Fast absorbing gut sutures in dermatologic surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Fast gut cutaneous sutures have become more prominent due to their low tissue reactivity, rapid absorption, and elimination of suture removal visits. It is not known how fast gut sutures compare to other closure modalities. METHODS: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials comparing fast gut sutures to alternative closure methods during dermatologic surgery. Data collected included patient and physician assessed cosmetic outcome as well as standardized complication rates. RESULTS: Six studies were included in final analysis and reported on 208 patients. Fast gut sutures were associated with lower physician opinions of final scar when compared to polypropylene sutures (SMD 0.438; 95% CI 0.082 to 0.794). No differences existed between physician opinion of fast gut sutures and cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive (SMD - 0.024; 95% CI - 0.605 to 0.556). Complications with fast gut suture placement were rare, and included infection, dehiscence, and hematomas. Fast gut sutures were less likely to experience wound dehiscence than tissue adhesive (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: If no contraindications to polypropylene sutures exist, they may provide superior cosmetic outcomes compared to fast gut sutures. Further research is required to better quantify cosmetic outcomes and optimal use of fast gut sutures.

The Two-Stage Folded Paramedian Forehead Flap Without Cartilage Grafts for Full Thickness Distal Nasal Defects: A Review of 35 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Full thickness defects of the ala, soft triangle, and nasal tip involving the nasal lining have traditionally been repaired with the three-stage folded paramedian forehead flap (FPFF), with a cartilage graft for support. For similar defects, the authors utilize the two-stage FPFF without cartilaginous support which provides reproducible functional and aesthetic results.  Objective: To describe the authors’ experience with the two-stage FPFF, including outcomes, complications, and design modifications to enhance functional and aesthetic success.  Methods: An IRB-approved retrospective database review of FPFF was performed at two sites. Using postoperative photographs, outcomes were assessed by blinded non-investigator dermatologist raters using a modified observer scar assessment scale. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were reconstructed using the two-stage FPFF without cartilage grafts. Subjective assessment of scar vascularity, pigment, relief, and thickness by 3 independent reviewers yielded an overall cosmesis score of 8.4±1.9 (out of 40). CONCLUSION: The two-stage FPFF without cartilage grafts is a reliable, cosmetically elegant repair that can provide optimal functional and aesthetic results for complex unilateral distal nose defects.J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(4): doi:10.36849/JDD.7358.

Most Online Resources for Home Suture Removal are Poor in Quality.

Introduction: At home suture or staple removal can be stressful for patients and may lead some to seek out additional instruction via online resources as an adjunct to what was explained to them by their provider. The purpose of this study was to examine the existing online resources available to patients who may be interested in or have been instructed to remove sutures at home after a simple procedure, such as a skin biopsy or excision. Methods: A systematic search was conducted using internet search engines to identify videos and webpages targeting at home suture removal instruction. The DISCERN instrument was used to evaluate the information quality of each included resource. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between average DISCERN scores for videos and webpage resources, and the majority were rated poor in quality. Conclusions: The online resources for at home suture and staple removal were often not comprehensive and were below the standard quality for written information. Health care providers should consider referring their patients to validated online sources for suture removal to prevent misinformation and improve patient safety.

Cadaveric Split-Thickness Skin Graft With Partial Guiding Closure for Scalp Defects Extending to the Periosteum.

A scalp defect that extends to or below the periosteum often poses a reconstructive conundrum. Achieving the level of tissue granulation necessary for secondary-intention healing is challenging without an intact periosteum; surgeons often resort to complex rotational flap closures in this scenario. For tumors at high risk for recurrence and in cases in which adjuvant therapy is necessary, tissue distortion with a complex rotational flap can make monitoring for recurrence difficult. Similarly, for elderly patients with substantial skin atrophy or those in poor health, extensive closure may be undesirable or more technically challenging and poses a higher risk for adverse events. Additional strategies are necessary to optimize wound healing and cosmesis. Granulation and epithelialization of wounds can be expedited using a cadaveric split-thickness skin graft (STSG) of biologically active tissue. We describe this technique and show its utility in cases in which there is concern for delayed or absent tissue granulation, or when monitoring for recurrence is essential.

Treatment of Angiosarcoma of the Head and Neck: A Systematic Review.

Primary cutaneous angiosarcoma (cAS) of the head and neck is a rare sarcoma with a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. We conducted a systematic review of treatments used for head and neck cAS and determined the treatment modalities that offer the longest mean overall survival (OS). Forty publications totaling 1295 patients were included. Both surgical and nonsurgical modalities have shown potential efficacy in the treatment of cAS; however, limited data preclude definitive recommendations. Multidisciplinary management of cAS should be considered to tailor treatment on a case-by-case basis.

Pink, Dome-Shaped Papule of the Scalp in a Patient With Multiple Squamous Cell Carcinomas.

A 74-year-old man with a history of multiple squamous cell carcinomas presents with a 5-mm bright pink, dome-shaped papule with overlying vessels at the crown of the scalp. What is your diagnosis?

Factors Influencing General Dermatologists When Referring Patients With Head and Neck Melanoma for Mohs Micrographic Surgery: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey.

BACKGROUND: Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) for cutaneous melanoma has demonstrated higher cure rates, lower local recurrence rates, and improved survival compared with wide local excision (WLE). However, factors affecting referrals by general dermatologists for MMS of head and neck melanoma (HNM) are unknown. OBJECTIVE: To elucidate referral factors and treatment perspectives of general dermatologists regarding MMS for melanoma in situ (MIS)/lentigo maligna (LM) and early-stage melanoma on the head and neck. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was performed using survey responses of general dermatologists with membership in the American Academy of Dermatology . RESULTS: A total of 231 and 132 of the 402 responding general dermatologists routinely referred melanoma in situ MIS/LM and early invasive melanoma for MMS, respectively. Lack of local access to a Mohs surgeon was the most common deterring reason for MIS/LM referral to MMS, whereas the preference for WLE was the most common deterring reason for early invasive melanoma. CONCLUSION: Lack of local access to a Mohs surgeon treating HNM with MMS is the primary barrier in referrals to Mohs surgeons for MIS and LM. Among general dermatologists, WLE is preferred for early invasive HNM.

Racial/ethnic differences in treatment efficacy and safety for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis: a systematic review.

Biologic medications have revolutionized treatment of psoriasis; however, there remains uncertainty in which medications should be used to maximize efficacy based on race/ethnicity. The purpose was to determine if efficacy of biological medications differs based on race/ethnicity. A systematic review identified all clinical trials focused on biologic treatment outcomes from inception of database until March 5th, 2021. Included studies provided data on racial/ethnic differences in biologic skin clearance efficacy using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and "clear/almost clear" scores. There were 1220 studies identified, and 24 included in the review. The races/ethnicities included were Asian (n = 2740), White (n = 9745), Black (n = 138), and Latino (n = 728). Ixekizumab provided the highest "clear/almost clear" score (90.7%, 89.4%) and PASI 75 (98.8%, 96.6%) for Asian and Latino patients, respectively. Guselkumab had the highest "clear/almost clear" score for White (86.8%) patients, while Black patients had highest "clear/almost clear" (75.0%) and PASI 75 (91.7%) scores to brodalumab. Limitations included lack of studies reporting outcome data based on race/ethnicity and lack of patients of color within psoriasis clinical trials. For treatment of plaque psoriasis, there is evidence of differences in efficacy of biologics improving clinical disease severity between different races or ethnicities.

Adnexal and Sebaceous Carcinomas.

Adnexal carcinomas and sebaceous neoplasms are rare malignant neoplasms that are derived from eccrine and apocrine sweat glands or the pilosebaceous unit. Distinction of these neoplasms is essential, as treatment, workup, and prognosis varies widely among subtypes. For this comprehensive review, apocrine, eccrine, follicular, and sebaceous neoplasms are discussed. For each neoplasm, a review of clinical presentation, classic histologic findings, and management recommendations is provided.

A Multi-Site Survey Study of Patient Satisfaction with Teledermatology.

Introduction: Telemedicine has been of heightened focus due to spikes in usage during the COVID-19 pandemic. Disparities in health care may affect patient satisfaction with this resource depending on factors such as patient race, age, or socioeconomic background. The purpose of this study was to analyze patient satisfaction with teledermatology to identify any differences in satisfaction based on race, age, and income during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Methods: A 21-question, IRB-approved survey was administered to patients at two academic dermatology clinics in Kansas City. Patient satisfaction was measured using a five-point Likert scale. Results: A total of 64 completed surveys were analyzed (17.8% response rate). Most of the participants were female (n = 48, 75%), age 45 to 60 (n = 17, 26.6%), and reported White for race (n = 55, 85.9%). Overall, 73.4% (n = 47) of patients reported being satisfied with their visit. However, only 38.7% (n = 24) of participants were likely to choose a video over an in-person visit. Reasons for low patient satisfaction included concerns regarding ability to perform an accurate physical exam with a video visit (n = 9, 14.1%), receiving inadequate care (n = 4, 6.3%), protected privacy (n = 3, 4.7%), and provider understanding the patient (n = 2, 3.1%). Conclusions: Our findings were similar to prior studies stating no difference in patient satisfaction with regards to age, income, or race and patients reporting high satisfaction with teledermatology appointments despite a preference for in-person dermatology visits. Future studies with a larger diverse cohort of participants are needed to elucidate and address possible disparities associated with teledermatology use.

The Utility of Frequent Laboratory Monitoring for Patients on Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Inhibitors in Dermatology.

Introduction: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors (TNF-ai) are becoming increasingly common to use among patients with skin disease. To safely take these medications, it is recommended to monitor laboratory values routinely; however, the utility of this practice and the risk-benefit of frequent laboratory monitoring has not been explored fully in patients with skin disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the necessity of routine laboratory monitoring in patients taking a TNF-ai with a dermatological disease. Methods: Retrospective chart review evaluated laboratory abnormalities (complete blood counts and liver function tests) in adult patients who took a TNF-ai for a dermatologic disease at The University of Kansas Hospital. Results: There were 27 patients included for a total of 45 entries. The most common skin disease was hidradenitis suppurativa (23/45) and infliximab (22/45) was most the commonly used medication. Of the 45 entries, there were only seven patients that developed abnormal monitoring laboratory values related to initiation of TNF-ai. These abnormalities were transient and most frequently occurred after 12 months, with 2 of the 45 resulting in no discontinuation or dose reduction of TNF-ai. One patient discontinued medication due to anemia that did not improve after medication withdrawal. Conclusions: Laboratory abnormalities due to TNF-ai were infrequent and when they did occur were transient and mild. The study was limited by the small sample size of patients, and larger prospective studies are needed to evaluate these findings fully. However, dermatologists may be able to employ less frequent laboratory monitoring safely for patients on TNF-ai.