Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis in adults with phototherapy and systemic therapies.

BACKGROUND: For people with atopic dermatitis (AD) refractory to topical therapies, treatment with phototherapy and systemic therapies can be considered. Multiple biologic therapies and Janus kinase (JAK)inhibitors have been approved since 2014 to treat AD. These guidelines update the 2014 recommendations for management of AD with phototherapy and systemic therapies. OBJECTIVE: To provide evidence-based recommendations on the use of phototherapy and systemic therapies for AD in adults. METHODS: A multidisciplinary workgroup conducted a systematic review and applied the GRADE approach for assessing the certainty of evidence and formulating and grading recommendations. RESULTS: The workgroup developed 11 recommendations on the management of AD in adults with phototherapy and systemic agents, including biologics, oral JAK inhibitors, and other immunomodulatory medications. LIMITATIONS: Most randomized controlled trials of phototherapy and systemic therapies for AD are of short duration with subsequent extension studies, limiting comparative long-term efficacy and safety conclusions. CONCLUSIONS: We make strong recommendations for the use of dupilumab, tralokinumab, abrocitinib, baricitinib, and upadacitinib. We make conditional recommendations in favor of using phototherapy, azathioprine, cyclosporine, methotrexate, and mycophenolate, and against the use of systemic corticosteroids.

Executive summary: Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis in adults with phototherapy and systemic therapies.

BACKGROUND: The summarized guidelines update the 2014 recommendations for the management of AD with phototherapy and systemic therapies. METHODS: A multidisciplinary workgroup conducted a systematic review and applied the GRADE approach for assessing the certainty of the evidence and formulating and grading recommendations. RESULTS: The workgroup developed 11 recommendations on the management of AD in adults with phototherapy and systemic therapies, including biologics, oral Janus Kinase inhibitors, and other immunomodulatory medications. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence supported strong recommendations for the use of dupilumab, tralokinumab, abrocitinib, baricitinib, and upadacitinib and conditional recommendations in favor of using phototherapy, azathioprine, cyclosporine, methotrexate, and mycophenolate, and against the use of systemic corticosteroids.

Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis in adults with topical therapies.

BACKGROUND: New evidence has emerged since the 2014 guidelines that further informs the management of atopic dermatitis (AD) with topical therapies. These guidelines update the 2014 recommendations for management of AD with topical therapies. OBJECTIVE: To provide evidence-based recommendations related to management of AD in adults using topical treatments. METHODS: A multidisciplinary workgroup conducted a systematic review and applied the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations) approach for assessing the certainty of evidence and formulating and grading recommendations. RESULTS: The workgroup developed 12 recommendations on the management of AD in adults with topical therapies, including nonprescription agents and prescription topical corticosteroids (TCS), calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs), Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors (PDE-4), antimicrobials, and antihistamines. LIMITATIONS: The pragmatic decision to limit the literature review to English-language randomized trials may have excluded data published in other languages and relevant long-term follow-up data. CONCLUSIONS: Strong recommendations are made for the use of moisturizers, TCIs, TCS, and topical PDE-4 and JAK inhibitors. Conditional recommendations are made for the use of bathing and wet wrap therapy and against the use of topical antimicrobials, antiseptics, and antihistamines.

Executive summary: American Academy of Dermatology guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis in adults with topical therapies.

These guidelines update the 2014 recommendations for management of atopic dermatitis in adults with topical therapies. A multidisciplinary workgroup employed best practices for guideline development, including a systematic review of the evidence and application of the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach for assessing the certainty of the evidence and formulating and grading recommendations. The evidence on atopic dermatitis treatment supported strong recommendations for the use of nonprescription moisturizers, topical calcineurin inhibitors, topical corticosteroids, and topical PDE-4 and JAK inhibitors. Conditional recommendations are made for the use of bathing and wet wrap therapy and against the use of topical antimicrobials, antiseptics, and antihistamines.

American Academy of Dermatology Guidelines: Awareness of comorbidities associated with atopic dermatitis in adults.

BACKGROUND: Studies found associations between atopic dermatitis (AD) and various comorbidities. OBJECTIVE: To appraise evidence of the association between AD and comorbidities among adults. METHODS: Our multidisciplinary work group conducted a systematic review of the association between AD and selected comorbidities. We applied the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation for prognosis approach for assessing the certainty of the evidence, providing statements of association based on the available evidence. RESULTS: Analysis of the evidence resulted in 32 statements. Clear evidence of the association of AD in adults and select allergic, atopic, immune-mediated mental health and bone health conditions and skin infections was identified. There is some evidence supporting an association between AD and substance use, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and elements of metabolic syndrome. Evidence suggests a small association with various cardiovascular conditions. The association between AD in adults and autism spectrum disorders, myocardial infarction, stroke, and metabolic syndrome is inconclusive. LIMITATIONS: This analysis is based on the best available evidence at the time it was conducted. This guideline does not make recommendations for screening or management of comorbidities in adults with AD. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should be aware of comorbidities associated with AD. Further research is needed to determine whether screening or management of comorbidities is beneficial for adults with AD.

Comorbidity screening in hidradenitis suppurativa: Evidence-based recommendations from the US and Canadian Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundations.

BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is associated with comorbidities that contribute to poor health, impaired life quality, and mortality risk. OBJECTIVE: To provide evidence-based screening recommendations for comorbidities linked to HS. METHODS: Systematic reviews were performed to summarize evidence on the prevalence and incidence of 30 comorbidities in patients with HS relative to the general population. The screening recommendation for each comorbidity was informed by the consistency and quality of existing studies, disease prevalence, and magnitude of association, as well as benefits, harms, and feasibility of screening. The level of evidence and strength of corresponding screening recommendation were graded by using the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT) criteria. RESULTS: Screening is recommended for the following comorbidities: acne, dissecting cellulitis of the scalp, pilonidal disease, pyoderma gangrenosum, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, suicide, smoking, substance use disorder, polycystic ovary syndrome, obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, spondyloarthritis, and sexual dysfunction. It is also recommended to screen patients with Down syndrome for HS. The decision to screen for specific comorbidities may vary with patient risk factors. The role of the dermatologist in screening varies according to comorbidity. LIMITATIONS: Screening recommendations represent one component of a comprehensive care strategy. CONCLUSIONS: Dermatologists should support screening efforts to identify comorbid conditions in HS.

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein as a biomarker in detecting subclinical atherosclerosis in psoriasis.

Psoriasis is known to be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a marker of inflammation and an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. We aimed to assess the correlation between hs-CRP and subclinical atherosclerosis in psoriatic patients. In 60 patients with moderate to severe psoriasis and 60 age- and gender matched healthy controls, we evaluated the serum hs-CRP level and mean intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery (MIMT-CCA). Psoriatic patients had higher levels of hs-CRP (median, 2.25 mg/L; IQR, 0.98-3.80; and range, 0.29-11.60) than did those in the control group (median, 1.03 mg/L; IQR, 0.36-2.15; and range, 0.10-3.35). Psoriatic patients also had higher mean MIMT (0.74 ± 0.19 and 0.54 ± 0.12, respectively, and P < .0001) compared with healthy subjects. The serum level of hs-CRP was significantly correlated with MIMT (P < .0001). Our results indicate that psoriatic patients have a higher risk of subclinical atherosclerosis and hs-CRP may be a useful marker for future risk of cardiovascular diseases in these patients. So, not only does anti-inflammatory drugs play a key role in the treatment of psoriasis, but also they may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases by decreasing level of inflammatory markers including hs-CRP.

North American clinical management guidelines for hidradenitis suppurativa: A publication from the United States and Canadian Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundations: Part II: Topical, intralesional, and systemic medical management.

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a severe and debilitating dermatologic disease. Clinical management is challenging and consists of both medical and surgical approaches, which must often be combined for best outcomes. Therapeutic approaches have evolved rapidly in the last decade and include the use of topical therapies, systemic antibiotics, hormonal therapies, and a wide range of immunomodulating medications. An evidence-based guideline is presented to support health care practitioners as they select optimal medical management strategies and is reviewed in this second part of the management guidelines. A therapeutic algorithm informed by the evidence available at the time of the review is provided.

North American clinical management guidelines for hidradenitis suppurativa: A publication from the United States and Canadian Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundations: Part I: Diagnosis, evaluation, and the use of complementary and procedural management.

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting hair follicles, with profoundly negative impact on patient quality of life. Evidence informing ideal evaluation and management of patients with hidradenitis suppurativa is still sparse in many areas, but it has grown substantially in the last decade. Part I of this evidence-based guideline is presented to support health care practitioners as they select optimal management strategies, including diagnostic testing, comorbidity screening, and both complementary and procedural treatment options. Recommendations and evidence grading based on the evidence available at the time of the review are provided.

Urticaria: A comprehensive review: Epidemiology, diagnosis, and work-up.

Urticaria is a common clinical condition presenting with wheals (hives), angioedema, or both. Urticaria has a complex pathogenesis, along with a high disease burden, a significant impact on quality of life, and high health care costs. The first article in this continuing medical education series covers the definition, classification, epidemiology, diagnosis, and work-up of urticaria, taking into account the recent literature and the best available evidence.

Urticaria: A comprehensive review: Treatment of chronic urticaria, special populations, and disease outcomes.

Second-generation antihistamines are considered first-line agents in the treatment of chronic urticaria because of their safety and efficacy profile. Some patients require higher doses of H1 antihistamines alone or in combination with other classes of medications, including H2 antihistamines, leukotriene receptor antagonists, or first-generation H1 antihistamines. One major therapeutic advance has been omalizumab, a humanized monoclonal anti-immunoglobulin E that was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of chronic urticaria that is unresponsive to H1 antagonists. In addition, the second article in this continuing medical education series outlines several evidence-based alternative treatments for urticaria and the differences in recommendations between 2 major consensus groups (the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology/World Allergy Organization and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology/American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Joint Task Force).

Viral exanthems: An update on laboratory testing of the adult patient.

Although classic viral exanthems of childhood are well described, they are rarely differentiated in adults. Laboratory techniques for viral identification have advanced without substantial literature to suggest how a dermatologist ought to conduct a cost-effective and diagnostic viral panel. Certain clinical features such as petechiae, vesicles, and dusky macular or morbilliform exanthems point strongly toward a viral exanthem. Differentiation of drug and viral causes of morbilliform eruptions has proven difficult. It is possible that with further diagnostic refinement that unnecessary and fruitless workups of an exanthem and unneeded discontinuation of drugs can be avoided. We review viral exanthems based on clinical features and discuss the available and optimal laboratory techniques to assist the dermatologist in a targeted workup.

Spironolactone for the Treatment of Acne: A 4-Year Retrospective Study.

Prior studies have demonstrated that spironolactone is an effective second-line treatment option for postadolescent acne, but has notable side effects. Data are, however, limited. We therefore present a 4-year retrospective study evaluating 291.5 patient-years of spironolactone for the treatment of acne. Our results showed that 86% of patients improved on spironolactone therapy. Further, patients who improved showed minimal side effects, supporting recent evidence that spironolactone is a safe option for acne treatment with a low risk of short-term adverse effects such as hyperkalemia. It is suggested that our study encourages consideration of spironolactone for postadolescent acne.

Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole-Induced Drug Eruption With Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS).

Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a severe and potentially life threatening adverse drug reaction. To help identify DRESS, several criteria have been established; however, there is still a lack of consensus on diagnosis, and clinical judgment is paramount. Here we describe a 24-year-old female who presented with a cutaneous eruption, fever, lymphadenopathy, eosinophilia, facial edema, and elevated liver enzymes four and a half weeks after a 10-day course of Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX). We used both the RegiSCAR and J-SCAR criteria to show the validity of classifying this case as DRESS, we also comment on the only other three cases, published to date, that had been reported as TMP/SMX induced DRESS. DRESS can be a difficult diagnosis due to its diverse symptomatology and delayed presentation - therefore, high suspicion and exclusion of other causes is key. Use of validated diagnostic criteria can aid the clinician in this regard. In the absence of a well-established therapy, early recognition, withdrawal of suspected drug(s), and supportive care play a crucial role in the management of DRESS.

J Drugs Dermatol. 2017;16(10):1043-1046.

Topical management and wound care approaches for hidradenitis suppurativa.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the follicular unit in apocrine glandbearing skin, resulting in deep-seated nodules, sinus tracts, abscesses, and ultimately scarring. HS is a highly distressing condition, and has one of the highest impacts on quality of life compared to other dermatologic diseases. Various topical therapies have been described that may be used alone or in conjunction with systemic or physical modalities for HS. Additionally, proper wound care is essential to the successful management of HS, particularly given the suppurative nature of the disease. However, limited evidence exists regarding the optimal regimen for topical therapy and wound care. On the basis of existing literature, we provide a comprehensive review of topical management and wound care.

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus with associated vasculopathy causing stroke.

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is an exclusively human, double-stranded DNA virus. Primary infection causes varicella (chickenpox); later the virus becomes dormant in the dorsal root, cranial nerve, and autonomic ganglia along the entire span of the nervous system, retaining the capacity to reactivate and cause a variety of dermal and neurological complications. Recently there has been increasing recognition, both clinically and epidemiologically, of the relationship between VZV and subsequent strokes. Herein, we describe a case of a previously healthy individual with reactivation of VZV causing herpes zoster opthtalmicus along with devastating multifocal vasculopathy. It is crucial for dermatologists to recognize the dermatomal vesicular eruption in this high risk area to aid in prompt diagnosis in an effort to improve clinical prognosis.

Examining the race-specific prevalence of hidradenitis suppurativa at a large academic center; results from a retrospective chart review.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory, debilitating disease of unknown etiology. HS can occur in people of all ethnicities and ages, and affects approximately 3-4% of the United States. To date, few studies have specifically examined the race prevalence of HS; further epidemiological research is needed to identify specific trends among HS and its racial predilections. At our center, 1.3% of African-American patients were seen for HS, compared to 18% of Caucasian patients (p<0.05), and the percent ratio of African-American versus Caucasian patients with HS was 7.22:1. Our number ratio of African-American patients versus Caucasian patients with HS was 1.19:1. Studies performed at Henry Ford Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh report ratios of 1.64:1 and 1.98:1 respectively. These data support study trends suggesting HS is more common among patients of African-American descent. A large, population-based study across the United States is needed to better assess the associations between ethnicity and HS. Examining this patient population has the potential to improve our understanding of HS pathophysiology, and will enable clinicians to better manage patients with this disease.

Resolution of psoriasis after tonsillectomy.

A 19-year-old woman experienced recalcitrantpsoriasis after streptococcal pharyngitis. Multipletreatment regimens were employed, but results werepoor until after the patient underwent tonsillectomy.

Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris.

Acne is one of the most common disorders treated by dermatologists and other health care providers. While it most often affects adolescents, it is not uncommon in adults and can also be seen in children. This evidence-based guideline addresses important clinical questions that arise in its management. Issues from grading of acne to the topical and systemic management of the disease are reviewed. Suggestions on use are provided based on available evidence.

Factors Contributing to Depression and Chronic Pain in Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Results from a Single-Center Retrospective Review.

BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a debilitating chronic disease that leads to inflammation and abscess formation in the involved skin, along with a malodorous discharge. Pain is a considerable aspect of HS and significantly impacts quality of life. In addition, HS is significantly associated with depression. A better understanding of contributing factors to depression and pain in patients with HS can identify opportunities to improve care for patients. OBJECTIVE: To identify factors that contribute to depression and chronic pain in patients with HS. METHODS: This is a retrospective chart review of 283 patients seen at dermatology clinics of an academic health center for HS from July 2012 to December 2015. The association between HS and depression and chronic pain was assessed in multivariate models using logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Patients with a greater number of areas of involvement were more likely to have both chronic pain and depression. LIMITATIONS: This is a single-center retrospective chart review with a limited sample size. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the extent of disease rather than severity plays a role in reducing the quality of life in HS patients.