Dermatology Life Quality Index Research Articles

Epidemiology and Burden of Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis in China.

We aimed to estimate the prevalence, severity, and burden of pediatric atopic dermatitis (AD) in China. EPI-CARE China was a cross-sectional online survey that assessed AD in the general pediatric populations (aged 0.5‒17years) between 21 March 2021 and 5 April 2021 in China. Diagnosis of AD prevalence was based on both International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood criteria and self-reported or parent-reported physician confirmation of ever having had AD. Severity (mild, moderate, and severe) in the preceding week was assessed by patient global assessment. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed using established dermatology patient-reported outcomes tools (Infant Dermatitis Quality of Life and Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index). Outcomes included type 2 inflammatory comorbidities and itch, skin pain, and sleep disturbance in the previous 24h (numeric rating scale [NRS]: 0-10 [no symptoms-worst symptoms]), stratified by age group (aged ≤ 5years, 6-11years, and 12-17years). In 7148 patients, AD prevalence was 3.2% (≤ 5years, 3.8%; 6-11years, 4.1%; 12-17years, 1.7%). Of these, 59.1% (≤ 5years, 66.1%; 6-11years, 60.1%; 12-17years, 39.4%), 38.8% (≤ 5years, 33.9%; 6-11years, 38.0%; 12-17years, 53.1%), and 2.0% (≤ 5years, 0.0%; 6-11years, 1.9%; 12-17years, 7.5%) had mild, moderate, and severe AD, respectively. Patients with moderate AD reported greater impacts on HRQoL than patients with mild AD (too few patients with severe AD provided HRQoL data for comparison). Overall, 90.5% patients reported ≥ 1 atopic comorbid condition. The mean (SD) itch, skin pain, and sleep disturbance NRS values were 5.9 (2.4), 5.6 (2.6), and 5.9 (2.3), respectively. These results demonstrate that AD is associated with substantial patient burden in pediatric patients in China.

Sexual dysfunction in women with genital warts: a cross-sectional study

PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate sexual dysfunction and quality of life in women with genital warts.MethodsA total of 100 women were included if they were aged 18–45 years, had genital warts (GWs) for at least three months, and were in a stable marital relationship for at least six months. All participants completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaires.ResultsShowed that the lowest mean scores were observed in the domains of orgasm (1.91 ± 1.07), arousal (2.82 ± 1.12), satisfaction (3.01 ± 1.01), pain (3.11 ± 1.34), desire (3.37 ± 1.01), and lubrication (3.64 ± 1.32). Total FSFI score was 17.64 ± 6.15. The presence of GWs had a significant very large impact on patients QOL in 49% of participants (p < 0.001).ConclusionsResults demonstrated sexual and quality of life affection among females complaining of genital warts. Sexual health and dysfunction should be routinely assessed in women presenting with genital warts.

Long-Term Efficacy and Potential Predictors of Tralokinumab Dose Optimization in Elderly Patients: A Multicentre Study.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that significantly affects elderly patients, particularly those with multiple comorbidities. Tralokinumab, an IL- 13-neutralizing monoclonal antibody, is approved at 300 mg every 2 weeks (Q2 W), with the option to optimize to a once-monthly (Q4 W) regimen in patients achieving optimal disease control. This study evaluates its long-term efficacy and safety in elderly patients (> 65 years) and explores predictors of treatment response and optimization. A retrospective multicenter study was conducted across four Spanish hospitals, including patients > 65 years old with moderate-to-severe AD treated with tralokinumab. The primary endpoints were treatment efficacy and safety at weeks 16, 24, and 52, while secondary endpoints included identifying predictors of treatment response and successful dose optimization. A total of 24 patients (mean age 75.3 ± 8.4 years, 45.8% male) were included. A significant reduction in EASI (Eczema Area and Severity Index), Pruritus NRS (Numerical Rating Scale), DLQI (Dermatology Life Quality Index), and BSA (Body Surface Area) scores was observed at weeks 16, 24, and 52 (p < 0.05). Dose optimization to 300 mg Q4 W was achieved in 25% of patients. Male sex (p = 0.042) and higher baseline EASI (p = 0.004) were associated with poorer early response, whereas a shorter time to systemic treatment initiation (p = 0.023) increased the likelihood of dose optimization. No serious adverse events or neoplasm progression were reported. Tralokinumab demonstrated sustained efficacy and safety in elderly patients with moderate-to-severe AD, even with multiple comorbidities. Dose optimization to Q4 W was feasible in a subset of patients. Early systemic treatment initiation was linked to better outcomes, emphasizing the need for proactive disease management.

Targeting nail psoriasis: IL-17A inhibitors demonstrate site-specific superiority over IL-23 inhibitor in a 24-week dermoscopy-guided real-world cohort

ObjectiveTo compare the real-world clinical efficacy and safety of interleukin (IL)-17A inhibitors (secukinumab [SEC] and ixekizumab [IXE]) versus the IL-23 inhibitor guselkumab (GUS) in patients with nail psoriasis, with a focus on site-specific biologic therapeutic responses (nail matrix vs. nail bed) in a 24-week prospective observational cohort.MethodsThis cohort enrolled 65 adult patients with plaque psoriasis and dermoscopy-confirmed nail involvement, stratified into three treatment groups: SEC (n=25), IXE (n=20), and GUS (n=20). Outcome assessments at baseline and week 24 included: Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI) with domain-specific scoring (matrix/bed) by dermoscopic evaluation using a 10× polarized handheld device; Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Body Surface Area (BSA); Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Safety was monitored through treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs).Results(1) By week 24, PASI, BSA, DLQI and NAPSI scores had significantly decreased from baseline in all groups (P&amp;lt;0.001). (2) By week 24: SEC, IXE, and GUS groups saw nail matrix NAPSI score improvements of 65.9%, 60.5%, and 51.5%, with 68%, 55%, and 30% achieving NAPSI 60; Nail bed NAPSI score improvements were 58.8%, 68.6%, and 65.8%, with 28%, 65%, and 40% achieving NAPSI 60; Total NAPSI score improvements were 62.7%, 64.6%, and 53.7%, with 44%, 70%, and 30% achieving NAPSI 60. (3) All patients in the SEC and IXE groups achieved PASI 75, compared to 85% in the GUS group. SEC showed PASI 90 and PASI 100 response rates of 80% and 36%, while IXE of 60% and 30%. (4) TEAEs were mild, including: injection site reactions: 15% (IXE group); eczematous rashes: 8% (SEC group). No TEAEs were reported in the GUS group, and no serious adverse events occurred in any group.ConclusionIL-17A inhibitors and the IL-23 inhibitor demonstrated significant efficacy in improving both nail and skin lesions in psoriasis. Notably, IL-17A inhibitors exhibited superior overall efficacy compared to IL-23 inhibitor. Specifically, SEC excelled in improving dermoscopic nail matrix changes, whereas IXE was more potent for nail bed pathology. All groups significantly improved patients’ life quality and exhibited good safety profiles.

Bullying in Children With Congenital Ichthyosis

ABSTRACTBackground/ObjectivesBullying of children with chronic disorders is associated with an increased risk of depression, anxiety, poor self‐esteem, and suicidal ideation. Congenital ichthyoses are genodermatoses with extensive visible scaling and inflammation. Bullying is a frequent concern of families with ichthyosis but is rarely discussed or investigated.MethodsBullying experience and the impact on children with ichthyosis and their caregivers were investigated utilizing survey methodology and validated questionnaires. Correlations were explored between demographic and ichthyosis characteristics, bullying exposure (Child Adolescent Bullying Scale‐9), child and caregiver psychosocial functioning (Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System tools), and family quality of life (Family Dermatology Life Quality Index).ResultsOverall, 49 dyads completed the survey, with a mean child age of 12 years, 43% female, and 35% non‐white. Lamellar (27%), epidermolytic (16%), and with confetti (12%) ichthyosis subtypes were most common. Child‐reported bullying exposure correlated strongly with poor peer relationships (r = −0.63) and moderately with stigma (r = 0.53). Caregiver depression and anxiety scores were moderately correlated with caregiver's perception of child's bullying (r = 0.46 and r = 0.52, respectively). Poor family quality of life (QoL) was moderately correlated with proxy severity, caregiver depression and anxiety, poor peer relationships, and poor mobility.ConclusionsRecognition of bullying and its potential impact on QoL is an important component of exploring the psychosocial impact of ichthyosis and providing holistic care.

Efficacy and Safety of Dupilumab in the Treatment of Refractory Atopic Dermatitis in Older Adults: A Retrospective, Single-Center Study.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can be particularly challenging to manage in older adults. Dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting the interleukin-4 receptor alpha subunit, has shown promise in treating moderate to severe AD. However, its efficacy and safety in older adults with refractory AD have not been extensively studied. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of dupilumab in treating older adults with refractory atopic dermatitis and to determine its potential as a therapeutic option in this demographic. A retrospective, single-center study was conducted involving 73 older adults (aged ≥ 60 years) with moderate-to-severe AD. The Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), Pruritus Numerical Rating Scales (P-NRS), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores were recorded at baseline and at weeks 6 and 16. Adverse events (AEs) were also monitored. Following dupilumab treatment, a significant reduction in EASI, P-NRS, and DLQI scores was observed compared with baseline (p < 0.0001), indicating improved clinical symptoms and quality of life. Adverse events were mostly mild and did not lead to treatment discontinuation. Dupilumab demonstrates significant efficacy and a favorable safety profile in managing refractory AD in older adults, suggesting it as a potential effective therapeutic option for this demographic.

Safety and effectiveness of secukinumab in Japanese patients with generalized pustular psoriasis: A post-marketing surveillance.

Secukinumab is one of the human monoclonal antibodies recommended in the Japanese guidelines for patients with psoriasis, but few case reports and clinical studies on secukinumab for pustular psoriasis are available because of the rarity of the disease. This was an open-label, multicenter, uncontrolled, single-arm, prospective observational surveillance conducted in a clinical practice setting to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of secukinumab in Japanese patients with generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP). Patients were monitored for 1 year after starting secukinumab and followed up for an additional 2 years. Of 99 patients from 71 sites, 95 were included in safety and 82 in effectiveness analysis. The mean (standard deviation) observation period was 346.2 (64.87) days, and 91.58% of patients were observed over 52 weeks. Adverse events, serious adverse events, and adverse reactions were reported in 51.58%, 12.63%, and 35.79% of patients, respectively. Safety evaluations showed no significant difference in the incidence of events based on the history of biologics The proportion of patients with either "complete response" or "partial response" was ~90% from week 2 and remained stable until week 52. The proportion of patients with "remission (no symptom)" in the Japanese Dermatological Association total score increased from week 4 (22.22%) to week 52 (47.83%). The mean Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score decreased from week 1 (17.26) to week 16 (1.18), with the mean percentage change decreasing from -28.07% to -90.18%. The mean Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) total score decreased from 8.7 at the start of secukinumab treatment to 1.9 at week 52. At week 52, the proportion of patients with DLQI total score of 0/1 was 57.14%. No new safety signals for secukinumab in long-term treatment were observed from this surveillance, and no additional measures needed to be taken. Moreover, secukinumab showed sustained effectiveness in patients with GPP in Japan.

Abrocitinib Treatment Modes: Impact on Prognosis and Relapse Rates in Atopic Dermatitis.

Background: Although clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of abrocitinib for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD), real-world evidences are limited. In particular, studies exploring the impact of different treatment modes on prognosis are currently lacking. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of various abrocitinib treatment regimens on the prognosis of AD. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at the Southwest Hospital of the Army Military Medical University and involved patients with moderate to severe AD receiving abrocitinib. After disease control, patients were given the option to continue, taper, or discontinue abrocitinib based on their preferences. Clinical data from eligible patients wereretrospectively collected between August 2023 and April 2024. Results: In the maintenance group (100 mg/day), EASI-75, and pp-NRS4 were achieved by 33.3% and 58.3% of patients, respectively, with a mean reduction of 12.8 points in Dermatology Quality of Life Index (DLQI) compared with baseline. Patients who completed the 12-week induction period (including both maintenance and tapering groups) showed greater improvement in SCORing atopic dermatitis (P < 0.0001; P = 0.0002), Eczema Area and Severity Index (P < 0.0001; P = 0.0002), Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (all P < 0.0001), and DLQI (all P < 0.0001), as well as a longer time to relapse, compared to those in the discontinuation group. Conclusion: Continuous treatment with abrocitinib and completion of the 12-week induction period were associated with improved outcomes and reduced relapse rates in AD patients.

Results of a patient survey exploring skin symptoms in a menopause clinic.

BackgroundThe menopause leads to a reduction in circulating estrogen and progesterone levels, which trigger physiological changes in women. This includes cutaneous changes where these hormonal receptors are present and potential deterioration of previously diagnosed dermatoses. We suspect that the prevalence of skin, hair, vulval and oral symptoms experienced during the menopausal time may be underestimated and may not be considered associated with the menopause in presenting patients.MethodsA survey was conducted to investigate the dermatological symptoms experienced by women attending a menopause clinic. The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was also recorded for each patient.ResultsA high prevalence of skin, hair, vulval and oral symptoms was reported by participants, and these symptoms appear to have an impact on quality of life.ConclusionThese findings highlight the need for research into the management of these symptoms, including the role of hormone replacement therapy amongst other treatment modalities.

A Prospective Open-Label Study of Tolerance and Effectiveness of Sequential Dermocosmetic Treatments Combining Poly-l-Lysine Biovectors With Vitamins A and C.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic inflammatory skin condition, affecting 15%-20% of children and up to 10% of adults. It has a significant impact on patients' quality of life and represents a considerable burden on healthcare systems. Management strategies aim to restore the skin barrier, reduce inflammation, and achieve physiological and homeostatic balance. This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of a new dermocosmetic formulation combining poly-l-lysine biovectors with vitamins A and C. A single-arm, open-label study was conducted on 20 patients diagnosed with AD, including 14 women and 6 men aged between 24 and 63, with skin phototypes of Fitzpatrick I-VI. Treatment involved sequential application of poly-l-lysine G2/vitamin C in the morning and poly-l-lysine G3/vitamin A in the evening for 28 days, on the face, hands, and body. Outcomes were assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and SCORAD scores. Additional assessments included a visual analog scale for pruritus and sleep disturbance, as well as patient self-report questionnaires on skin improvement and treatment satisfaction. The treatment was well-tolerated, with no adverse effects and no relapses of AD. After 28 days, patients showed a significant reduction in DLQI (-61.8%, Cohen's d = 1.20) and SCORAD (-41.8%, Cohen's d = 1.05) scores. Objective improvements included reductions in erythema (-50%), dryness (-60%), and pruritus (-50%). This study demonstrates the potential of poly-l-lysine-based dermocosmetics combined with vitamins A and C to improve the symptoms and quality of life of patients suffering from AD. The formulations were well-tolerated and effective in restoring the skin barrier and reducing inflammation. Further large-scale controlled studies are needed to validate these results and explore long-term efficacy.

Lower Drug Survival, Less Satisfaction and More Adverse Events in Females Using Biologics for Psoriasis: Results of the Dutch BioCAPTURE Registry

Background Drug survival of biologics for psoriasis has reported to be lower in females than males for first-generation biologics (TNF-α/interleukin (IL) 12/23 inhibitors (i)); insights for newer biologics (IL17i and IL23i) are scarce. Objectives To study sex-differences in drug survival and other treatment outcomes of biologics (including IL17i/IL23i) in patients with psoriasis. Methods Data were obtained from the Dutch, prospective, multicenter, BioCAPTURE registry. Kaplan-Meier drug survival curves were split for specific discontinuation reasons and stratified for sex. Cox regression models with confounder correction were used to investigate the association of sex with drug survival. Adverse events (AEs) leading to biologic discontinuation were compared between sexes. Confounder-corrected Generalized Estimated Equation models were used to compare the course Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM)) scores, and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores between sexes. Results We included 428 females and 703 males (respectively 744 and 1069 treatment episodes). For all biologics, female sex was associated with shorter overall, AE-related, and effectiveness-related drug survival. For IL17i/IL23i specifically, female sex was associated with shorter overall and effectiveness-related drug survival, but not with shorter AE-related drug survival. In the TSQM females reported to experience more often AEs and to be, in general, less satisfied than males. No sex-differences were found for PASI and DLQI during the first year of treatment. Conclusion Biologics, including IL17i and IL23i, showed lower drug survival rates for females. This could be linked to the sex-differences we found regarding AEs and treatment satisfaction with biologics .

BMI matters: understanding the link between weight and severe psoriasis

This study aims to investigate the causal relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and the severity of Psoriasis (PsO) using bidirectional Mendelian Randomization (MR) and regression analyses. We conducted a multicenter study which combined bidirectional MR analyses with regression analyses. The MR analyses included 366,776 individuals from the largest up-to-date published BMI Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) data. Regression analyses were performed on 1,979 patients with psoriasis from 12 participating centers (from October 31, 2019, to May 31, 2022). We assessed the impact of BMI on PsO severity using odds ratios (ORs) and regression coefficients for three key measures: the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Body Surface Area (BSA), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Two independent MR analyses revealed a significant causal association between BMI and PsO development. The first MR1 analysis showed that an increased BMI is significantly associated with a higher risk of psoriasis, with odds ratios of 2.28 (95% CI 1.33–3.92; p = 0.003). A subsequent MR2 analysis yielded consistent results, presenting an odds ratio of 2.37 (95% CI 1.16–4.85; p = 0.018) using the inverse-variance weighted method. Logistic regression showed that for every 1-unit increase in BMI (unadjusted covariates), the risk of severe psoriasis (PASI ≥ 10, BSA ≥ 10%, DLQI ≥ 10) increased by 6%, 6%, and 3%, respectively. Linear regression analysis revealed that each unit increase in BMI (not standardised) was associated with an increase of 0.25 units in the mean PASI score (p < 0.001), 0.34 units in the BSA score (p = 0.001), and 0.14 units in the DLQI score (95% CI 0.05–0.23; p = 0.001). From both the genetic and clinical severity assessment perspectives, it has been verified that abnormal weight gain is correlated with the severity of the condition in psoriasis patients. Clinicians should prioritize weight management and nutritional balance in the management of psoriatic disease. Clinicaltrials.gov: ChiCTR1900024852, date of registration: 2019-07-31.

Comparative Analysis of the Efficacy of Abrocitinib and Dupilumab in the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis.

This study compares the efficacy and safety of Abrocitinib, a Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor, and Dupilumab, an interleukin-4 and interleukin-13 inhibitor, in the treatment of Atopic dermatitis (AD). A retrospective study was conducted on 136 patients with moderate to severe AD, treated with either Abrocitinib (n=60) or Dupilumab (n=76) from June 2022 to June 2024. Abrocitinib was administered at 100 mg/day orally, and Dupilumab at 300 mg subcutaneously every two weeks after a 600 mg loading dose. Primary outcome measures included serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, eosinophil (Egb) counts, and clinical symptom improvement, assessed by the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for pruritus, and Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD). Quality of life was evaluated using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), while emotional distress was assessed through the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). The incidence of adverse reactions was also recorded. Statistical significance was determined using t-tests and Chi-square tests (p < 0.05). Both treatments reduced IgE and eosinophil levels with no significant inter-group differences (p > 0.05). Abrocitinib was more effective in reducing pruritus, with a greater reduction in NRS scores (p < 0.05). EASI, SCORAD, DLQI, SAS and SDS improvements were similar, though Abrocitinib showed a greater reduction in anxiety (p = 0.011). The overall effective rate was higher in the Abrocitinib group (80.00%) compared to Dupilumab (69.73%) but not significantly (p = 0.174). Adverse reactions were minimal and comparable, with incidences of 8.33% for Abrocitinib and 9.21% for Dupilumab (p = 0.858). Both Abrocitinib and Dupilumab are effective and well-tolerated treatments for atopic dermatitis. While their overall efficacy and safety profiles are comparable, Abrocitinib offers superior relief of pruritus. Both therapies represent valuable options in the management of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis.

Effects and safety of acupuncture versus non-penetrating sham acupuncture for senile pruritus: Rationale and design for a randomized controlled trial.

Effects and safety of acupuncture versus non-penetrating sham acupuncture for senile pruritus: Rationale and design for a randomized controlled trial.

636 School Interference and Quality of Life in Pediatric Burn Patients During Acute Recovery

Abstract Introduction Pediatric burn injuries are associated with a range of physical, social, and psychological consequences, including disruption to school adjustment. However, little is known about how smaller burns may interfere with school functioning. The current study evaluates the impact of acute burn injury on school functioning and relationships with demographic and burn-related factors in youth receiving outpatient care in a pediatric burn clinic. Methods Data were extracted from retrospective chart review as part of IRB-approved study at a children’s hospital with a pediatric burn center. Participants (N = 102) were school-aged burn patients (M age=9.9 years, 60% female) who attended an outpatient burn clinic &amp;lt; 31 days post-injury and completed the Children’s Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI), which assesses impairments across several quality of life (QOL) domains (e.g., physical discomfort, negative emotions, sleep disturbance, interpersonal problems). The school interference item (scored 0-3) was used to measure potential negative impact on a child’s functioning at school. Spearman’s rho correlations and between-group analyses also included burn total body surface area (TBSA), age, gender, and ethnicity. Results Mild to severe levels of school interference were reported by 60% of participants (22.4% mild, 9.2% moderate, 28.6% severe), while 40% reported having no school interference. School interference was correlated with TBSA (ρ =.26, p &amp;lt;.05), age (ρ =.27, p &amp;lt;.05), difficulties coping with burn treatment (ρ =.25, p &amp;lt;.001, and interference with hobbies/playing (ρ =.44, p &amp;lt;.001). School interference was rated similarly by patients with an admission for their burn injury (M =.92, SD =.99) and patients without a hospital admission (M =.98, SD =.88; t(99)=.22, p =.83). Although youth with full thickness burns reported higher levels of total QoL impairments (M = 13.40, SD = 7.02) compared to those with partial thickness burns (M = 8.38, SD = 5.14, t(99)= -2.06, p =.04), there were no group differences on the school interference item in this small sample. Conclusions In this small retrospective study, larger burn TBSA and older child age were associated with worse school interference, which in turn was correlated with quality of life impairments (e.g., disruption to playing/hobbies, difficulties coping with burn treatment). This pattern did not vary by ethnic minority status, burn depth severity, or burn-related hospitalization, suggesting that the acute phase of burn injuries can disrupt school for many children. Applicability of Research to Practice Understanding the specific effects of burns during childhood is crucial for researchers and practitioners in tailoring interventions and supporting these children during their transition back to daily activities, including school. Funding for the Study N/A

Chronische induzierbare Urtikaria: Mastzell-Depletion als neuer Therapieansatz

Background: Chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU) is characterized by mast cell (MC)-mediated wheals in response to triggers: cold in cold urticaria (ColdU) and friction in symptomatic dermographism (SD). KIT receptor activation by stem cell factor (SCF) is essential for MC function. Barzolvolimab (CDX-0159) is a humanized antibody that inhibits KIT activation by SCF and was well tolerated in healthy volunteers with dose-dependent plasma tryptase suppression indicative of systemic mast cell ablation. Methods: This is an open-label, trial in patients with antihistamine refractory ColdU or SD, receiving one IV dose of barzolvolimab (3 mg/kg), with a 12-week follow-up. Primary endpoint was safety/tolerability; pharmacodynamic (PD)/clinical endpoints included serum tryptase, plasma SCF, skin MC histology, provocation tests, urticaria control test (UCT), and dermatology life quality index (DLQI). Results: Analysispopulations were safety (n = 21) and pharmacodynamics/clinical activity (n = 20). Barzolvolimab was well tolerated; most adverse events were mild and resolved. Treatment resulted in significant depletion of skin MCs, decreased tryptase (&lt;limit of detection), and increased soluble SCF through Week 12. Complete responses (negative provocation test) occurred in 95% (n = 19/20) of patients (n = 10/10 ColdU; n = 9/10 SD), and all (n = 20/20) showed improvement in urticaria control (UCT ≥ 12). The kinetics of clinical activity mirrored that of MC and tryptase reduction. DLQI-measured impairment significantly decreased to minimal/none in 93% of patients on study.

Disease features, treatments, and burden of palmoplantar pustulosis in Korea: The EPPPIK study.

Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) is a chronic skin disease characterized by erythema, pustules, and desquamation of the palms and soles. PPP epidemiological data are scarce. Understanding disease characteristic is essential for effective management and to reduce burden. The objective of the study was to describe disease characteristics of PPP in Korea, including demographics, disease burden, and current clinical practice. This was a cross-sectional, multicenter, noninterventional study conducted among 20 sites in Korea. Patients (aged ≥19 years) with a confirmed PPP diagnosis were examined and interviewed, collecting clinical and patient-reported outcomes in 1 day. A total of 379 patients with PPP (mean age, 51.4 years; 39.3% male) were enrolled. The mean age at diagnosis was 47.9 years, and the mean duration of PPP was 3.2 years. Mean±standard deviation of Palmoplantar Pustulosis Area and Severity Index (PPPASI) score was 10.3±9.0; 33.8% of patients scored ≥12. PPPASI score was significantly higher with younger age (p = 0.0001) and nail involvement (p = 0.0002). Mean Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score was 12.0, and mean EuroQoL 5-Dimension Health Questionnaire (EQ-5D) score was 62.4 ± 19. Patients with PPPASI ≥12 had significantly higher DLQI (14.1 ± 7.3 vs 10.9 ± 7.6; p < 0.0001) and lower EQ-5D (57.9 ± 18.1 vs 64.7 ± 19.2; p = 0.002) scores. The most common treatments in patients with PPPASI <12 were topicals (50.6%), conventional therapies (34.7%), and retinoids (32.7%); the most common treatments with PPPASI ≥12 were conventional therapies (37.5%), topicals (34.4%), and retinoids (29.7%). Conventional therapy users were "more satisfied" than nonusers (49.6% vs 39.0%; p = 0.05), with a numerical difference observed for biologics (41.8% vs 63.1%; p = 0.07). PPP is a debilitating disease that significantly diminishes overall quality of life. Despite most patients receiving treatment, PPP burden persists. Developing treatment guidelines and identifying more targeted and effective treatments would help alleviate symptoms, reduce severity, and improve overall quality of life.

Effect of Biodegradable Microneedle Acupuncture in Mild to Moderate Atopic Dermatitis: a single-blinded randomized controlled pilot trial.

The need for alternative therapies for atopic dermatitis (AD) has emerged due to the side effects of conventional therapies. Biodegradable microneedle acupuncture (BMA) is a novel medical device that overcame the shortcomings of traditional intradermal acupuncture (IDA), such as foreign body feeling and allergic dermatitis. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BMA for patients with Mild to Moderate AD compared with the IDA. An assessor-blinded, parallel, non-superiority, randomized controlled pilot trial was conducted. Thirty adult participants were recruited from a single hospital and were equally divided into the experimental or control group. They were treated with BMA or IDA on both sides of LI11, ST36, and PC6 for four hours. Over four weeks, both interventions were performed eight times in total. The primary endpoint was the objective scoring AD (O-SCORAD) index. The secondary endpoints were visual analog scale (VAS) for itch and sleep disturbance, dermatology life quality index (DLQI), skin hydration, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Enrolled thirty participants completed the trial. After the trial, all endpoints remarkably improved compared with the baseline in both groups, except for the TEWL. Between the two interventions, there were no remarkable differences in the fourth week, except for the VAS score for itch and DLQI. No serious adverse events occurred during the study period. Both BMA and IDA were effective in improving Mild to Moderate AD, and they were safe. BMA can be an alternative to conventional acupuncture for patients with sensitive skin, including metal allergies.

Assessment of dermatological life quality in patients with cutaneous diseases at Universitas Academic Hospital

Background: Dermatological conditions significantly impact quality of life (QoL). This cross-sectional study aimed to assess this impact as part of a comprehensive care approach.Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at a tertiary hospital’s dermatology outpatient department from January 2023 to March 2023. Eligible patients were recruited, and data on demographics, clinical diagnoses and Dermatological Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores were collected.Results: The study included 200 participants (median age: 39 years, range: 18–86). Females comprised 58%, while males were significantly older (median: 53 vs 35 years, p 0.001). A significant difference was found between the 10 most common diagnoses and DLQI scores (p 0.05, Kruskal–Wallis test). The top diagnoses were eczema (21%), cutaneous malignancy (13%) and acne/rosacea (11%). Hidradenitis suppurativa had the highest DLQI scores, followed by lupus and urticaria.Conclusion: This study highlights the significant burden of skin diseases on QoL, with hidradenitis suppurativa showing the greatest impact. Findings underscore the need for patient-centred dermatological care addressing both physical and psychological well-being.Contribution: This study contributes to dermatology research in line with the Journal of the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (JCMSA) mission to encourage multidisciplinary publications.

Efficacy and Tolerability of Beta-Sitosterol Ointment in Prevention Radiodermatitis: A Comparative Study

Radiation-induced skin reactions are among the common side effects of radiation therapy (RT). The rate of their development and the severity may limit the effectiveness of neoplasia treatment and significantly reduce the quality of life of cancer patients. Programs to minimize skin post-radiation reactions, among other recommendations, include the widespread use of emollients for preventive, curative and rehabilitative purposes. The present study is devoted to the efficacy and tolerability of beta-sitosterol-based ointment in the treatment and prevention of radiodermatitis in patients with head and neck tumors. The study included 90 adult patients of both sexes with solid tumors of the head and neck who underwent radical or postoperative radiotherapy. Study group 1 (n=30), control groups 2 (n=30) and 3 (n=30) were randomly assigned. The groups are similar in gender and age composition, localization of the tumor process. The patients’ condition was assessed at five points every two weeks, with an individual follow-up time of 56 days. Patients of study group 1 used beta-sitosterol-based ointment daily throughout the entire course of RT and then two weeks after its completion. Patients of study group 2 used dexpanthenol-based ointment daily. Group 3 patients could use any non-medicinal topical products available in retail pharmacy and retail chains, but most preferred not to use anything. The primary endpoint of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the product using the RTOG test (the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group / European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer; RTOG/ EORTC). The secondary endpoint is the assessment of skin toxicity according to the CTCAE criteria system (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 4); pain/itching at the site of RT on a 10-point scale; local status according to the criteria "erythema", "folliculitis", "scaling", "epilation", "dryness", "swelling", "ulceration, necrosis, hemorrhages"; quality of life according to the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). The patients’ opinion about the ointment was assessed on the Likert scale. All side effects were recorded. Beta-sitosterol-based ointment can be considered in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy under a radical program or postoperatively as a therapeutic and prophylactic topical agent in order to minimize skin radiation reactions.