Age affects drug survival rates of interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-23 inhibitors in patients with plaque psoriasis: Results from a retrospective, multicentric, multi-country, cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Scarce data related to the drug survival of biologic agents in psoriasis patients aged ≥65 years is available. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the drug survival of interleukin (IL)-23 or the IL-17 inhibitors approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis in elderly patients (aged ≥65 years), compared with younger adult patients (aged <65 years), and to identify clinical predictors that can influence the drug survival. METHODS: This retrospective multicentric cohort study included adult patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis, dissecting two-patient subcohorts based on age: elderly versus younger adults. Kaplan-Meier estimator and proportional hazard Cox regression models were used for drug survival analysis. RESULTS: We included 4178 patients and 4866 treatment courses; 934 were elderly (1072 treatment courses), and 3244 were younger patients (3794 treatment courses). Drug survival, considering all causes of interruption, was higher in patients aged <65 years than in elderly patients overall (log-rank p < 0.006). This difference was significant for treatment courses involving IL-23 inhibitors (p < 0.001) but not for those with IL-17 inhibitors (p = 0.2). According to both uni- and multi-variable models, elder age was associated with an increased risk of treatment discontinuation (univariable analysis: HR: 1.229, 95% CI 1.062-1.422; p < 0.006; multivariable analysis: HR: 1.199, 95% CI 1.010-1.422; p = 0.0377). Anti-IL-23 agents were associated with a reduced likelihood of treatment discontinuation after adjusting for other variables (HR: 0.520, 95% CI 0.368-0.735; p < 0.001). Being previously treated with IL-17 inhibitors increased the probability of discontinuation. CONCLUSION: Elderly patients with psoriasis have an increased risk of biologic treatment discontinuation compared with younger adult patients, particularly, if being treated with IL-23 inhibitors. However, in stratified analyses conducted in elderly patients, IL-23 inhibitors showed higher drug survival rates than IL-17 inhibitors.

Rosacea: Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Correlates.

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition of which there is no cure. The pathogenesis of rosacea is likely multifactorial, involving genetic and environmental contributions. Current understanding suggests that pro-inflammatory pathways involving cathelicidins and inflammasome complexes are central to rosacea pathogenesis. Common rosacea triggers modulate these pathways in a complex manner, which may contribute to the varying severity and clinical presentations of rosacea. Established and emerging rosacea treatments may owe their efficacy to their ability to target different players in these pro-inflammatory pathways. Improving our molecular understanding of rosacea will guide the development of new therapies and the use of combination therapies.

The Use of Janus Kinase Inhibitors for Lichen Planus: An Evidence-Based Review.

BACKGROUND: Lichen Planus (LP) is a dermatological disorder characterized by violaceous papules that affect the cutaneous region, nails, scalp, and mucous membranes. Current molecular and clinical studies point to the Janus Kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway as a potential effector of LP pathology. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review summarizes the current reported literature outcomes for patients receiving JAK inhibitors to treat LP. METHODS: MEDLINE and Embase were searched on 16 October, 2022, and 15 original articles were included, with 56 LP patients. RESULTS: (mean age: 54.5 years, range: 26-81 years, male: 26.8%). The treatment outcomes were included for the following JAK inhibitors: tofacitinib (n = 30), baricitinib (n = 16), ruxolitinib (n = 12), and upadacitinib (n = 2). Patient outcomes were classified into complete resolution, partial resolution, and no resolution. Patients achieving complete resolution represented 25% (n = 4/16) in the baricitinib group, 10% (n = 3/30) in the tofacitinib group, 16.7% (n = 2/12) in the ruxolitinib group, and 100% (2/2) in the upadacitinib group. Partial resolution patients represented 31.3% (n = 5/16) of baricitinib patients, 60% (n = 18/30) of tofacitinib patients, and 83% (n = 10/12) of ruxolitinib patients. 43.8% (n = 7/16) of baricitinib patients and 10% (n = 9/30) of tofacitinib patients had no resolution of lesions. CONCLUSION: This review also highlights the significance of utilizing a uniform outcome measure for LP, as it aids in reporting more generalizable results, reduces reporting bias, and ultimately lead to improved clinical outcomes for LP patients.

Tralokinumab for Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis in Adults.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, chronic, recurrent, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease. Targeted treatment options remain limited. Tralokinumab (Adtralza®) is a promising, new systemic therapy that inhibits interleukin-13. It was recently approved by Health Canada and the US FDA for the treatment of moderate-to-severe AD in adults and may be used alone or with topical corticosteroids. Herein, we review the efficacy and safety of tralokinumab in adults, as demonstrated in clinical trials.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Other Cutaneous Malignancies in Epidermolysis Bullosa: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To identify cases and summarize outcomes of cutaneous malignancies in patients with epidermolysis bullosa (EB). DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched on February 8, 2022. STUDY SELECTION: Original observational or experimental studies with cases of cutaneous malignancy in patients with inherited EB were included. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were extracted by two reviewers in duplicate. DATA SYNTHESIS: A total of 87 articles with 367 patients were included in this systematic review. Squamous cell carcinomas were the most common malignancy (94.3%) with a median survival of 60 months. The presence of metastasis was investigated at diagnosis in 77 patients; 18.8% of patients had detectable metastasis. Patients with squamous cell carcinoma with metastasis at diagnosis had significantly shorter median survival (16.8 months) than those without (72 months; P = .027). The remission rate was 47.6%. At the end of follow-up, 15.1% were alive with disease, and 41.6% were deceased. Other malignancies included malignant melanoma and basal cell carcinoma. The most common initial modes of management were excisions (71.9%) and amputations (17.6%). Other modes included chemotherapy (4.6%), radiation (3.9%), and no treatment (2.6%). The overall rate of recurrence or new lesions was 38.8%, with a median time of 16 months to recurrence or new lesions. Immediate recurrence was lowest following amputation (4.3%). There were no statistically significant differences in median survival among initial excision, amputation, and all other modes combined ( P = .30). CONCLUSIONS: Squamous cell carcinomas in patients with EB have a high likelihood of metastasis and mortality. Surgical excision is the most common intervention. There are no significant differences in survival among different initial management options. There is a need for research that documents and monitors outcomes of the treatment options.

Biologic treatment outcomes in mucous membrane pemphigoid: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) is an autoimmune disease that can lead to fibrosis of mucous membranes and functional impairment. Biologic agents should be explored as alternative treatment options to improve outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review of biologic treatment outcomes in patients with MMP. METHODS: A MEDLINE and Embase search was conducted on July 23, 2020, to include 63 studies using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. RESULTS: Use of intravenous immunoglobulin (n = 154), rituximab (n = 112), tumor necrosis factor α inhibitors (n = 7), and combination treatments (n = 58) were reported in 331 patients with MMP. Intravenous immunoglobulin led to complete resolution in 61.7% (n = 95/154) of patients within 26.0 months, with a recurrence rate of 22.7% (n = 35/154) and headache as the most common adverse effect (8.4%, n = 13/154). Rituximab led to complete resolution in 70.5% (n = 79/112) of patients within 8.7 months, with a recurrence rate of 35.7% (n = 40/112). The most commonly reported adverse effects were urinary tract infections (4.5%, n = 5/112), leukocytopenia (2.7%, n = 3/112), and death due to severe infections (1.8%, n = 2/112). Tumor necrosis factor α inhibitors led to complete resolution in 71.4% (n = 5/7) of patients within 3.9 months of treatment without reported adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Randomized clinical trials with long-term follow-up are required to conclude the promising safety and efficacy of biologic agents in patients with MMP.

A Systematic Review Characterizing Psoriatic Arthritis Onset and Exacerbation in Patients Receiving Biologic Therapy.

BACKGROUND: While biologic therapies revolutionized treatment of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs), some adverse effects have been noted. This includes the development and exacerbation of PsA in patients on biologic agents, however the outcomes were not extensively explored. OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review to characterize the outcomes of PsA onset or exacerbation secondary to biologic use. METHODS: MEDLINE and EMBASE search conducted on March 23, 2021 resulted in 18 studies comprised of 64 patients. RESULTS: Of the 64 patients, 57 (89.1%) experienced new-onset PsA and 7 (10.9%) experienced exacerbation of preexisting PsA following exposure to a biologic; most commonly a TNF-α inhibitor (42.2%, n = 27/64) and IL-12/23 inhibitors (39.1%, n = 25/64). The mean durations of biologic use before PsA onset and exacerbation were 14.8 months and 5.2 months, respectively. Twenty-four patients (44.4%) subsequently switched to an alternate biologic without further reports of PsA-related adverse events. All 64 patients reported a specific treatment for PsA; most commonly discontinuation of the associated biologic agent (32.8%, n = 21/64). Complete resolution of PsA was reported in 35.9% (n = 23/64) of cases, of which 91.3% (n = 21/23) resulted after discontinuation of biologic. CONCLUSION: Although we characterized outcomes of PsA induction and exacerbation secondary to biologic use, large-scale studies are required.

Biologic Use in Pediatric Patients With Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: There is currently at least 1 biologic (adalimumab) approved in North America for treatment of Hidradenitis Suppurativa in the pediatric population. However, no reviews or clinical trials have specifically analyzed the effectiveness and safety data of biologic use in this population. The objective of this systematic review is to identify and summarize the outcomes of biologic therapy in pediatric patients with HS. METHODS: MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were used to conduct the search on Sept 18, 2020. RESULTS: The 15 included studies consisted of 26 patients, with the mean age of 15 ± 2.3 years. Females accounted for 53.8% (n = 14/26) of cases. The mean duration of HS prior to biologic initiation was 3.5 ± 2.9 years, with the majority having Hurley Stage II. The 26 patients received 34 biologics in total: 85.3% treated with TNF alpha inhibitors (adalimumab n = 17, infliximab n = 10, etanercept n = 1, unspecified n = 1), 5.9% with IL-12/23 inhibitors (ustekinumab n = 2), 5.9% with IL-1 inhibitors (i.e., anakinra n = 2) and 2.9% received IL-23 inhibitors (i.e., guselkumab n = 1) biologics. Of the 26 patients, 23.1% (n = 6/26) experienced complete resolution (CR), 73.1% (n = 19/26) experienced partial resolution (PR), and 3.8% (n = 1/26) had no resolution outcomes reported. The time to resolution of HS lesions after biologic initiation ranged from 10 days to 11.5 months (mean: 5.1 months). No adverse events were reported in the studies. CONCLUSION: Although anti-TNF alpha were the most common biologics used for HS in pediatric cases, large-scale trials specific to pediatric patients with HS are needed to confirm these findings.

Eruptive Seborrheic Keratoses Are Associated With a Co-Occurring Malignancy in the Majority of Reported Cases: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Eruptive seborrheic keratoses (ESK) is a benign skin condition that has been associated with malignant and nonmalignant diseases. We conducted a systematic review of reported cases of ESK to identify and summarize associated comorbidities. METHODS: MEDLINE and Embase were searched from database inception (1946) to July 31, 2020 for original articles describing ESK with or without a co-occurring condition. Subject demographics, as well as details of ESK and associated diagnoses were extracted from 76 articles (70 case reports, 3 case series, 3 case control studies) representing 92 patients. RESULTS: In total, 76.1% (n = 70/92) of patients with ESK had a co-occurring malignancy, 4.3% (n = 4/92) presented with a nonmalignant condition, 9.8% (n = 9/92) experienced ESK as an adverse drug reaction, and 9.8% (n = 9/92) did not report any underlying medical condition. ESK preceded a cancer diagnosis in 76.1% (n = 70/92) of patients with a mean latency period of 4.0 months (range: 0.25-9 months). The most common malignancies associated with ESK were cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (n = 10/70, 14.3%) and gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma (n = 9/70, 12.9%). ESK preceded nonmalignant conditions or no disease in 14.1% (n = 13/92) of patients with a mean latency period of 3.1 months (range: 0.75-6 months). Drug-induced ESK occurred in 9.8% (n = 9/92) of patients with a mean latency period of 7.1 weeks after changing medication. CONCLUSION: Although the role of ESK as a paraneoplastic cutaneous marker is debated, healthcare providers should consider screening for underlying malignancy in patients presenting with ESK. Larger studies are needed to confirm its role as a marker for disease.

Treatment Outcomes of IL-17 Inhibitors in Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Systematic Review.

The IL-17 pathway is a potential therapeutic target shown to be implicated in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), however, it remains unclear whether evidence from mechanistic studies may translate into clinical practice. This systematic review summarizes available treatment outcomes of IL-17 inhibitors in patients with HS. Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed, and clinicaltrials.gov were comprehensively searched on February 26, 2021 to include 16 original studies representing 128 patients with HS (mean age: 36.5 years; age range: 21-47 years; male: 50.0%). Treatment outcomes were reported for the following biologics: secukinumab (n = 105), brodalumab (n = 22), and ixekizumab (n = 1). Patients were classified as responders or non-responders according to achievement of a positive response/improvement based on criteria established for each included study. For secukinumab 57.1% (n = 60/105) of patients were responders in a mean response period of 16.2 weeks and 42.9% (n = 45/105) were non-responders; for brodalumab, 100.0% (n = 22/22) of patients were responders within 4.4 weeks; and the one patient treated with ixekizumab was a responder within 10 weeks. In conclusion, IL-17 inhibitors may serve as an effective therapeutic target in approximately two-thirds of patients with HS and can be considered in those who are refractory to other treatment modalities. We also stress the importance of consistent outcome measures to enhance evidence synthesis, decrease reporting bias, provide potential for future meta-analysis, and ultimately improve clinical outcomes for patients with HS.

Chronic Wound Telemedicine Models Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review.

GENERAL PURPOSE: To present the results of a scoping review exploring chronic wound care telemedicine before and during the pandemic, including the characteristics of the models implemented. TARGET AUDIENCE: This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care. LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES: After participating in this educational activity, the participant will:1. Identify the characteristics of the studies the authors examined for their scoping review of chronic wound care telemedicine.2. Choose the electronic methods commonly used for wound care telemedicine in the studies the authors examined.3. Recognize the implications for the patients who participated in chronic wound care telemedicine in the studies the authors examined. ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVETo explore different chronic wound telemedicine models and identify current research on this topic.METHODSThe authors searched the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases on August 10, 2021 and identified 58 articles included in the analysis.RESULTSIncluded studies were published between 1999 and 2021, with more than half of the studies published between 2015 to 2019 (25.9%, n = 15/58) and 2020 to 2021 (25.9%, n = 15/58). There were 57 models identified, of which 87.7% (n = 50/57) used a blended model of care. Image assessment was the most common element in blended care (66.0%, n = 33/50), followed by video consultation (46.0%, n = 23/50), text (44.0%, n = 22/50), and telephone consultation (22.0%, n = 11/50). Purely virtual care was used in 12.3% (n = 7/57) of models, 85.7% (n = 6/7) of which were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most studies conducted a quantitative analysis (62.1%, n = 36/58); 20.7% (n = 12/58) conducted a qualitative analysis, and 17.2% (n = 10/58) conducted both. The most frequently assessed results were wound outcomes (53.4%, n = 31/58) and patient opinions (25.9%, n = 15/58).CONCLUSIONSChronic wound care-related telemedicine has common elements: image assessment, video and telephone consultation, and text-based information that can be combined in a variety of ways with unique implementation barriers. Blended care models are more common than purely virtual alternatives. Heterogeneity among outcomes and reporting methods make the results difficult to synthesize.

Onset of Pyoderma Gangrenosum in Patients on Biologic Therapies: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize clinical outcomes of paradoxical pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) onset in patients on biologic therapy. METHODS: The authors conducted MEDLINE and EMBASE searches using PRISMA guidelines to include 57 patients (23 reports). RESULTS: Of the included patients, 71.9% (n = 41/57) noted PG onset after initiating rituximab, 21.1% (n = 12/57) noted tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) inhibitors, 5.3% (n = 3/57) reported interleukin 17A inhibitors, and 1.8% (n = 1/57) reported cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 antibodies. The majority of patients (94.3%) discontinued biologic use. The most common medications used to resolve rituximab-associated PG were intravenous immunoglobulins, oral corticosteroids, and antibiotics, with an average resolution time of 3.3 months. Complete resolution of PG in TNF-α-associated cases occurred within an average of 2.2 months after switching to another TNF-α inhibitor (n = 1), an interleukin 12/23 inhibitor (n = 2), or treatment with systemic corticosteroids and cyclosporine (n = 3), systemic corticosteroids alone (n = 1), or cyclosporine alone (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: Further investigations are warranted to determine whether PG onset is associated with underlying comorbidities, the use of biologic agents, or a synergistic effect. Nevertheless, PG may develop in patients on rituximab or TNF-α inhibitors, suggesting the need to monitor and treat such adverse effects.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Ankle-Brachial Pressure Index Compared with Doppler Arterial Waveforms for Detecting Peripheral Arterial Disease: A Systematic Review.

GENERAL PURPOSE: To present the results of a research study evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of the ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) compared with that of Doppler arterial waveforms (DAWs) to detect peripheral arterial disease (PAD). TARGET AUDIENCE: This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care. LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES: After completing this continuing education activity, the participant will:1. Summarize the evidence the authors considered when comparing the diagnostic accuracy of the ABPI with that of Doppler arterial waveforms to detect PAD.2. Select the characteristics of the participants in the studies the authors analyzed.3. Identify the results of the authors' study comparing the diagnostic accuracy of the ABPI with that of Doppler arterial waveforms to detect PAD.4. Distinguish the authors' conclusions about the advantages of using Doppler arterial waveforms to detect PAD.

Although the ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) is a useful tool for the noninvasive assessment of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), it has several limitations necessitating alternative noninvasive diagnostic tools. This study assesses the diagnostic accuracy of ABPI compared with Doppler arterial waveforms (DAWs) to detect PAD. The authors searched Embase and MEDLINE for original studies that reported sensitivities and specificities for both the ABPI and DAW. Four studies were included representing 657 patients (58.8% men) with a mean age of 63.4 years. The authors detected overall higher sensitivities using DAW compared with ABPI but higher specificities with ABPI compared with DAW. In conclusion, because of the higher sensitivity and lower specificity of DAW compared with ABPI, the authors recommend DAW as a potential screening tool for PAD. To confirm these results, larger sample sizes and comparative trials with homogeneous reference standards and patient populations are required. In addition, DAW is not easily documented for everyday bedside practice in the community. With COVID-19 restrictions, an audible handheld Doppler signal may act as a reproducible equivalent to DAW and thus facilitate timely, safe application of compression therapy at point-of-care.

Drugs associated with development of porokeratosis: A systematic review.

Porokeratosis is a rare disorder characterized by atrophic macules or patches, with a well-defined ridge-like hyperkeratotic border called cornoid lamella. Although the exact pathogenesis is unknown, drug associated cases have recently been reported in the literature. As such, we systematically reviewed and identified drugs associated with drug-induced porokeratosis, their resultant effects, and whether there was a casual relationship between the use of a drug and the development of porokeratosis. We searched for articles which reported drug-induced porokeratosis in MEDLINE and Embase in June 2020. After full-text review, 25 studies were included for analysis. We identified 26 patients with drug-induced porokeratosis. The most common therapies associated with development of porokeratosis is biologic use, phototherapy, and radiotherapy. The most common clinical variants were the disseminated superficial or actinic types (60%), which occurred in psoriasis patients undergoing phototherapy, and eruptive disseminated type (24%) which occurred in the context of biologic therapies. The Naranjo score ranged from possible to probable for the identified treatments. Clinicians should consider drug reactions as possible triggering events for porokeratosis, especially for patients taking biologics, phototherapy, and radiotherapy. Large-scale studies are required to confirm our findings and further explore the pathogenesis for drug-induced porokeratosis.

Drugs Associated With the Development of Palmoplantar Keratoderma: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK) are a heterogenous group of hereditary and acquired disorders that are characterized by excessive epidermal thickening of the palms and/or soles. PPK has been described as a rare adverse event for some medications. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize outcomes in PPK associated with various medications. This data will assist dermatologists and other healthcare providers treating patients with drug-induced PPK. METHODS: EMBASE and MEDLINE databases were searched in accordance with PRISMA guidelines using the keyword "palmoplantar keratoderma." 40 studies met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: A total of 247 patients (mean age: 57.0 years) were included in the analysis. Among patients whose sex was reported, 60.3% (n = 35/58) were male. PPK most frequently developed after treatment with BRAF inhibitors (73.7%, n = 182/247), BRAF inhibitors combined with MEK1/2 inhibitors (15.4%, n = 38/247), tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) (3.2%, n = 8/247), or chemotherapy (2.4%, n = 6/247). The mean latency period between initiation of the drug and onset of PPK was 7.6 months (range: 0.25-90 months). Improvement of PPK was reported in 24 cases, with 50% (n = 12/24) achieving complete resolution and 50% (n = 12/24) achieving partial resolution. All patients who achieved complete resolution stopped the suspected drug, with a mean resolution period of 2.4 months (range: 2 weeks-6 months). The most common treatments for PPK were keratolytic treatments (n = 10) and topical corticosteroids (n = 4). CONCLUSIONS: PPK was most frequently associated with targeted kinase inhibitors, specifically BRAF, MEK1/2, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

A Review of COVID-19 Chilblains-like Lesions and their Differential Diagnosis.

GENERAL PURPOSE: Forthcoming. TARGET AUDIENCE: This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care. LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES: Forthcoming. ABSTRACT: This review article focuses on the pathogenesis, clinical features, and diagnostic testing of the common pathologies that can manifest as chilblains-like lesions. These differentials include COVID toes, Raynaud phenomenon, acrocyanosis, critical limb ischemia, thromboangiitis obliterans, chilblains associated with lupus erythematosus, and idiopathic chilblains. The authors present a helpful mnemonic, ARCTIC, to assist clinicians in recognition and diagnosis.

A Review of COVID-19 Chilblains-like Lesions and Their Differential Diagnoses.

GENERAL PURPOSE: To familiarize wound care practitioners with the differential diagnoses of chilblains-like lesions that could be associated with the complications of COVID-19. TARGET AUDIENCE: This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care. LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES: After participating in this educational activity, the participant will:1. Identify the population most often affected by COVID toes.2. Select the assessments that help differentiate the various conditions that cause chilblains-like lesions.3. Choose appropriate treatment options for the various conditions that cause chilblains-like lesions.

This review article focuses on the pathogenesis, clinical features, and diagnostic testing of the common pathologies that can manifest as chilblains-like lesions. These differentials include "COVID toes," Raynaud phenomenon, acrocyanosis, critical limb ischemia, thromboangiitis obliterans, chilblains associated with lupus erythematosus, and idiopathic chilblains. The authors present a helpful mnemonic, ARCTIC, to assist clinicians in recognition and diagnosis.

Hydroxychloroquine effects on psoriasis: A systematic review and a cautionary note for COVID-19 treatment.

BACKGROUND: While evidence suggests that hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) may decrease the viral load in patients with a COVID-19 infection, a number of case reports indicate adverse dermatologic effects of this potential treatment. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review of previously reported cases of psoriasis onset, exacerbation, or relapse after HCQ treatment. METHODS: Embase and MEDLINE were comprehensively searched for original studies examining adverse effects of HCQ treatment related to psoriasis. Participant demographics and details of HCQ administration and psoriasis diagnosis were extracted from 15 articles representing 18 patients. RESULTS: Women accounted for a significantly larger number of cases of psoriasis compared with men and unreported sex (14 [77.8%] vs 2 [11.1%] vs 2 [11.1%], respectively). In addition, 50% (n = 9) of the patients did not have a history of psoriasis before taking HCQ. Of the 18 patients, 9 (50.0%) experienced de novo psoriasis, 5 (27.8%) experienced exacerbation of psoriatic symptoms, and 4 (22.2%) had a relapse of psoriasis after HCQ administration. CONCLUSION: HCQ treatment may result in induction, exacerbation, or relapse of psoriasis. Monitoring for adverse effects of HCQ treatment is necessary, and clinical trials are essential in characterizing the safety profile of HCQ use in patients with a COVID-19 infection.

Short-Term Evaluation of the Real-World Efficacy and Safety of Dupilumab for the Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis: A Canadian Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study [Formula: see text].

BACKGROUND: Systemic therapy for atopic dermatitis (AD) has been challenging with limited safe and efficacious long-term treatment options. In 2017, dupilumab was approved in the United States, Europe, and Canada as the first targeted therapy for patients with moderate-to-severe AD. Despite promising efficacy and safety results in clinical trials, our understanding of dupilumab in clinical practice remains limited with few studies outside clinical trials in literature. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of dupilumab in clinical practice and discuss any differences in results between clinical trials and real-world results. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted of consecutive patients receiving dupilumab treatment at two tertiary hospitals in Toronto, Canada, between December 2017 and May 2019. The primary efficacy endpoint was measured by Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) score of 0/1 at 16 weeks and all adverse events (AEs) experienced by patients were recorded. RESULTS: Of the 93 patients included in the study, 51 (55%) reached IGA 0/1 and 38 (41%) experienced ≥1 AE. There were no severe AEs or discontinuation prior to 16 weeks due to an AE. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest a higher IGA-based efficacy profile with no newly identified safety concerns in patients treated with dupilumab at two tertiary hospitals in Toronto, Canada, compared to those in randomized controlled trials.

Approaches to Microthrombotic Wounds: A Review of Pathogenesis and Clinical Features.

GENERAL PURPOSE: To discuss the pathogenesis and clinical features of wounds caused by microthrombi formation under the following categories of systemic diseases: cold-related and immune-complex deposition diseases, coagulopathies, abnormalities in red blood cell structure, emboli, and vasospasm. TARGET AUDIENCE: This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care. LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES: After participating in this educational activity, the participant should be better able to:1. Recall the etiology, risk factors, and pathophysiology of the various types of microthrombotic wounds.2. Describe the clinical manifestations and treatment of the various types of microthrombotic wounds. ABSTRACT: Typical wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, and arterial ulcers are responsible for more than 70% of chronic wounds. Atypical wounds have broad differential diagnoses and can sometimes develop as a combination of different conditions. Regardless of the etiology, impaired blood circulation is characteristic of all chronic and acute wounds. Chronic wounds associated with microthrombi formation are an important group of atypical wounds commonly linked to an underlying systemic disease. In this perspective article, the pathogenesis and clinical features of wounds caused by microthrombi formation are discussed under the following categories of systemic diseases: cold-related and immune-complex deposition diseases, coagulopathies, abnormalities in red blood cell structure, emboli, and vasospasm.