Characteristics and complications of anogenital infantile hemangiomas: A multicenter retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) of the anogenital region remain poorly characterized. OBJECTIVE: To examine the distribution, ulceration rate, and associated congenital anomalies of anogenital IHs. METHODS: Retrospective study at 8 tertiary referral centers. RESULTS: A total of 435 infants with an IH of the anogenital region were enrolled (of which, 319 [73%] were girls). Congenital anomalies were present in 6.4% (n = 28) of infants with an anogenital IH. Segmental or partial segmental anogenital IHs ulcerated in 72% (n = 99 of 138) of infants, whereas 45% (n = 133 of 297) of focal anogenital IHs experienced ulceration (P < .001). In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, segmental or partial segmental morphology (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.70; 95% CI, 1.60-4.64), mixed type (aOR, 3.44; 95% CI, 2.01-6.07), and perianal (aOR, 3.01; 95% CI, 1.53-6.12) and buttocks location (aOR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.17-3.76) had increased odds of ulceration. Segmental or partial segmental IHs of the genitalia were confined to distinct anatomic territories and were predominantly distributed unilaterally, with a linear demarcation at the perineal raphe. LIMITATIONS: Possible selection bias, given recruitment at tertiary referral centers. CONCLUSION: This study improves our understanding of high-risk features of anogenital IHs and demonstrates that genital segmental or partial segmental IHs develop within distinct anatomic territories.

Diagnosis and management of hidradenitis suppurativa in women.

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory disease that disproportionately affects women of childbearing age. Hidradenitis suppurativa is characterized by painful nodules, abscesses, draining dermal tunnels, and scarring with a predilection for intertriginous sites, such as the axilla, groin, and breast regions. Delay in diagnosis and treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa often results in long-term sequelae leading to significant morbidity, and rarely mortality, in these patients. This clinical opinion suggests that obstetrician-gynecologists are uniquely poised to recognize early signs of hidradenitis suppurativa during routine well-woman examinations and initiate treatment or referral to dermatology. Herein, we provide clinical pearls for obstetrician-gynecologists caring for female patients with hidradenitis suppurativa, including strategies for comprehensive management and recommendations to improve the comfort of patients with hidradenitis suppurativa during examinations.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding in hidradenitis suppurativa: A review of medication safety.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that disproportionately affects women of childbearing age. Pregnancy influences HS severity for many women, thus diligent continued management throughout pregnancy and postpartum may be required. Herein, we provide an updated review of pregnancy and lactation safety data for HS medications, including topical antiseptic washes, topical and systemic antibiotics, biologic and nonbiologic immunomodulators, immunosuppressants, adjunct medical therapies, and pain medications, to help guide risk-benefit discussions between providers and HS patients.

Physician perspectives on complementary and alternative medicine in hidradenitis suppurativa.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic and often debilitating inflammatory condition characterized by frequent nodules, abscesses, sinus tracts, and scars impacting the intertriginous areas. Many patients with HS often report limited treatment success and symptom coverage with conventional therapies. Recent studies have reported the widespread use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among patients with HS. In this study, our aim was to examine current physician practice patterns, opinions, and comfort with recommending CAM. Our results indicate that provider comfort and opinions on CAM varied based on the provider's experiences, demographics, and the CAM modality itself. Overall, nearly two-thirds (n = 30, 61.2%) of respondents agreed that CAM and conventional medicine were more effective together than either alone. Meanwhile, 44.9% (n = 22) of respondents routinely recommend CAM while 64.6% (n = 31) of respondents reported that they are routinely asked about CAM. The majority (n = 41, 83.7%) of respondents indicated a lack of scientific evidence in the medical literature as a barrier to recommending CAM along with efficacy concerns (n = 34, 69.4%) and ability to recommend reputable CAM products (n = 32, 65.3%) and practitioners (n = 32, 65.3%). Future investigations are warranted to establish a better understanding of the efficacy and benefit of CAM methods in conjunction with conventional methods.

Evaluation of emergency department utilization for dermatologic conditions in the pediatric population within the United States from 2009-2015.

BACKGROUND: Dermatologic conditions comprise a significant number of emergency department visits in the pediatric population in the United States. Understanding key predictors of emergency department utilization for dermatologic conditions is important to reduce inappropriate use. METHODS: A total of 44 554 sampled patient emergency department visits, consisting of patients less than 18 years of age, were collected from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey between 2009 to 2015. ICD-9 codes were used to define dermatologic conditions versus non-dermatologic conditions with univariate and multivariate analyses used to identify factors significantly correlated with dermatologic emergency department utilization. RESULTS: A total of 13 681 691 pediatric dermatologic emergency department visits (weighted) were evaluated over the seven-year period, representing 6.4% of total pediatric emergency department visits. The most common dermatologic diagnosis was cellulitis (25.6% of visits). The majority of patients were five years old or younger (54.4%). Patients with primary dermatologic conditions were more likely to be triaged as non-urgent (16.7%) or semi-urgent (45.8%) than patients without dermatologic conditions. Only 2.1% of patients with dermatologic conditions required further observation or admission. On further regression modeling, age ≤ 5, semi-urgent or non-urgent acuity, Medicaid insurance, and residence in the Northeastern or Midwestern United States were significantly associated with presentation to the emergency department with a dermatologic condition when compared to non-dermatologic condition. CONCLUSIONS: Dermatologic conditions continue to comprise a significant number of ED visits in the pediatric population. Increased ED utilization by vulnerable pediatric populations highlights the need to better direct or provide access to outpatient dermatologic care.

Demystifying pharmaceutical patient assistance programs.

Prescription drug costs impose a significant financial burden on the United States healthcare system. Patients with chronic dermatologic diseases often require long-term and expensive prescription drugs. In an effort to expand drug availability, pharmaceutical companies fund patient assistance programs (PAPs) to assist disadvantaged patients in gaining access to high-priced brand name medications with no suitable therapeutic alternative. Patients and clinical staff often face difficulty navigating the various PAPs. Herein, we seek to explore the utility, criteria, and challenges in PAPs and provide a practical discourse for dermatologists caring for medically indigent patients.

Diagnosing and Managing Hidradenitis Suppurativa in Pediatrics.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a debilitating chronic inflammatory skin disease that presents as exquisitely tender abscesses, draining fistulae, and sinus tracts. HS can lead to significant impairments in patients' quality of life, especially for children and adolescents who face challenges related to self-esteem and physical and emotional development. Severe long-term physical sequelae of inadequately treated HS include extensive scarring, urogenital strictures, immobility, and squamous cell carcinoma; emotional sequelae include depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Many of the devastating long-term sequelae associated with HS can be prevented with early recognition and proper collaborative management. This article reviews strategies to aid pediatricians in early diagnosis of HS and provides clinical pearls for management and prevention of disease flares. [Pediatr Ann. 2022;51(3):e123-e127.].

Gender differences in sexual health impairment in hidradenitis suppurativa: A systematic review.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis characterized by painful nodules, sinus tracts, and scarring, with a predilection for intertriginous areas. HS is particularly prevalent in women of childbearing age and can have varying psychological and physical consequences. The chronic and debilitating nature of this disease can lead to significant impairments in patients' sexual health and overall quality of life. This systematic review examines gender differences in the impact of HS on sexual health. In addition, we review gaps in the management of sexual health for patients with HS and outline recommendations to adequately address sexual concerns and optimize care.

Conducting clinical trials during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted dermatology clinical trial operations due to mandated governmental and institutional shut-downs and newly implemented restrictions. During this unprecedented time, measures should be taken to maintain research conduct compliance while also ensuring the safety of trial staff and participants. Herein, we underscore the challenges facing dermatology trials during the COVID-19 pandemic, and offer strategies to maintain compliant and safe conduct.

Characterizing perimenstrual flares of hidradenitis suppurativa.

BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) predominantly affects women of childbearing age, and sex hormones are thought to play a role in HS pathogenesis. However, there is a paucity of data regarding the pattern of HS perimenstrual flares, as well as patient responses to hormone-based therapies. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to characterize the temporal pattern of perimenstrual flares, as well as factors associated with perimenstrual flares. We also sought to investigate responses to hormonal therapies in women with HS. METHODS: An anonymous web-based questionnaire was distributed to various online HS support groups in May 2020. RESULTS: A total of 283 participants met the inclusion criteria as adult women who self-reported having HS and menstrual cycles. The majority (176 of 282 women; 62.4%) reported HS worsening with menses, and 86.9% (153 of 176 women) noted that perimenstrual HS flares occurred always or often. Most women (138 of 175 women; 78.9%) reported that their HS flared in the week preceding menses. Perimenstrual HS flares were more likely in women with a family history of HS compared with those without (49.6% vs. 28.2%; p = .019). More than a third of respondents who had been treated with spironolactone reported improvement of HS symptoms, but more than a quarter of participants who used medroxyprogesterone acetate or used a hormonal intrauterine device reported worsened HS symptoms. CONCLUSION: Female patients with HS have high rates of perimenstrual HS flares, specifically during the week preceding the onset of menses. Additional investigations on the role of sex hormones in HS pathogenesis and the efficacy of hormone-based therapies are warranted.

Menses, pregnancy, delivery, and menopause in hidradenitis suppurativa: A patient survey.

BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects women of childbearing age. There is a paucity of data on HS disease activity during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause and the potential impact of HS on the method of delivery. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to characterize the natural history of HS symptoms during menses, pregnancy, and menopause. We also sought to evaluate the potential impact of HS on delivery method and whether there were delivery-related healing complications unique to women with HS. METHODS: An anonymous survey was distributed via social media to international HS support groups and patients at three HS specialty clinics in North America. Responses were collected from March to July 2019. RESULTS: A total of 279 respondents answered questions on disease changes during pregnancy. Menstruation caused worsening of HS symptoms in 76.7%, no change in 22.2%, and improvement in 1.1%. During pregnancy, the distribution between symptoms worsening (34.8%), having no change (28.7%), and improving (36.6%) was relatively even. After menopause, participants typically reported either worsening (39.5%) or no change (44.2%) in HS symptoms. Among respondents with anogenital HS involvement who delivered vaginally, 3.1% believed that HS interfered with vaginal delivery (VD), and 23.5% believed that VD caused an HS flare. Cesarean section (C-section) delivery was reported by 44.2% of participants. Ten participants reported that they were advised by their doctor to have a C-section instead of a VD because of severe anogenital HS. Of those who underwent a C-section, 33.9% reported that HS interfered with incision healing, and 51.2% reported developing new HS lesions in their C-section scar. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first study describing the potential influence of HS on a patient's method of delivery. Multidisciplinary collaboration plays a pivotal role in developing individualized treatment and birth plans for pregnant women with HS.