Dermatology News

The rash began on her face and spread to the body and extremities in no particular pattern, with simultaneous onset of sores in her mouth. Two weeks earlier, she had a hoarse voice with some fever and was seen by her provider, who diagnosed her with an upper respiratory tract infection. She seemed to be better after about 4 days and remained well until just a few days prior to this visit.

As the ongoing partial government shutdown continues in the United States, the FDA has approximately 5 weeks until drug user fees completely dry up, jeopardizing the review process for new drugs — including biosimilars — according to statements by Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, MD.

Among patients with juvenile dermatomyositis, calcinosis was associated with longer active disease duration, disease severity and clinical features such as lipodystrophy and joint contractures, according to data published in Pediatric Rheumatology.

Systemic lupus erythematosus is associated with an increased risk for 16 cancers, including Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, leukemia and multiple myeloma, but a decreased risk for prostate cancer and cutaneous melanoma, according to data published in Arthritis Research & Therapy.

James H. Brien

A 4-year-old healthy female presented to the ED with a rapidly worsening rash. Two days before, she had seen her primary care physician for bumps on her cheek, which were diagnosed as hand-foot-and-mouth disease, or HFMD. The patient developed more bumps on her face and body, with increasing pain and discomfort. On the morning of presentation, her eyes seemed slightly swollen, and her mother noticed the appearance of “water blisters” on her skin. This prompted her to bring the patient to the ED.

Juvenile dermatomyositis increases patients’ hospital stays and inpatient cost of care, particularly among Hispanic and other non-white populations, according to data published in Pediatric Rheumatology.

The prevalence of active atopic eczema is high among older adults and increases with age, according to research published in Annals of Internal Medicine.

Physicians should use a treat-to-target approach, as well as TNF inhibitor biologics as a first-line therapy, in all patients with active psoriatic arthritis, according to new treatment guidelines developed by the American College of Rheumatology and the National Psoriasis Foundation.

CHICAGO — Bimekizumab, a monoclonal antibody that neutralizes both IL-17A and IL-17F, significantly improved both musculoskeletal and skin outcomes among patients with active psoriatic arthritis, according to phase 2b data presented at the ACR/ARHP 2018 Annual Meeting.