Successful use of telemedicine for evaluation of infantile hemangiomas during the early COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a rapid expansion in the use of telemedicine. This study aimed to assess the experiences of hemangioma specialists utilizing telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic to evaluate and manage infantile hemangiomas (IH), including perceived effectiveness of different modalities and barriers to care delivery. METHODS: Multicenter cross-sectional study asking providers to describe their experiences using telemedicine for initial evaluation of IH from March to September 2020. RESULTS: The study included 281 patients from 15 medical centers internationally. Median time from referral to evaluation was 17 days. Median physician confidence in performing evaluations via telemedicine was 95.0 (IQR 90.0-100.0). Most evaluations were performed via video communication with photographs or audio communication with photographs; when not initially available, photographs were requested in 51.4%. Providers preferred follow-up modalities that included photographs. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians with extensive expertise in managing IH are confident in their abilities to assess and manage IH via telemedicine including initiating treatment in patients without risk factors for beta-blocker therapy. There was a preference for hybrid modalities that included photographs. The data suggest that telemedicine can be effective for managing IH and may decrease wait times and improve specialist reach to underserved areas.

Systemic immunosuppressive therapy for inflammatory skin diseases in children: Expert consensus-based guidance for clinical decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 pandemic has raised questions about the approach to management of systemic immunosuppressive therapies for dermatologic indications in children. Change to: Given the absence of data to address concerns related to SARS-CoV-2 infection and systemic immunosuppressive therapies in an evidence-based manner, a Pediatric Dermatology COVID-19 Response Task Force (PDCRTF) was assembled to offer time-sensitive guidance for clinicians. METHODS: A survey was distributed to an expert panel of 37 pediatric dermatologists on the PDCRTF to assess expert opinion and current practice related to three primary domains of systemic therapy: initiation, continuation, and laboratory monitoring. RESULTS: Nearly all respondents (97%) reported that the COVID-19 pandemic had impacted their decision to initiate immunosuppressive medications. The majority of pediatric dermatologists (87%) reported that they were pausing or reducing the frequency of laboratory monitoring for certain immunosuppressive medications. In asymptomatic patients, continuing therapy was the most popular choice across all medications queried. The majority agreed that patients on immunosuppressive medications who have a household exposure to COVID-19 or test positive for new infection should temporarily discontinue systemic and biologic medications, with the exception of systemic steroids, which may require tapering. CONCLUSIONS: The ultimate decision regarding initiation, continuation, and laboratory monitoring of immunosuppressive therapy during the pandemic requires careful deliberation, consideration of the little evidence available, and discussion with families. Consideration of an individual's adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures, risk of exposure, and the potential severity if infected must be weighed against the dermatological disease, medication, and risks to the patient of tapering or discontinuing therapies.

Management of infantile hemangiomas during the COVID pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant shifts in patient care including a steep decline in ambulatory visits and a marked increase in the use of telemedicine. Infantile hemangiomas (IH) can require urgent evaluation and risk stratification to determine which infants need treatment and which can be managed with continued observation. For those requiring treatment, prompt initiation decreases morbidity and improves long-term outcomes. The Hemangioma Investigator Group has created consensus recommendations for management of IH via telemedicine. FDA/EMA-approved monitoring guidelines, clinical practice guidelines, and relevant, up-to-date publications regarding initiation and monitoring of beta-blocker therapy were used to inform the recommendations. Clinical decision-making guidelines about when telehealth is an appropriate alternative to in-office visits, including medication initiation, dosage changes, and ongoing evaluation, are included. The importance of communication with caregivers in the context of telemedicine is discussed, and online resources for both hemangioma education and propranolol therapy are provided.