An expert panel consensus on opioid-prescribing guidelines for dermatologic procedures.

BACKGROUND: Opioid overprescribing is a major contributor to the opioid crisis. The lack of procedure-specific guidelines contributes to the vast differences in prescribing practices. OBJECTIVE: To create opioid-prescribing consensus guidelines for common dermatologic procedures. METHODS: We used a 4-step modified Delphi method to conduct a systematic discussion among a panel of dermatologists in the fields of general dermatology, dermatologic surgery, and cosmetics/phlebology to develop opioid prescribing guidelines for some of the most common dermatologic procedural scenarios. Guidelines were developed for opioid-naive patients undergoing routine procedures. Opioid tablets were defined as oxycodone 5-mg oral equivalents. RESULTS: Postoperative pain after most uncomplicated procedures (76%) can be adequately managed with acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen. Group consensus identified no specific dermatologic scenario that routinely requires more than 15 oxycodone 5-mg oral equivalents to manage postoperative pain. Group consensus found that 23% of the procedural scenarios routinely require 1 to 10 opioid tablets, and only 1 routinely requires 1 to 15 opioid tablets. LIMITATIONS: These recommendations are based on expert consensus in lieu of quality evidence-based outcomes research. These recommendations must be individualized to accommodate patients' comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: Procedure-specific opioid prescribing guidelines may serve as a foundation to produce effective and responsible postoperative pain management strategies after dermatologic interventions.

Examining the Relevance to Patients of Complications in the American College of Mohs Surgery Registry: Results of a Delphi Consensus Process.

BACKGROUND: Surgical registries are valuable tools for tracking outcomes. Incorporating patient input allows registries to address the interests of this important stakeholder group. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify a list of "patient-selected complications" and to explore the relevance to patients of previously published physician-identified complications. METHODS: Delphi process with 2 rounds using patients to identify complications that are highly relevant for tracking by the proposed American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS) National Registry. RESULTS: Complications that physicians identified as highly relevant (death from any cause, hospitalization related to the procedure, functional loss attributable to surgery, bleeding requiring a second procedure, and surgical site infection) were each rated as highly relevant by patients. Patients also identified scarring, recurrence, and wound dehiscence as highly relevant outcomes for registry tracking. CONCLUSION: Incorporating patient input into the ACMS registry design process identified 2 additional complication outcomes to be considered for inclusion within the registry-wound dehiscence and scarring. Patient input also corroborated the relevance of complications previously identified by ACMS physicians for inclusion in the registry. Furthermore, the importance of tracking local recurrence was confirmed from a patient-centered perspective.

Diagnosing xeroderma pigmentosum group C by immunohistochemistry.

Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a group of rare inherited human neurocutaneous diseases, and the group C (XPC) is the major group of patients with XP in Europe, North America, and South America. Current molecular diagnostic methods for XP require specialized, expensive, and time-consuming UV sensitivity and DNA repair assays followed by gene sequencing. To determine whether immunohistochemistry (IHC) would be a robust alternative method to diagnose patients with XPC, we stained sections of paraffin-embedded skin biopsies for XPC by IHC, using 69 archived blocks from confirmed or clinically suspect patients with XPA, XPC, XPD, XPE, and without XP. We found that XPC expression was strong in all skin biopsies from patients without (14 of 14) and other patients with XP (4 of 4), whereas XPC expression was lost in all biopsies from confirmed XPC patients (29 of 29). Patches of strong XPC signal could be detected in sun-damaged skin, squamous and basal cell carcinomas from patients with XPC that colocalized with strong expression of p53 and Ki-67. Patients with XPC can therefore be diagnosed by IHC from paraffin-embedded skin biopsies from regions of skin that are without sun damage or sun-induced tumors. IHC is therefore a robust alternative method to diagnose patients with XPC. This fast and inexpensive method should increase the options for the diagnosis of patients with XPC from paraffin-embedded skin biopsies and could be developed for other complementation groups.

Comparative efficacy of nonpurpuragenic pulsed dye laser and intense pulsed light for erythematotelangiectatic rosacea.

BACKGROUND: Erythematotelangiectatic (ET) rosacea is commonly treated with a variety of laser and light-based systems. Although many have been used successfully, there are a limited number of comparative efficacy studies. OBJECTIVE: To compare nonpurpuragenic pulsed dye laser (PDL) with intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment in the ability to reduce erythema, telangiectasia, and symptoms in patients with moderate facial ET rosacea. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients were enrolled in a randomized, controlled, single-blind, split-face trial with nonpurpuragenic treatment with PDL and IPL and untreated control. Three monthly treatment sessions were performed with initial PDL settings of 10-mm spot size, 7 J/cm(2), 6-ms pulse duration and cryogen cooling, and initial IPL settings of 560-nm filter, a pulse train of 2.4 and 6.0 ms in duration separated by a 15-ms delay, and a starting fluence of 25 J/cm(2). Evaluation measures included spectrophotometric erythema scores, blinded investigator grading, and patient assessment of severity and associated symptoms. RESULTS: PDL and IPL resulted in significant reduction in cutaneous erythema, telangiectasia, and patient-reported associated symptoms. No significant difference was noted between PDL and IPL treatment. CONCLUSION: A series of nonpurpuragenic PDL and IPL treatments in ET rosacea was performed with similar efficacy and safety, and both modalities seem to be reasonable choices for the treatment of ET rosacea.

Hypertrophic scarring of the neck following ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing.

BACKGROUND: Ablative fractional carbon dioxide (CO(2)) laser treatments have gained popularity due to their efficacy, shortened downtime, and decreased potential for scarring in comparison to traditional ablative CO(2) resurfacing. To date, scarring with fractional CO(2) lasers has not been reported. OBJECTIVE: Five patients treated with the same fractional CO(2) laser technology for photodamage of the neck were referred to our practices 1-3 months after treatment. Each patient developed scarring. Of the five cases, two are discussed in detail. The first was treated under general anesthesia on the face and anterior neck at a pulse energy of 30 mJ (859 microm depth) with 25% coverage. Eleven days after treatment, three non-healing areas along the horizontal skin folds of the anterior neck were noted. At 2 weeks after CO(2) ablative fractional resurfacing, these areas had become thickened. These raised areas were treated with a non-ablative fractionated 1,550 nm laser to modify the wound healing milieu. One week later, distinct firm pale papules in linear arrays with mild hypopigmentation had developed along involved neck skin folds. Skin biopsy was performed. For the second patient, the neck was treated at a pulse energy of 20 mJ (630 microm depth) with 30% coverage of the exposed skin, with a total treatment energy of 5.0 kJ. Minimal crusting was noted on the neck throughout the initial healing phase of 2 weeks. She then experienced tightness on her neck. Approximately 3 weeks after treatment, she developed multiple vertical and horizontal hypertrophic scars (HS). RESULTS: Histopathology for the first case confirmed the presence of a hypertrophic scar. The papules in this case completely resolved with mild residual hypopigmentation after treatment with topical corticosteroids. HS failed to resolve in the second case to date after 1 month. CONCLUSION: As with traditional ablative CO(2) laser resurfacing, HS is a potential complication of ablative fractional CO(2) laser resurfacing, particularly on the neck. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment HS of neck skin may be reversible. We urge caution when treating the neck with this device and close attention to wound care in the post-operative period.

Photodynamic therapy with methyl aminolevulinate for primary nodular basal cell carcinoma: results of two randomized studies.

BACKGROUND: Data suggest that photodynamic therapy using topical methyl aminolevulinate (MAL PDT) may be a noninvasive alternative to excisional surgery for nodular basal cell carcinoma (BCC). In the studies described here, we investigated the histologic response, tolerability, and cosmetic outcome with MAL PDT for primary nodular BCC (or= 50% reduction in greatest diameter) at 3 months were re-treated (21%). Treatment sites were excised at 3 months (clinical nonresponders) or 6 months (clinical responders) after the last treatment. RESULTS: Histologically verified lesion complete response rates were higher with MAL PDT than with placebo [73% (55/75) vs. 27% (20/75)]. Treatment was most effective for facial lesions (89% complete response). Cosmetic outcome was good or excellent in 98% of evaluable, completely responding lesions treated with MAL PDT. CONCLUSION: Although longer follow-up studies are required, these promising data indicate the potential of topical MAL PDT as a noninvasive treatment alternative for nodular BCC.

Fatal diffuse alveolar damage in two lung transplant patients treated with cetuximab.

Organ transplant recipients are at increased risk for aggressive cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCC) that recur and metastasize despite treatment with surgery, radiation, or both. Therapies targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are being explored as treatments for metastatic cSCC. We describe our experience with two single-lung transplant patients who developed metastatic cSCC; failed surgical resection, radiation or chemoradiation therapy; and were ultimately treated with an EGFR inhibitor, cetuximab. Both patients died shortly after initiation of cetuximab due to diffuse alveolar damage, suggesting that EGFR inhibitors should be used with extreme caution in lung transplant recipients.

Mohs micrographic surgery for lentigo maligna and lentigo maligna melanoma using Mel-5 immunostaining: University of Minnesota experience.

BACKGROUND: Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) continues to become a more common and accepted treatment for lentigo maligna (LM) and lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM). The primary difficulty encountered lies in the accurate identification of atypical single melanocytes to determine tumor-free margins. Numerous methods have been used to better visualize single melanocytes, with varying results. We present our experience using Mel-5 immunostaining in MMS of LM and LMM. METHODS: Two hundred patients with primary or recurrent LM or LMM were treated using MMS from 1999 to 2003 at the University of Minnesota. The initial clinical margins were determined by Wood's light examination, and an initial debulk specimen was taken and sent for formalin fixation and later reviewed by a dermatopathologist. The first Mohs layer was then taken, and staining with hemotoxylin and eosin as well as Mel-5 immunostaining was performed. All patients were followed up to evaluate for recurrence, with a mean follow-up time of 38.4 months. RESULTS: Of the 200 patients treated, only one recurrence was noted. This patient had been treated with excision followed by radiation before MMS. Use of Mel-5 immunostaining added approximately 40 minutes to each stage. Use of the Autostainer Immunostaining System (DAKO, Carpenterina, CA, USA) shortened the added time to 20 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: MMS with Mel-5 immunostaining yielded excellent results in the treatment of LM and LMM, with only one recurrence noted in 200 patients. When an automated immunostainer was used, minimal time was added to each Mohs stage.

Chemoprevention of nonmelanoma skin cancer with systemic retinoids: practical dosing and management of adverse effects.

BACKGROUND: In patients with nonmelanoma skin cancer that is high risk or characterized by numerous tumors, chemoprevention with systemic retinoids may effectively decrease the number of new tumors whereas the chemosuppressive effects may reduce the risk of recurrence or disease progression. A patient's intolerance of the mucocutaneous effects of retinoid therapy or abnormal laboratory findings may hamper continuous therapy. OBJECTIVE: To present a method for optimizing tolerance of systemic retinoids for chemoprevention and for monitoring and managing adverse events. METHODS: After reviewing the data on the use of systemic retinoids for chemoprevention, we developed a simplified approach for administering oral retinoids for chemoprevention of nonmelanoma skin cancer as well as basic guidelines for the prevention and management of adverse effects and appropriate laboratory monitoring. RESULTS: Chemoprevention with systemic retinoids in patients with a history of numerous tumors or high-risk skin cancer can be optimized with graduated dose escalation and preventive strategies for the most common adverse effects. Routine laboratory monitoring may assist in detecting adverse effects, which can be managed in most cases. CONCLUSION: In our experience, the effective use of systemic retinoids for chemoprevention of nonmelanoma skin cancer in high-risk patients can be optimized through a standardized, proactive approach.

Cardiac devices and electromagnetic interference revisited: new radiofrequency technologies and implications for dermatologic surgery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: As the number of patients with implantable cardiac devices escalates, inadvertent electromagnetic interference (EMI) by electrosurgery carries increasing concern for patient safety. Given the trend for dermatologic care delivery by nonphysician providers, supervising physicians must carefully consider the adequacy of perioperative evaluation in elective or cosmetic settings. Rapidly evolving technology also calls into question potential EMI of new therapeutic modalities (radiofrequency resurfacing, electrochemotherapy, and endovenous ablation). The most recently published recommendations (1998) for care of dermatologic patients with cardiac devices do not differ significantly from guidelines proposed in 1975. These recommendations, based on complications experienced during noncutaneous surgery, are exceedingly conservative and do not take into consideration the different electrosurgical modalities and varying degrees of EMI risk. In addition, modern cardiac devices have evolved significantly with increased sophistication in protection from EMI. A survey of dermatologic surgeons demonstrated low compliance with these existing guidelines. METHODS, RESULTS, AND CONCLUSIONS: Based on a review of the literature and current electrosurgical and cardiac devices, we discuss the potential impact of conventional dermatologic electrosurgery and new technologies. We propose that new perioperative guidelines are needed to provide appropriate safety, facile implementation, and cost-effective care for patients with modern implantable cardiac devices.

Practical retinoid chemoprophylaxis in solid organ transplant recipients.

Solid organ transplant recipients are at a significantly increased risk of developing skin cancer. Both systemic and topical retinoids are useful for chemosuppression of skin cancer in this patient population. These drugs can reduce both the present extent and the future development of premalignant and malignant skin lesions. This paper reviews the current data on the chemoprophylactic properties of topical and systemic retinoids. A practical guide for their use in organ transplant recipients is provided. Specific recommendations for implementing and maintaining therapy, as well as appropriate management and monitoring of adverse events, are presented.

Surgical treatment of obstructive palpebral tumors in d'emblee variant of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: Our patient presented with an unusual case of rapidly growing palpebral tumors, which obstructed his vision and caused professional and social impairment. OBJECTIVES: The objective was to report the role of surgical management in a case of the d'emblee variant of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and to provide a literature review. METHODS: Tumors of the eyelids previously treated with topical and oral retinoids, indomethacin, dapsone, systemic chemotherapy, and high-dose systemic corticosteroids respond finally to conservative excision and second intention healing. RESULTS: Surgical debulking of palpebral tumors achieved remission of a locally aggressive form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and significant restoration of the sight, eyelid function, and social/professional function. CONCLUSION: In selected cases, surgical excision of tumor tissue may be of significant assistance in managing d'emblee variant cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

Pulsed dye laser treatment of rosacea improves erythema, symptomatology, and quality of life.

BACKGROUND: Persistent erythema and dysesthetic symptoms are typical manifestations of rosacea. OBJECTIVE: We sought to assess improvement in erythema, symptoms, and quality of life after pulsed dye laser treatment. METHODS: Sixteen patients with erythematotelangiectatic rosacea participated. Spectrophotometric erythema measurements were taken from the right and left malar prominence; chin; and nasal alae, dorsum, and tip. A questionnaire rating the Dermatology Life Quality Index and symptoms of flushing, burning, itching, dryness, swelling, and skin sensitivity was completed. Treatment was undertaken with the pulsed dye laser at purpuragenic fluences. Measurements and treatment were repeated at 8-week intervals for a total of two treatments. RESULTS: A statistically significant improvement was observed in symptoms, quality-of-life score, and erythema in all areas with the exception of erythema of the left nasal ala. CONCLUSIONS: Pulsed dye laser treatment at purpuragenic fluences is a safe and effective treatment for symptomatic rosacea, resulting in a significant improvement in erythema, symptoms, and quality of life.

Effectiveness of microporous polysaccharide hemospheres for achieving hemostasis in mohs micrographic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Microporous polysaccharide hemospheres consist of controlled-porosity spherical particles manufactured from bioinert plant polysaccharide. Microporous polysaccharide hemospheres facilitate hemostasis by rapidly absorbing the fluid component of blood, concentrating platelets and clotting factors to accelerate blood clotting. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to compare a microporous polysaccharide hemosphere bandage and electrocautery in achieving hemostasis. METHODS: Twenty-four patients with a total of 48 stages of Mohs micrographic surgery were included. Patients were stratified by whether or not they were taking anticoagulant medications. Within each group, patients were randomized to receive either the microporous polysaccharide hemosphere bandage or electrocautery. Outcomes included bleeding through the dressing (early time point) and active bleeding upon dressing removal (late time point). RESULTS: Nineteen patients not taking anticoagulants had 40 stages, of which 18 received the study bandage and 22 received electrocautery. The remaining 5 patients on anticoagulants had 8 stages, of which 4 received the study bandage and 4 received electrocautery. In both total and subgroup analysis, there was a higher incidence of bleeding through the dressing with the study bandage (p<0.05), but no increase in the incidence of active bleeding upon dressing removal (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The microporous polysaccharide hemosphere study bandage had an increased incidence of bleeding through the dressing compared to electrocautery, but did not have an increased incidence of active bleeding upon dressing removal.

Guidelines for the management of squamous cell carcinoma in organ transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Solid-organ transplant recipients have a high incidence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and often develop multiple and aggressive tumors. There are few published studies or reviews, which provide guidance to the clinician in the treatment of these patients. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to develop useful clinical guidelines for the treatment of skin cancer in organ transplant recipients (OTRs). METHODS: The members of the Guidelines Committee of the International Transplant-Skin Cancer Collaborative (ITSCC) carried out a computerized search utilizing the databases of the National Library of Medicine for reports in the literature on SCC in OTRs. These reports were collectively examined by the group and combined with experiences from the members' clinical practices in the development of the guidelines. RESULTS: More than 300 articles relating to SCC in OTRs were reviewed. In general, reports concerning the prevention and treatment of SCC in OTRs are of individual cases or small case series. They are retrospective in nature, statistically nonrigorous, and lack the complete epidemiologic data necessary to derive definitive conclusions. Combining these studies and collective clinical experience, however, is at present the best available method for devising guidelines for the treatment of SCC in OTRs. CONCLUSION: Guidelines developed for the treatment of skin cancer in OTRs, supported by the best available data and collective clinical experience, may assist in the management of OTRs with SCC. The development of clinical pathways and complete documentation with rigorous prospective study is necessary to improve and refine future guideline development.

Effect of acitretin on wound healing in organ transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Systemic retinoids possess significant benefits in cutaneous malignancy chemoprevention; however, retinoids have been associated with excessive granulation tissue and hypertrophic scarring. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess wound healing outcomes in organ transplant recipients, both with and without the concomitant use of systemic acitretin chemoprophylaxis. METHODS: Twenty-nine immunosuppressed organ transplant recipients underwent treatment of basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma by Mohs or excisional surgery, with a total of 85 wounds. Wounds were evaluated postoperatively at early (average 12.9 days) and late (average 75.8 days) time points. Endpoints for all wounds included infection, hypertrophic granulation tissue, and hypertrophic scarring. Reconstructed wounds were also evaluated for dehiscence. RESULTS: Eleven patients taking oral acitretin had 41 wounds, of which 33 were reconstructed and 8 healed by second intention. The 18 patients not taking acitretin (control group) had a total of 44 wounds, of which 33 were reconstructed and 11 healed by second intention. There were no statistically significant differences between the acitretin group and the control group in the incidences of infection, dehiscence, hypertrophic granulation tissue, or hypertrophic scarring at early or late evaluation points. CONCLUSIONS: Systemic acitretin chemoprophylaxis does not appear to increase the risk of wound healing complications in organ transplant recipients.

Photodynamic therapy of multiple nonmelanoma skin cancers with verteporfin and red light-emitting diodes: two-year results evaluating tumor response and cosmetic outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Efficient treatment of patients with multiple synchronous nonmelanoma skin cancers represents a therapeutic challenge. OBJECTIVE: To study the safety and efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin and red light in the treatment of multiple nonmelanoma skin cancers. DESIGN: Open-label, randomized, multicenter, dose-ranging phase 2 study conducted at 4 North American university-based dermatology clinics. PATIENTS: Fifty-four patients with 421 multiple nonmelanoma skin cancers including superficial and nodular basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma in situ (Bowen disease). METHODS: A single intravenous infusion of 14 mg/m(2) of verteporfin followed 1 to 3 hours later by exposure of tumors to 60, 120, or 180 J/cm(2) of red light (688 +/- 10 nm) from a light-emitting diode panel. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pathologic response of treated sites was assessed at 6 months. Clinical and cosmetic responses were assessed and graded at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after verteporfin PDT, with optional follow-up visits at 12, 18, and 24 months. RESULTS: The histopathologic response, defined as absence of tumor on biopsy specimens 6 months after verteporfin PDT, ranged from 69% at 60 J/cm(2) to 93% at 180 J/cm(2). At 24 months of follow-up (276 tumors in 31 patients), the clinical complete response rate ranged from 51% at 60 J/cm(2) to 95% at 180 J/cm(2). No significant systemic adverse events were observed; most events occurred at the treated tumor sites and included events such as pain. Overall, 65% (95% confidence interval, 58%-71%) of tumors were judged to have good to excellent cosmesis at 24 months. CONCLUSION: A single course of verteporfin PDT showed treatment benefit for patients with multiple nonmelanoma skin cancers.