[Characteristics of chronic wounds in substance abuse: A retrospective study of 58 patients]. / Caractéristiques des plaies chroniques chez les toxicomanes : étude rétrospective de 58 patients.

BACKGROUND: Drug addiction causes chronic wounds (CW) responsible for severe complications. Very few studies are available on this topic. The aim of our study was to describe the demographic, clinical and etiological characteristics as well as the course of CW in drug addicts. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective and prospective multicenter study including all drug addicts with CW. RESULTS: We included 58 patients (17 prospectively), 84.5% of whom were male, of median age 43 years, presenting multiple CW as a result of intravenous (78.2%), inhaled (41.1%) and/or snorted (20%) drug abuse. Addiction to opioids (68.4%), cocaine (47.4%) and/or cannabis (40.4%) was ended and/or treated through substitution in 79.3% of patients. CW were fibrinous and necrotic (42.9 to 53.6%), recurrent (54.2%), and in some cases had been present for more than 1 year (61.5%). Intravenous drug addiction was associated with large, fibrinous, ulcers in a setting of venous and lymphatic insufficiency (74%). Only 23% of these wounds involved the upper limbs. Necrotic ulcers associated with clinical arteriopathy were described mainly with inhaled addiction. Abscesses (50%) and erysipelas (29.3%) were the most common cutaneous complications. After 3 months, 50% of CW were improved and 29.2% of patients were lost to follow-up. DISCUSSION: Drug abuse-related CW occurred preferentially in young men with history of intravenous abuse. For the most part, CW were seen on the legs and were associated with venous and lymphatic insufficiency, and the resulting major risk for cutaneous infection increased morbidity and mortality in this population in whom medical follow-up is inherently complicated.

[Frequency of contact sensitization to modern dressings used to treat chronic leg ulcer]. / Fréquence des sensibilisations de contact aux pansements modernes utilisés sur les ulcères de jambe.

INTRODUCTION: Allergic contact dermatitis around chronic leg ulcers (CLU) is a common complication in patients presenting CLU and prolongs healing times. The aim of this study was to describe the rate of sensitization to modern dressings (MD) used in these patients and to assess whether there is a relation between the number of sensitizations and ulcer type, the time from onset of the ulcer, and patient age and gender. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study at Reims University Hospital between 2010 and 2014 that included all patients with CLU of vascular etiology surrounded by eczematous lesions, and who had one of the patch-tests in the following 3 series: European baseline±leg ulcers±corticosteroids. RESULTS: Among the 73 patients included, 43 % were polysensitized. Thirty-three patients (45 %) were sensitized to MD (38 % to hydrocolloids, 18 % to hydrogels, 7 % to hydrocellular dressings, 7 % to hydrofiber dressings, 5 % to contact layers and 3 % to alginates). Median age and sex did not differ between "polysensitized" patients and "non-polysensitized" patients (P=0.84 and P=0.25, respectively). Polysensitization was more frequent among patients presenting ulcers for more than 5 years (P=0.032). CONCLUSION: Practically half of all patients presenting CLU with surrounding contact dermatitis had sensitization to modern dressings (mostly hydrocolloids and hydrogels). The rate of sensitization increased with the length of presence of CLU.

[Skin pigmentation induced by meropenem and levofloxacin]. / Hyperpigmentation cutanée induite par le méropénème et la lévofloxacine.

BACKGROUND: Various cutaneous side-effects, including, exanthema, pruritus, urticaria and Lyell or Stevens-Johnson syndrome, have been reported with meropenem (carbapenem), a rarely-prescribed antibiotic. Levofloxacin (fluoroquinolone), a more frequently prescribed antibiotic, has similar cutaneous side-effects, as well as photosensitivity. We report a case of cutaneous hyperpigmentation induced by meropenem and levofloxacin. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 67-year-old male was treated with meropenem (1g×4 daily), levofloxacin (500mg twice daily) and amikacin (500mg daily) for 2 weeks, followed by meropenem, levofloxacin and rifampicin (600mg twice daily) for 4 weeks for osteitis of the fifth metatarsal. Three weeks after initiation of antibiotic therapy, dark hyperpigmentation appeared on the lower limbs, predominantly on the anterior aspects of the legs. Histology revealed dark, perivascular and interstitial deposits throughout the dermis, which stained with both Fontana-Masson and Perls stains. Infrared microspectroscopy revealed meropenem in the dermis of involved skin. After withdrawal of the antibiotics, the pigmentation subsided slowly. DISCUSSION: Similar cases of cutaneous hyperpigmentation have been reported after use of minocycline. In these cases, histological examination also showed iron and/or melanin deposits within the dermis, but the nature of the causative pigment remains unclear. In our case, infrared spectroscopy enabled us to identify meropenem in the dermis. Two cases of cutaneous hyperpigmentation have been reported following use of levofloxacin, and the results of histological examination were similar. This is the first case of cutaneous hyperpigmentation induced by meropenem.

Erosive pustular dermatosis of the leg: A prospective, multicentre, observational study of 36 cases.

BACKGROUND: Erosive pustular dermatosis of the leg (EPDL) is a poorly understood entity first described by Lanigan and Cotteril in 1987. Its clinical diagnosis is based on exclusion since the physiopathology is unknown. The primary objective of this investigation was to specify the clinical aspects and outcomes in a prospective study. The secondary objectives were to describe associated diseases, the circumstances of occurrence, and the laboratory tests used. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective study that included 45 patients selected by members of the Angiology-Dermatology Group of the SFD (French Dermatology Society) at 13 centres between 01/09/2013 and 31/10/2014. There was a 180-day monitoring period. The records of 36 patients were analysed. Clinical and laboratory data were collected. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 79.6±9.9 years with a M/F sex ratio of 0.2. Among the patients, 16.7% had skin cancer and 91.7% had venous insufficiency. The proportion of patients wearing venous compression hose was constant between inclusion and D180. Lesions were bilateral (53%), affected the middle third of the leg, and were on the anterior aspect. Complete healing was achieved in 77.8% of cases with time to healing of 2.4±1.2 months, and under topical corticosteroids in 97.3% of cases. During follow-up, relapse occurred in 38.9% of cases after a mean time of 2.4±1.2 months. CONCLUSION: EPDL appears to be an idiopathic inflammatory dermatosis with a particular topographic expression. The physiopathology could be related to chronic inflammation associated with venous insufficiency and with certain trigger factors. Currently, there are few therapeutic alternatives to topical corticosteroids.

[Retrospective study of hypertensive leg ulcers at Reims University Hospital: Epidemiological, clinical, disease progression data, effects of vitamin K antagonists]. / Étude rétrospective des angiodermites nécrotiques au CHU de Reims : données épidémiologiques, cliniques, évolutives et rôle des antivitamine K.

BACKGROUND: Hypertensive leg ulcers (HLU) are a form of necrotic leg ulcer. Their physiopathology is not well known and in these patients, no venous or arterial insufficiency is detected. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the association between HLU severity and the presence or absence of concomitant vitamin K antagonist (VKA) medication. We furthermore aimed to describe the epidemiology of this entity and the prevalence of thrombophilia factors in this population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study in 54 patients hospitalized in the dermatology department of Reims University Hospital between 01/01/2007 and 31/12/2013: 23 patients were included in the "without VKA" group, and 30 were included in the "with VKA" group. Clinical and laboratory data were collected. RESULTS: The average HLU surface was higher in the "with VKA" group i.e. 35.00cm2 (min: 3.0; max: 220.0) versus 23.00cm2 (min: 5.0; max: 300.0) (P=0.05). No significant difference was found in terms of time to healing, mean hospitalization duration, HLU treatment by skin grafting, or time to recurrence after healing. Mean patient age was 74.2±9.3 years; 100% of patients had arterial hypertension, 50.9% had diabetes, and 20.8% were active smokers. Abnormal but non-significant values for thrombophilia factors were observed. CONCLUSION: Our study shows no obvious differences between patients with HLU with or without VKA medication. A prospective, comparative study is necessary to further evaluate this hypothesis, with particular emphasis on routine thrombophilia factor analysis.

[Clinical patterns and treatment of pyoderma gangrenosum in a French department]. / Caractéristiques cliniques et traitement du pyoderma gangrenosum dans la Marne.

BACKGROUND: Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare inflammatory neutrophilic dermatosis for which accurate epidemiological data are limited and therapy remains a challenge. The primary study aim was to examine all cases of PG observed in our regional department over a 15-year period in order to describe the relevant characteristics and outcome under therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The medical records of all patients with PG from 1997 to 2012 in the Marne department of France were studied retrospectively. Clinical and histological characteristics, comorbidities, therapeutic modalities and outcome were analysed. RESULTS: Forty-two patients were included (30 women, 12 men). A classical, ulcerative form was found in 39 cases and PG was multifocal in 28 cases. The number of lesions did not differ according to age or the presence of comorbidities. The most frequent first-line treatments were doxycycline (23 cases) and oral corticosteroids (15 cases), regardless of age, number of lesions or existence of comorbidities. Complete remission of PG was obtained in 38 cases (median time to remission: 3 months), with relapse occurring in 17 patients (median time to relapse: 12 months after treatment withdrawal). After a median follow-up of 46 months, 8 patients had died (median time to death: 26 months after treatment initiation). CONCLUSION: This is the first large French series of patients presenting PG and enabling determination of the annual incidence within the Marne department at around 4.6 cases/1000,000 inhabitants. Our study illustrates the value of first-line treatment with tetracycline, which merits confirmation by further prospective, controlled studies.

[Uraemic and non-uraemic calcific arteriopathy: The need for rapid diagnosis and therapy]. / L'artériolopathie calcifiante urémique et non urémique : urgence diagnostique et thérapeutique.

Calcific arteriopathy (CA), also commonly known as calciphylaxis, is a disease carrying a poor prognosis. It is seen primarily in patients with chronic renal insufficiency (CRI), particularly those on haemodialysis (HD), where it is referred to as uraemic calcific arteriopathy (UCA), but it also occurs outside this setting, in which case it is known as non-uraemic calcific arteriopathy (NUCA). It is caused by thrombotic cutaneous arteriolar microangiopathy associated with fine calcium deposits in the media associated with hyperplasia of the intima of the dermal and hypodermal arterioles. Its course comprises two phases: a silent phase in which the arteriolar abnormalities begin, followed by a symptomatic phase, frequently triggered by specific factors, with sudden appearance of necrotic ischaemic plaques on the skin. Several clinical forms exist, proximal, distal and mixed, depending on the main site of the lesions. The prognosis is poor due to septic complications and the involvement of other organs. Diagnosis is based on the patient's history, clinical examination, laboratory examinations and skin biopsy with Von Kossa staining. The physiopathology, which is complex and is becoming increasingly well understood, involves high phosphorous and calcium levels and hyperparathyroidism, as well as other factors (inflammation, factors promoting or inhibiting calcification, coagulation disorders and traumatisms). Treatment involves a multidisciplinary and medical-surgical approach.

Evaluation of two fibrous wound dressings for the management of leg ulcers: results of a European randomised controlled trial (EARTH RCT).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance (efficacy, safety and acceptability) of a new micro-adherent absorbent dressing (UrgoClean®) compared with a hydrofiber dressing (Aquacel®) in the local management of venous leg ulcers, in the debridement stage. METHOD: A non-inferiority European randomised controlled clinical trial (RCT) was conducted in 37 centres, on patients presenting with venous or predominantly venous, mixed aetiology leg ulcers at their sloughy stage (with more than 70% of the wound bed covered with slough at baseline). Patients were followed over a 6-week period and assessed weekly. The primary judgement criteria was the relative regression of the wound surface area after the 6-week treatment period. Secondary endpoints were the relative reduction of sloughy tissue and the percentage of patients presenting with a debrided wound. RESULTS: Altogether, 159 patients were randomised to either UrgoClean (test group; n=83) or Aquacel (control group; n=76) dressings. Regarding the wound healing process predictive factors (wound area, duration, ABPI value, recurrence), at baseline, the two groups were well balanced, for both wound and patient characteristics. Compression therapy was administered to both groups and after a median 42-day treatment period, the percentage of relative reduction of the wound surface area was very similar (-36.9% vs -35.4% in the UrgoClean and control groups, respectively). When considering the secondary criteria at week 6, the relative reduction of sloughy tissue was significantly higher in the UrgoClean group than in the control group (-65.3% vs -42,6%; p=0.013). The percentage of debrided wounds was also significantly higher in the test group (52.5% vs 35.1%; p=0.033). CONCLUSION: This 'EARTH' RCT confirmed that the UrgoClean dressing has similar efficacy and safety compared to Aquacel. However, UrgoClean also showed better autolytic properties than the control group in the management of venous leg ulcers at the sloughy stage. The new UrgoClean dressing therefore represents a promising therapeutic option within the current range of autolytic dressings available. DECLARATION OF INTEREST: This study was sponsored by a grant from the pharmaceutical company Laboratoires Urgo. S. Bohbot and O. Tacca are employees of Laboratoires Urgo. S. Meaume, J. Dissemond and G. Perceau have received monetary compensation as presenters for Laboratoires Urgo. Data management and statistical analyses were conducted independently by Vertical (Paris, France).

[Necrotic leg ulcers induced by vitamin K antagonists: five cases]. / Ulcères de jambe nécrotiques induits par les anti-vitamines K : à propos de cinq cas.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) are widely used in thromboembolic diseases. We report five cases of necrotic leg ulcers having a particularly severe course and in which withdrawal of VKA treatment alone enabled healing. CASE REPORTS: Five patients presented with necrotic leg ulcers clinically evocative of necrotic angiodermatitis or vasculitis. Histological features were variable, including inconstantly inflammatory lesions (leukocytoclastic vasculitis) and microthrombosis. None of the patients had laboratory signs of autoimmune disease. Healing occurred in all patients only after withdrawal of VKA therapy (fluindione or acenocoumarol). Associated vascular diseases included superficial venous, distal arterial insufficiency and postphlebitic disease. In three cases, thrombotic factors were observed: hyperhomocysteinaemia or heterozygous Factor V Leiden mutation. DISCUSSION: Although the causative role of VKAs is based solely on chronological criteria, this potential side effect deserves publication because of its practical therapeutic consequences. The physiopathological mechanisms accounting for the role of VKAs, including immunoallergic phenomena and, above all, microcirculatory thrombotic processes, are hypothetical and not universally accepted.

[Erosive pustular dermatosis of the legs: retrospective study of 16 cases]. / Dermatose érosive et pustuleuse de jambes : étude rétrospective de 16 cas.

BACKGROUND: Erosive pustular dermatosis of the leg (EPDL) is a chronic clinical entity comprising combined erosion, pustules and crusts on the legs. There is still some discussion of the independent existence of this condition in the absence of specific diagnostic criteria. The purpose of this study is to describe the clinical and laboratory characteristics of EPDL based on a series of patients presenting a clinical picture consistent with this diagnosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included all patients seen in our department between 2005 and 2009 presenting a clinical picture consistent with EPDL, in accordance with the initial description. We collated and carried out descriptive analysis of the clinical features and progression of the disease and of laboratory results (microbiology, immunology and vascular tests). RESULTS: In all of the 16 patients included (mean age: 81 years; sex ratio M/F: 0.2), lesions were consistently located in the middle third of the anterior aspect of the leg and associated with ochre dermatitis and skin atrophy; they were bilateral in 10 of the 16 patients. For the most part, laboratory tests were negative or inconclusive, with the exception of direct cutaneous immunofluorescence (DIF). DIF was performed in 14 patients and in three cases showed linear C3 deposits, thus confirming the diagnosis of pretibial bullous pemphigoid. In the 13 remaining cases, a diagnosis of idiopathic EPDL was made. Three of these 13 patients were either presenting or had previously presented squamous cell carcinoma of the leg. Topical corticosteroids were effective in 12 of these 13 cases (mean treatment duration: six months). Relapse was common (6/12). DISCUSSION: Our study demonstrates the need for skin biopsy with DIF for patients presenting a clinical picture evocative of EPDL, since the clinical presentation can be very similar to that of pretibial pemphigoid. Trophic disorders associated with venous stasis are common in EPDL, although they are difficult to interpret because of the high prevalence of this condition among the elderly. Mention must be made of associated marked sun damage, suggesting a possible relationship between EPDL and erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp.

[Efficacy of rituximab in a case of refractory bullous pemphigoid]. / Efficacité du rituximab dans une pemphigoïde bulleuse en échec thérapeutique.

BACKGROUND: The mainstay in the treatment of bullous pemphigoid (BP) is corticosteroids. Immunosuppressive agents might be used for steroid-sparing effect. We report the case of a patient with refractory BP successfully treated with rituximab. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An 83-year-old woman was hospitalized in January 2005 for severe BP. She was initially treated with 30 g/day of clobetasol propionate 0.05% and methotrexate (20 mg/week), with partial remission. However, every attempt to reduce topical corticosteroids resulted in a relapse of the patient's BP. Subsequently, mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine, dapsone, intravenous immunoglobulins, topical tacrolimus and systemic glucocorticoids (steroid-dependency at 20 mg/day) failed to induce complete remission. In December 2005, we decided to treat the patient with four infusions of rituximab 375 mg/m(2) at 1-week intervals, and this led to a dramatic reduction of the severity of BP. In May 2006, a second course of rituximab was given. One month later, for the first time in 18 months, complete clinical and immunological remission of BP was noted. The patient remains in complete remission, without treatment, 2 years after the last infusion of rituximab. DISCUSSION: The B cell-modulating effect of rituximab has encouraged its use in a variety of autoimmune diseases including pemphigus. Only five cases of refractory BP, treated with rituximab (including two paediatric cases), have so far been reported. In three of these cases, follow-up was too short to allow detection of any relapse and the other two patients had lymphocytic leukaemia requiring rituximab infusions every 2 months. In our case, the two courses of rituximab were well tolerated, induced complete clinical and immunological remission and enabled discontinuation of local and systemic corticosteroids. CONCLUSION: Rituximab could offer a safe and effective therapeutic alternative for refractory BP.

[Juvenile pemphigus vulgaris]. / Pemphigus vulgaire de l'enfant.

BACKGROUND: Pemphigus vulgaris is a rare autoimmune blistering disease seen only, rarely, in children. CASE-REPORT: Two young girls, aged four and 15 years respectively, presented with oral and/or cutaneous blisters (case 2). The diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris was confirmed by histology (suprabasal acantholysis) and immunopathological analysis (direct and indirect immunofluorescence, antidesmoglein-3 plus or minus antidesmoglein-1 antibodies by ELISA). In case 2, caused by corticosteroid dependence and after the failure of intravenous immunoglobulin, the patient was successfully treated with rituximab. DISCUSSION: Juvenile pemphigus vulgaris is rare and its occasionally clinically atypical presentation can result in delayed diagnosis and management. Firstline therapy generally comprises systemic corticosteroids. Some cases of recalcitrant pemphigus vulgaris in adults with a refractory course, despite adequate systemic corticosteroids, have been successfully treated with rituximab, as in our case 2. To our knowledge, only two other cases of juvenile pemphigus vulgaris treated with rituximab have been reported.

[Tobacco contact dermatitis caused by sensitivity to sorbic acid]. / Eczéma de contact au tabac par sensibilisation à l'acide sorbique.

BACKGROUND: Contact dermatitis caused by tobacco is rare and poorly understood. In this paper, we report what is to our knowledge, the first case of tobacco contact dermatitis with identification of the causative agent. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 46-year-old man was hospitalised for diffuse dermatitis originating in the left leg. Subsequent epicutaneous tests indicated that this dermatitis was ascribable to sensitisation to the sorbic acid present in Fucidin cream applied around a chronic wound. A persistent plaque of eczema observed on the day of examination opposite the patient's right trouser pocket suggested the implication of tobacco powder with which the pocket was soiled. An epicutaneous test using tobacco (moistened in water) proved positive (++ at 48 and 72 h). This tobacco contained sorbic acid, used as a preservative. DISCUSSION: The positive test for sorbic acid was relevant not only regarding the lesions on the patient's legs (application of a topical cream containing sorbic acid) but also for the lesion on the patient's thigh and for palmar dyshidrosis (through contact with strands of loose rolling tobacco). To our knowledge, this is the first recorded case of contact dermatitis caused by sorbic acid in tobacco.

Late lethal hepatitis B virus reactivation after rituximab treatment of low-grade cutaneous B-cell lymphoma.

The chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, rituximab, is a promising treatment for cutaneous B-cell lymphomas. Classically used in combination with a multiagent-chemotherapy regimen, it can sometimes give excellent results alone. Because of its selective action on B lymphocytes, it is considered a moderate immunosuppressant in terms of infection. We describe a woman with relapsed cutaneous follicular centre B-cell lymphoma and secondary lymph-node involvement treated with rituximab alone, which induced a complete remission. One year later, she experienced a fatal hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation. Several such HBV reactivations were reported after combined rituximab and multiagent chemotherapy for B-cell lymphomas. This is the first case of HBV reactivation occurring during the year following rituximab monotherapy in the absence of any other immunosuppressive factor.

[Bullous amyloïdis revealing a light chains lambda myeloma]. / Amylose bulleuse révélant un myélome à chaînes légères lambda.

INTRODUCTION: Although rare, skin lesions are regularly reported in patients with systemic amyloidosis. The existence of bullous skin lesions however is very rare; only thirty cases have been previously reported. We report a new case of bullous amyloidosis revealing a light chains lambda myeloma, and underline the usual characteristics of this type of systemic amyloidosis. EXEGESIS: An 85-year-old man was hospitalised for a bullous eruption associated with a general asthenia. Bullous amyloidosis revealing a light chains lambda myeloma was diagnosed and confirmed by histopathological examination of a skin biopsy specimen. The patient died of a severe congestive heart failure, 15 days later, due to cardiac involvement of the amyloidosis. CONCLUSION: Bullous amyloidosis lesions can be an early manifestation of occult dysglobulinemia. Early diagnosis would allow rapid treatment, before onset of systemic amyloidosis, which is often lethal.

[Bilateral breast bacterial cellulite secondary to Streptococcus agalactiae septicemia]. / Dermohypodermite bactérienne mammaire bilatérale, secondaire à une septicémie à Streptococcus agalactiae.

BACKGROUND: We report a case of group B streptococcal septicemia of digestive origin with secondary bilateral breast dermal-hypodermal localization. CASE REPORT: A 71 year-old woman with a past history of bilateral breast cancer treated by conservation therapy was hospitalized because of the sudden occurrence of two clearly delimited, inflammatory, dermal-hypodermal cutaneous plaques located on each breast, associated with fever (39 degrees C), 4 days after a colonoscopy. Further investigations eliminated carcinomatous mastitis and blood cultures were positive for group B beta-hemolytic streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae). Histological examination of a sigmoid polyp revealed a tubular adenocarcinoma. DISCUSSION: We report the first documented case of secondary dermal-hypodermal bacterial skin infection (cellulitis) due to group B beta-hemolytic streptococcus. The occurrence after colonoscopy examination, chronology of clinical features, bilaterality and positive blood cultures are arguments in favor of the secondary nature of the skin infection process.

Multiple spreading epidermolytic acanthomas of the genital and perigenital skin.

Epidermolytic acanthoma is an uncommon benign tumour mainly characterized histologically by a prominent epidermolytic degeneration of the keratinocytes of the upper layers of the stratum spinosum and of the stratum granulosum. The absence of desmosome involvement allows to differentiate this condition from others such as acantholytic acanthoma. We report the first case, to our knowledge, of a 54-year-old male patient exhibiting disseminated scrotal, gluteal, inguinal and perineal epidermolytic acanthomas.