Control of dermatomyositis skin disease activity lags behind control of muscles disease activity during the early treatment stages of classic dermatomyositis: A retrospective, single-centre study.

This study aimed to retrospectively identify differences in relative control of cutaneous and muscular disease activity in adult dermatomyositis (DM) patients at a single, tertiary care centre following initiation of diagnosis and treatment. Our results demonstrated a significantly lower complete treatment response rate of skin disease compared to muscular disease at 6-months and persistent but not statistically significant lower skin disease response at 12 months. These results suggest DM skin disease activity may be more refractory to treatment than muscle disease activity, especially in the early disease phase.

Dermatomyositis: Practical Guidance and Unmet Needs.

Dermatomyositis is a heterogeneous idiopathic inflammatory myopathy associated with various cutaneous manifestations and variable presence of myositis, interstitial lung disease, and other visceral organ involvement. An accurate diagnosis of dermatomyositis requires correlating clinical examination findings with serological and histological findings. Familiarity with pathognomonic and common cutaneous manifestations of dermatomyositis, which are highlighted here, can be especially helpful in making an accurate diagnosis. Additionally, evaluating patients for presence of myositis-specific autoantibodies can further support or refute a dermatomyositis diagnosis. When present, myositis-specific autoantibodies can also help guide workups for various dermatomyositis-associated manifestations, as each is associated with relatively distinct clinical characteristics. Evaluating patients for various systemic manifestations often relies on expert opinion recommendations; however, societal guideline statements concerning the evaluation of some manifestations have recently been described. Although malignancy-associated dermatomyositis is a well-accepted subtype, there is limited evidence to support extensive malignancy screening has a favorable benefit-risk ratio in most dermatomyositis patients. However, recent research has uncovered novel associations between dermatomyositis and malignancy, suggesting the possibility of identifying high-risk subsets of dermatomyositis patients in whom malignancy screening may have a high value. Treatment for dermatomyositis has remained largely unchanged over the past several decades. Although many dermatomyositis patients can be effectively treated with current options, either as monotherapy or with combination regimens, there is a need for more targeted and effective DM therapies, in general, and for MDA5(+) dermatomyositis-associated rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease. Fortunately, significant current and emerging research activities evaluating various novel medications for dermatomyositis provide hope for exciting future advances in patients with this intriguing immune-mediated disease.

Consensus on the definitions and descriptions of the domains of the OMERACT Core Outcome Set for shared decision making interventions in rheumatology trials.

OBJECTIVE: To gain consensus on the definitions and descriptions of the domains of the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) core domain set for rheumatology trials evaluating shared decision making (SDM) interventions. METHODS: Following the OMERACT Handbook methods, our Working Group (WG), comprised of 90 members, including 17 patient research partners (PRPs) and 73 clinicians and researchers, had six virtual meetings in addition to email exchanges to develop draft definitions and descriptions. The WG then conducted an international survey of its members to gain consensus on the definitions and descriptions. Finally, the WG members had virtual meetings and e-mail exchanges to review survey results and finalize names, definitions and descriptions of the domains. RESULTS: WG members contributed to developing the definitions. Fifty-two members representing four continents and 13 countries completed the survey, including 15 PRPs, 33 clinicians and 37 researchers. PRPs and clinicians/researchers agreed with all definitions and descriptions with agreements ranging from 87% to 100%. Respondents suggested wording changes to the names, definitions and descriptions to better reflect the domains. Discussions led to further simplification and clarification to address common questions/concerns about the domains. CONCLUSION: Our WG reached consensus on the definitions and descriptions of the domains of the core domain set for rheumatology trials of SDM interventions. This step is crucial to understand each domain and provides the foundation to identify instruments to measure each domain for inclusion in the Core Outcome Measurement Set. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The current study provides consensus-based definitions and descriptions for the domains of the OMERACT core domain set for shared decision making interventions from patients/caregivers, clinicians and researchers. This is a crucial step to understand each domain and provides the foundation to identify instruments to measure each domain for inclusion in the Core Outcome Measurement Set for trials of SDM interventions.

Mortality and Autopsy Findings in Patients with Pyoderma Gangrenosum: A Multi-Institutional Series.

INTRODUCTION: Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare ulcerative skin condition with an increased risk of mortality compared to the general population. The causes of this increased risk are not well understood. Misdiagnosis is common in PG, and many studies are limited by the inclusion of misdiagnosed cases. The goal of this study was to review autopsy findings, identify causes of death, and identify factors that may worsen outcomes among deceased patients confirmed to have PG. METHODS: Data was retrospectively reviewed from the electronic medical records at five academic hospitals. A search was conducted for deceased patients with a diagnosis of PG who had an autopsy performed between 2010 and 2020. We report a descriptive analysis of 11 patients and their clinical characteristics, causes of death, and autopsy findings. RESULTS: The average age of death was 62.9 years. Seven patients had at least one underlying condition known to be associated with PG including inflammatory bowel disease, inflammatory arthritis, or a hematologic disorder. The most common cause of death was infection (n = 6, 54.5%), followed by pulmonary embolism (n = 3, 27.3%), and myelodysplastic syndrome (n = 2, 18.2%). Six patients (54.5%) were taking systemic steroids at the time of death. CONCLUSION: The development of PG may shorten life expectancy among those with underlying conditions associated with PG, and common treatments for PG may contribute to the risk of fatal complications. Awareness of the risk of infection, thrombosis, and malignancy among those with PG is necessary for proper management. Further research is needed to explore the relationship between PG and thromboembolism.

OMERACT Core outcome measurement set for shared decision making in rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions: a scoping review to identify candidate instruments.

OBJECTIVES: Shared decision making (SDM) is a central tenet in rheumatic and musculoskeletal care. The lack of standardization regarding SDM instruments and outcomes in clinical trials threatens the comparative effectiveness of interventions. The Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) SDM Working Group is developing a Core Outcome Set for trials of SDM interventions in rheumatology and musculoskeletal health. The working group reached consensus on a Core Outcome Domain Set in 2020. The next step is to develop a Core Outcome Measurement Set through the OMERACT Filter 2.2. METHODS: We conducted a scoping review (PRISMA-ScR) to identify candidate instruments for the OMERACT Filter 2.2 We systematically reviewed five databases (Ovid MEDLINE®, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL and Web of Science). An information specialist designed search strategies to identify all measurement instruments used in SDM studies in adults or children living with rheumatic or musculoskeletal diseases or their important others. Paired reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full text articles. We extracted characteristics of all candidate instruments (e.g., measured construct, measurement properties). We classified candidate instruments and summarized evidence gaps with an adapted version of the Summary of Measurement Properties (SOMP) table. RESULTS: We found 14,464 citations, read 239 full text articles, and included 99 eligible studies. We identified 220 potential candidate instruments. The five most used measurement instruments were the Decisional Conflict Scale (traditional and low literacy versions) (n=38), the Hip/Knee-Decision Quality Instrument (n=20), the Decision Regret Scale (n=9), the Preparation for Decision Making Scale (n=8), and the CollaboRATE (n=8). Only 44 candidate instruments (20%) had any measurement properties reported by the included studies. Of these instruments, only 57% matched with at least one of the 7-criteria adapted SOMP table. CONCLUSION: We identified 220 candidate instruments used in the SDM literature amongst people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. Our classification of instruments showed evidence gaps and inconsistent reporting of measurement properties. The next steps for the OMERACT SDM Working Group are to match candidate instruments with Core Domains, assess feasibility and review validation studies of measurement instruments in rheumatic diseases or other conditions. Development and validation of new instruments may be required for some Core Domains.

Eligibility Criteria for Active Ulcerative Pyoderma Gangrenosum in Clinical Trials: A Delphi Consensus on Behalf of the UPGRADE (Understanding Pyoderma Gangrenosum: Review and Assessment of Disease Effects) Group.

At present, there are no standardized guidelines for determining patient eligibility for pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) clinical trials. Thus, we aim to determine which clinical features, histopathological features, or laboratory features should be included in active ulcerative PG clinical trial eligibility criteria for treatment-naïve patients and patients already treated with immunomodulating medications (treatment-exposed patients). This study employed 4 rounds of the Delphi technique. Electronic surveys were administered to 21 international board-certified dermatologists and plastic surgeon PG experts (June 2022-December 2022). Our results demonstrated that for a patient to be eligible for a PG trial, they must meet the following criteria: (i) presence of ulcer(s) with erythematous/violaceous undermining wound borders, (ii) presence of a painful or tender ulcer, (iii) history/presence of rapidly progressing disease, (iv) exclusion of infection and other causes of cutaneous ulceration, (v) biopsy for H&E staining, and (vi) a presence/history of pathergy. These criteria vary in importance for treatment-naïve versus treatment-exposed patients. Given the international cohort, we were unable to facilitate live discussions between rounds. This Delphi consensus study provides a set of specific, standardized eligibility criteria for PG clinical trials, thus addressing one of the main issues hampering progress toward Food and Drug Administration approval of medications for PG.

Efficacy and safety of repository corticotropin injection for refractory cutaneous dermatomyositis: a prospective, open-label study.

OBJECTIVES: Cutaneous dermatomyositis (DM) is often refractory to multiple medications. Repository corticotropin injection (RCI) is FDA-approved for DM, but little is known about its efficacy and safety for treating cutaneous DM. We conducted a prospective, open-label trial assessing efficacy and safety of RCI for treating refractory cutaneous DM. METHODS: DM patients with moderate-to-severe cutaneous activity [Cutaneous Dermatomyositis Disease Area and Severity Index activity (CDASI-A)] >14 despite prior treatment with ≥2 systemic agents were enrolled. Patients were initiated on 80 u RCI twice weekly for 6 months. Primary outcomes included significant decreases in CDASI-A and Physician's Global Assessment (PGA) scores at 6 months. RESULTS: Of nineteen patients enrolled, fifteen patients (11 females, 4 males) with DM (7 classic, 8 amyopathic) completed 6 months of RCI treatment. Patients were treated with a median 3.0 systemic medications prior to enrolment and were taking a median of 2.0 systemic medications at enrolment. Median baseline CDASI-A score was 19.0 and median PGA activity score was 2.5/10. For patient-reported outcomes, baseline median patient global skin score (PtGSS) was 3.0/10 and median dermatology life quality index (DLQI) score was 7.0/10. At 6 months, there were statistically significant improvements in CDASI-A scores (median= 10.0), PGA scores (median= 0.8/10), PtGSS scores (median= 7.0) and DLQI scores (median= 2.0), among others. Adverse effects were mild. CONCLUSIONS: RCI treatment resulted in statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in cutaneous DM activity and quality of life. Our results suggest RCI is an effective, safe, and well-tolerated treatment for patients with refractory cutaneous dermatomyositis. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: This clinical trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01906372).

Intensive care nurses' experiences of caring for isolated COVID-positive patients during first wave of COVID-19.

Background: COVID-19 has fundamentally changed all fields of health care. Intensive care nurses have been at the forefront of the pandemic facing the massive impact of the disease, both professionally and personally. This study investigated nurses' experiences of caring for isolated COVID-19 positive patients in the intensive care department during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study investigated how isolation affected the nurses themselves, how they related with their patients, and how isolation affected patient care in general. Methods: The study was performed at a 20-bed university hospital intensive care department in Copenhagen, Denmark. COVID-19 positive patients were isolated or cohort isolated. A dedicated nurse cared for each isolated patient and wore full personal protective equipment. The study is based on in-depth phenomenological interviews with intensive care nurses conducted in summer 2020. The interviews were structured according to the principles of "Phenomenologically Grounded Qualitative Research." The data included observations from within the isolated patient rooms. Findings: Six intensive care nurses participated in the study. The analysis documented following themes consistently reported by all nurses: (1) a general sense of uncanniness, (2) intense feelings of confinement and co-isolation, and (3) heightened senses of bodily objectification, including how nurses' experienced their patients and also themselves. Conclusion: This is the first Scandinavian phenomenological study to focus on mapping the experiences of intensive care nurses during the extreme circumstances of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Further studies may explore long-term effects, such as psychiatric morbidity or psychological functioning in these individuals.

A novel murine model of pyoderma gangrenosum reveals that inflammatory skin-gut crosstalk is mediated by IL-1ß-primed neutrophils.

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a debilitating skin condition often accompanied by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Strikingly, ~40% of patients that present with PG have underlying IBD, suggesting shared but unknown mechanisms of pathogenesis. Impeding the development of effective treatments for PG is the absence of an animal model that exhibits features of both skin and gut manifestations. This study describes the development of the first experimental drug-induced mouse model of PG with concomitant intestinal inflammation. Topical application of pyrimidine synthesis inhibitors on wounded mouse skin generates skin ulcers enriched in neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) as well as pro-inflammatory cellular and soluble mediators mimicking human PG. The mice also develop spontaneous intestinal inflammation demonstrated by histologic damage. Further investigations revealed increased circulating low density IL-1ß primed neutrophils that undergo enhanced NETosis at inflamed tissue sites supported by an increase in circulatory citrullinated histone 3, a marker of aberrant NET formation. Granulocyte depletion dampens the intestinal inflammation in this model, further supporting the notion that granulocytes contribute to the skin-gut crosstalk in PG mice. We anticipate that this novel murine PG model will enable researchers to probe common disease mechanisms and identify more effective targets for treatment for PG patients with IBD.

Sweet Syndrome Associated with Active Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Case Series of a Rare Extra-intestinal Manifestation.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous extra-intestinal manifestations (EIM) occur in up to 20% of patients with IBD. Information about Sweet syndrome (SS)'s clinical course as a rare cutaneous EIM in IBD is limited to case reports. We present the largest retrospective cohort on the occurrence and management of SS in IBD. STUDY: Electronic medical records and paper charts since 1980 were retrospectively reviewed at a large quaternary medical center to identify all adult IBD patients with histopathology-proven SS. Patient characteristics and clinical outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: 25 IBD patients with SS were identified; 3 patients were assessed to have AZA-induced SS. The majority of SS patients were female. Median age at diagnosis was 47 years (IQR 33-54 years) and SS appeared at a median of 6.4 years after IBD diagnosis. IBD patients with SS had a high rate of complicated IBD phenotypes (75% extensive colitis in UC and 73% stricturing or penetrating disease in CD, with 100% colonic involvement), as well as frequent co-occurring EIMs (60%). SS correlated with global IBD disease activity. Corticosteroids were an effective therapy for SS in IBD. Recurrence rate of SS was 36%. CONCLUSION: Contrary to previous case reports, SS was a cutaneous EIM occurring late after diagnosis of IBD in our cohort, with occurrences paralleling global IBD disease activity. Although AZA-induced and IBD-associated SS were both effectively treated with corticosteroids, distinguishing them is relevant for future IBD treatment strategies.

Abnormal thrombosis and neutrophil activation increase hospital-acquired sacral pressure injuries and morbidity in COVID-19 patients.

Hospitalized patients have an increased risk of developing hospital-acquired sacral pressure injury (HASPI). However, it is unknown whether SARS-CoV-2 infection affects HASPI development. To explore the role of SARS-CoV-2 infection in HASPI development, we conducted a single institution, multi-hospital, retrospective study of all patients hospitalized for ≥5 days from March 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020. Patient demographics, hospitalization information, ulcer characteristics, and 30-day-related morbidity were collected for all patients with HASPIs, and intact skin was collected from HASPI borders in a patient subset. We determined the incidence, disease course, and short-term morbidity of HASPIs in COVID-19(+) patients, and characterized the skin histopathology and tissue gene signatures associated with HASPIs in COVID-19 disease. COVID-19(+) patients had a 63% increased HASPI incidence rate, HASPIs of more severe ulcer stage (OR 2.0, p<0.001), and HASPIs more likely to require debridement (OR 3.1, p=0.04) compared to COVID-19(-) patients. Furthermore, COVID-19(+) patients with HASPIs had 2.2x increased odds of a more severe hospitalization course compared to COVID-19(+) patients without HASPIs. HASPI skin histology from COVID-19(+) patients predominantly showed thrombotic vasculopathy, with the number of thrombosed vessels being significantly greater than HASPIs from COVID-19(-) patients. Transcriptional signatures of a COVID-19(+) sample subset were enriched for innate immune responses, thrombosis, and neutrophil activation genes. Overall, our results suggest that immunologic dysregulation secondary to SARS-CoV-2 infection, including neutrophil dysfunction and abnormal thrombosis, may play a pathogenic role in development of HASPIs in patients with severe COVID-19.

Advancing Teamwork in Health Care Through Continuing Education Joint Accreditation.

ABSTRACT: Teamwork is a necessity for effective care of patients in the current health care environment. Continuing education providers are best positioned to teach health care professionals about teamwork. However, health care professionals and continuing education providers largely operate in single-profession-based environments and thus need to change their programs and activities to achieve team improvement education goals. Joint Accreditation (JA) for Interprofessional Continuing Education is designed to advance teamwork to improve quality care through education programs. However, achieving JA requires significant changes to an education program that are multifaceted and complex to implement. Although challenging, implementation of JA is an effective way to advance interprofessional continuing education. Here, we discuss numerous practical strategies that can aid education programs to prepare for and achieve JA, such as attaining organizational alignment and provider adaptation to expand curriculums, reinventing the education planning process, and implementing tools to help manage the joint accredited program.

Update in cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19: Special populations.

Cutaneous abnormalities were among the first clinical findings reported in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the significance was initially unclear. Correlations have since been drawn between many of these cutaneous eruptions and their diagnostic or prognostic value. Additionally, COVID-19 vaccines have generated acute and delayed cutaneous reactions with which clinicians should be familiar. In this narrative review, we update the cutaneous abnormalities associated with COVID-19 infection for pediatric and non-White populations, and common cutaneous reactions to COVID-19 vaccines.