Successful treatment with ustekinumab in CARD14-associated papulosquamous eruption in a Brazilian child.

CARD14-associated papulosquamous eruption (CAPE) was proposed in 2018 to describe the clinical features of psoriasis and pityriasis rubra pilaris with CARD 14 mutations. We report a 5-month-old female infant who developed CAPE-associated erythroderma. Although she did not respond to conventional therapies, she responded well to ustekinumab treatment at the age of 4 years.

Infantile hemangiomas: risk factors for complications, recurrence and unaesthetic sequelae

Abstract Background: Infantile hemangiomas (IH) occur in approximately 4% to 10% of the pediatric population. The identification of clinical subtypes and conditions that indicate increased risk for complications is essential for therapeutic success. Objectives: To identify risk factors for complications, recurrence and unaesthetic sequelae. Methods: Retrospective cohort of patients with infantile hemangiomas undergoing follow-up at the Dermatology Service of Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, between 2006 and 2018. Results: 190 patients were included; 24% had some type of complication, ulceration being the most frequent, and 86% required treatment. On correlation, ulceration was statistically related to mixed IH (p = 0.004), segmental IH (p < 0.01) and location in the gluteal region (p = 0.001). The mean time of treatment with propranolol was 12.7 months. Patients with PHACES syndrome and segmental infantile hemangioma required longer treatment (p < 0.001 and p = 0.0407, respectively), as well as those who started treatment after five months of life (p < 0.0001). Recurrence occurred in 16.6% of the treated patients, all-female; 94% were located on the head and neck (mainly on the upper eyelid, cyrano, S3 segment, and with parotid involvement); 61% and 38.8% were of the mixed and deep subtypes, respectively. Approximately 1/3 of the patients had some unaesthetic sequelae. Study limitations: As this is a retrospective study, data and photos of some patients were lost. Conclusions: Mixed and segmental hemangiomas are risk factors for ulceration and sequelae. Recurrence occurs more often in females and segmental hemangiomas. Segmental infantile hemangioma and PHACES syndrome require a longer time of treatment. Specific protocols are required for infantile hemangiomas with a high risk of recurrence.

Infantile hemangiomas: risk factors for complications, recurrence and unaesthetic sequelae.

BACKGROUND: Infantile hemangiomas (IH) occur in approximately 4% to 10% of the pediatric population. The identification of clinical subtypes and conditions that indicate increased risk for complications is essential for therapeutic success. OBJECTIVES: To identify risk factors for complications, recurrence and unaesthetic sequelae. METHODS: Retrospective cohort of patients with infantile hemangiomas undergoing follow-up at the Dermatology Service of Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, between 2006 and 2018. RESULTS: 190 patients were included; 24% had some type of complication, ulceration being the most frequent, and 86% required treatment. On correlation, ulceration was statistically related to mixed IH (p = 0.004), segmental IH (p < 0.01) and location in the gluteal region (p = 0.001). The mean time of treatment with propranolol was 12.7 months. Patients with PHACES syndrome and segmental infantile hemangioma required longer treatment (p < 0.001 and p = 0.0407, respectively), as well as those who started treatment after five months of life (p < 0.0001). Recurrence occurred in 16.6% of the treated patients, all-female; 94% were located on the head and neck (mainly on the upper eyelid, cyrano, S3 segment, and with parotid involvement); 61% and 38.8% were of the mixed and deep subtypes, respectively. Approximately 1/3 of the patients had some unaesthetic sequelae. STUDY LIMITATIONS: As this is a retrospective study, data and photos of some patients were lost. CONCLUSIONS: Mixed and segmental hemangiomas are risk factors for ulceration and sequelae. Recurrence occurs more often in females and segmental hemangiomas. Segmental infantile hemangioma and PHACES syndrome require a longer time of treatment. Specific protocols are required for infantile hemangiomas with a high risk of recurrence.

Development of dentofacial characteristics related to Incontinentia Pigmenti syndrome: A repeated cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: This research aimed to investigate the dentofacial characteristics of patients with Incontinentia Pigmenti (IP) (or Bloch-Sulzberger) syndrome in childhood, juvenile, and adulthood developmental stages. METHODS: Fifteen female patients with a clinical diagnosis of IP, genetically confirmed by molecular testing, were included in this study. The records of 25 nonsyndromic females with Class I occlusion and lateral cephalograms obtained at similar developmental stages were selected from the American Association of Orthodontists Foundation Legacy Collection as a control group. Dentofacial features of subjects with IP and those in the control group were compared statistically using t test and Mann-Whitney rank-sum test (significance was defined as P <0.05). RESULTS: In general, patients with IP had shorter maxillary and mandibular length, straight skeletal profile, hypodivergent growth pattern with a tendency to mandibular protrusion, shorter anterior facial height, Class III compensatory positioning of incisors, more retruded lips, and smaller maxillary incisor exposure. The degree of hypodontia severity had a significant impact on skeletal, dental, and soft-tissue features in patients with IP. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that, since childhood, the dentofacial characteristics of patients with IP were progressively distancing from those of nonsyndromic patients with Class I occlusion, presenting their own orthodontic needs.

Gene panel for the diagnosis of epidermolysis bullosa: proposal for a viable and efficient approach

Abstract Background: Epidermolysis bullosa is characterized by cutaneous fragility and blistering. Historically, diagnosis is achieved by immunofluorescence mapping or transmission electron microscopy, both involving biopsy procedures. Genetic analysis, especially through next-generation sequencing, is an important tool for the diagnosis of this disease. In Brazil, access to diagnostic methods is limited, and consequently, most patients do not have an accurate diagnosis. Diagnosis allows the indication of prognosis and genetic counselling of the patient. Objectives: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a gene panel compared to immunofluorescence mapping and transmission electron microscopy by analyzing its benefits, limitations, and economic aspects. Methods: The gene panel included the 11 main genes associated with epidermolysis bullosa. The techniques were compared, assessing the average cost, advantages, and limitations, through a price survey and literature review. Results: Both immunofluorescence mapping and transmission electron microscopy require skin biopsy, are dependent on the investigator's expertise, and are subject to frequent inconclusive results. The gene panel is effective for the conclusive diagnosis of epidermolysis bullosa, presents high efficiency and accuracy, is economically feasible, and excludes the need for biopsy. The gene panel allows for prognosis, prenatal genetic diagnosis, and genetic counseling. Study limitations: It was not possible to find laboratories that perform transmission electron microscopy for epidermolysis bullosa diagnosis in Brazil. Conclusion: This study supports the gene panel as the first-choice method for epidermolysis bullosa diagnosis.

Gene panel for the diagnosis of epidermolysis bullosa: proposal for a viable and efficient approach.

BACKGROUND: Epidermolysis bullosa is characterized by cutaneous fragility and blistering. Historically, diagnosis is achieved by immunofluorescence mapping or transmission electron microscopy, both involving biopsy procedures. Genetic analysis, especially through next-generation sequencing, is an important tool for the diagnosis of this disease. In Brazil, access to diagnostic methods is limited, and consequently, most patients do not have an accurate diagnosis. Diagnosis allows the indication of prognosis and genetic counselling of the patient. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a gene panel compared to immunofluorescence mapping and transmission electron microscopy by analyzing its benefits, limitations, and economic aspects. METHODS: The gene panel included the 11 main genes associated with epidermolysis bullosa. The techniques were compared, assessing the average cost, advantages, and limitations, through a price survey and literature review. RESULTS: Both immunofluorescence mapping and transmission electron microscopy require skin biopsy, are dependent on the investigator's expertise, and are subject to frequent inconclusive results. The gene panel is effective for the conclusive diagnosis of epidermolysis bullosa, presents high efficiency and accuracy, is economically feasible, and excludes the need for biopsy. The gene panel allows for prognosis, prenatal genetic diagnosis, and genetic counseling. STUDY LIMITATIONS: It was not possible to find laboratories that perform transmission electron microscopy for epidermolysis bullosa diagnosis in Brazil. CONCLUSION: This study supports the gene panel as the first-choice method for epidermolysis bullosa diagnosis.

Genotype-phenotype correlations on epidermolysis bullosa with congenital absence of skin: A comprehensive review.

Congenital absence of skin (CAS) is a clinical sign associated with the main types of epidermolysis bullosa (EB). Very few studies have investigated the genetic background that may influence the occurrence of this condition. Our objective was to investigate genotype-phenotype correlations on EB with CAS through a literature revision on the pathogenic variants previously reported. A total of 171 cases (49 EB simplex, EBS; 23 junctional EB, JEB; and 99 dystrophic EB, DEB), associated with 132 pathogenic variants in eight genes, were included in the genotype-phenotype analysis. In EBS, CAS showed to be a recurrent clinical sign in EBS with pyloric atresia (PA) and EBS associated with kelch-like protein 24; CAS was also described in patients with keratins 5/14 alterations, particularly involving severe phenotypes. In JEB, this is a common clinical sign in JEB with PA associated with premature termination codon variants and/or amino acid substitutions located in the extracellular domain of integrin α6ß4 genes. In DEB with CAS, missense variants occurring close to non-collagenous interruptions of the triple-helix domain of collagen VII appear to influence this condition. This study is the largest review of patients with EB and CAS and expands the spectrum of known variants on this phenomenon.

Multiple pilomatricomas in twins with Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome

Abstract Pilomatricomas are benign tumors originating from the capillary matrix, which may present as solitary lesions or, less commonly, multiple. Myotonic dystrophy and familial adenomatous polyposis are the most frequently associated disorders with multiple pilomatricomas. There are few reports relating these tumors to other genetic syndromes. Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by intellectual disability and typical dysmorphic characteristics. There are five case reports relating to multiple pilomatricoma to Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome, an association that needs to be clarified. For this reason, we report the first case of multiple pilomatricoma in monozygotic twins with typical Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome.

Inherited epidermolysis bullosa: update on the clinical and genetic aspects

Abstract Inherited epidermolysis bullosa is a group of genetic diseases characterized by skin fragility and blistering on the skin and mucous membranes in response to minimal trauma. Epidermolysis bullosa is clinically and genetically very heterogeneous, being classified into four main types according to the layer of skin in which blistering occurs: epidermolysis bullosa simplex (intraepidermal), junctional epidermolysis bullosa (within the lamina lucida of the basement membrane), dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (below the basement membrane), and Kindler epidermolysis bullosa (mixed skin cleavage pattern). Furthermore, epidermolysis bullosa is stratified into several subtypes, which consider the clinical characteristics, the distribution of the blisters, and the severity of cutaneous and extracutaneous signs. Pathogenic variants in at least 16 genes that encode proteins essential for the integrity and adhesion of skin layers have already been associated with different subtypes of epidermolysis bullosa. The marked heterogeneity of the disease, which includes phenotypes with a broad spectrum of severity and many causal genes, hinders its classification and diagnosis. For this reason, dermatologists and geneticists regularly review and update the classification criteria. This review aimed to update the state of the art on inherited epidermolysis bullosa, with a special focus on the associated clinical and genetic aspects, presenting data from the most recent reclassification consensus, published in 2020.

Multiple pilomatricomas in twins with Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome.

Pilomatricomas are benign tumors originating from the capillary matrix, which may present as solitary lesions or, less commonly, multiple. Myotonic dystrophy and familial adenomatous polyposis are the most frequently associated disorders with multiple pilomatricomas. There are few reports relating these tumors to other genetic syndromes. Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by intellectual disability and typical dysmorphic characteristics. There are five case reports relating to multiple pilomatricoma to Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome, an association that needs to be clarified. For this reason, we report the first case of multiple pilomatricoma in monozygotic twins with typical Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome.

Inherited epidermolysis bullosa: update on the clinical and genetic aspects.

Inherited epidermolysis bullosa is a group of genetic diseases characterized by skin fragility and blistering on the skin and mucous membranes in response to minimal trauma. Epidermolysis bullosa is clinically and genetically very heterogeneous, being classified into four main types according to the layer of skin in which blistering occurs: epidermolysis bullosa simplex (intraepidermal), junctional epidermolysis bullosa (within the lamina lucida of the basement membrane), dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (below the basement membrane), and Kindler epidermolysis bullosa (mixed skin cleavage pattern). Furthermore, epidermolysis bullosa is stratified into several subtypes, which consider the clinical characteristics, the distribution of the blisters, and the severity of cutaneous and extracutaneous signs. Pathogenic variants in at least 16 genes that encode proteins essential for the integrity and adhesion of skin layers have already been associated with different subtypes of epidermolysis bullosa. The marked heterogeneity of the disease, which includes phenotypes with a broad spectrum of severity and many causal genes, hinders its classification and diagnosis. For this reason, dermatologists and geneticists regularly review and update the classification criteria. This review aimed to update the state of the art on inherited epidermolysis bullosa, with a special focus on the associated clinical and genetic aspects, presenting data from the most recent reclassification consensus, published in 2020.

Annular epidermolytic ichthyosis: a case report and literature review.

Annular epidermolytic ichthyosis is a rare subtype of epidermolytic ichthyosis that is characterized by erythematous, polycyclic, and migratory scaly plaques accompanied by palmoplantar keratoderma. This report presents the case of an 8-year-old girl who developed migratory, erythematous, scaly plaques associated with palmoplantar keratoderma. The initial hypothesis was erythrokeratodermia variabilis et progressiva; however, the finding of epidermolytic hyperkeratosis in histopathological examination led to the diagnosis of annular epidermolytic ichthyosis.

Congenital cutaneous pyogenic granuloma: Report of two cases and review of the literature.

Congenital cutaneous pyogenic granuloma is a rare benign vascular tumor with clinical and histopathological features similar to infantile hemangioma. It usually presents as a red, pedunculated and highly friable papule. On histopathological analysis, one can see a capillary vessel proliferation with lobular pattern and endothelial proliferation. The differential diagnosis is based on negativity of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) immunochemistry studies. We report two infants with congenital pyogenic granuloma, one with a unique cutaneous lesion and the other with multiple lesions affecting both skin and mucosal surfaces. These two cases highlight the importance of the differential diagnosis based on the GLUT1 immunochemistry analysis considering the distinct treatments required to these infant vascular tumors.

Mesalazine in the Treatment of Extensive Alopecia Areata: A New Therapeutic Option?

BACKGROUND: Alopecia areata (AA) is a T-lymphocyte-mediated disease that results in alopecia plaques or diffuses alopecia on the scalp and body. Etiologic factors include genetic and autoimmune susceptibility. Treatment modalities are usually considered according to the extent of hair loss and the patient's age. Since there is no approved treatment by the US Food and Drug Administration, treatment options and combinations available are off-label. Patients with extensive AA (including totalis and universalis) have a low rate of spontaneous remission and poor treatment response. Extensive AA is usually associated with severe emotional distress, social discomfort, bullying, and other psychological problems for the child and family. In this context, the need for new therapeutic schemes is clear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed five patients (aged 2-17 years) with extensive and refractory AA who were treated with mesalazine associated or not with oral prednisolone and topical betamethasone/minoxidil. RESULTS: We observed complete growth of terminal hair in all patients. No patient had abnormal laboratory results or manifested drug side effects. CONCLUSIONS: In extensive and refractory AA cases, the topical treatment combined with mesalazine may provide excellent results, reducing the need for extended oral corticosteroids courses. Besides that, mesalazine seems to minimize relapses on discontinuation of oral steroids. Controlled studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of this combination.