Neonatal epidermolysis bullosa: a clinical practice guideline.

DEBRA International is undertaking a long-term initiative to develop clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for epidermolysis bullosa (EB), to -improve the clinical care of people living with EB. Current neonatal care is based on evidence, clinical expertise and trial and error, with collaboration between the EB specialist team, parent or carer and patient, and is dependent on the neonate's individual presentation and type of EB. Early intervention based on research and clinical practice is needed to establish a foundation of knowledge to guide international practitioners to create and improve standards of care and to be able to work effectively with those newly diagnosed with EB. This CPG was created by an international panel with expertise working with persons with EB. The CPG focuses on neonatal care using a systematic review methodology covering four key areas: (i) diagnosis and parental psychosocial support; (ii) hospital management: medical monitoring, wound care and pain; (iii) feeding and nutrition; and (iv) discharge planning and EB education. These four areas highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach, to provide a patient-specific holistic care model that incorporates the needs and wishes of the parents and carers. The Hospital Implementation Tool included promotes transfer of theory to clinical practice.

Consensus-based guidelines for the provision of palliative and end-of-life care for people living with epidermolysis bullosa.

BACKGROUND: Inherited epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a cluster of rare, genetic skin and mucosal fragility disorders with multi-system and secondary effects, in which blistering and erosions occur in response to friction/mechanical trauma. Considering the incurable and potentially life-limiting nature of the condition and the challenges posed by its symptoms, a palliative approach to EB-related care is necessary. However, knowledge and experience related to the provision of EB palliative care is minimal. Evidence-based, best care guidelines are needed to establish a base of knowledge for practitioners to prevent or ease suffering while improving comfort at all stages of the illness, not just the end of life. METHODS: This consensus guideline (CG) was begun at the request of DEBRA International, an international organization dedicated to improvement of care, research, and dissemination of knowledge for EB patients, and represents the work of an international panel of medical experts in palliative care and EB, people living with EB, and people who provide care for individuals living with EB. Following a rigorous, evidence-based guideline development process, the author panel identified six clinical outcomes based on the results of a survey of people living with EB, carers, and medical experts in the field, as well as an exhaustive and systematic evaluation of literature. Recommendations for the best clinical provision of palliative care for people living with EB for each of the outcomes were reached through panel consensus of the available literature. RESULTS: This article presents evidence-based recommendations for the provision of palliative healthcare services that establishes a base of knowledge and practice for an interdisciplinary team approach to ease suffering and improve the quality of life for all people living with EB. Any specific differences in the provision of care between EB subtypes are noted. CONCLUSIONS: Because there is yet no cure for EB, this evidence-based CG is a means of optimizing and standardizing the IDT care needed to reduce suffering while improving comfort and overall quality of life for people living with this rare and often devastating condition.

Retrospective longitudinal study of osteoporosis in adults with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.

This retrospective study looks at bone mineral density of people with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa as assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Data were collected in 34 patients aged 16-35 years. Statistical analysis showed immobility, low body mass index, and pubertal delay was associated with osteoporosis.

Quality of life among adults with epidermolysis bullosa living with a gastrostomy tube since childhood.

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare genetic condition characterized by blistering to the skin and internal mucous membranes arising from mild mechanical trauma. The impact on those affected can be significant. They might have increased nutritional requirements because of blistering, chronic wounds, infection, and loss of exudates, and nutritional intake might be compromised because of oropharyngeal blistering and strictures, resulting in malnutrition in many patients. Placement of gastrostomy tubes can help some patients meet nutritional requirements. We report a recent study on how EB patients and their families approached the issue of whether to have a gastrostomy tube placed and how such tubes affect quality of life. Our findings include important insights for clinicians and families about how patients experience life with a gastrostomy. We show how the process of consent can be improved and how patients with a gastrostomy tube can feel more in control of their lives.