January 31
IN THIS ISSUE / JANUARY 31, 2018
- First IGA scale for EB simplex validated
- AAD election candidates announced
- FDA to revise draft guidance affecting in-office preparations
- How do different SPFs compare?
- Alex Azar confirmed as HHS Secretary
- NMQF accepting nominations for Leaders in Minority Health Awards
First IGA scale for EB simplex validated
The first Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) scale for epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS) has been validated. The IGA scale defines EBS-involved skin as ‘clear,’ ‘near clear,’ ‘mild,’ ‘moderate,’ and ‘severe’ based on the presence or absence of blisters, as well as factors such as blister size, erosions, crusting, and erythema. The scale was validated by a phase 2 study of diacerein 1% ointment which used blister count reduction as the primary efficacy endpoint.
As technology evolves and more is learned about genetic disorders, the therapeutic options for these conditions are starting to expand. Read more about treatments for dermatologic genetic conditions in Dermatology World.
Related Links:
- Dermatology gets personal: Genetic testing increasingly impacts diagnosis, treatment – Dermatology World (January 2017)
- Do you know how to diagnose and treat Muir-Torre syndrome? – Dermatology World (September 2016)
- What should you know about hereditary melanoma? – Dermatology World (July 2016)
- Study IDs genetic differences between KAs, SCCs – Dermatology World (July 2015)
AAD election candidates announced
The Academy Nominating Committee has released the names of candidates for the 2018 Academy election of officers, directors, and nominating committee member representatives. The president-elect speeches presented at the Annual Business Meeting and videotaped candidate statements will be posted to the election page by Feb. 20. Voting opens Feb. 17.
FDA to revise draft guidance affecting in-office preparations
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has indicated ― in its 2018 compounding priorities ― that it will issue revised draft guidance on insanitary conditions. This guidance could affect in-office preparations — mixing, diluting, and reconstituting medications when not pursuant to the label. The guidance will describe examples of conditions that the FDA considers to be insanitary and in violation of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. According to the FDA, “This guidance will address concerns raised by some providers who compound small quantities of drugs in their offices for patient use, and as part of their routine clinical practice. This came up in the setting of certain dermatological procedures, for example. The FDA plans to better define the circumstances under which we believe drugs are being mixed and applied in a manner that creates negligible patient risk, and therefore wouldn’t be subject to the same compliance policy under the agency’s risk-based approach to implementing these requirements.”
The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) has been advocating to preserve in-office preparations in dermatology. Recently, Bruce A. Brod, MD, chair of the AADA’s Congressional Policy Committee, testified on physician office-use and in-office compounding before the Health Subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives’ Energy and Commerce Committee. In related news, United States Pharmacopeia (USP) has announced that Allison Vidimos, MD, RPh, FAAD, was appointed as an ‘expert consultant’ to its Compounding Expert Committee where she will advise on a number of compounding issues. The Academy will continue to advocate on this issue with Congress, the FDA, USP, the Federation of State Medical Boards, and state pharmacy boards.
Read more about the dos and don’ts of in-office compounding in Dermatology World, and look for a comprehensive update on the topic in the March issue.
Related Links:
- Academy sits down with FDA to discuss compounding – Dermatology World Weekly (Nov. 15, 2017)
- AAD/A Position Statement on Pharmaceutical Compounding
- Have you seen cantharidin? – Dermatology World (July 2011)
How do different SPFs compare?
According to a recent study published in JAAD, SPF 100 sunscreens protect against sunburn better than SPF 50 sunscreens. Researchers tested the different SPFs on 199 participants who wore both sunscreens on their face during sun exposure. About 55% of the participants appeared more sunburned on the SPF 50 side of their face compared with 5% of participations on the SPF 100 side.
SPF aside, do European sunscreens outperform those in the U.S.? Find out in Dermatology World.
Related Links:
- A recipe for public health – Dermatology World (May 2016)
- Banning the bed – Dermatology World (May 2017)
- What do you ask your skin cancer patients at follow up visits? – Dermatology World (July 2017)
- SPOT Skin Cancer™
- AAD Patient Education handouts
- AAD Simulated Patient Encounters
Alex Azar confirmed as HHS Secretary
The U.S. Senate has confirmed Alex Azar to serve as the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Azar currently runs a consulting firm, but recently served as president of Lilly USA. Under the George W. Bush Administration, Azar served as HHS general counsel and then deputy secretary. The AADA sent a letter of congratulations to Sec. Azar following his confirmation.
During his confirmation process, Azar indicated that steps can be taken to ease the administrative burden of federal regulations and requirements on physicians. Find out what your colleagues are doing to prepare for MIPS reporting this year in Dermatology World.
Related Links:
- MACRA and MIPS tips – Dermatology World (July 2017)
- Seven steps to MIPS success – Dermatology World (February 2017)
- AAD DataDerm™
- Academy MACRA Resource Center
- Live webinar: MIPS and its Impact on Coding & Documentation – May 17, 2018
- Academy product: Principles of Documentation for Dermatology, First Edition
- Academy product: 2018 Coding and Billing for Dermatology
NMQF accepting nominations for Leaders in Minority Health Awards
The nomination deadline for the National Minority Quality Forum’s 2018 40 Under 40 Leaders in Minority Health Awards is Feb. 2. These awards will honor influential young minority leaders who are making a difference in health care. Physicians, pharmacists, dentists, nurses, policy experts, and researchers may apply.
Read more about the individuals and programs that are paving the way for more diversity in dermatology in the February issue of Dermatology World.
Related Links:
