Seguridad en procedimientos dermatológicos: complicaciones oftalmológicas / Safety in Dermatologic Procedures: Ophthalmologic Complications

Las complicaciones oftalmológicas en las cirugías dermatológicas son poco frecuentes. A pesar de ello, todo cirujano debe tener un conocimiento básico del reconocimiento, la prevención y el tratamiento de las cuatro complicaciones que se abordan en este artículo incluido en la serie «Seguridad en procedimientos dermatológicos». La primera complicación a tratar es el daño ocular por irritantes químicos, una situación habitual dadas las sustancias irritantes empleadas en quirófano y las localizaciones anatómicas donde se puede producir la intervención (región ciliar, región palpebral…). En segundo lugar, se aborda el daño ocular por láser, una complicación donde la prevención (utilización de gafas o lentillas protectoras) a lo largo de toda la intervención es esencial. Otra complicación a tener en cuenta debido a la proximidad de algunas intervenciones quirúrgicas al globo ocular es la punción traumática accidental. En cuarto y último lugar, se abordará el vasoespasmo o embolismo arterial retiniano por fármacos o materiales de relleno. Dicha complicación es infrecuente, pero es recomendable saber reconocerla para realizar un tratamiento precoz evitando una situación de ceguera permanente (AU)

Ophthalmological complications are uncommon in dermatologic surgery. Nonetheless, all surgeons should know the basics of recognizing, preventing, and treating the 4 complications addressed in this article from the series ‘Safety in Dermatologic Procedures’. The first complication that surgeons should be familiar with is eye damage due to chemical irritants. This is a common complication in operating rooms given the presence of irritant substances and the performance of procedures in the eyebrow and eyelid region. The second complication is laser-induced eye damage. In this case, eye protection with safety glasses or eye caps is crucial. The third complication is accidental eyeball perforation, which can occur during certain surgical procedures. The fourth and final complication is retinal artery vasospasm or embolism due to drugs or filler materials. This complication is rare but important to recognize, as early treatment can prevent permanent blindness (AU)

[Translated article] Safety in Dermatologic Procedures: Ophthalmologic Complications / Seguridad en procedimientos dermatológicos: complicaciones oftalmológicas

Ophthalmological complications are uncommon in dermatologic surgery. Nonetheless, all surgeons should know the basics of recognizing, preventing, and treating the 4 complications addressed in this article from the series ‘Safety in Dermatologic Procedures’. The first complication that surgeons should be familiar with is eye damage due to chemical irritants. This is a common complication in operating rooms given the presence of irritant substances and the performance of procedures in the eyebrow and eyelid region. The second complication is laser-induced eye damage. In this case, eye protection with safety glasses or eye caps is crucial. The third complication is accidental eyeball perforation, which can occur during certain surgical procedures. The fourth and final complication is retinal artery vasospasm or embolism due to drugs or filler materials. This complication is rare but important to recognize, as early treatment can prevent permanent blindness (AU)

Las complicaciones oftalmológicas en las cirugías dermatológicas son poco frecuentes. A pesar de ello, todo cirujano debe tener un conocimiento básico del reconocimiento, la prevención y el tratamiento de las cuatro complicaciones que se abordan en este artículo incluido en la serie «Seguridad en procedimientos dermatológicos». La primera complicación a tratar es el daño ocular por irritantes químicos, una situación habitual dadas las sustancias irritantes empleadas en quirófano y las localizaciones anatómicas donde se puede producir la intervención (región ciliar, región palpebral…). En segundo lugar, se aborda el daño ocular por láser, una complicación donde la prevención (utilización de gafas o lentillas protectoras) a lo largo de toda la intervención es esencial. Otra complicación a tener en cuenta debido a la proximidad de algunas intervenciones quirúrgicas al globo ocular es la punción traumática accidental. En cuarto y último lugar, se abordará el vasoespasmo o embolismo arterial retiniano por fármacos o materiales de relleno. Dicha complicación es infrecuente, pero es recomendable saber reconocerla para realizar un tratamiento precoz evitando una situación de ceguera permanente (AU)

Safety in Dermatologic Procedures: Ophthalmologic Complications. / Seguridad en procedimientos dermatológicos: complicaciones oftalmológicas.

Ophthalmological complications are uncommon in dermatologic surgery. Nonetheless, all surgeons should know the basics of recognizing, preventing, and treating the 4 complications addressed in this article from the series 'Safety in Dermatologic Procedures'. The first complication that surgeons should be familiar with is eye damage due to chemical irritants. This is a common complication in operating rooms given the presence of irritant substances and the performance of procedures in the eyebrow and eyelid region. The second complication is laser-induced eye damage. In this case, eye protection with safety glasses or eye caps is crucial. The third complication is accidental eyeball perforation, which can occur during certain surgical procedures. The fourth and final complication is retinal artery vasospasm or embolism due to drugs or filler materials. This complication is rare but important to recognize, as early treatment can prevent permanent blindness.

Efficacy and safety of oral sirolimus for high-flow vascular malformations in real clinical practice.

BACKGROUND: Vascular malformations are a complex pathology with few treatment options. In previously published studies, oral sirolimus (rapamycin) has shown promising results in the treatment of low-flow vascular malformations, but its usefulness in high-flow vascular malformations is controversial. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of sirolimus for the treatment of high-flow vascular malformations in real-life practice. METHODS: In a unit specializing in vascular anomalies, patients treated with oral sirolimus for high-flow vascular malformations were located by consulting the drug dispensations. Reviewing the electronic medical records, data on patient demographics, vascular malformation characteristics, treatments, toxicity and clinical course were collected and statistically analysed. RESULTS: Nine patients with vascular malformations were included: eight had arteriovenous malformation and one had arteriovenous fistula. Six of these malformations were isolated while three were part of a syndrome. Sirolimus was initiated at a dosage of 1-4 mg/day to be taken as a single dose. Partial response was observed in eight of the nine patients (88.9%) with high-flow vascular malformation, while worsening was observed in the remaining patient. The treatment was well tolerated and at the most recent follow-up, five patients remained on treatment with oral sirolimus. CONCLUSION: Our results show that oral sirolimus is a well-tolerated therapeutic option, with an excellent safety profile, which can be useful in the long-term stabilization of patients with high-flow vascular malformations. Single-daily dosage may improve long-term adherence to treatment without worsening its effectiveness.

Baseline description of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology infantile haemangioma nationwide prospective cohort. Comparison of patients treated with propranolol in routine clinical practice with previous pivotal clinical trial data. / Descripción basal de la cohorte prospectiva de hemangioma infantil a nivel nacional de la Asociación Española de Dermatología. Comparación de los pacientes tratados con propranolol en la práctica clínica rutinaria y los datos de un ensayo clínico pivotal previo.

BACKGROUND: There are several therapeutic options for infantile haemangiomas (IH). Propranolol is used according to a pivotal trial. We aimed to describe the characteristics of IH in clinical practice, including the therapies used, and to compare the characteristics of patients treated with propranolol with those of the trial to assess its external validity. METHODS: Consecutive patients attending 12 Spanish hospitals from June 2016 to October 2019 were included (n=601). RESULTS: The mean age was 3.9 (SD:1.9) months, with a 2:1 female-to-male ratio. Most IHs were localized (82%, 495), superficial (64%, 383) and located in the face (25%, 157) and trunk (31%, 188). Median size was 17 (IR: 10-30) x 12 (IR: 7-20) mm. Complications were found in 16 (3%) patients. Treatment was initiated for 52% (311). Most patients received timolol (76%, 237); propranolol was reserved for complications or high-risk IHs. Aesthetic impairment was the main reason for starting therapy (64%, 199). Several characteristics of the patients and IHs treated with propranolol are similar to those of the pivotal clinical trial, but 1/3 of IHs did not reach the minimum diameter to meet the inclusion criteria, and important prognostic information was not reported. CONCLUSIONS: As most patients receive treatment for aesthetic impairment, there is a need to better understand the aesthetic results of therapies and to increase evidence on the use of timolol, which is currently the most common therapy. Propranolol is being used in a population generally similar to that of the trial; however, this statement cannot be definitely confirmed.

Thermography for the differential diagnosis of vascular malformations.

Vascular malformations classification may pose a diagnostic challenge for physicians. In the early stages, they are diagnosed clinically mainly by visual inspection. For a deeper analysis, Doppler ultrasonography is the preferred technique to determine the haemodynamic behaviour of the anomaly. However, this imaging method is not always available and it requires trained operators to acquire and interpret the images. There is a lack of portable and user-friendly systems that may help physicians in the assessment of vascular malformations. We propose a new diagnostic procedure, more affordable and easier to use, based on a portable thermal camera. This technique provides information about temperature, which has been found to be correlated with the flow rate of the lesion. In our study, > 60 vascular malformations of previously diagnosed patients were analysed with a thermal camera to classify them into low-flow and high-flow malformations. The value was 1 for both sensitivity and specificity of this technique.

Terapia fotodinámica con luz de día en el tratamiento de la queilitis actínica / Actinic Cheilitis Treated With Daylight Photodynamic Therapy

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Congreso virtual de dermatología realizado a través de Telegram® durante el confinamiento de la COVID-19: especificaciones acerca de la organización y valoración de los asistentes / Attendee Survey and Practical Appraisal of a Telegram®-Based Dermatology Congress During the COVID-19 Confinement

INTRODUCCIÓN: La pandemia de COVID-19 introdujo cambios drásticos en nuestras vidas. Tratando de encontrar una herramienta adecuada para la formación y el debate dermatológico durante el confinamiento, se celebró un congreso médico on-line durante los días 25 y 26 de abril del 2020. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar las características, la opinión y el grado de satisfacción de los asistentes a dicho congreso. En segundo lugar, se buscó explicar cómo se organizó este formato de reunión. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se entregó un cuestionario a los asistentes a un congreso on-line realizado a través de la aplicación Telegram® Messenger App. Se describió paso a paso su organización y planificación. No se necesitó apoyo financiero, ya que fue realizado de manera voluntaria. RESULTADOS: El grado de satisfacción tanto de los ponentes como de los asistentes fue muy elevado. Todos los participantes consideraron que este formato tenía un gran presente y futuro. La mayoría lo calificó como superior a las reuniones presenciales tradicionales. Ser del sexo femenino y tener una práctica clínica predominantemente privada favorecieron esta opinión. DISCUSIÓN: La pandemia obligó a cancelar la mayoría de las reuniones científicas presenciales. Esto fue visto por algunos autores como una excelente oportunidad para mejorar y liderar el cambio a las reuniones virtuales. Aunque el confinamiento no permitió un contacto real, nuestra reunión demostró que era posible asegurar la interacción entre los participantes. Los dermatólogos pudieron participar en una actividad formativa a pesar de que debido a las circunstancias se interrumpiera su actividad práctica diaria. La mayoría de los asistentes tuvieron la sensación de que esta era una actividad nueva y atractiva, que superaba incluso a las reuniones presenciales tradicionales

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak introduced dramatic changes in all our lives, daily practice, and medical conferences. In search of a tool to spread dermatologic knowledge during confinement, an online medical meeting was held on April 25th to 26th, 2020. In this study, we aimed to assess the characteristics, opinion and satisfaction of the attendees to a free-of-charge online congress. Secondarily, we intended to explain how this meeting was prepared. METHODS: Online survey administered to the attendees to an online congress organised via the Telegram® Messenger App. Its organisation and planning, which needed no financial support and was done by volunteer organisers, moderators and speakers, is described step by step. RESULTS: The satisfaction of both speakers and attendees was very high. All participants considered that this format had a great present and future, and most of them rated it as superior to regular face-to-face meetings. Female gender and predominantly private practice favoured this opinion. DISCUSSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the cancellation of most scientific gatherings. This has been seen by some authors as an excellent opportunity, encouraging medical societies and organisations to lead the change to virtual meetings. Although confinement did not allow real contact, our online meeting showed it was possible to ensure interaction and participation between attendees, moderators and speakers. Dermatologists enjoyed some dermatologic science, even despite the extraordinary circumstances disrupting their daily clinical practice. Most of them felt they were participating in something new and compelling that many felt superior to traditional meetings

Attendee Survey and Practical Appraisal of a Telegram®-Based Dermatology Congress During the COVID-19 Confinement. / Congreso virtual de dermatología realizado a través de Telegram® durante el confinamiento de la COVID-19: organización y evaluación.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak introduced dramatic changes in all our lives, daily practice, and medical conferences. In search of a tool to spread dermatologic knowledge during confinement, an online medical meeting was held on April 25th to 26th, 2020. In this study, we aimed to assess the characteristics, opinion and satisfaction of the attendees to a free-of-charge online congress. Secondarily, we intended to explain how this meeting was prepared. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Online survey administered to the attendees to an online congress organised via the Telegram® Messenger App. Its organisation and planning, which needed no financial support and was done by volunteer organisers, moderators and speakers, is described step by step. RESULTS: The satisfaction of both speakers and attendees was very high. All participants considered that this format had a great present and future, and most of them rated it as superior to regular face-to-face meetings. Female gender and predominantly private practice favoured this opinion. DISCUSSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the cancellation of most scientific gatherings. This has been seen by some authors as an excellent opportunity, encouraging medical societies and organisations to lead the change to virtual meetings. Although confinement did not allow real contact, our online meeting showed it was possible to ensure interaction and participation between attendees, moderators and speakers. Dermatologists enjoyed some dermatologic science, even despite the extraordinary circumstances disrupting their daily clinical practice. Most of them felt they were participating in something new and compelling that many felt superior to traditional meetings.

Urgencias dermatológicas pediátricas en un hospital de tercer nivel / Paediatric dermatology emergencies in a tertiary hospital

INTRODUCCIÓN: En los últimos años, la elevada demanda de asistencia en los servicios de urgencias por enfermedad cutánea ha motivado la realización de diversos estudios al respecto. Sin embargo, la mayoría están referidos a población general, sin tener en cuenta las modificaciones en las frecuencias de las enfermedades que se producen en edad pediátrica. OBJETIVOS: Determinar la frecuencia de los distintos diagnósticos dermatológicos derivados por el pediatra de guardia y atendidos en la consulta de dermatología pediátrica urgente. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo descriptivo que incluyó todos los pacientes de 0 a 14 años atendidos tras citación por el pediatra de guardia en las consultas de dermatología infantil urgente desde junio de 2010 hasta diciembre de 2013. En segundo lugar, se realizó un estudio analítico que consistía en el cálculo del índice kappa para establecer la concordancia diagnóstica entre el diagnóstico del pediatra de Urgencias y el de Dermatología. RESULTADOS: Se atendió a un total de 861 pacientes con una edad media de 4,5 años. Más de la mitad de toda la enfermedad atendida se debió a eccemas (27%) e infecciones (26%). Los 5 diagnósticos principales fueron: dermatitis atópica (16%), prurigo simple agudo (5%), tiña (5%), granuloma piógeno (4%) y molluscum contagiosum (4%). Solo en un 16% de los casos se solicitaron pruebas complementarias. El índice kappa obtenido fue de 0,206 (IC 95%: 0,170-0,241). CONCLUSIONES: Las consultas en urgencias pediátricas por motivos dermatológicos son frecuentes y gran parte está motivada por enfermedad banal. La colaboración entre pediatras y dermatólogos permitió una alta capacidad resolutiva, lo que se tradujo en un bajo porcentaje de pruebas complementarias solicitadas y un elevado número de altas directas

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, the increasing demand for dermatological consultations in the Emergency department has resulted in the publication of a variety of studies on this subject. However, most of them deal with the general population, without taking into account the changes in frequencies found in young children (ages 0-14). OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of various dermatological diagnoses made by the on-call paediatrician in the Emergency Department, and after referral to Paediatric Dermatology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Firstly, a descriptive retrospective study was performed that included all patients aged between 0 and 14 years old who were seen after being referred to the emergency paediatric dermatologist by the on-call paediatrician from June 2010 to December 2013. Secondly, an analytical study was carried by calculating the kappa index calculus, in order to establish the diagnostic concordance between the emergency paediatrician and the paediatric dermatologist. RESULTS: A total of 861 patients, with a mean age of 4.5 years were included. More than half of the skin disorders analysed were eczema (27%) and infections (26%). The 5 main diagnoses were: atopic dermatitis (16%), acute prurigo simplex (5%), tinea (5%), pyogenic granuloma (4%), and molluscum contagiosum (4%). Additional tests were only required in 16% of the cases. The kappa index obtained was 0.206 (95% CI: 0.170-0.241). CONCLUSIONS: The dermatology consultations in the Emergency Department were shown to be frequent and mostly involved minor diseases. Collaboration between paediatricians and dermatologists resulted in a high treatment success rate, leading to a low percentage of additional tests required and a high rate of discharges

[Paediatric dermatology emergencies in a tertiary hospital]. / Urgencias dermatológicas pediátricas en un hospital de tercer nivel.

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, the increasing demand for dermatological consultations in the Emergency department has resulted in the publication of a variety of studies on this subject. However, most of them deal with the general population, without taking into account the changes in frequencies found in young children (ages 0-14). OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of various dermatological diagnoses made by the on-call paediatrician in the Emergency Department, and after referral to Paediatric Dermatology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Firstly, a descriptive retrospective study was performed that included all patients aged between 0 and 14 years old who were seen after being referred to the emergency paediatric dermatologist by the on-call paediatrician from June 2010 to December 2013. Secondly, an analytical study was carried by calculating the kappa index calculus, in order to establish the diagnostic concordance between the emergency paediatrician and the paediatric dermatologist. RESULTS: A total of 861 patients, with a mean age of 4.5 years were included. More than half of the skin disorders analysed were eczema (27%) and infections (26%). The 5 main diagnoses were: atopic dermatitis (16%), acute prurigo simplex (5%), tinea (5%), pyogenic granuloma (4%), and molluscum contagiosum (4%). Additional tests were only required in 16% of the cases. The kappa index obtained was 0.206 (95% CI: 0.170-0.241). CONCLUSIONS: The dermatology consultations in the Emergency Department were shown to be frequent and mostly involved minor diseases. Collaboration between paediatricians and dermatologists resulted in a high treatment success rate, leading to a low percentage of additional tests required and a high rate of discharges.

Calcinosis cutánea grave tratada exitosamente con una fórmula magistral tópica W/O de tiosulfato sódico al 10 por ciento / Sever calcinosis cutis successfully treated with a topical W/O-emulsion of sodium thiosulfpercentate 10

La calcinosis cutánea es una enfermedad producida por acumulación y depósito de sales de calcio en los tejidos, que puede dar lugar a importantes lesiones, y cuyo abordaje terapéutico no está claramente establecido: se restringe al tratamiento sintomático o tiosulfato sódico intravenoso en los casos más graves, pero su administración conlleva unos riesgos y se hace especialmente difícil en pacientes pediátricos. Presentamos el caso de un niño de 6 años de edad, diagnosticado de calcinosis cutánea grave secundaria a un tratamiento con gluconato cálcico intravenoso, al que se prescribió una fórmula magistral de tiosulfato sódico tópico al 10%. En el servicio de farmacia del hospital donde se desarrolló el estudio, se llevó a cabo la formulación del tratamiento en forma de emulsión acuosa/oleosa. El paciente experimentó una rápida y progresiva curación con la fórmula magistral prescrita (AU)

Calcinosis cutis is a disease caused by accumulation and deposition of calcium salts in the tissue, which can result in serious injuries, whose therapeutic approach is not clearly established: it is restricted to symptomatic treatment or intravenous sodium thiosulfate in the most severe cases, but its administration carries some risks and is particularly difficult in pediatric patients. We report the case of a 6 year old children diagnosed of severe skin calcinosis secondary to treatment with intravenous calcium gluconate, for who it was prescribed a topical formulation of sodium thiosulfate 10%. In the pharmacy department of the hospital where the study was conducted, the topical formulation was prepared as aqueous/oil emulsion. The patient experienced a successfully, rapid and progressive recovery with the treatment prescribed (AU)

Successful management of Churg-Strauss syndrome using omalizumab as adjuvant immunomodulatory therapy: first documented pediatric case.

Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is an anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) associated vasculitis; it is extremely rare in childhood and defined according to the Chapel-Hill Consensus as an eosinophil-rich and granulomatous inflammation involving the respiratory tract and necrotizing vasculitis affecting small to medium-sized vessels. Children commonly have a history of asthma and sinusitis whilst clinical presentation typically involves pulmonary tract and less frequently skin, heart, gastrointestinal tract, and peripheral nerves. Cardiopulmonary disease is higher in children and prognosis is worse. It is associated with significant eosinophilia and raised serum IgE-levels. ANCA are only found in 25% of childhood cases. Here we report the case of a 10-year-old girl who presented to us with vomiting, abdominal pain, and weight loss, paresthesias of lower extremities and breathlessness as well as a history of asthma, sinusitis and allergic rhinitis. She was treated with corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, intravenous immunoglobulin, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and rituximab. However, remission was only achieved after initiation of omalizumab therapy, a recombinant humanized anti-IgE antibody. To the best of our knowledge this is the first pediatric patient suffering from CSS successfully managed with adjuvant anti-IgE therapy resulting in the control of respiratory as well as gastrointestinal symptoms.

Prevalencia de la epidermólisis ampollosa distrófica en España: estudio poblacional usando el método de captura-recaptura con 3 fuentes de datos. Evidencia de la necesidad de mejora en la atención sociosanitaria / Prevalence of Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa in Spain: A Population-Based Study Using the 3-Source Capture-Recapture Method. Evidence of a Need for Improvement in Care

Antecedentes: No existen datos sobre la prevalencia de la epidermólisis ampollosa distrófica en España (EAD). La EAD es una enfermedad rara que conlleva una gran carga para el paciente que la sufre y para el sistema de salud que le atiende. Objetivo: Describir la prevalencia de la EAD en España. Métodos: Hemos empleado datos procedentes de 3 fuentes incompletas de pacientes: departamentos de Dermatología, 2 laboratorios de diagnóstico y la Asociación española de pacientes con epidermólisis ampollosa, DEBRA España, y los hemos combinado usando el método de captura-recaptura. Resultados: Hemos identificado 152 pacientes vivos. La prevalencia estimada de EAD fue de 6,0 casos por millón de habitantes (IC 95%: 4,2-11,8). La prevalencia en niños menores de 18 años fue de 15,3 por millón (IC 95%: 10,4-40,8). De acuerdo con el modelo de captura-recaptura el 77% no son seguidos en unidades de referencia, el 65% no tienen diagnóstico genético y el 76% no pertenecen a DEBRA. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de EAD en España es de 6,0 pacientes por millón de habitantes (IC 95%: 4,2 a 11,8), un número mayor que el estimado en otras zonas del mundo, pero similar a otros encontrados en otros países del Sur de Europa. Este resultado puede ser debido a auténticas variaciones geográficas, o a que los otros registros recogen un número incompleto de casos. La mayoría de los pacientes no son seguidos en unidades de referencia, no tienen diagnóstico genético y no son miembros de la asociación de pacientes, lo cual quiere decir que su situación sociosanitaria es muy mejorable (AU)

Background: Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) is a rare disease that represents a heavy burden for both the patient and the health care system. There are currently no data on the prevalence of DEB in Spain. Objective: To determine the prevalence of DEB in Spain. Methods: We used data from 3 incomplete population-based sources (hospital dermatology departments, diagnostic laboratories performing antigenic mapping, genetic testing or both, and the Spanish Association of Epidermolysis Bullosa Patients [DEBRA]) and combined them using the 3-source capture–recapture methodology. Results: We identified 152 living DEB patients. The estimated prevalence of DEB was 6.0 cases per million (95% CI, 4.2–11.8) in adults and 15.3 (95% CI, 10.4–40.8) in children under 18 years of age. The data indicated that 77% of the patients were not being followed up in specialized centers of reference; 65% had not had a genetic diagnosis, and 76% were not members of DEBRA. Conclusions: The prevalence of DEB in Spain is 6.0 patients per million (95% CI, 4.2–11.8), a figure higher than previous estimates in many areas, but similar to those found in other southern Europe countries. The north–south difference may represent real geographic differences in prevalence, but it might be due to the fact that most of the data come from registries with a lower than expected catchment. Many patients are not being followed up in centers of reference, do not have genetic diagnosis, and are not members of patients’ associations, suggesting that there is room for considerable improvement in their care (AU)

Prevalence of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa in Spain: a population-based study using the 3-source capture-recapture method. Evidence of a need for improvement in care.

BACKGROUND: Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) is a rare disease that represents a heavy burden for both the patient and the health care system. There are currently no data on the prevalence of DEB in Spain. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of DEB in Spain. METHODS: We used data from 3 incomplete population-based sources (hospital dermatology departments, diagnostic laboratories performing antigenic mapping, genetic testing or both, and the Spanish Association of Epidermolysis Bullosa Patients [DEBRA]) and combined them using the 3-source capture-recapture methodology. RESULTS: We identified 152 living DEB patients. The estimated prevalence of DEB was 6.0 cases per million (95% CI, 4.2-11.8) in adults and 15.3 (95% CI, 10.4-40.8) in children under 18 years of age. The data indicated that 77% of the patients were not being followed up in specialized centers of reference; 65% had not had a genetic diagnosis, and 76% were not members of DEBRA. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of DEB in Spain is 6.0 patients per million (95% CI, 4.2-11.8), a figure higher than previous estimates in many areas, but similar to those found in other southern Europe countries. The north-south difference may represent real geographic differences in prevalence, but it might be due to the fact that most of the data come from registries with a lower than expected catchment. Many patients are not being followed up in centers of reference, do not have genetic diagnosis, and are not members of patients' associations, suggesting that there is room for considerable improvement in their care.

Interconsulta hospitalaria en Dermatología sobre una cohorte prospectiva en un hospital español de tercer nivel / Inpatient Dermatology Consultation in a Spanish Tertiary Care Hospital: A Prospective Cohort Study

Fundamentos y objetivos: La Dermatología se ha considerado clásicamente una especialidad limitada a las consultas externas. Sin embargo, los pacientes ingresados presentan frecuentemente problemas dermatológicos. El objetivo de este estudio es describir y cuantificar el volumen de la interconsulta hospitalaria del Servicio de Dermatología del Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío. Material y métodos: Se trata de un estudio observacional sobre una cohorte prospectiva de 429 pacientes durante un año. Se recogieron todas las interconsultas sobre pacientes ingresados desde julio de 2010 a junio de 2011, a través de la utilización de una ficha. Resultados: Se recogieron un total de 429 interconsultas durante 12 meses; esto supuso el 1,56% de todas las primeras consultas durante este periodo, con una media de 1,75 pacientes nuevos/día. La edad media de los pacientes atendidos fue 52,63 años (±19). La distribución entre ambos sexos, a razón mujer/hombre, fue de 1,21. Más de un tercio de los pacientes atendidos estaban inmunodeprimidos. Las especialidades médicas más demandantes fueron Medicina Interna (n=115) y Hematología (n=66). El diagnóstico más frecuente correspondió a las dermatosis inflamatorias (36,2%), seguido por las dermatosis infecciosas (26,5%). Discusión y conclusiones: Hasta el momento el papel de la interconsulta en Dermatología ha sido escasamente valorado. Nuestros resultados nos permiten afirmar que la Dermatología desempeña un papel fundamental dentro del ámbito hospitalario, así como ha posibilitado que conozcamos la dolencia dermatológica más frecuente en pacientes ingresados y la evolución de los mismos (AU)

Background and objective: Although dermatology has traditionally been practiced through outpatient consultation, hospitalized patients often have dermatologic problems. The aim of this study was to describe and quantify the volume of interdepartmental consultation of the dermatology department of Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío. Material and methods: In this year-long prospective observational cohort study of 429 patients we used a specific data collection form to record information on consultations for patients admitted between July 2010 and June 2011.Results: The 429 consultations over the 12 months of study accounted for 1.56% of all first consultations with a dermatologist during the period. A mean of 1.75 new patients were attended each day. The mean (SD) age of the patients was 52.63 (19) years, and the ratio of men to women was 1.21. Immunocompromised patients accounted for more than a third of the cohort. The medical specialties consulting most often were internal medicine (n = 115) and hematology (n = 66). The most frequent diagnoses were inflammatory skin conditions (36.2%) and infectious skin diseases (26.5%). Discussion and conclusions: To date, the role of interdepartmental consultation in dermatology has been little studied. Our results suggest that dermatology plays a fundamental role within the hospital. We have identified the most common skin problems in hospitalized patients and their clinical course (AU)

Inpatient dermatology consultation in a Spanish tertiary care hospital: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Although dermatology has traditionally been practiced through outpatient consultation, hospitalized patients often have dermatologic problems. The aim of this study was to describe and quantify the volume of interdepartmental consultation of the dermatology department of Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this year-long prospective observational cohort study of 429 patients we used a specific data collection form to record information on consultations for patients admitted between July 2010 and June 2011. RESULTS: The 429 consultations over the 12 months of study accounted for 1.56% of all first consultations with a dermatologist during the period. A mean of 1.75 new patients were attended each day. The mean (SD) age of the patients was 52.63 (19) years, and the ratio of men to women was 1.21. Immunocompromised patients accounted for more than a third of the cohort. The medical specialties consulting most often were internal medicine (n=115) and hematology (n=66). The most frequent diagnoses were inflammatory skin conditions (36.2%) and infectious skin diseases (26.5%). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: To date, the role of interdepartmental consultation in dermatology has been little studied. Our results suggest that dermatology plays a fundamental role within the hospital. We have identified the most common skin problems in hospitalized patients and their clinical course.

Tratamiento con propranolol oral para hemangiomas infantiles graves: serie de 28 pacientes / Propranolol for the Treatment of Severe Hemangiomas of Infancy: Results From a Series of 28 Patients

Introducción y objetivos: Recientemente se ha comunicado el éxito del tratamiento con propranolol para hemangiomas infantiles (HI) graves. Existen escasas series publicadas con reducido número de pacientes. El objetivo del presente estudio fue conocer la efectividad y seguridad de propranolol oral para HI graves. Material y método: Estudio observacional y descriptivo de una serie de niños con HI graves en fase proliferativa, o en fase involutiva si presentaban importante deformidad residual, que acudieron a la Unidad de Dermatología Pediátrica de nuestro hospital desde junio de 2008 hasta diciembre de 2009 y fueron tratados con propranolol oral (dosis de 2mg/kg/día). Fueron seguidos hasta septiembre de 2010. Se analizaron las características epidemiológicas, la respuesta al mes, 3, 6, 9, 12 y 18 meses y se registraron los efectos adversos. Resultados: Se trataron 36 HI en 28 pacientes. El tratamiento con propranolol fue efectivo en todos los casos, con respuesta completa o buena en el 88,2% de los casos a los 6 meses de tratamiento. El efecto fue evidente en las primeras horas tras instaurar el tratamiento, siendo útil tanto en fase proliferativa como involutiva. En HI ulcerados el tiempo medio de cicatrización fue de 61 días. Los efectos adversos fueron leves y autolimitados. Sólo dos pacientes discontinuaron el tratamiento por hipotensión. Conclusiones: El propanol oral induce una mejoría rápida y mantenida en la gran mayoría de los HI, acortando considerablemente su evolución natural y con escasos efectos secundarios. En HI ulcerados no observamos una reducción significativa de la sintomatología o tiempo de cicatrización (AU)

Background and objectives: Recent reports have described the successful use of propranolol to treat severe hemangiomas of infancy. The few case series that have been reported, however, have included only a small number of patients. The aim of this study was to describe the results of oral propranolol treatment for severe hemangiomas of infancy in terms of treatment outcome and the occurrence of adverse events. Patients and methods: A descriptive, observational study was undertaken in a series of children with severe hemangiomas of infancy seen in the pediatric dermatology unit at Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío in Seville, Spain between July 2008 and December 2009. Patients were included if they had hemangiomas in the proliferative phase or involuting lesions with substantial residual deformity. All children were treated with oral propranolol (2mg/kg/d) and followed until September 2010. Epidemiologic characteristics were analyzed along with treatment response at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months; adverse events were also recorded at those times. Results: Thirty-six hemangiomas were treated in 28 patients. Propranolol treatment was effective in all cases, with a good or complete response in 88.2% at 6 months. Effects were apparent within a few hours of treatment, which was effective in both growing and involuting hemangiomas. In ulcerated hemangiomas, the mean healing time was 61days. Adverse events were mild and self-limiting. Only 2 patients discontinued treatment due to hypotension. Conclusions: In the majority of cases, oral propranolol produced rapid and sustained improvements in hemangiomas of infancy and shortened the natural course of the disease with few side effects. However, no significant reductions in symptoms or healing time were observed in ulcerated hemangiomas (AU)