The Journal of dermatological treatment
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Review
Risk of herpes zoster with IL-17 inhibitor therapy for psoriasis and other inflammatory conditions.
Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that has been associated with a significantly higher risk of herpes zoster (HZ). Several newer biologics such as secukinumab, ixekizumab, and brodalumab inhibit IL-17 and have been highly effective for treatment of psoriasis. However, adverse events related to the immunosuppressive properties of these biologics have been observed. ⋯ Conclusion: IL-17 inhibitors do not appear to increase risk of HZ. However, IL-17 inhibitors are relatively new medications, and further long-term data may be necessary to confirm this finding. Nevertheless, HZ vaccination should be considered on a case-bycase basis prior to initiating IL-17 therapy.
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YouTube is becoming an increasingly popular resource for patients seeking knowledge regarding treatment options for dermatologic conditions. This study assessed the quality of content on YouTube regarding topical treatment for psoriasis. A cross-sectional analysis of YouTube videos was conducted using search terms related to psoriasis topical therapies. ⋯ Videos criticizing medically-prescribed therapies and consultations with healthcare providers had significantly more views than those encouraging seeking medical expertise. Overall, YouTube videos about topical treatment options for psoriasis largely favor natural treatments over medical recommendations and discourage seeking medical advice. Dermatologists should consider posting information to YouTube to increase the volume of evidence-based, patient-directed material available through this platform.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted dermatology clinical trial operations due to mandated governmental and institutional shut-downs and newly implemented restrictions. During this unprecedented time, measures should be taken to maintain research conduct compliance while also ensuring the safety of trial staff and participants. Herein, we underscore the challenges facing dermatology trials during the COVID-19 pandemic, and offer strategies to maintain compliant and safe conduct.
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Background: To evaluate the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of burn wounds. Methods: A comprehensive literature survey was conducted in electronic medical journal databases to identify studies that examined the effect of PRP treatment to burn wounds and meta-analyses of mean differences (MD) standardized MD, or odds ratios were performed. Results: The percentage of graft take was not significantly different between PRP-treated and control wound areas. ⋯ Scar assessment score was significantly better in PRP-treated than in control wound areas. Conclusion: PRP treatment to burn wounds is found to improve healing. Variations in study design and sample size, types of wounds, PRP preparation protocols, and high risk of bias in some of the included studies may have impact on these outcomes.
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Background: Pruritus is a prevalent and bothersome symptom of scalp psoriasis. Validated scales assessing scalp itch are needed to evaluate treatment efficacy. Objective: To evaluate comprehensibility and reproducibility of the Scalp Itch Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), a novel scale being used in a phase 3 study of apremilast. ⋯ Change scores on the Scalp Itch NRS were consistent with change scores on the GIC-SI. Conclusions: The Scalp Itch NRS is a valid and reproducible measure of scalp itch in patients with moderate to severe scalp psoriasis. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03123471.