Cutaneous Rash Research Articles

53307 Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Antibody Type Influences on the Development of Cutaneous Immune-Related Adverse Events and Rash Morphology

53307 Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Antibody Type Influences on the Development of Cutaneous Immune-Related Adverse Events and Rash Morphology

A diagnostic dilemma: distinguishing a sulfasalazine induced DRESS hypersensitivity syndrome from a CD30 + lymphoma in a young patient

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a severe hypersensitivity reaction characterized by cutaneous rash, lymphadenopathy, fever, eosinophilia, leukocytosis, and life-threatening organ dysfunctions. We describe the case of a 26 year old patient admitted to the Emergency Department for DRESS syndrome after sulfasalazine treatment for rheumatoid arthritis in the right knee. Whole body computer tomography showed multiple neck, chest, and abdominal lymphadenopathy with splenomegaly, massive ascites and severe hepatic cytolysis. Serology results for Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), influenza, measles, rubella, hepatitis A and B were negative. The histologic analysis of skin, lymph node and bone marrow biopsies could not indicate a classical Hodgkin’s Disease or iatrogenic immunodeficiency/EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disorder (LPD), Hodgkin type. The relatively small caliber of the CD30 + immunoreactive blastoid cells in the lymph nodes suggested reactive immunoblasts rather than Hodgkin cells. The morphologic aspects of the lymph node biopsies with predominance of T-cells were compatible with the diagnosis of a sulfasalazine-induced DRESS syndrome as the patient had a high RegiSCAR score for DRESS. [DRESS Syndrome Foundation: Diagnosis and Treatment. (2023)] The patient’s complex clinical course, marked by two hospital admissions, highlights the challenges in diagnosing and managing DRESS. This case underscores the need for individualized care, close patient monitoring, and further research to better understand DRESS’s underlying mechanisms and optimal therapeutic strategies.

Outcomes of kidney transplant recipients exposed to Chagas disease under Benznidazole prophylaxis. A single center 10-year experience.

Chagas disease (ChD) is endemic in many parts of the world and can be transmitted through organ transplantation or reactivated by immunosuppression. Organs from infected donors are occasionally used for transplantation, and the best way of managing the recipients remains a subject of debate. We present a single-center cohort study describing a 10-year experience of kidney transplantation in patients at risk of donor-derived ChD and or reactivation. Patients received prophylactic treatment with Benznidazole and were monitored for transmission or reactivation. Monitoring included assessing direct parasitemia, serology, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Fifty-seven kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) were enrolled in the study. Forty-four patients (77.2%) were at risk of primary ChD infection, nine patients (15.8%) were at risk of disease reactivation, and four patients (7.0%) were at risk of both. All patients received Benznidazole prophylaxis, starting on the first day after transplantation. Parasitemia was assessed in 51 patients (89.5%), serology also in 51 patients (89.5%), and PCR in 40 patients (70.2%). None of the patients exhibited clinically or laboratory-detectable signs of disease. A single patient experienced a significant side effect, a cutaneous rash with intense pruritus. At 1-year post-transplantation, the patient and graft survival rates were 96.5% and 93%, respectively. In this study, no donor-derived or reactivation of Trypanosoma cruzi infection occurred in KTRs receiving Benznidazole prophylaxis.

Comparison of the efficacy of carelizumab combined with chemotherapy and chemotherapy alone in the induction therapy of locally advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of carrelizumab combined with the modified TPF regimen (docetaxel, cisplatinand capecitabine) and TPF regimen alone in larynx preservation strategy for locally advanced resectable hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Methods: A cohort study was conducted. Patients with locally advanced resectable hypopharyngeal carcinoma (cT3-4aN0-3bM0) who were treated at the Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University from January 2017 to April 2023 were enrolled in the study. One group was treated with a modified TPF regimen (TPF group) for 2-3 cycles (retrospective data), and the other group was a prospective phase Ⅱ trial with a modified TPF regimen combined with carrelizumab (TPFC group) for three cycles. The patients with complete or partial remission of the primary focus were treated with sequential radical radiotherapy and/or drug therapy. The patients in the TPFC group were treated with carrelizumab at the end of radiotherapy with a maximum of up to 18 doses. The patients with stable or progressive disease were given radical surgery, and those who refused the surgery were given radical chemoradiotherapy. Objective response rate (ORR), overall survival rate, progression-free survival (PFS) rate, larynx preservation rate (LPR), and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. Results: There were 51 male patients in the TPFC group, with an median age of 57 (35, 69) years. Meanwhile, 44 patients were in the TPF group, among which 43 were male and one was female, with an median age of 62 (46, 70) years. The ORR of the TPFC group was higher than that of the TPF group [82.4% (42/51) vs 63.6% (28/44), P=0.039]. During a median follow-up of 24.4 (18.5, 31.4) months, the TPFC group showed a higher 2-year survival rate (84.8% vs 64.6%, P=0.013) and 2-year LPR (66.6% vs 48.6%, P=0.045) than those in the TPF group. In patients with poor effect of induction therapy for hypopharyngeal carcinoma, surgical combination therapy significantly prolonged the 2-year PFS rate (77.9% vs 18.2%, P<0.001) and 2-year survival rate (76.9% vs 45.5%, P=0.005)than those of non-surgical combination therapy. The incidences of nausea and/or vomiting, reactive cutaneous capillary endothelial proliferation, thyroid dysfunction, and rash were increased in the TPFC group (all P<0.05). There was no treatment-related death. Conclusion: Carrelizumab combined with a modified TPF regimen has good efficacy and safety and can improve the LPR of locally advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma.

Successful Recanalization by Mechanical Thrombectomy in a Child with Arterial Thrombotic Stroke Involving Posterior Circulation: A Case Report with Review of the Literature

Background: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for arterial ischemic stroke, although established in adults, is not endorsed routinely for children. The procedure is even rare in children with stroke involving posterior circulation. Here we describe, a child with ischemic stroke due to thrombotic occlusion in the posterior circulation, which was successfully treated with MT. Clinical Description: A 12-year-old boy presented with sudden-onset vertigo, imbalance, slurring of speech, inability to stand, associated with headache and vomiting for 8 hours, without any associated fever, trauma, or seizures. On initial examination, his National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 8. Other systems were within normal limits and there was no cutaneous rash. Management and Outcome: Investigations revealed a normal complete hemogram, lipid profile, serum homocysteine, fibrinogen, and D-dimer levels along with a normal hemoglobin electrophoresis profile. The electrocardiography, two-dimensional echocardiography were normal and even antinuclear antibodies, antiphospholipid antibodies were negative. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain demonstrated multiple acute infarcts in bilateral cerebellar hemispheres, pons, and right anterior thalamus. Noncontrast MR angiography (MRA) of the head and digital subtraction angiography showed distal basilar artery cutoff and right vertebral artery dominance. As the NIHSS score worsened to 10, a MT with solitaire was done (after 12 hours of onset of symptoms), and reperfusion was achieved in two passes. The child showed remarkable improvement in NIHSS score to 2 by 5 days. At discharge, the child had residual mild ataxia. Despite investigations, the cause of thrombosis remained unknown. Conclusion: Our case highlights that in case of significant large arterial occlusion with rapid worsening of symptoms, MT may be considered, even if it involves posterior circulation, and the child presents beyond the usual window of 4–6 hours.

Outcome with pertuzumab, docetaxel, and trastuzumab (PTH) regimen in patients with HER2 positive metastatic breast cancer: Real-world data from a single center in India.

e13037 Background: Pertuzumab, Docetaxel and Trastuzumab (PTH) regimen constitutes one of the standard treatment regimens in human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC). The real-world outcomes of its use from the Indian sub-continent are lacking. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of HER2-positive MBC treated with an upfront PTH regimen at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India, between Aug 2016 to July 2023. A total of six cycles of PTH [pertuzumab (840 mg loading followed by 420 mg), docetaxel (75 mg/m2), trastuzumab (8 mg/kg loading followed by 6 mg/kg) q21 days] were planned along with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (GCSF) prophylaxis. Patients were continued on maintenance trastuzumab after 6 cycles (till disease progression) and hormonal agent if indicated. The primary outcome was progression-free survival (PFS). The secondary outcome was overall survival (OS), overall response rate (ORR) rates, and toxicity. Results: Eighty-seven were included with a median age of 48 years (range, 25-73). Overall, 38 (43.6%) patients had hormone-positive (estrogen receptor and or progesterone receptor) disease and 48 (55.17%) were premenopausal. Thirty-five (40.2%) patients had received prior adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatment. Eighty patients (91.5%) had visceral metastasis and the most common site was the liver followed by the lung. After a median follow-up of 36 months, the median PFS was 15 months and OS was 42 months. The ORR was 85.3% and complete response (CR) was observed in 14(16.09%) patients. The survival outcomes were significantly better among those with hormone-negative disease and among those who achieved CR after 6 cycles of PTH. Grade 3/4 toxicity was seen in 12% of patients which led to dose modification, interruption, and change in chemotherapy. Two patients developed reversible left asymptomatic ventricular systolic dysfunction. None of the patients developed congestive heart failure. The most common grade 3/4 toxicities were diarrhea in 8 (9.1%) patients, cutaneous rash in 2 (2.2%) patients and thrombocytopenia in 2 (2.2%) patients. There were two cases of febrile neutropenia. Conclusions: In a real-world context, PTH is an effective and well-tolerated regimen for in patients with HER2-positive MBC in India. Hormone-positive disease has poor survival compared with hormone negative disease.

Predictors of immediate and delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions to paclitaxel.

e24101 Background: Paclitaxel is one of the first-line treatments for breast, ovarian, and lung cancers. However, its use is limited by the high frequency of hypersensitivity reactions. The purpose of the current study was to assess clinical factors associated with immediate and delayed hypersensitivity reactions to paclitaxel and characterize delayed hypersensitivity reactions to paclitaxel in patients with breast cancer. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients who received paclitaxel (Taxol) or nab-paclitaxel (Abraxane) between 1/1/2017 and 1/1/2022 at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Results: In total, 12,274 patients were identified who were treated with paclitaxel. Of these, 6,165 had breast cancer and 1,233 were seen by a dermatologist. 734 patients (11.9%) developed an immediate hypersensitivity reaction to paclitaxel. Age (p &lt; 0.001), race (p &lt; 0.001), and prior history of allergy based on prior ICD-10 code (p = 0.05) were significantly associated with immediate hypersensitivity reactions. Patients who developed an immediate HSR (mean 52.5 ± 12.5 years versus 54.8 ± 12.9 years) tended to be younger, on average, than those who did not experience a reaction. Compared to White patients, Black patients were 37% less likely (OR = 0.63; 95% 0.48 – 0.83) and Asian patients were 70% more likely (OR = 1.70; 95% 1.37 – 2.12) to experience a hypersensitivity reaction. 147 patients (4.0%) had a delayed hypersensitivity reaction (cutaneous rash). Delayed hypersensitivity reaction included toxic erythema of chemotherapy, urticaria, morbilliform, maculopapular, and pruritus phenotypes. The most common phenotypes were maculopapular (52%) and urticaria (36%). The majority had not been treated with nab-paclitaxel prior to rash (86%). Race (p &lt; 0.001) and history of allergy (p &lt; 0.001) were associated with development of a cutaneous reaction. Asian patients were almost twice as likely (OR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.51 - 2.61, P &lt; 0.001) as White patients to present with a delayed HSR to paclitaxel. Patients with an immediate hypersensitivity reaction were more likely to develop a delayed cutaneous reaction (OR = 1.80; 95% confidence interval: 1.27-2.55) than those who did not get an immediate HSR, controlling for breast cancer stage and patient race. Conclusions: In conclusion, risk factors identified for development of immediate hypersensitivity reactions in this study were younger age, Asian race, and history of allergy. Patients who developed an immediate hypersensitivity reaction were more likely to develop a delayed hypersensitivity reaction. Risk factors for development of the rash included Asian race and history of allergy. Awareness of these clinical factors which are associated with development of a rash could guide providers in choosing treatment with paclitaxel or nab-paclitaxel.

Adapted EXTREME regimen in the first-line treatment of fit, older patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (ELAN-FIT): a multicentre, single-arm, phase 2 trial

A standard treatment for fit, older patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is yet to be established. In the previous EXTREME trial, few older patients were included. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of an adapted EXTREME regimen in fit, older patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC. This single-arm, phase 2 study was done at 22 centres in France. Eligible patients were aged 70 years or older and assessed as not frail (fit) using the ELAN Geriatric Evaluation (EGE) and had recurrent or metastatic HNSCC in the first-line setting that was not eligible for local therapy (surgery or radiotherapy), and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-1. The adapted EXTREME regimen consisted of six cycles of fluorouracil 4000 mg/m2 on days 1-4, carboplatin with an area under the curve of 5 on day 1, and cetuximab on days 1, 8, and 15 (400 mg/m2 on cycle 1-day 1, and 250 mg/m2 subsequently), all intravenously, with cycles starting every 21 days. In patients with disease control after two to six cycles, cetuximab 500 mg/m2 was continued once every 2 weeks as maintenance therapy until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was systematically administered and erythropoietin was recommended during chemotherapy. The study was based on the two-stage Bryant and Day design, combining efficacy and toxicity endpoints. The primary efficacy endpoint was objective response rate at week 12 after the start of treatment, assessed by central review (with an unacceptable rate of ≤15%). The primary toxicity endpoint was morbidity, defined as grade 4-5 adverse events, or cutaneous rash (grade ≥3) that required cetuximab to be discontinued, during the chemotherapy phase, or a decrease in functional autonomy (Activities of Daily Living score decrease ≥2 points from baseline) at 1 month after the end of chemotherapy (with an unacceptable morbidity rate of >40%). Analysis of the coprimary endpoints, and of safety in the chemotherapy phase, was based on the per-protocol population, defined as eligible patients who received at least one cycle of the adapted EXTREME regimen. Safety in the maintenance phase was assessed in all patients who received at least one dose of cetuximab as maintenance therapy. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01864772, and is completed. Between Sept 27, 2013, and June 20, 2018, 85 patients were enrolled, of whom 78 were in the per-protocol population. 66 (85%) patients were male and 12 (15%) were female, and the median age was 75 years (IQR 72-79). The median number of chemotherapy cycles received was five (IQR 3-6). Objective response at week 12 was observed in 31 patients (40% [95% CI 30-51]) and morbidity events were observed in 24 patients (31% [22-42]). No fatal adverse events occurred. Four patients presented with a decrease in functional autonomy 1 month after the end of chemotherapy versus baseline. During chemotherapy, the most common grade 3-4 adverse events were haematological events (leukopenia [22 patients; 28%], neutropenia [20; 26%], thrombocytopenia [15; 19%], and anaemia [12; 15%]), oral mucositis (14; 18%), fatigue (11; 14%), rash acneiform (ten; 13%), and hypomagnesaemia (nine; 12%). Among 44 patients who received cetuximab during the maintenance phase, the most common grade 3-4 adverse events were hypomagnesaemia (six patients; 14%) and acneiform rash (six; 14%). The study met its primary objectives on objective response and morbidity, and showed overall survival to be as good as in younger patients treated with standard regimens, indicating that the adapted EXTREME regimen could be used in older patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC who are deemed fit with use of a geriatric evaluation tool adapted to patients with head and neck cancer, such as the EGE. French programme PAIR-VADS 2011 (sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, the Fondation ARC, and the Ligue Contre le Cancer), Sandoz, GEFLUC, and GEMLUC. For the French translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Clinical and laboratory profiles of systemic lupus erythematosus patients in a new rheumatology clinic in southwestern Nigeria.

The aims were to study the sociodemographic characteristics of patients presenting to the clinic and to study the clinical and serological pattern of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a new rheumatology clinic of a predominantly Yoruba population. This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study conducted over 7 years (January 2017 - December 2023). Patients who satisfied the 1997 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and/or the 2012 Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) classification criteria were enrolled using their medical records. Patients with overlap syndromes and other inflammatory or noninflammatory rheumatic diseases were excluded from the study. Their sociodemographic, clinical, laboratory, and treatment data were retrieved from their medical records and analysed using IBM SPSS version 23.0 software. A total of 65 patients were diagnosed with SLE with a frequency of 15.8%. The mean age ±SD of the patients at presentation was 33.85 years ±11.01 and the female to male ratio was 9.8 : 1. The median (IQR) duration of symptoms at presentation was 7.0 months (3-24). The common clinical presentations included synovitis (86.2%), acute cutaneous rash (53.8%), oral ulcers (52.3%), nonscarring alopecia (50.8%), and serositis (47.7%). Proteinuria was seen in 37.7% of the patients and the predominant renal histopathological feature was Class IV. Antinuclear antibody was 100% positive with 50.94% of the patients having a titre of 1 : 5,120 and above. Anti-double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid and anti-Smith antibodies each had 50% prevalence. Dyslipidaemia was found in 76.7% of the patients. The study's findings are largely consistent with similar studies done in Africa. Further prospective multi-centred studies are needed to further determine the epidemiological characteristics of the disease in Nigeria with a multi-ethnic population.

Pharmaceutical equivalent 5-aminolevulinic acid fluorescence guided resection of central nervous system tumors: feasibility, safeness and cost-benefit considerations.

5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) fluorescence-guided resection (FGR) has been an essential tool in the 'standard of care' of malignant gliomas. Over the last two decades, its indications have been extended to other neoplasms, such as metastases and meningiomas. However, its availability and cost-benefit still pose a challenge for widespread use. The present article reports a retrospective series of 707 cases of central nervous system (CNS) tumors submitted to FGR with pharmacological equivalent 5-ALA and discusses financial implications, feasibility and safeness. From December 2015 to February 2024, a retrospective single institution series of 707 cases of 5-ALA FGR were analyzed. Age, gender, 5-ALA dosage, intraoperative fluorescence finding, diagnosis and adverse effects were recorded. Financial impact in the surgical treatment cost were also reported. there was an additional cost estimated in $300 dollars for each case, increasing from 2,37 to 3,28% of the total hospitalization cost. There were 19 (2,69%) cases of asymptomatic photosensitive reaction and 2 (0,28%) cases of photosensitive reaction requiring symptomatic treatment. 1 (0,14%) patient had a cutaneous rash sustained for up to 10 days. No other complications related to the method were evident. In 3 (0,42%) cases of patients with intracranial hypertension, there was vomiting after administration. FGR with pharmacological equivalent 5-ALA can be considered safe and efficient and incorporates a small increase in hospital expenses. It constitutes a reliable solution in avoiding prohibitive costs worldwide, especially in countries where commercial 5-ALA is unavailable.

Mpox Case Presenting With Genital Lesions and Proctitis.

Monkeypox (Mpox) is a zoonotic Orthopoxvirus of the Poxviridae family, endemic to Africa. In August 2022, the US government declared it an emergency because of the worldwide spread. Traditionally, Mpox infection spreads through contact with infected animals. However, the 2022 outbreak Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data note that 94% of cases had recent male-to-male sexual or close intimate contact, suggesting a novel sexual transmission. In this article, we report a 39-year-old HIV-positive man presenting with a diffuse cutaneous rash, perianal pain, and bloody stool of 2-week duration. A medical history includes intravenous drug use and multiple sexual partners. Physical examination revealed umbilicated, tan-colored, crusted cutaneous papules scattered across the face, trunk, and genital regions. Perianal lesion biopsy showed an acanthotic epidermis with spongiosis, ballooning degeneration of keratinocytes, and the formation of multinucleated syncytial keratinocytes. A dermal superficial/lichenoid mixed inflammatory cell infiltrate with multinucleated giant cells was noted. Perianal lesion polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was positive for Mpox. Colonoscopy revealed a 3-cm circumferential rectal ulcer with gray exudate and necrosis. A rectal ulcer biopsy showed an ulcerated mucosa with acute proctitis and necrosis. There were scattered macrophages with intranuclear inclusion and glassy vacuolization, and Mpox infection was confirmed by immunostaining with a Mpox-specific anti-Vaccinia virus antibody.

Manifestazioni cutanee anulari e lupus eritematoso neonatale

Neonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE) is a rare immune-mediated disorder due to the pas- sage of maternal anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies through the placenta to the foe- tus and newborn. Major manifestations include cardiac anomalies and skin lesions, while hepatic and haematological abnormalities are observed in a minority of cases. The most serious complication is congenital heart block, usually already occurring in the prenatal period (second or third trimester of pregnancy). Cutaneous lupus is the typical manifestation of NLE, characterized by transient and generally photosensitive annular erythematous le- sions, preferentially localized on the face, scalp or periocular region, and less commonly observed on the trunk and extremities. Due to its benign and transient course, no treatment is required. Prophylaxis with hydroxychloroquine in pregnant women testing positive for autoantibodies and/or with a previously affected child may reduce the risk of cardiac and/or cutaneous complications in newborns and infants. The article reports the case of a two-day-old newborn showing a widespread cutaneous rash with erythematous “stepped” patches compatible with annular erythema, localized on their upper and lower limbs, as well as on the anterior surface of their trunk. Obstetric history, which revealed the mother being affected with Sjogren Syndrome and performing hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis, led to the NLE diagnostic suspicion, later confirmed by the detection of specific antibodies (anti-SSA/Ro60 and SSA/Ro52). Although the prognosis of cutaneous NLE is generally favourable, any coexisting and potential life-threatening complications, including haema- tological and cardiological abnormalities, should be ruled out.

Phalangeal microgeodic syndrome: a paediatric case series.

We present the clinical and radiological characteristics of phalangeal microgeodic syndrome in a cluster of five children during the second peak of COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. Each child presented with phalangeal swelling and erythema, prompting a comprehensive multi-disciplinary team review to analyse the clinical presentation, blood test results and imaging. The cohort's average age was 14.1years, ranging from 10.4 to 16.6years, with two girls and three boys. Four children experienced phalangeal involvement in the hands, whilst one was affected solely in the feet. A rheumatological work-up was performed for all. Hand X-rays performed on three children revealed distinct radiographic features like microgeodes, subperiosteal bone resorption and rarefaction in two cases. However, further MRI showed extensive changes closely correlated with the clinical signs of cutaneous vasculopathic rashes. The MRI abnormalities were notable, encompassing marrow oedema primarily affecting metaphyses and epiphyses, displaying broad transition zones. Soft tissue swelling and cortical erosions were also observed. These MRI features proved more pathognomonic in the acute clinical context. The study concluded that phalangeal microgeodic syndrome, characterised by digital swelling and erythema, might not be adequately assessed by plain X-rays. The more comprehensive MRI features, including marrow oedema and soft tissue abnormalities, appeared to be more indicative in diagnosing the condition. Considering the rarity of this syndrome and its temporal association with the COVID-19 pandemic, the study hypothesised that COVID-related thrombophilia and immune-mediated vasculopathy might act as crucial triggers for the active bony manifestations seen in this syndrome. KEY POINTS: • PMS is a rare, predominantly paediatric condition, of unknown aetiology which affects the digits. • Laboratory investigations are generally negative; however, in the appropriate clinical context, the X-ray findings of microgeodes and pattern of bone marrow oedema seen on MRI are pathognomonic. • Considering the rarity of PMS and temporal association with the COVID-19 pandemic, COVID vasculopathy may represent a previously unrecognised aetiology for PMS.

The Mortality rate of pediatric with COVID-19 with and without multisystem inflammatory syndrome: Single-center study, Makkah Region, Saudi Arabia

Background: The medical presentations of COVID-19 in children vary. A newly emerged disorder identified as a multiple system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), mimics the symptoms of Kawasaki disease (KD) present in patients with an advanced form of COVID-19. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the mortality risk for children’s patients with corona virus with or without MIS-C Method: An observational cohort study that performed at the Maternity and Children’s Hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, from April 1, 2020, till end of December 2022. Results: A 95 patients met the inclusion criteria. Ten patients (10.5%) had MIS-C, and 50 (52.6%) were male. The mean age of the participants was 44.55 ± 4.31 months. Conjunctivitis, cutaneous rash, extended duration of fever, and elevation of inflammatory markers were significantly associated with the incidence of MIS-C. Amongst the 2 groups, there was no meaningful variation in admission to ICU, requirement for mechanical ventilation or vasopressors agents, duration of hospitalization, and incidence of mortality. Conclusion: This study highlighted the magnitude of exploring MIS-C in children infected with COVID-19 who present complaining of conjunctivitis, cutaneous rash, and extended durations of fever. A large multi-center pediatric study is required to estimate the mortality rate of COVID-19 patients with MIS-C. Keywords: MIS-C, Pediatrics, COVID-19, Mortality

NLRP12-associated autoinflammatory disease in Chinese adult patients: a single-centre study

BackgroundNLRP12-associated autoinflammatory disease (NLRP12-AID) is an autosomal dominant autoinflammatory disorder caused by variants of NLRP12 gene. We aimed to report a cohort of Chinese adult patients with NLRP12-AID and summarised...

Real-Life Efficacy and Safety of Vemurafenib Plus Rituximab (V+R) in Relapsed or Refractory Hairy Cell Leukemia: A Multi-Center Retrospective Study (HCL-PG03R)

BACKGROUND Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a BRAFV600E-mutated indolent B-cell neoplasm (Tiacci et al., NEJM 2011) often relapsing after chemotherapy with purine analogs. BRAF inhibition is very active in relapsed/refractory (R/R) HCL, but produces mostly partial remissions (PR) and never clears minimal residual disease (MRD) (Tiacci, Park, et al., NEJM 2015). In a recent phase-2 single-center study on 30 R/R patients (pts) with a median of 3 prior therapies, a short chemotherapy-free regimen of the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib (V) + rituximab (R; Mabthera) led to 87% complete remissions (CR), 60% MRD-negativity and 85% relapse-free survival (RFS) at a median follow-up of 34 months, with a favorable toxicity profile (Tiacci et al., NEJM 2021). METHODS A multi-center retrospective study was conducted to validate in a real-world setting the off-label use of V+R in R/R HCL needing therapy due to cytopenia(s). RESULTS From 6/2019 to 12/2021, 35 pts (median age 56 years, range 42-80) were treated at 14 Italian centers with VR (V: 960 mg bid for 8 weeks; R: 375 mg/m2 every 2 weeks for 8 doses); biosimilar R was used in 89% of pts. Prior therapies (median 2; range 0-11) included chemotherapy with cladribine or pentostatin (94% of pts), interferon-alpha (29%), rituximab (31%), splenectomy (6%), BRAF inhibitor monotherapy (6%) and zanubrutinib (3%). Median blood counts across the 35 pts were: platelets 69000/mmc, neutrophils 860/mmc and hemoglobin 11.6 g/dl (with 20% of pts, i.e. 7/35, requiring transfusions). Eleven pts (31%) had active (n=3) or latent (n=8) infections, including: ongoing systemic atypical mycobacteriosis (n=1); ongoing miliary tuberculosis (n=1; a 80-year old pt who was the only one receiving V+R as first-line therapy); ongoing large cerebral abscess (n=1); HIV infection controlled by anti-viral therapy (n=1); and latent tuberculosis (n=1) or HBV (n=6) infections requiring anti-microbial prophylaxis. Toxicity was as expected, mostly of grade 1-2 and always reversible (Table), allowing high relative dose intensities (RDI) for both drugs (V, median 97%; interquartile range/IQR 73-100%; R, 100% in 85% of pts). Similarly, among the 33/35 (94%) pts who received V for a substantial duration (≥35 days), and were thus evaluable for dose density, 20 pts (61%) completed V without ever suspending the drug, including 14/33 pts (42%) without any dose reduction. Vemurafenib toxicities were mainly represented by cutaneous rash, asymptomatic liver and pancreatic laboratory abnormalities, arthralgia, warts and photosensitivity. Three pts (9%) were not evaluable for response as they died prematurely due to atypical mycobacteriosis, complications of neurosurgery for cerebral abscess and sudden death unrelated to study drugs. Recovery of platelets (≥100000/mmc), neutrophils (≥1500/mmc) and hemoglobin (≥ 11 g/dl) occurred quickly, after a median of 2, 4 and 7 weeks after starting treatment, respectively. A CR was observed in 30/32 evaluable cases (94%; or 86%, 30/35 pts, by intention to treat/ITT). CR was obtained in all evaluable cases refractory to chemotherapy (n=8) or rituximab (n=3), or previously splenectomized (n=2) or unable to reach CR with a prior BRAF inhibitor (n=2). The only 2 evaluable pts not achieving a CR (1 PR; 1 short-lived resolution of cytopenias) received V at only 16%/50% RDI and R at only 13%/34% RDI due to drug toxicities. Analysis of MRD by allele-specific PCR for BRAF-V600E in the bone marrow aspirate was performed in 30 pts and showed MRD clearance (&amp;lt;0.05% mutant alleles) at a high rate: 79% (22/28 CR pts; or 65%, 22/35 pts, by ITT), which raised to 82% (66% by ITT) when including 1 additional CR case untested by PCR which had negative bone marrow flow cytometry. At a median follow-up of 21 months after the end of treatment, RFS was high among the 31 responding pts, with just 1 relapse (3%) in the only case obtaining a PR post-therapy (Figure). CONCLUSIONS This study validates in a real-life context the high efficacy and tolerability of the V+R chemo-free regimen delivered to R/R HCL pts, including the cost-saving use of biosimilar rituximab.

Efficacy and Safety of Dapsone in Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia. Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Multicenter Trial and of a Single-Arm, Emulated Trial in the Prospective, Multicenter Carmen-France Registry

Introduction: Adults treated for immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) usually respond to 1 st-line therapy but the majority of them eventually relapse and need a second-line treatment to spare corticosteroids. Dapsone is an antibiotic drug with immunomodulatory properties that has shown some efficacy in various autoimmune diseases including ITP in several retrospective studies. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and the safety of dapsone given as second-line for primary ITP. Methods DAPS-ITP was a prospective multicenter randomized open-label controlled trial aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of dapsone as a second-line option in adult ITP. Adult patients with primary and newly diagnosed or persistent ITP with previous transient response to corticosteroids and/or IVIg and a platelet count ≤30x10 9/L (or &amp;lt;50x10 9/L with bleeding manifestations) were eligible. After randomization (1/1 ratio), patients received either dapsone at 100 mg/day in combination with prednisone for 3 weeks (arm A) or just the 3 weeks course of prednisone (arm B). The primary outcome was the overall response rate (R + CR) in intention to treat at week 52 in the absence of any rescue therapy after week 6 and/or any other treatment for ITP over the study period. Complete response (CR) was defined by a platelet count &amp;gt;100x 10 9/L on dapsone (arm A) or off treatment (arm B) and response (R) by a platelet count &amp;gt;30x10 9/L with a least a doubling of the baseline count. We also conducted a single-arm, emulated trial in the prospective, multicenter CARMEN-France registry to provide real world evidence about the efficacy and the safety of dapsone in ITP. The CARMEN-France is a prospective, multicenter registry of adult patients with a new diagnosis of ITP in France. We selected the patients included in the registry between 2013 and 2022 with a primary ITP, exposed to dapsone, who met the inclusion criteria of the DAPS-ITP trial. We assessed the same outcomes than in the DAPS-ITP trial. Results In total, 93 patients (51% of females, median age 51 years [range: 33-66]) were included and randomized (46 in arm A and 47 in arm B) in DAPS-ITP trial. Median platelet count at inclusion was 25x 10 9/L [17-36], median ITP duration was 0.31 years [0.18-0.90]. Forty-two (arm A) and 45 patients (arm B) were followed up to week 52. In intention to treat (see figure), the overall response-rate (ORR) was respectively 8.70% [2.78%-18.93%] (arm A) and 4.26% [0.78%-12.81%] (arm B) at week 52 (primary outcome, p value = 0.78)). At week 24, the ORR was 25% [11.06%-41.78%] in arm A and 12.77% [5.18%-23.89%] in arm B (p value = 0.57). One death (intracranial hemorrhage) occurred in arm A, none in arm B; 36/46 patients (78%) from arm A had to discontinue prematurely dapsone, mostly for inefficacy with the need of other ITP treatment (n =10/36, 27.7%) or for various safety issues (n=26/36, 72%) including anemia ± gastro-intestinal manifestations (n=6); high methemoglobinemia (n=4); toxidermia (n=3) and others miscellaneous causes (n =13). In the CARMEN registry, 127 patients were exposed to dapsone. Among them, 50 met the inclusion criteria of the DAPS-ITP trial and had a 52-week follow-up after the initiation of dapsone. Patients characteristics were similar to those included in the DAPS-ITP trial. Three patients had no platelet count measured at W52 ± 4 weeks and were withdrawn from the primary outcome assessment. Overall, 5/47 achieved R or CR at W52 without any concomitant ITP treatment, resulting in an ORR of 10.6%; 95% CI: 3.5-23.1. At W24, 9/45 patients achieved R or CR (ORR: 20.0%; 95% CI: 9.6 -34.6; 5 patients had no platelet count at W24 ± 4 weeks in the real world). Seventeen (34.0%) experienced 19 adverse drug reactions (ADRs) including 8 hemolytic anemia, 4 methemoglobinemia and 3 cutaneous rash. Twelve patients discontinued dapsone due to an ADR. Conclusion Among adult patients with primary ITP and a platelet count &amp;lt;30 x 10 9/L treated with dapsone as a second-line treatment, only a minority of patients achieved a sustained response at W52. The low rate of durable response may be at least in part due to an unexpectedly high rate of early discontinuation observed in the dapsone arm (DAPS-ITP trial) due to the occurrence of ADRs, some of which could have been easily manageable outside a clinical trial. Further studies are needed to better define who are the few patients who may still benefit from dapsone, in a cost-effectiveness perspective.

Anaphylaxis as the only presenting symptom of COVID 19

Most children with SARS-CoV-2 infection are asymptomatic or exhibit only mild symptoms. A varied incidence of cutaneous rashes has been described in different studies.A recent review of the cutaneous manifestations in patients with COVID-19 highlighted that urticarial rash is common at the onset of the disease but very rare cases found to have associated anaphylaxis. With this report, we are describing a 10-year-old child who presented to a tertiary care hospital in Jordan with anaphylaxis as the only presenting symptom of COVID-19.

Concurrent Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Cutaneous Rashes in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

A 35-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus presented with diffuse rashes. On exam, rashes of three different morphologies were seen throughout her body. A review of the cutaneous manifestations of lupus and the efficacy of belimumab for cutaneous lupus is provided.

Recognition of Cutaneous Symptoms of Common Tick-Borne Illness in the Emergency Department.

Tick-borne diseases occur throughout the United States, with a disease burden that ranges from mild to severe. As temperatures rise with climate change, the active season for ticks increases, and more tick-borne illness is seen (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022a). Many patients present to the ED for suspected tick bites, rashes, and generalized medical complaints that may be related to a tick-borne disease, so it is important for the emergency nurse practitioner (ENP) to accurately diagnose these conditions. Because of this increasing disease burden, it has become vital for these illnesses to be recognized early, as early diagnosis can reduce possible complications of chronic illness. Familiarity with the cutaneous rashes present in several tick-borne diseases can aid the ENP to effectively diagnose and treat these conditions.