An expert panel consensus on opioid-prescribing guidelines for dermatologic procedures.

BACKGROUND: Opioid overprescribing is a major contributor to the opioid crisis. The lack of procedure-specific guidelines contributes to the vast differences in prescribing practices. OBJECTIVE: To create opioid-prescribing consensus guidelines for common dermatologic procedures. METHODS: We used a 4-step modified Delphi method to conduct a systematic discussion among a panel of dermatologists in the fields of general dermatology, dermatologic surgery, and cosmetics/phlebology to develop opioid prescribing guidelines for some of the most common dermatologic procedural scenarios. Guidelines were developed for opioid-naive patients undergoing routine procedures. Opioid tablets were defined as oxycodone 5-mg oral equivalents. RESULTS: Postoperative pain after most uncomplicated procedures (76%) can be adequately managed with acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen. Group consensus identified no specific dermatologic scenario that routinely requires more than 15 oxycodone 5-mg oral equivalents to manage postoperative pain. Group consensus found that 23% of the procedural scenarios routinely require 1 to 10 opioid tablets, and only 1 routinely requires 1 to 15 opioid tablets. LIMITATIONS: These recommendations are based on expert consensus in lieu of quality evidence-based outcomes research. These recommendations must be individualized to accommodate patients' comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: Procedure-specific opioid prescribing guidelines may serve as a foundation to produce effective and responsible postoperative pain management strategies after dermatologic interventions.

Sustained efficacy and safety of infliximab in psoriasis: a retrospective study of 73 patients.

BACKGROUND: Infliximab inhibits T-cell activation by binding tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). This medication is widely used in the US for treatment of psoriasis as an off-label indication. The durability of its effect is largely unknown. OBJECTIVE: To assess the proportion of patients still on infliximab 12 months after initiation of therapy for psoriasis. METHODS: Retrospective chart review analysis of 73 patients with psoriasis treated with infliximab for at least 12 months or those who experienced treatment failure in less than 12 months. The point where infusions were deemed to no longer be efficacious was determined by physician's global assessment (PGA). RESULTS: Of 73 patients who started infliximab at least 12 months prior to this chart review, 22 (30.1%) had discontinued treatment secondary to loss of efficacy. Thirty seven patients (50.7%) had no loss of efficacy and continued to receive infusions. Two patients (2.7%) discontinued due to loss of efficacy after greater than 12 months. Of the 22 patients who discontinued treatment due to loss of efficacy, 2 were on concomitant methotrexate (5-7.5 mg/wk) therapy. Of the 37 patients still receiving treatment with no loss of efficacy at 12 months, 3 patients were on concomitant methotrexate therapy. Five patients (6.8%) discontinued secondary to minor adverse events: sinus infection (1), acne (1), fever (1), arthralgia (1), and transient rash (1). Three patients (4.1%) discontinued due to major adverse events: reactivation of tuberculosis (1), breast cancer (1), and gastrointestinal bleeding (1). One patient discontinued infliximab secondary to concerns of possible lymphoma risk (though there were no signs of symptoms of disease on examination), and 3 patients discontinued due to insurance concerns. CONCLUSION: Infliximab treatment resulted in significant improvement in psoriasis, with 37 out of 73 patients (50.7%) experiencing no loss of efficacy. This longitudinal retrospective chart review demonstrates continued benefit of infliximab infusions in about half of patients after 1 year, though a notable percentage (30.1%) experienced loss of efficacy as determined by physician's global assessment (PGA) and a number of others discontinued due to adverse events or insurance difficulty.

Failure of omalizumab for treatment of severe adult atopic dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis has been associated with elevated levels of IgE. Omalizumab is a monoclonal anti-IgE antibody currently approved for the treatment of asthma. We report the failure of omalizumab to improve atopic dermatitis in 3 patients when administered for 4 months.

How I do it. In a pinch.

BACKGROUND: Punch biopsy is a standard method for obtaining tissue sample in dermatology. OBJECTIVE: The objective is to convey the use of towel clips when forceps are not available in performing a punch biopsy. METHODS: After informed consent, a punch biopsy was performed when clinically indicated, using towel clips in place of forceps to aid in removal of the specimen from the patient. RESULTS: The biopsy sample was satisfactory without tissue trauma or crush artifact. CONCLUSIONS: A towel clip is a reasonable alternative when forceps are not available when performing a punch biopsy.