Verrulyse Methionine® as Monotherapy in Children and Adolescents With Common Warts.

BACKGROUND: Common cutaneous non-genital viral warts are a common skin infection with significant morbidity in the pediatric population. Although various therapeutics are available, many of them necessitate recurrent patient visits and may be associated with significant irritation and pain. Verrulyse Methionine® (VM), a nutritional supplement, was previously suggested as a non-invasive treatment option for the disease. OBJECTIVE: To assess the response to oral VM supplement as a monotherapy in a cohort of children and adolescents with multiple, non-genital viral warts after failing previous treatments. METHODS: We reviewed medical records of pediatric patients (<18 y/o) with viral warts treated with VM between 2010 and 2021. RESULTS: Among 25 patients with multiple verrucae vulgaris lesions who failed previous treatments, 14 (56%) had complete or almost-complete response to VM within 4 months, after an average of 18 months of active disease prior to VM treatment initiation. None of the 4 patients with verruca plana had response to VM treatment. Favourable cosmetic results were found in responders, and no adverse events were recorded. CONCLUSION: Response rates in our cohort are comparable to those reported in the literature for destructive local therapeutics for viral warts. Thus, our data suggest that VM may be considered for children with multiple verrucae vulgaris, providing a painless and non-invasive therapeutic option for this common disease.

A history of asthma is associated with susceptibility to hidradenitis suppurativa: a population-based longitudinal study.

The association of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and asthma remains to be investigated. To assess the bidirectional association between HS and asthma. A population-based study was conducted to compare HS patients (n = 6779) with age-, sex-, and ethnicity-matched control subjects (n = 33,259) with regard to the incidence of new onset and the prevalence of preexisting asthma. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were calculated. The prevalence of preexisting asthma was higher in patients with HS relative to controls (9.6% vs. 6.9%, respectively; P < 0.001). The odds of HS were 1.4-fold greater in patients with a history of asthma (fully adjusted OR 1.41; 95% CI 1.27-1.55; P < 0.001). The incidence rate of new-onset asthma was estimated at 9.0 (95% CI 6.3-12.7) and 6.2 (95% CI 5.1-7.5) cases per 10,000 person-years among patients with HS and controls, respectively. The risk of asthma was not statistically different in patients with HS and controls (fully adjusted HR 1.53; 95% CI 0.98-2.38; P = 0.062). Relative to other patients with HS, those with HS and comorbid asthma were younger at the onset of HS (30.7 [14.7] vs. 33.3 [15.1], respectively; P < 0.001) and had a comparable risk of all-cause mortality (adjusted HR 0.86; 95% CI 0.44-1.68; P = 0.660). A history of asthma confers susceptibility to subsequent development of HS. This observation is of importance for clinicians managing both patients with HS and asthma. Further research is warranted to elucidate the pathomechanism underlying this finding.

The Characteristics of Allergic Contact Dermatitis in Military and Civilian Populations: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Contact dermatitis is a common condition in the general population, with a global prevalence of 20%. It is an inflammatory skin disease that is classified as irritant contact dermatitis (80%) and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) (20%). In addition, it is the most common presentation of occupational dermatoses and is one of the primary reasons for seeking medical attention among military personnel. Only few studies have compared the characteristics of contact dermatitis in soldiers and civilians. Objective: To compare the characteristics of ACD between civilians and soldiers. Methods: This large retrospective study was conducted in Israel and involved 1800 civilians and 750 soldiers with suspected ACD. All patients underwent relevant patch tests based on their clinical presentation and medical history. Results: At least 1 positive allergic reaction was found in 382 civilians (21.22%) and 208 soldiers (27.73%) (nonsignificant). Moreover, 69 civilians (18.06%) and 61 soldiers (29.32%) had at least 1 positive occupational allergic reaction (P < 0.05). Widespread dermatitis was significantly more common among soldiers. The most frequent occupations among civilians with positive allergic reactions were hairdressers/beauticians. "Professional, technical, and managerial occupations" were the most frequent categories among soldiers (24.6%), with computing professionals being the most common occupation (46.67%). Conclusion: Military personnel and civilians have different characteristics associated with ACD. Therefore, considering these characteristics before placement in a workplace can help prevent ACD.

Pediatric Contact Dermatitis: A 10-Year Multicenter Retrospective Study.

Background: Although allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is relatively common in the adult and pediatric populations alike, few studies describe the special features of contact sensitization among the Israeli pediatric populations, none of them is multicenter. Our study aims to describe and analyze patch test results and trends in 4 tertiary care centers between 2012 and 2022. Methods: We assessed the results of 357 patch tests performed on children 0-18 years old between 2012 and 2022 in designated clinics in 4 tertiary medical centers. All patients were tested using the European baseline series and additional series as clinically indicated. We assessed the demographic features, atopic features, and influence, as well as the main allergens to cause sensitization and allergic contact dermatitis among the pediatric population. Results: In total 69% of the study population were females, mainly 12-18 years old, 35% of the study population were previously diagnosed with atopic dermatitis, and 57% had an atopic diathesis. Females were more commonly sensitized (P < 0.05). Patients without atopic dermatitis were more commonly diagnosed with ACD and had more reactions on patch test (P < 0.05). The most common allergens to cause ACD are preservatives and metals, as previously described, however, acrylate sensitivity is an emerging group that has not been described among the Israeli pediatric population in previous studies. Fragrance mix 2 and Mroxylon pereirae are relatively rare allergens among the Israeli pediatric population, whereas linalool hyperoxide might be considered an emerging allergen. Methylisothiazolinone causes ACD more frequently among patients without atopic dermatitis (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Among the Israeli pediatric population, ACD is more common in females without atopic dermatitis. Acrylates become a common culprit and should be included in baseline series. Patients with atopic dermatitis are less frequently sensitized by methylisothiazolinone.

Facial demodicosis in the immunosuppressed state: a retrospective case series from a tertiary referral center.

BACKGROUND: Data on Demodex in the immunosuppressed state is limited, focusing mainly on patients with human immunodeficiency virus and hematological malignancies. The aim of this study was to describe the manifestations of facial demodicosis in diverse immunosuppressive states. METHODS: The medical records of all patients followed at a Demodex outpatient clinic of a tertiary medical center from January 2008 to November 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Data on patients who were immunosuppressed while with demodicosis were retrieved. RESULTS: The cohort included 28 patients (17 women and 11 men; median age, 58 years). Types of immunosuppression included treatments with hydroxyurea for polycythemia vera/essential thrombocytosis, mycophenolic acid, tacrolimus, and prednisone for liver and/or kidney transplantation, prednisone with cyclosporine/methotrexate/azathioprine/rituximab mainly for autoimmune diseases, mercaptopurine with/without anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) for Crohn's disease, chemotherapy for neoplasms, anti-TNF-α for psoriasis, and Cushing's syndrome. The clinical types of demodicosis included: papulopustular, erythematotelangiectatic and fulminant rosacea, hyperpigmented, pityriasis folliculorum, pustular folliculitis, and dermatitis. The diverse clinical presentations led to various differential diagnoses. Topical treatment with ivermectin (monotherapy/combination with other treatments) was effective. CONCLUSION: Clinicians treating immunosuppressed patients should be familiar with the different forms of demodicosis and include them in the differential diagnosis of facial eruptions.

A Combination of Non-ablative Laser and Hyaluronic Acid Injectable for Postacne Scars: A Novel Treatment Protocol.

Background: Postacne facial scars are often associated with significant patient distress. Energy-based devices, including non-ablative lasers, are commonly used for the treatment of postacne scarring. There is relatively limited data regarding the combination of non-ablative lasers with hyaluronic acid injections for postacne scarring. Objective: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a non-ablative 1,540-nm erbium:glass laser combined with a hyaluronic acid injectable for the treatment of postacne scars. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of 12 patients who underwent the full treatment protocol. A before and after blinded clinical evaluation was performed independently by two dermatologists and graded on a scale from 0 (indicating a worsening of scarring) to 4 (indicating a 76-100% improvement in scarring). Pain perception, adverse effects, and patient satisfaction were evaluated. Results: A mean correct blinded before and after evaluation by two dermatologists was 96 percent. Patients demonstrated mild to moderate improvement as assessed by a quartile scale of improvement (25-50%). Mild transient pain was reported by most patients. The satisfaction level of the patients was high (4 out of 5). Limitations: The limitations of our study include the small cohort, retrospective design, and lack of a histological correlation. Conclusion: Our results suggest that this combination treatment using 1,540-nm fractional erbium:glass laser and hyaluronic acid injections is both safe and effective for patients with postacne facial scars.

Low-Dose Acitretin for Secondary Prevention of Keratinocyte Carcinomas in Solid-Organ Transplant Recipients.

BACKGROUND: Keratinocyte carcinomas, particularly squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), occur more frequently and aggressively in solid-organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) than in the general population. Systemic retinoids are effective in secondary prevention of keratinocyte carcinomas in this population, but their use is limited by adverse effects including a rebound effect in cases of treatment discontinuation. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to determine whether low-dose acitretin is efficient in the secondary prevention of keratinocyte carcinomas in SOTRs. METHODS: This retrospective case-crossover study was conducted at a specialized dermatology clinic for SOTRs in a large transplantation center in 2010-2017. Patients with at least 1 previous keratinocyte carcinoma who were treated with acitretin 10 mg/day for 2 years were included. The main outcome was the difference in the number of new keratinocyte carcinomas diagnosed during treatment compared to during the 2-year pretreatment period. RESULTS: The cohort included 34 SOTRs. A significant reduction in the mean number of new keratinocyte carcinomas during treatment relative to the pretreatment period was observed (1.7 vs. 3.6, -53% p = 0.002). Similar results were noted on analysis by tumor type, for both SCC and basal cell carcinoma. CONCLUSION: This study of SOTRs demonstrated positive results for low-dose acitretin as a chemoprevention of keratinocyte carcinomas in this population.

1540-nm fractional erbium: Glass laser is a safe and effective modality for nonablative facial rejuvenation.

BACKGROUND: Laser treatments for facial rejuvenation are common, with ablative modalities being of more common use for this indication. Efficient nonablative modalities are of rising demand. AIM: Our aim was to determine the safety and efficacy of high-fluence, nonablative 1540-nm fractional Erbium:glass laser for facial rejuvenation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of patients treated with 3-4 treatments using the 1540-nm fractional Erbium:glass laser for facial rejuvenation, using 2500-3000 mJ/stacked pulses (51-61 mJ per pixel). Patients were followed-up for 3 months following their last treatment. Before and after photos were independently blindly evaluated by 2 dermatologists, who graded them using a scale from 0 (exacerbation) to 4 (76%-100% improvement) for 2 different facial regions (frontal face region and lateral canthal region). Pain perception and adverse effects as well as patient satisfaction were documented throughout the study. RESULTS: Sixteen patients completed both treatment and follow-up period. At the 3-months posttreatment follow-up visit, moderate-to-significant improvement in rhytids appearance (mean grade of improvement: 2.93 for frontal face and 3 for lateral canthal region) was observed. Patients' satisfaction was high (4.25). Patients reported mild and transient erythema posttreatment with no other adverse effects. CONCLUSION: The high-fluence 1540-nm fractional Erbium:glass laser is a safe and effective nonablative modality for facial rejuvenation.

Does interval time between pulsed dye laser treatments for port-wine stains influence outcome? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The pulsed dye laser (PDL) is the standard treatment for port-wine stains (PWS). Maximal improvement occurs after multiple treatment sessions; however, the optimal treatment interval has yet to be determined. The aim of this study was to review whether there is an association between PDL treatment interval and outcome of PWS. Six databases were searched by three reviewers for publications investigating treatment of PWS with PDL. The 75% improvement rates (75IR) were extracted for quantitative analysis. Meta-regression was used to investigate the association between treatment intervals and 75IR. The systematic review included 1 RCT and 33 cohort studies (7 prospective cohorts and 26 retrospective cohorts), with a total of 3777 patients. The pooled 75IR was 37% (95% CI 29-45%; I2 = 95%). Light Fitzpatrick skin type (p = 0.04), facial anatomic location (p = 0.01), and young age (p = 0.008) were associated with 75IR. In an unadjusted (p = 0.42) and multivariable adjusted (p = 0.98) meta-regression, no association was found between time interval between treatments and 75IR. These results persisted in a sensitivity analysis of studies with a mean patient age of ≤ 1. The majority of included studies were heterogeneous and retrospective. Based on cohort studies of low-to-moderate quality, time intervals between PDL treatments are not associated with PWS outcome.

A combination of 1064 nm Q-switched fractional ND-YAG laser with a nonfractional microsecond pulsed technology has a synergistic effect for nonablative facial rejuvenation.

BACKGROUND: Non-ablative fractionated lasers for facial rejuvenation are increasingly preferred over ablative lasers due to their minimal downtime and fewer adverse events. The synergistic effect of the Q-switched fractional (QSF) 1064-nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser, in combination with the non-fractional microsecond pulsed technology has yet to be fully evaluated. AIM: Our objective was to determine the safety and efficacy of this combination treatment for skin rejuvenation. METHODS: Patients who underwent treatment using the QSF-Nd:YAG laser, followed by the non-fractional microsecond pulsed Nd:YAG were evaluated retrospectively using a novel 3D imaging modality for degree of facial erythema, wrinkles surface area, and wrinkle depth. Pain perception, adverse effects, and patient satisfaction were assessed at the 2-month post-treatment follow-up visit, graded on a scale of 1- 5 (1 = not satisfied, 5 = very satisfied). RESULTS: Ten female patients' ages 44-67 (mean 55 years) completed both treatment and follow-up period, with an overall mild improvement in facial erythema and wrinkle surface area (mean improvement of 18% and 19.5% accordingly), as well as a mild improvement in overall wrinkle depth. Pain and adverse effects were mild and transient. Patients' satisfaction was high. CONCLUSION: The combination of the QSF-Nd:YAG laser and non-fractional microsecond pulsed technology, using a single Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser platform, was found safe and effective as a non-ablative modality for facial rejuvenation, as demonstrated by a novel 3D imaging modality.

1064-nm Q-switched fractional Nd:YAG laser is safe and effective for the treatment of post-surgical facial scars.

Post-surgical facial scars are often associated with unaesthetic outcome. Treatment of these scars using various lasers could be beneficial; however, the use of the Q-switched fractional (QSF) 1064-nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser has yet to be evaluated for this indication. Our objective was to determine the safety and efficacy of a QSF-Nd:YAG laser for the treatment of post-surgical facial scars. Eleven (5 male, 6 female) patients who underwent facial surgery with significant scarring were treated using the QSF-Nd:YAG laser. Scars were exposed to 600-1200 mJ/stacked pulses (12-24 mJ per pixel), emitted at a rate of 10 Hz for up to 2 passes per treatment session, receiving overall 3-6 treatments. Patient follow-up was 3 months. Scars' photographs were blindly assessed by two dermatologists, who graded them on a scale of scar severity from 1 to 5 (1 = least severe, 5 = most severe) before and after treatment. A blinded before/after recognition of these photographs was also performed. Patient satisfaction was assessed 3 months post-treatment and graded on a scale of 1-5 (1 = not satisfied, 5 = very satisfied). Pain perception and adverse effects were also evaluated. Patients demonstrated a decrease in scar severity score by a mean of 1.57 points (p = 0.0005). A blinded before/after recognition was correct in 86.5% of the cases. Pain and adverse effects were mild and transient. Patient satisfaction was high (4.2). QSF-Nd:YAG laser is a safe and effective modality for the treatment of post-surgical facial scars.

Melanoma Risk is Increased in Patients with Mycosis Fungoides Compared with Patients with Psoriasis and the General Population.

Patients with mycosis fungoides (MF) are thought to be at increased risk of melanoma. However, studies addressing surveillance-bias and treatments as a possible confounder are lacking. This retrospective study compared the prevalence and risk of melanoma between 982 patients with MF, and 3,165 patients with psoriasis attending tertiary cutaneous-lymphoma/psoriasis clinics during 2009 to 2018. Melanoma was diagnosed in 47 patients with MF (4.8%; 43 early-stage) and in 23 patients with psoriasis (0.7%) (odds ratio 6.6, p < 0.0001). In 60% of patients, MF/psoriasis preceded melanoma diagnosis. Hazard ratio (HR) for a subsequent melanoma in MF vs psoriasis was 6.3 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 3.4-11.7, p < 0.0001). Compared with the general population, melanoma standardized incidence ratios were 17.5 in patients with MF (95% CI 11.0-23.9, p < 0.0001), and 2.2 (95% CI 0.6-3.8, p = 0.148) in patients with psoriasis. Narrow-band ultraviolet B was not a contributory factor (HR 1.15, 95% CI 0.62-2.14, p = 0.66). These findings add evidence that patients with MF have a significantly higher risk of melanoma, not only compared with the general population, but also compared with patients with psoriasis. This comorbidity may be inherent to MF.

[DISSEMINATED CRYPTOCOCCOSIS IN A LIVER TRANSPLANT RECIPIENT DIAGNOSED BY TZANCK SMEAR].

INTRODUCTION: Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungus which causes severe morbidity and mortality among immune-compromised patients. Cutaneous manifestations of systemic cryptococcosis are rare and may include a papulo-nodular rash, ulcers, cellulitis, molluscum contagiosum-like papules and more. The Tzanck smear is a well-known simple diagnostic test which can be performed bedside, in order to characterize cell cytology. Its classic use was in diagnosis of autoimmune blistering diseases or herpes virus infections. However, in recent years it has been used as an efficient diagnostic tool for other dermatologic conditions. We present a case of a 47-year old liver transplant recipient who presented with numerous cutaneous manifestations of disseminated cryptococcosis, initially diagnosed with bacterial cellulitis and non-melanoma skin cancer. With the aid of the Tzanck smear we rapidly established the correct diagnosis leading to swift treatment.

Abortive herpes simplex virus infection of nonneuronal cells results in quiescent viral genomes that can reactivate.

Abortive viral infections are usually studied in populations of susceptible but nonpermissive cells. Single-cell studies of viral infections have demonstrated that even in susceptible and permissive cell populations, abortive infections can be detected in subpopulations of the infected cells. We have previously identified abortive infections in HeLa cells infected with herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) at high multiplicity of infection (MOI). Here, we tested 4 additional human-derived nonneuronal cell lines (cancerous or immortalized) and found significant subpopulations that remain abortive. To characterize these abortive cells, we recovered cell populations that survived infection with HSV-1 at high MOI. The surviving cells retained proliferative potential and the ability to be reinfected. These recovered cell populations maintained the viral genomes in a quiescent state for at least 5 wk postinfection. Our results indicate that these viral genomes are maintained inside the nucleus, bound to cellular histones and occasionally reactivated to produce new progeny viruses. We conclude that abortive HSV-1 infection is a common feature during infection of nonneuronal cells and results in a latency-like state in the infected cells. Our findings question the longstanding paradigm that alphaherpesviruses can establish spontaneous latency only in neuronal cells and emphasize the stochastic nature of lytic versus latency decision of HSV-1 in nonneuronal cells.

Coalescing replication compartments provide the opportunity for recombination between coinfecting herpesviruses.

Homologous recombination (HR) is considered a major driving force of evolution because it generates and expands genetic diversity. Evidence of HR between coinfecting herpesvirus DNA genomes can be found frequently both in vitro and in clinical isolates. Each herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) replication compartment (RC) derives from a single incoming genome and maintains a specific territory within the nucleus. This raises intriguing questions about where and when coinfecting viral genomes interact. To study the spatiotemporal requirements for intergenomic recombination, we developed an assay with dual-color FISH that enables detection of HR between different pairs of coinfecting HSV-1 genomes. Our results revealed that HR increases intermingling of RCs derived from different genomes. Furthermore, inhibition of RC movement reduces the rate of HR events among coinfecting viruses. Finally, we observed correlation between nuclear size and the number of RCs per nucleus. Our findings suggest that both viral replication and recombination are subject to nuclear spatial constraints. Other DNA viruses and cellular DNA are likely to encounter similar restrictions.-Tomer, E., Cohen, E. M., Drayman, N., Afriat, A., Weitzman, M. D., Zaritsky, A., Kobiler, O. Coalescing replication compartments provide the opportunity for recombination between coinfecting herpesviruses.

IL-17A Inhibitor Switching - Efficacy of Ixekizumab Following Secukinumab Failure. A Single-center Experience.

Interleukin-17A inhibitors are a promising alternative to tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors for the treatment of psoriasis. In-class switch has been hardly investigated for interleukin-17A inhibitors. We report the experience (2017-2018) of a tertiary medical center with interleukin-17A-inhibitor switch in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Patient-, disease- and outcome-related data were retrospectively collected from the electronic files of 25 patients switched to ixekizumab following secukinumab failure. Mean ± standard deviation patient age was 56.7 ± 12.2 years. Mean baseline Psoriasis Area and Severity Index was 25. Secukinumab was discontinued due to primary failure in 7 patients and secondary failure in 18. Ixekizumab was administered for 7.3 ± 2.8 months; 22 patients were still on ixekizumab at the end of the study. Mean ± standard deviation Psoriasis Area and Severity Index reduction from baseline at study end was 75.5±20.0%. Patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis seem to be amenable to treatment with ixekizumab following secukinumab failure. Further large multicenter studies are needed.

Active Tuberculosis in Patients with Psoriasis Receiving Biologic Therapy: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Biologic therapies pose a risk for opportunistic infections, especially for reactivating latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). OBJECTIVE: The aim was to describe the clinical features and mortality rate of active Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) in psoriasis patients receiving biologic therapies. METHODS: A systematic review of PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases was performed. Studies describing active TB in patients with psoriasis receiving biologic therapy from inception to May 31, 2018 were included. Clinical data as well as mortality rates were recorded. RESULTS: Fifty-one studies were included, evaluating 78 patients with active TB: 11 prospective studies, 13 retrospective, and 27 case reports/series. Most patients (73%) with active TB were male, the mean age was 48 ± 13 years, and 85% were of European or Asian origin. Pre-treatment LTBI screening was negative for 63% of patients. Disease presented in 33% of patients within the first 3 months of treatment, and in 51% within the first 6 months. Most patients (72%) presented with extra-pulmonary TB, and 49% had disseminated disease. The mortality rate was 7%. LIMITATIONS: Limitations of this review are its small sample size and inclusion of case reports. CONCLUSIONS: Some patients develop active TB despite LTBI screening. Clinicians initiating biologic therapy in patients with psoriasis should be aware of the clinical features of active TB in this scenario.

Cutaneous presentations of omphalomesenteric duct remnant: A systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Disorders of the umbilicus are commonly seen in infancy, including hernias, infections, anomalies, granulomas, and malignancies. Meticulous inspection of the umbilicus at birth might reveal a persisting embryonic remnant, such as an omphalomesenteric duct (OMD), manifested by a variety of cutaneous signs, such as an umbilical mass, granulation tissue, or discharge. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the available data regarding the presence and management of OMD remnant with cutaneous involvement to suggest a practical approach for diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature evaluating OMD anomalies presenting with cutaneous symptoms was performed. In addition, an index case of an 11-month-old patient is presented. RESULTS: We included 59 publications reporting 536 cases; 97% of the patients whose age was noted were infants (mean age 11 months). In 7.5% of the cases, diagnosis was established only after treatment failure. In 6.4% of patients, nonlethal complications were reported, and in 10.3%, the outcome was death, partly due to delayed diagnosis or mismanagement. LIMITATIONS: Limited quality of the collected data, reporting bias. CONCLUSION: OMD is relatively rare; however, the clinician must consider this remnant while examining patients with umbilical abnormalities because mismanagement could cause severe morbidity and mortality.

Rituximab and Omalizumab for the Treatment of Bullous Pemphigoid: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common autoimmune blistering skin disease worldwide. Systemic corticosteroids are considered the mainstay of therapy; however, they may cause significant adverse effects and treatment failures, so additional therapeutic modalities with better safety profiles are required. Rituximab and omalizumab are novel biologic agents administered in recent years for the treatment of BP, yet data regarding their use in the disease are limited. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to systematically review the current literature regarding the use of rituximab and omalizumab for the treatment of BP to evaluate their safety and efficacy. METHODS: A systematic review of all publications evaluating patients with BP treated with rituximab or omalizumab was performed. The primary outcome was clinical response; secondary outcomes were adverse events and recurrence rate. RESULTS: The systematic review included 35 publications (84 patients: 62 receiving rituximab and 22 receiving omalizumab). In total, 61 of 63 patients had not experienced disease control with systemic corticosteroids before receiving the biologic treatment. Complete response rates were 85% and 84% for rituximab and omalizumab, respectively. The recurrence rate was considerably lower with rituximab (29%) than with omalizumab (80%). Mean time to recurrence was 10.2 and 3.4 months, and adverse effects occurred in 24% and 20% of the patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Available data, although potentially limited because of publication bias, suggest that rituximab and omalizumab have similar safety profiles and provide clinical benefit for patients with BP. The reviewed data indicated that rituximab resulted in lower recurrence rates and a longer time until recurrence than omalizumab.