Hematological Markers in Children and Adults with Atopic Dermatitis: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic skin disease with an inflammatory pathophysiology that includes the activation of the innate and adaptive immune systems. We aimed to investigate the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (ELR), and eosinophil-to-neutrophil ratio (ENR) in AD patients, according to age and disease severity. METHODS: This is a retrospective, population-based cohort study conducted between the years 2005 and 2020, comparing hematological markers of AD patients and sex-age-ethnicity-matched controls. AD patients were further divided by age and disease severity (mild, moderate-to-severe AD). We created a decision tree to predict moderate-severe AD. RESULTS: A total of 13,928 patients with AD were included in this study: 6,828 adults and 7,100 children, with 13,548 controls. NLR, PLR, and ELR were lower in children compared to adults (p values <0.001). NLR, PLR, ELR, and ENR were increased in moderate-severe AD patients compared to mild AD patients (p values <0.001). PLR, ELR, and ENR were increased in AD patients versus controls (p values <0.001), with an additional increase in the NLR of moderate-to-severe AD patients. Patients with an ELR <0.21, a PLR >161, and ENR ≤0.016 should be considered high risk for developing severe AD, as well as patients with an ELR >0.21 and age at diagnosis <30 or age >30 years and mean platelet volume ≤9. CONCLUSION: Hematological ratios were significantly higher in moderate-to-severe AD patients, compared to mild AD patients. Hematological markers were lower in children with AD compared to adults, except for ENR, likely reflecting age-related changes in blood count parameters. These markers can assist in the management and follow-up of AD patients.

Increased Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio in Chronic and Severe Urticaria.

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a disturbing skin condition often severely detrimental to quality of life. Haematological markers of inflammation such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte may be used in the assessment of inflammatory skin diseases. Their usefulness in urticaria is unknown. Neutrophil- to-lymphocyte, platelet-to-lymphocyte, and total serum IgE were investigated in urticaria patients: acute spontaneous urticaria (ASU) versus CSU, children versus adults with CSU, and patients with mild-to-moderate versus severe CSU. This retrospective cohort study included patients of all ages diagnosed with urticaria between 2005 and 2020 and blood counts within 30 days of diagnosis. Patients with comorbidities influencing blood cells (infection, surgery, malignancy) were excluded. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte were evaluated in patients with ASU vs CSU and mild-to-moderate CSU vs severe CSU (defined by the use of systemic medications or hospitalizations). A total of 13,541 urticaria patients were included in the study. CSU patients (n = 5,021) had higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte, as well as serum IgE levels compared with ASU patients (n = 8,520). Adults had higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte than children. Severely affected patients (n = 53) had higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte compared with mild-to-moderately affected patients (n = 4,968). Patients with higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte had higher odds of having CSU rather than ASU and severe urticaria rather mild-to-moderate. In conclusion, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte are simple and available markers that can be used to predict and assess severe and chronic urticaria.

Facial vs Non-facial Molluscum Contagiosum Infection in Children: A Cross-sectional Study.

Molluscum contagiosum is a common skin infection affecting different body areas, including the face. Previous data have shown cases of atypical lesions, notably on the face, and it was thought relevant to further examine differences between facial and non-facial lesions. All cases of children (0-18) diagnosed with molluscum contagiosum from 2013-2022 at the paediatric dermatology clinic of Soroka University Medical Center were retrospectively reviewed, and 615 children were included in the study. Facial lesions tended to be found in younger children (p = 0.018). Non-facial lesions were more erythematous (p < 0.001), itchier (p < 0.001), and showed similar patterns of ulceration (p = 0.078) and purulence (p = 0.779). The average lesion diameter was similar in patients with or without facial lesions (p = 1). Children with facial lesions were treated differently from patients without facial lesions (p < 0.001); however, there were no differences in treatment response. This research challenges assumptions concerning the severity of facial lesions, including eyelid lesions, by revealing that, overall, they exhibit less inflammation than non-facial lesions. Despite the potential for greater psychosocial burdens and impacts on self-esteem associated with lesions on the sensitive facial area, this study provides evidence that they are not inherently more worrisome and can be managed similarly to lesions found elsewhere in the body.

Does Molluscum Contagiosum Need to be Managed Differently in Atopic Children?

The association between molluscum contagiosum and concomitant atopic dermatitis and its impact on clinical features and treatment outcomes remains unclear. This retrospective study, conducted in the paediatric dermatology clinic of a tertiary medical centre, aimed to compare molluscum patients with and without atopic dermatitis. A total of 615 children with molluscum were included, 13.17% of whom had atopic dermatitis. While the latter group exhibited higher lesion count and itchiness (p=0.026 and p=0.044, respectively), no significant differences were observed in average lesion diameter, ulceration, purulence, and erythema (p=0.239, p=0.730, p=0.682, and p=0.296, respectively). Both groups showed comparable responses to molluscum-specific and supportive treatments, with no distinct difference in outcomes or recurrence of visits. It was concluded that atopic dermatitis does not exacerbate molluscum morbidity, inflammation markers, treatment outcomes or recurrence rates.

Effect of Paediatric Atopic Dermatitis on Parental Sleep Quality.

Data on the impact of paediatric atopic dermatitis on parental sleep are scarce. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of paediatric atopic dermatitis on the quality of parents' sleep. This cross-sectional study included parents of patients with atopic dermatitis and parents of healthy children who completed validated Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaires. The study and control groups were compared, as were results for mild and moderate atopic dermatitis with severe atopic dermatitis, mothers and fathers, and different ethnic groups. A total of 200 parents were enrolled. Sleep latency was significantly longer in the study group compared with the control group. Sleep duration was shorter in the parents of the mild AD group compared with the moderate-severe and control groups. Parents in the control group reported more daytime dysfunction than parents in the AD group. Fathers of children with AD reported more sleep disturbance than mothers.

Pediatricians' confidence level in diagnosing and treating children with atopic dermatitis in Israel, based on a self-efficacy survey.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of childhood's most common skin conditions. Although pediatricians often diagnose and manage it, more than half refer even mild cases to dermatologists. In this study, we aimed to evaluate pediatric residents' and pediatricians' self-confidence regarding their ability to diagnose and manage AD. A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted with Israeli pediatric residents and pediatricians in 2022. The questionnaire was designed to distinguish participants with high vs. low self-confidence characteristics regarding their ability to diagnose and treat AD. In total, 171 participants completed the questionnaire (59.4% women; age, 41.1 ± 10.6 years); 39.1% of the participants were residents, while 60.9% were board-certified pediatricians. Overall, 64.4% of the responders reported below or average confidence (score ≤ 3, on a scale of 1-5) in diagnosing and treating AD in children. The group with higher self-confidence was significantly older (44.39 vs. 39.14 years, P = 0.003), had more years of experience in evaluating pediatric AD (P = 0.004), had trained in dermatology during their residency (P = 0.02) with a longer training period (P = 0.01), and with more than three training methods (P = 0.009). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that high self-confidence was associated with age older than 40 years and training in dermatology during residency (odds ratios = 5.63 [P = 0.04] and 3.36 [P = 0.05], respectively).  Conclusion: Most pediatric residents and pediatricians were not particularly confident in treating children with AD. Those with high self-confidence were older, had been exposed to more patients, and had been trained in dermatology during their residency with various methods and for longer periods. Therefore, we encourage the implementation of a training program in dermatology during pediatric residency programs. What is Known: • Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of childhood's most common skin conditions and often presents to pediatricians for diagnosis and management. • Many pediatricians refer children with even mild cases of AD to dermatologists. What is New: • Most pediatric residents and pediatricians report low confidence in diagnosing and treating pediatric AD. • Physicians with high self- confidence were older, exposed to more AD patients, and had been trained in dermatology during their residency with various methods and for longer periods. Therefore, the implementation of a training program in dermatology during pediatric residency programs is warranted.

Infantile Sweet syndrome following MMRV vaccine.

Sweet syndrome (SS), also called acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis, is rare in the pediatric population, especially in infants and neonates. We present a case of infantile SS that developed 1 day after the MMRV vaccine; we suggest a possible causal relationship between the MMRV vaccine and SS.

Pediatric psoriasis negatively influences parental sleep quality.

BACKGROUND: One-third of psoriasis cases occur in the pediatric population. Pediatric psoriasis has a negative long-term impact on the quality of life of children and their families. However, data regarding the impact of pediatric psoriasis on parental sleep quality are scarce. OBJECTIVES: This study examined the effects of pediatric psoriasis on the quality of parents' sleep compared to parents of healthy, non-psoriatic children. METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted from September 2020 to November 2021, using the validated Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The study population included parents of patients aged 2-18 years diagnosed with psoriasis and parents of healthy children of the same gender and ethnicity. We further compared sleep quality between parents of children with mild and moderate-to-severe psoriasis, and fathers to mothers. RESULTS: A total of 301 parents were enrolled; 151 parents of 83 children diagnosed with psoriasis and 150 parents of 124 healthy controls. Parents of children with psoriasis had significantly longer sleep latency (p = 0.031), worse subjective sleep quality (p = 0.043), and greater use of sleep medications (p < 0.001). The comparison between parents of moderate-severe with mild psoriatic children as well as mothers with fathers showed no statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Poor sleep quality was demonstrated among parents of children diagnosed with psoriasis compared to parents of healthy children. This finding is crucial for the direction of treatment efforts regarding parental well-being and functioning.

A Missense Variation in PHACTR2 Associates with Impaired Actin Dynamics, Dilated Cardiomyopathy, and Left Ventricular Non-Compaction in Humans.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) with left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) is a primary myocardial disease leading to contractile dysfunction, progressive heart failure, and excessive risk of sudden cardiac death. Using whole-exome sequencing to investigate a possible genetic cause of DCM with LVNC in a consanguineous child, a homozygous nucleotide change c.1532G>A causing p.Arg511His in PHACTR2 was found. The missense change can affect the binding of PHACTR2 to actin by eliminating the hydrogen bonds between them. The amino acid change does not change PHACTR2 localization to the cytoplasm. The patient's fibroblasts showed a decreased globular to fibrillary actin ratio compared to the control fibroblasts. The re-polymerization of fibrillary actin after treatment with cytochalasin D, which disrupts the actin filaments, was slower in the patient's fibroblasts. Finally, the patient's fibroblasts bridged a scar gap slower than the control fibroblasts because of slower and indirect movement. This is the first report of a human variation in this PHACTR family member. The knock-out mouse model presented no significant phenotype. Our data underscore the importance of PHACTR2 in regulating the monomeric actin pool, the kinetics of actin polymerization, and cell movement, emphasizing the importance of actin regulation for the normal function of the human heart.

Atopic Dermatitis and Infertility: A Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Given that common pathophysiological factors play a role in atopic dermatitis (AD) and infertility, we assumed that the 2 conditions might demonstrate an epidemiological association. Large-scale epidemiological data on this topic are lacking. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential association between AD and infertility in a broad community-based population. METHODS: A nationwide retrospective cohort study was conducted, analyzing the association between AD and infertility. We compared AD patients diagnosed by a dermatologist between 2002 and 2018 and a matched control group. The study population was subdivided according to age into adults (age ≥18 years) and children (age <18 years), and was further subdivided according to AD severity, classified as either mild or moderate-to-severe according to AD-related drug use and healthcare services utilization. RESULTS: The study included 127,150 patients with AD and 127,071 comparison enrollees. AD was associated with a higher prevalence of infertility than that of the control group (1.4 and 1.1%, respectively). The prevalence of infertility, per 1,000 patient-years, was increased in patients with AD compared to that of the control group (2.17 and 1.7, respectively). Multivariate analysis for infertility demonstrated that AD was a key risk factor for infertility in both males and females with mild AD and moderate-to-severe AD. CONCLUSION: A significant association between AD and infertility was observed. This association suggests that infertility may be an additional manifestation of AD. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the impact of AD management in the setting of infertility and vice versa.

Association between striae gravidarum and pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms during pregnancy.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Striae gravidarum are linear atrophic scars appearing on the abdomen of pregnant women reported to be related to pregnancy-induced changes in the connective tissue. Pelvic floor distress symptoms are also known to be linked to connective tissue weakness. Given that common pathophysiological pathways may play a role in both striae gravidarum and pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms, we sought to examine whether there is a correlation between them during pregnancy. METHODS: A prospective observational study among third-trimester pregnant women who visited a tertiary medical center for routine pregnancy follow-up was conducted by using the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20) questionnaire to evaluate pelvic floor distress symptoms and the Davey method for evaluating striae gravidarum severity. Obstetrical characteristics as well as pelvic floor distress symptoms were compared between two groups according to the severity of striae gravidarum. Univariate analysis was carried out using appropriate tests; PFDI scores were compared between the groups using the Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: Women with striae gravidarum were significantly older (31.06 vs. 28.83 years, p < 0.01), had a lower body mass index (27.5 vs. 30.98, p < 0.01), and gave birth to smaller neonates (3155 vs. 3389 g, p < 0.01). In addition, the overall and median PFDI-20 scores differed between the groups (with severe SG having the highest median score of 20 and those with milder SG having a score of 16 compared to 14 in those without SG). A distinct association between the PFDI-20 score and SG severity was not demonstrated (p = 0.63). CONCLUSIONS: In our population, an association was demonstrated between pelvic floor distress symptoms and the presence of striae gravidarum. However, following a linear regression model, no statistically significant association between SG severity and total PFD-20 score was seen. Our findings strengthen the hypothesis of common connective tissue involvement in the pathophysiology of both conditions.

Urinary tract infections in children < 2 years of age hospitalized in a tertiary medical center in Southern Israel: epidemiologic, imaging, and microbiologic characteristics of first episode in life.

The objectives of the study were to describe the epidemiologic, microbiologic, and imaging characteristics of first 44 UTI episode in hospitalized infants and children < 2 years of age. A UTI episode was diagnosed based on suprapubic aspiration or urinary catheterization and report of a significant bacterial growth of true uropathogens. Two thousand two hundred ninety-four UTI episodes were recorded during 2009-2013 in 1694 patients; 1350 (79.7%), 223 (13.2%), and 66 (3.9%) had one, two, and three episodes, respectively. Of 1955 pathogens isolated, the most frequent were E. coli, Klebsiella spp., and Enterococcus spp. (56.9%, 14.1%, and 11%, respectively). E. coli percentages increased with increase in patient age while Klebsiella spp. and Enterococcus spp. decreased with decrease in age. 136/344 (39.5%) renal ultrasound examinations performed were reported abnormal. The percentages of abnormal ultrasound examinations in Enterococcus spp.-UTI were higher than in E. coli and Klebsiella spp.-UTI (P < 0.001 and P = 0.007, respectively). The E. coli nonsusceptibility to ampicillin, TMP/SMX, ceftriaxone, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, cefuroxime, and gentamicin was 71%, 31%, 14.9%, 14.7%, 7%, and 4.4%, respectively. Nonsusceptibility of Klebsiella spp. to ampicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, TMP/SMX, ceftriaxone, gentamicin, and cefuroxime was 98.7%, 10.4%, 9.5%, 8.4%, 4.8%, and 4.3%, respectively. E. coli nonsusceptibility to amoxicillin/clavulanate, TMP/SMX, and ciprofloxacin decreased during the study period. E. coli percentages increased and those of Klebsiella spp. and Enterococcus spp. decreased with increase in patient age. Enterococcus. spp.-UTI was associated with older age and more severe findings on renal ultrasound. E. coli and Klebsiella spp. nonsusceptibility to amoxicillin/clavulanate, TMP/SMX, cefuroxime, and ceftriaxone was low.

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Treated with Miltefosine: A Case Series of 10 Paediatric Patients.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis poses a therapeutic challenge in the paediatric population. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of miltefosine treatment for Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis in paediatric patients. A multicentre retrospective review of 10 children (≤ 18 years of age) with cutaneous leishmaniasis treated with miltefosine in Israel was performed. Mean ± standard deviation age at diagnosis was 9.1 ± 5.0 years. The Leishmania species diagnosed was L. tropica in 8 cases and Leishmania major in 2 cases. Mean ± standard deviation duration of treatment was 44.8 ± 20.6 days, with a mean follow-up period of 12.1 ± 17.1 months. Complete response was noted in 8 (80%) patients. Treatment failure was noted in 2 (20%) cases. Side-effects related to the medication were minimal. In conclusion, oral miltefosine may be an effective and safe treatment for Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania tropica or Leishmania major in children. However, further studies are warranted to draw a definite conclusion.

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Treated with Miltefosine: A Case Series of 10 Paediatric Patients.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis poses a therapeutic challenge in the paediatric population. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of miltefosine treatment for Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis in paediatric patients. A multicentre retrospective review of 10 children (≤ 18 years of age) with cutaneous leishmaniasis treated with miltefosine in Israel was performed. Mean ± standard deviation age at diagnosis was 9.1 ± 5.0 years. The Leishmania species diagnosed was L. tropica in 8 cases and Leishmania major in 2 cases. Mean ± standard deviation duration of treatment was 44.8 ± 20.6 days, with a mean follow-up period of 12.1 ± 17.1 months. Complete response was noted in 8 (80%) patients. Treatment failure was noted in 2 (20%) cases. Side-effects related to the medication were minimal. In conclusion, oral miltefosine may be an effective and safe treatment for Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania tropica or Leishmania major in children. However, further studies are warranted to draw a definite conclusion.

Efficacy of omalizumab treatment for pediatric chronic spontaneous urticaria: A multi-center retrospective case series.

BACKGROUND: Chronic urticaria is defined by the presence of itchy wheals, sometimes accompanied by angioedema, lasting for at least 6 weeks. In children, most cases occur without an eliciting factor and are defined as chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). CSU affects up to 0.75% of children with a negative impact on quality of life and school performance. CSU is treated in adults with second-generation antihistamines, increased up to four times normal doses for second-line treatment. Omalizumab (a monoclonal antibody to IgE) may be recommended as third-line therapy. A similar protocol is used in children, yet little is known of its efficacy and safety. OBJECTIVES: To summarize our multi-center experience in treating children with recalcitrant CSU with omalizumab. METHODS: A retrospective multi-center case series conducted in 5 tertiary care centers in Israel. Patients included were children <18 years old diagnosed with recalcitrant CSU who were treated with omalizumab. Patients were followed up throughout the duration of omalizumab therapy/symptom remission. Patients' electronic medical records were used to gather data. RESULTS: Nineteen participants (11 F; 8 M) presented with CSU between ages 6 and 16.9 years. Sixteen (84%) responded to omalizumab, including children <12 years old, although two became non-responsive after 6-12 months of therapy. Another three patients (16%) were resistant to treatment, achieving remission through fourth-line (Cyclosporine A) or other therapies. CONCLUSION: Children with recalcitrant CSU, even those <12 years old, respond well to standard-dose, third-line omalizumab therapy at rates similar to adults. Yet, some cases may become non-responsive with ongoing treatment.

Healthcare Service Utilization by 116,816 Patients with Atopic Dermatitis in Israel.

Understanding of the epidemiology and healthcare service utilization related to atopic dermatitis is necessary to inform the use of new treatments. This cross-sectional study was based on a group of patients with atopic dermatitis and a matched control group comprised of age- and sex- matched enrolees without atopic dermatitis from a large medical database. Healthcare service utilization usage data were extracted and compared between groups. The study included 116,816 patients with atopic dermatitis and 116,812 controls. Atopic dermatitis was associated with an increased burden of healthcare utilization across the entire spectrum of healthcare services compared with controls. For patients severely affected by atopic dermatitis, the increased burden correlated with disease severity: a high-er frequency of emergency room visits (odd ratio (OR) 1.7; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6-1.9), dermatology wards hospitalizations (OR 315; 95% CI 0-7,342), and overall hospitalizations (OR 3.6; 95% CI 3.3-3.9). In conclusion, this study demonstrates an increased burden of healthcare utilization in atopic dermatitis.

A retrospective study on demographic and clinical characteristics of cutaneous leishmaniasis suspected cases in southern Israel, 2013-2016: Comparison between confirmed and negative cases.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Clinical diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) may bear a high rate of false diagnosis. This study assessed CL-suspected episodes, in an attempt to differentiate confirmed CL and non-CL diagnoses. METHODS: In this retrospective, case-control study, medical files of CL-suspected episodes, tested by a biopsy for Leishmania-PCR, from 2013 to 2016, were collected and analysed statistically. RESULTS: Of 324 suspected CL episodes, 48.8% were PCR-confirmed CL (96.2% Leishmania major) and 51.2% were non-CL (57.1% bacterial infections). Overall, 59.3% episodes were in males. Mean (± SD) duration until diagnosis was 3.7 ± 7.2 months. Lesions (mean 2.9 ± 3.8 per episode) were mostly (60.8%) sampled from September through February. Ulcer, pain, itching, purulent discharge and fever were recorded in 55.2, 47, 42.9, 18.2 and 4.7% of episodes, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that male gender, multiple lesions, ulcer, >1-month duration until diagnosis, and seasonality were associated with CL. Empiric CL treatment was recorded in 63.4 and 16% of CL-confirmed and non-CL episodes, respectively (p <0.001); and was observed to be associated with Jewish ethnicity, seasonality, multiple lesions, ulcer, absence of fever and duration of >1-month until diagnosis. In multivariate analysis, seasonality (odds ratio, OR = 2.144), empiric CL treatment (OR = 5.144) and ulcer (OR = 2.459) were associated with CL. Empiric CL treatment was associated with Jewish ethnicity (OR = 2.446) and duration of >1-month until diagnosis (OR = 3.304). INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: CL diagnosis should be laboratory confirmed, as clinical appearance is often misleading. Seasonality, ulcer appearance and gender may aid in correct identification and treatment of CL cases.

[METHICILLIN-RESISTANT VS. METHICILLIN-SUSCEPTIBLE STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS (MRSA VS. MSSA) INFECTIONS IN CHILDREN IN SOUTHERN ISRAEL].

INTRODUCTION: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major cause of morbidity. Data regarding MRSA infections in children in Israel are scarce. OBJECTIVES: We assessed MRSA prevalence, risk factors and clinical manifestations in children with Staphylococcus aureus infections in southern Israel. METHODS: Our medical center is the sole hospital in southern Israel. All medical files of Staphylococcus aureus infections during the period 2005-2015, were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Overall, 1,062 SA infections (MRSA; n=164, 15%) were identified; 687 (65%) skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI), and 375 (35%) invasive infections. MRSA was significantly more common in children <5 years (18% vs. 13% in children ≥5 years), Bedouin ethnicity (19% vs. 8% in Jewish children), burns (24% vs. 15%), congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis (CIPA; 90% vs. 15%) and SSTI (17% vs. 12% in invasive infections). Blood count parameters and hospital-associated vs. community-acquired infection rates were similar comparing MRSA and Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). In multivariate analysis, age (odds ratio, OR=0.953), Bedouin ethnicity (OR=2.698), burns (OR=2.036) and SSTI (OR=1.674) were associated with MRSA. MRSA isolates were more frequently resistant than MSSA to clindamycin (30% vs. 14%), erythromycin (34% vs. 15%), co-trimoxazole, tetracycline, rifampicin, ciprofloxacin and gentamicin (4% vs. 0.5%, all). All isolates were vancomycin susceptible. CONCLUSIONS: MRSA infections are common in young, Bedouin children and burns, and are more commonly multidrug resistant than MSSA in our region. Our data should be used to better identify and treat children with MRSA infection.

Demographic and health care service utilization by 4417 patients with hidradenitis suppurativa.

BACKGROUND: Data on the health care utilization of patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in primary care settings are scarce. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the health care service utilization of patients with HS. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, patients with HS were compared with 2 age- and sex-matched control groups-general population enrollees of Clalit Health Services and a group of patients with psoriasis. Health care services data included inpatient and outpatient community clinic visits and pharmacy claims for topical and systemic treatments. Multivariate analysis of the data for patients with HS and controls was performed. RESULTS: The study included 4417 patients with HS, 22,085 general population enrollees, and 4417 patients with psoriasis. On the basis of multivariate analyses, patients with HS had more annual dermatology clinic visits compared with the general population enrollees (odds ratio [OR], 6.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 7.06-5.97) and patients with psoriasis (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.44-1.21), more annual surgical clinic visits (OR, 3.78; 95% CI 3.28-4.36 and OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.42-1.91, respectively), and more hospitalizations (OR, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.89-2.56 and OR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.28-1.78, respectively). LIMITATIONS: Underestimation of HS frequency was possible. CONCLUSIONS: The burden on health care systems due to patients with HS is greater than that due to patients with psoriasis and the general population.