The spectrum of oculocutaneous disease: Part I. Infectious, inflammatory, and genetic causes of oculocutaneous disease.

Many skin diseases are associated with ocular findings, emphasizing the need for dermatologists to be fully aware of their presence, and as a result, avoid overlooking conditions with potentially major ocular complications, including blindness. We review important oculocutaneous disease associations with recommendations for the management of the ocular complications and appropriate referral to our ophthalmology colleagues. Part I of this 2-part review focuses on the infectious, inflammatory, and genetic relationships.

The spectrum of oculocutaneous disease: Part II. Neoplastic and drug-related causes of oculocutaneous disease.

There are a multitude of diseases that commonly affect both the skin and the eye. Part II of this 2-part series reviews the oculocutaneous manifestations of neoplasms, both benign and malignant, and adverse drug reactions affecting the skin and the eye. Though rare, a number of neoplasms that primarily involve the skin, such as melanoma and basal cell carcinoma, can metastasize to the eye, leading to permanent damage if not properly treated. In addition, periocular neoplasms can irritate the conjunctiva and lid, reducing a patient's ability to see clearly. Neoplastic diseases, such as xeroderma pigmentosum, Sturge-Weber syndrome, and multiple myeloma, can also lead to permanent changes in the eye if not discovered and managed promptly. Furthermore, there are a multitude of drugs, including those commonly used by dermatologists, which can result in permanent damage to the eye. With proper knowledge of the ocular manifestations and treatment recommendations described in this 2-part series, dermatologists with the assistance of their ophthalmology colleagues can help avoid the complications, including permanent blindness, associated with infectious, inflammatory, genetic, neoplastic, and drug-related conditions.

Tangential shave removal of basal cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the outcome of tangential shave removal (TS) of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) on the trunk and extremities. DESIGN: Cohort study of patients with multiple truncal BCC treated using TS in an academic dermatologic surgery practice. SETTING: Academic institution referral practice. PATIENTS: Individuals with BCC referred to the dermatologic surgery unit for ongoing therapy of multiple lesions. INTERVENTIONS: TS of amenable superficial and nodular BCCs with twice-annual follow-up. Lesions were removed using a scalpel as a uniform-depth mid-to-upper dermal shave and sent for routine pathology. Basic wound care was applied. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Apparent cure rate and outcome of scars. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-two BCCs were treated in 19 individuals. Patients were followed for an average of 5.2 years. One lesion recurred. Three specimens had positive margins requiring further surgery. Scarring was acceptable and similar to what is observed with curettage and electrocoagulation. CONCLUSIONS: TS is a reasonable treatment for primary superficial and nodular BCC on the trunk and extremities.

Psoriasis, hepatitis B, and the tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitory agents: a review and recommendations for management.

BACKGROUND: Tumor necrosis factor inhibitory agents are currently considered to be contraindicated in psoriatic patients with hepatitis B. OBJECTIVE: We aim to provide guidance to dermatologists on the use of tumor necrosis factor inhibitor therapy in these patients. METHODS: The current literature was reviewed regarding the use of tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitory agents (etanercept, adalimumab, and infliximab) in psoriatic patients with particular reference to hepatitis B infection. RESULTS: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitor therapy may result in reactivated hepatitis B in hepatitis B surface antigen-positive patients with psoriasis. This also occurs, although less frequently in patients with an isolated positive hepatitis B core antibody. Thus, all psoriasis patients should be screened for hepatitis B surface antigen plus hepatitis B core antibody prior to the initiation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitor therapy. Infliximab has been associated with more reactivation cases than the other 2 agents and fatalities have been reported with this agent. Evidence is presented that the risk of reactivation can be greatly minimized or eliminated by early or pre-emptive antiviral therapy. LIMITATIONS: The data is largely based on small case series that are retrospective in nature. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatitis B screening is essential prior to the initiation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitor therapy. Psoriatic patients found to be hepatitis B surface antigen or hepatitis B core antibody-positive should be referred to an appropriate specialist for evaluation and therapy. This would allow for the safe use of tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors in psoriatic patients despite recently published guidelines to the contrary.

Current investigational drugs in psoriasis.

INTRODUCTION: The advent of biologic therapies has revolutionized the treatment of psoriasis. Increased understanding of immunogenetic pathways has allowed for the development of more selective targeted biologic therapies. Multiple new treatments are currently in development for the treatment of psoriasis. Preliminary data for many of these agents, particularly with regard to agents targeting the IL-23/Th17 pathway, are promising. Proven long-term safety, however, is an absolute necessity with newly developed drugs, and should, therefore, still be considered second-line agents to current established treatments with long-term safety data. AREAS COVERED: This review details the mechanisms of action of drugs currently in development or in clinical trials for the treatment of psoriasis, using clinical trial registries and associated publications. Readers will gain a comprehensive overview about the mechanism of action of emerging treatments targeting various immune pathways deeply involved in psoriasis. Pathogenesis, clinical efficacy and safety data for these treatments are discussed where available. EXPERT OPINION: Psoriasis remains a heavily undertreated systemic immune-mediated disease despite increased understanding of immunopathogenesis of the disease and advent of a multitude of novel therapeutic agents with potentially improved bioavailability and safety profiles. Limitations, however, remain in the realm of topical agents for treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis, which has seen little progress over the years. A concerted effort will need to be made among researchers, clinicians and patient advocacy groups to ensure new therapeutic agents are developed and gain proper exposure.

Barriers to pediatric lead screening: implications from a web-based survey of Vermont pediatricians.

The pernicious effects of lead on child health are well documented. The Vermont Department of Health (VDH) recommends screening all 12- and 24-month-old children for elevated blood lead levels (BLL). In 2006, only 41.4% of 24-month-old Vermont children were screened. To identify barriers preventing pediatricians from performing blood lead screening, a survey was distributed to Vermont primary care pediatricians-divided in higher and lower screening groups. Vermont pediatricians were more likely to be lower screeners if they reported negative health outcomes began at BLL >" xbd="641" xhg="618" ybd="1456" yhg="1421"/> 10 microg/dL (odds ratio [OR] = 3.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.12-11.99), practiced in Chittenden County (OR = 3.34, 95% CI = 1.14-9.78), or disagreed with the VDH's recommendation (OR = 4.90, 95% CI = 1.66-15.50). Adjusted analysis indicated the most significant determinants of lower screening rates were male gender, a perceived dangerous BLL as >10 microg/dL and low self-reported Medicaid population. The VDH may have an opportunity to increase BLL screening emphasizing the significant health risks associated with BLL < or = 10 microg/dL.