevated levels (>6 months) we suggest coordinated care with endocrinology or nephrology, consider hospitalization, and urinary system ultrasound.
Subject(s)
Fat Necrosis , Hypercalcemia , Pregnancy , Infant, Newborn , Child , Humans , Female , Hypercalcemia/complications , Calcium , Retrospective Studies , Cesarean Section , Subcutaneous Fat , Fat Necrosis/complicationsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: We sought to describe the experience among members of the Hemangioma Investigator Group with pulsed dye laser (PDL) in the treatment of nonulcerated infantile hemangioma (IH) in pediatric patients in the pre- and post-beta-blocker era. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted in patients with nonulcerated IH treated with laser therapy. Patient demographics, IH characteristics, indications for/timing of laser therapy, as well as laser parameters were collected. Responses to laser therapy were evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: One hundred and seventeen patients with IH were treated with PDL. 18/117 (15.4%) had early intervention (defined as <12 months of life), and 99/117 (84.6%) had late intervention (≥12 months of life). In the late intervention group, 73.7% (73/99) had additional medical management of their IH. The mean age at PDL initiation for the late intervention group was 46.7 ± 35.3 months of life (range 12-172 months) with total number of treatments to maximal clearing of 4.2 ± 2.8 (range 1-17). Those who received propranolol prior to PDL received fewer sessions (1.1 fewer sessions, approaching significance [p = .056]). On the VAS, there was a mean 85% overall improvement compared to baseline (range 18%-100%), with most improvement noted in erythema and/or telangiectasias. The incidence of adverse effects was 6/99 (6.1%). CONCLUSIONS: PDL is a useful tool in the treatment of IH, with notable improvement of telangiectasia and erythema and low risk of complications. PDL is often introduced after the maximal proliferative phase.
Subject(s)
Hemangioma, Capillary , Hemangioma , Lasers, Dye , Humans , Child , Retrospective Studies , Lasers, Dye/therapeutic use , Hemangioma, Capillary/radiotherapy , Hemangioma, Capillary/surgery , Hemangioma/radiotherapy , Hemangioma/surgery , Hemangioma/etiology , Adrenergic beta-Antagonists , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Prompt and accurate diagnosis of infantile hemangiomas is essential to prevent potential complications. This can be difficult due to high rates of misdiagnosis and poor access to pediatric dermatologists. In this study, we trained an artificial intelligence algorithm to diagnose infantile hemangiomas based on clinical images. Our algorithm achieved a 91.7% overall accuracy in the diagnosis of facial infantile hemangiomas.
Subject(s)
Hemangioma, Capillary , Hemangioma , Skin Neoplasms , Child , Humans , Artificial Intelligence , Skin Neoplasms/diagnosis , Hemangioma, Capillary/diagnosis , Hemangioma/diagnosis , AlgorithmsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a rapid expansion in the use of telemedicine. This study aimed to assess the experiences of hemangioma specialists utilizing telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic to evaluate and manage infantile hemangiomas (IH), including perceived effectiveness of different modalities and barriers to care delivery. METHODS: Multicenter cross-sectional study asking providers to describe their experiences using telemedicine for initial evaluation of IH from March to September 2020. RESULTS: The study included 281 patients from 15 medical centers internationally. Median time from referral to evaluation was 17 days. Median physician confidence in performing evaluations via telemedicine was 95.0 (IQR 90.0-100.0). Most evaluations were performed via video communication with photographs or audio communication with photographs; when not initially available, photographs were requested in 51.4%. Providers preferred follow-up modalities that included photographs. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians with extensive expertise in managing IH are confident in their abilities to assess and manage IH via telemedicine including initiating treatment in patients without risk factors for beta-blocker therapy. There was a preference for hybrid modalities that included photographs. The data suggest that telemedicine can be effective for managing IH and may decrease wait times and improve specialist reach to underserved areas.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Hemangioma, Capillary , Hemangioma , Telemedicine , COVID-19/epidemiology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Hemangioma/diagnosis , Hemangioma/therapy , Humans , PandemicsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Little research has compared clinician acne severity assessment with either adolescent- or parent-rated scales of acne severity or impact on quality of life (QOL). We sought to assess how adolescents and their parents perceive the severity and impact of acne on the adolescent's QOL and correlate this with clinical severity. METHODS: Each adolescent and a parent completed a validated QOL survey regarding the adolescent's acne and rated the adolescent's acne severity and QOL impact using a Likert scale. Clinicians assessed the adolescent's acne using a standardized acne severity scale. Statistical analysis compared adolescent scores with respective parent scores or with clinician assessment using a paired t test or Spearman rank-order correlation test. RESULTS: The Likert impact score more accurately reflected acne impact on QOL for adolescents than for parents when considering the validated QOL survey as the gold standard (r2 = .56 vs r2 = .36). Likert scores for adolescents and parents were weakly correlated for acne severity but not for acne QOL impact (r2 = .36 vs r2 = .18). Correlations of acne severity scores between clinician and either adolescent or parent were weak. CONCLUSIONS: Parents and adolescents are in relative agreement regarding acne severity and QOL impact. However, parent and adolescent perceptions are disparate from clinician acne assessment. It is important that physicians identify and consider adolescent and parent perceptions in addition to clinical assessment to better inform the approach to acne management.
Subject(s)
Acne Vulgaris , Quality of Life , Adolescent , Humans , Parents , Perception , Severity of Illness Index , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant shifts in patient care including a steep decline in ambulatory visits and a marked increase in the use of telemedicine. Infantile hemangiomas (IH) can require urgent evaluation and risk stratification to determine which infants need treatment and which can be managed with continued observation. For those requiring treatment, prompt initiation decreases morbidity and improves long-term outcomes. The Hemangioma Investigator Group has created consensus recommendations for management of IH via telemedicine. FDA/EMA-approved monitoring guidelines, clinical practice guidelines, and relevant, up-to-date publications regarding initiation and monitoring of beta-blocker therapy were used to inform the recommendations. Clinical decision-making guidelines about when telehealth is an appropriate alternative to in-office visits, including medication initiation, dosage changes, and ongoing evaluation, are included. The importance of communication with caregivers in the context of telemedicine is discussed, and online resources for both hemangioma education and propranolol therapy are provided.
Subject(s)
Betacoronavirus , Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology , Hemangioma/therapy , Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology , Skin Neoplasms/therapy , Telemedicine , Adrenergic beta-Antagonists/therapeutic use , COVID-19 , Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control , Coronavirus Infections/transmission , Hemangioma/pathology , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Pandemics/prevention & control , Patient Selection , Pneumonia, Viral/prevention & control , Pneumonia, Viral/transmission , SARS-CoV-2 , Skin Neoplasms/pathologyABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To characterize the risk for ocular complications in patients with PHACE syndrome. STUDY DESIGN: This study included consecutive patients with PHACE syndrome who were seen at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago from January 2000 through May 2017. A complete ophthalmic examination was performed in all patients, with extra attention for findings typically associated with PHACE syndrome. RESULTS: Thirty patients (67% female, median age of onset 0.08 months) were included: 38 (93%) demonstrated a segmental infantile hemangioma distribution. Twenty-one (70%) cases had a periocular involvement, and 47% had an infantile hemangioma with a deep component. Among 21 patients with periocular distribution, 9 had ocular complications secondary to the periocular location (mainly ptosis, nasolacrimal duct obstruction, and refractive errors), and one had an ocular complication specifically associated with PHACE syndrome (Horner syndrome). None of the patients without periocular distribution had an ocular complication. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with PHACE syndrome who have a periocular infantile hemangioma, a complete eye examination is recommended. Although specific ocular anomalies related to PHACE syndrome are rare, serious ocular complications secondary to the location of the hemangioma may be present. Eye examination in patients with PHACE syndrome without a periocular infantile hemangioma distribution is likely of low yield.
Subject(s)
Aortic Coarctation/complications , Eye Abnormalities/etiology , Neurocutaneous Syndromes/complications , Chicago , Child, Preschool , Eye/pathology , Eye Abnormalities/complications , Eye Abnormalities/epidemiology , Female , Hemangioma/complications , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Male , Retrospective Studies , Risk Assessment/methodsABSTRACT
We report a case of acral pigmented lesions due to pine tar, a common compound used on baseball bats to improve grip, deposition. The patient presented with an acute concern for a new melanocytic lesion, and dermoscopy revealed large brown globules, not typical of melanocytic neoplasms. We propose that the coupling of dermoscopy and a thorough clinical history of exogenous exposures in similar clinical presentations can provide reassurance in evaluating atypical appearing pigmented lesions.
Subject(s)
Melanoma/diagnosis , Pigmentation Disorders/diagnosis , Pigmentation Disorders/etiology , Resins, Plant/adverse effects , Skin Neoplasms/diagnosis , Adolescent , Diagnosis, Differential , Humans , MaleABSTRACT
Screening electrocardiography (ECG) before initiation of propranolol for treatment of infantile hemangiomas (IH) is controversial. A retrospective chart review was conducted to assess the utility of pretreatment ECG in infants with IH starting propranolol. Although nearly half of the ECGs were abnormal, no contraindications to treatment were identified from screening ECG, and no association was found between any of the reported side effects and abnormal ECG. These results support previously published data, and in a larger cohort, providing further confirmation that pretreatment ECG is not necessary in most infants with IH.
Subject(s)
Adrenergic beta-Antagonists/therapeutic use , Electrocardiography/methods , Hemangioma/diagnosis , Mass Screening/methods , Propranolol/therapeutic use , Adrenergic beta-Antagonists/adverse effects , Female , Hemangioma/drug therapy , Humans , Infant , Male , Propranolol/adverse effects , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Congenital juvenile xanthogranulomas are infrequently described in the medical literature. We report three previously unpublished cases and systematically review the literature to better characterize this variant. METHODS: We surveyed English-language articles indexed in MEDLINE (1951-March 2017) and EMBASE (1974-March 2017) for cases of congenital-onset juvenile xanthogranulomas confirmed on histopathology. Cases were divided into two categories: cutaneous only or cutaneous with systemic involvement. RESULTS: We identified 31 cases of congenital juvenile xanthogranulomas involving only the skin and 16 cases with systemic involvement. Congenital juvenile xanthogranulomas involving only the skin were large (> 3 cm), presented with various clinical morphologies, and showed signs of regression by 1 year of age. Atypical clinical presentations included exophytic tumors, infiltrative plaques, agminated plaques, and subcutaneous tumors. Complications included ulceration and anetodermic scarring. Infants with congenital cutaneous juvenile xanthogranulomas who also had systemic involvement typically had multiple cutaneous tumors and hepatic involvement and showed signs of spontaneous regression independent of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The medical literature supports that congenital juvenile xanthogranulomas behave in a fashion similar to that of juvenile xanthogranulomas of infancy or childhood. Congenital cutaneous juvenile xanthogranulomas with or without systemic involvement spontaneously regress. The varied clinical presentations in the skin may lead to misdiagnosis, inappropriate examination, and unnecessary treatments. Infants with multiple congenital cutaneous juvenile xanthogranulomas should be evaluated for systemic involvement, with a particular focus on the liver, because 72.2% of these children were found to have hepatic juvenile xanthogranulomas.
Subject(s)
Xanthogranuloma, Juvenile/pathology , Female , Humans , Infant , Male , Skin/pathology , Xanthogranuloma, Juvenile/diagnosisABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Infantile hemangiomas are the most common benign tumors of childhood. Although some children with periocular infantile hemangiomas do not require treatment, these lesions may result in amblyopia and visual impairment if not properly treated. We have attempted to characterize clinical features of periocular infantile hemangiomas that predict negative ocular outcomes and thus require prompt referral to an ophthalmologist and initiation of therapy. METHODS: This study included children with periocular infantile hemangiomas consecutively seen at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago from January 1994 through December 2014. Only patients evaluated by both a dermatologist and an ophthalmologist were included. Medical records of patients who met inclusion criteria were reviewed. Ocular findings were reviewed for the presence of ptosis, refractive errors, strabismus, proptosis, and amblyopia. RESULTS: Ninety-six patients (74% female, median age of onset 0.48 months) were included. Periocular infantile hemangiomas larger than 1 cm in diameter, with a deep component, and with involvement of the upper eyelid were significantly associated with astigmatism (P = .002, P = .02, and P = .003, respectively) and amblyopia (P = .002, P = .02, and P = .04, respectively). Using logistic regression, diameter greater than 1 cm (odds ratio = 14.13, P = .01) and amblyopia (odds ratio = 21.00, P = .04) were the strongest predictors of astigmatism. Lower lid and medial and lateral canthal involvement were not predictive of ocular complications. CONCLUSION: Predictive factors for ocular complications in patients with periocular infantile hemangiomas are diameter greater than 1 cm, a deep component, and upper eyelid involvement, with size being the most consistent predictor. These patients should be promptly referred to an ophthalmologist, and treatment should be strongly considered.
Subject(s)
Eye Neoplasms/complications , Hemangioma/complications , Eye Neoplasms/pathology , Female , Hemangioma/pathology , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Male , Retrospective Studies , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Cutaneous juvenile xanthogranuloma is an uncommon, usually benign disease affecting infants and young children. Ocular and other systemic involvement have been reported, but their incidence is unclear, and the utility of routine screening is not well established. Our aim was to characterize the risk of ocular and systemic complications in children with cutaneous juvenile xanthogranuloma. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we reviewed the medical charts of children with cutaneous juvenile xanthogranuloma seen at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, between January 2000 and December 2015. A comprehensive literature review was also performed. RESULTS: Of 338 children with cutaneous juvenile xanthogranuloma, 76 (median age 6 months, 51% female) met inclusion criteria. The most frequently involved site was the head and neck region (40%). In 39 patients (51%), there was a single lesion. Multiple lesions (>5) were evident in 20 patients (26%). Most cutaneous juvenile xanthogranulomas were micronodular (77%). None of the patients had ocular involvement. One patient had multiple asymptomatic hepatic nodules on imaging that regressed spontaneously within several months. Literature review of pediatric cutaneous juvenile xanthogranuloma series, including our cohort, revealed that the incidence of ocular manifestations is 0.24% (7/2949) and of systemic manifestations is 0.75% (22/2949). CONCLUSION: Cutaneous juvenile xanthogranulomas are generally limited to the skin. Because eye involvement is rare, a routine eye examination is of low yield and probably not warranted in children with no ocular or visual symptoms. New recommendations for systemic screening could not be drawn from this study.
Subject(s)
Xanthogranuloma, Juvenile/complications , Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Eye/pathology , Female , Humans , Illinois , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Male , Retrospective Studies , Risk , Skin/pathologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Infantile hemangiomas are common vascular tumors. Identifying sites of predilection may provide insight into pathogenesis. Previous studies have suggested a predilection for the boundary of facial metameres. The objective was to observe patterns of localized hemangiomas on the face and scalp, determine sites of predilection, and place these patterns in a developmental context. METHODS: A retrospective review of photographic archives at 10 Hemangioma Investigator Group pediatric dermatology centers identified localized infantile hemangiomas of the face and scalp. Heat map software was used to identify areas of predilection. Dot maps were used to assess frequency, and densities of infantile hemangiomas were compared between facial units using t-testing. The scalp was divided into quintiles to assess relative frequencies. RESULTS: Four thousand one hundred fifty-three focal face and scalp infantile hemangiomas were mapped, of which 2962 (71%) were mapped to a frontal facial template. On the face, 73.8% (2186/2962) of hemangiomas occurred along the midline axis or perpendicularly across the ocular axis in a cross-shaped area of predilection intersecting at the glabella. Scalp hemangiomas show a predilection for the midline, with 149/295 (50.5%) noted on the top of the scalp at the midline (P < 0.001). Localized hemangiomas do not demonstrate a preferential laterality. CONCLUSION: The distribution of localized infantile hemangiomas of the face and scalp is not random. There is preferential involvement of the midline face and scalp and the ocular axis. The regions corresponding to the boundaries between the embryonic facial segments, including the maxillary and mandibular metameres, are not accentuated in the distribution of infantile hemangiomas.
Subject(s)
Facial Neoplasms/pathology , Hemangioma/pathology , Skin Neoplasms/pathology , Face/pathology , Humans , Infant , Retrospective Studies , Scalp/pathology , Skin/pathologyABSTRACT
The health benefits of garlic (Allium sativum) as a naturopathic remedy have been well documented, but topical application of garlic has been linked to allergic and irritant contact dermatitis. We present a case of severe irritant contact dermatitis due to application of a fresh garlic necklace to the neck of infant for treatment of nasal congestion.
Subject(s)
Dermatitis, Irritant/diagnosis , Garlic/adverse effects , Dermatitis, Irritant/etiology , Female , Humans , InfantABSTRACT
Lipoblastoma is a rare neoplasm of embryonal adipose tissue most often encountered on the trunk and extremities of children. It commonly presents as a painless subcutaneous soft tissue mass, but there are other unique clinical presentations that are important to recognize. The differential is broad and includes sarcoma, vascular tumor, myofibroma, and other fibromatoses. We present three varied, distinct cases of pediatric lipoblastoma and review the literature on this condition.
Subject(s)
Lipoblastoma/pathology , Skin Neoplasms/pathology , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Infant , Lipoblastoma/therapy , Male , Skin Neoplasms/therapyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are commonly encountered in primary care and most often remain asymptomatic, resolving without sequelae. Certain characteristics are associated with a greater risk of complications, associated anomalies, and disfigurement. The heterogeneous presentation poses a clinical challenge for physicians in determining the need for treatment and subspecialty referral. This study aims to evaluate the utility of the previously published Hemangioma Severity Scale (HSS) to predict the need for treatment. METHODS: This retrospective study included 106 patients with IHs seen in the Indiana University Dermatology Clinic in 2011. Data from electronic medical records and clinical photographs taken at patients' initial visits were used to score the hemangiomas using the HSS. Treatments used over 9 to 14 months of follow-up were recorded. RESULTS: Four HSS score subgroups were identified. Higher HSS scores correlated with the need for treatment; 98% of patients with HSS scores of 10 or greater received local or systemic therapy. Higher HSS scores also correlated with greater frequency of complications and risks of associated structural anomalies and permanent disfigurement. Scores did not correlate with sex, age at initial presentation, history of bleeding or pain, or IH size. CONCLUSIONS: The HSS may be a useful tool for primary care physicians in identifying high-risk IHs that may benefit from therapy. This easy-to-use scale can improve clinical outcomes by identifying which patients need intervention to minimize complications. IHs with total HSS scores of 6 or greater should be referred for subspecialty evaluation.
Subject(s)
Hemangioma/pathology , Severity of Illness Index , Skin Neoplasms/pathology , Child, Preschool , Female , Hemangioma/therapy , Humans , Infant , Male , Retrospective Studies , Sensitivity and Specificity , TriageABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Twins have a higher-than-expected risk of infantile hemangiomas (IHs), but the exact reasons for this association are not clear. Comparing concordant and discordant twin pairs might help elucidate these factors and yield more information about IH risk factors. METHODS: A prospective cohort study of twin pairs from 12 pediatric dermatology centers in the United States, Canada, Argentina, and Spain was conducted. Information regarding maternal pregnancy history, family history of vascular birthmarks, zygosity (if known), and pregnancy-related information was collected. Information regarding twins (N = 202 sets) included birthweight, gestational age (GA), presence or absence of IHs, numbers and subtypes of IHs, presence of other birthmarks, and other medical morbidities. RESULTS: Two hundred two sets of twins were enrolled. Concordance for IH was present in 37% of twin pairs. Concordance for IH was inversely related to gestational age (GA), present in 42% of GA of 32 weeks or less, 36% of GA of 33 to 36 weeks, and 32% of GA of 37 weeks or more. Twins of GA of 34 weeks or less were more than two and a half times as likely to be concordant as those of GA of 35 weeks or more (odds ratio (OR) = 2.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.42-4.99; p < 0.01). In discordant twins, lower birthweight conferred a high risk of IH; of the 64 sets of twins with 10% or greater difference in weight, the smaller twin had IH in 62.5% (n = 40) of cases, versus 37.5% (n = 24) of cases in which the higher-birthweight twin was affected. Zygosity was reported in 188 twin sets (93%). Of these, 78% were dizygotic and 22% monozygotic. There was no statistically significant difference in rates of concordance between monozygotic twins (43%, 18/42) and dizygotic twins (36%, 52/146) (p = 0.50). In multivariate analysis comparing monozygotic and dizygotic twins, adjusting for effects of birthweight and sex, the likelihood of concordance for monozygotic was not appreciably higher than that for dizygotic twins (OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 0.52-2.49). Female sex also influenced concordance, confirming the effects of female sex on IH risk. The female-to-male ratio was 1.7:1 in the entire cohort and 1.9:1 in those with IH. Of the 61 concordant twin sets with known sex of both twins, 41% were female/female, 43% were female/male, and 16% were male/male. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the origin of IHs is multifactorial and that predisposing factors such as birthweight, sex, and GA may interact with one another such that a threshold is reached for clinical expression.
Subject(s)
Diseases in Twins , Hemangioma/genetics , Birth Weight , Cohort Studies , Female , Gestational Age , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Male , Pregnancy , Prospective Studies , Sex FactorsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The Childhood Atopic Dermatitis Impact Scale (CADIS) was developed to measure the impact of AD on QoL in both affected children and their families. However, no scale of this kind exists in Japan. The aims of this study were to validate the Japanese Culturally Modified Version of the CADIS (JCMV-CADIS) and to describe the family impact of children with AD in a Japanese context. METHODS: Participants included primary-caregivers for children with AD between 2 and 6 years of age. Interviews were conducted, and new items for the Japanese version were drafted. Reliability and validity were evaluated and compared with the original CADIS, and unique features of the Japanese version were analyzed. RESULTS: Exploratory factor analysis revealed the following factors: "Symptoms" and "Activity Limitations and Behavior" in the Child domain, and "Emotions Related to Social Factors," "Emotions Related to the Child's Condition," "Family and Social Function," "Complexity of Care," and "Approaches to Management of AD in Daily Life" in the Parent domain. The latter two factors were unique to the JCMV-CADIS and were not derived from the Original. "Emotion" was split into two independent factors. All factors showed good reliability (internal consistency and stability) and validity (concurrent validity and discriminant validity), except for the concurrent validity of "Approaches to Management of AD in Daily Life." This factor seemed to reflect characteristics similar to the family-related function. CONCLUSIONS: The JCMV-CADIS is a QoL scale developed for Japanese children with AD and their families. Further evaluation of clinical applicability is needed.