Topical finasteride with minoxidil vs. topical minoxidil alone for male-pattern androgenic alopecia
A study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatologyassessed the efficacy of topical finasteride 0.25% with minoxidil 5% vs. topical minoxidil 5% alone over 12 weeks in male patients with androgenetic alopecia. The treatment efficacy was significantly higher in the group receiving the combination therapy, with 86.7% of patients in that group showing significant improvements compared with 69.1% of those in the minoxidil monotherapy group. For those with occipital involvement, 100% and 58.8% showed efficacy, respectively.
DermWorld Insights and Inquiries: The treatment of systemic juvenile xanthogranulomas matures
Diagnosing juvenile xanthogranulomas (JXG) is simultaneously satisfying and slightly disconcerting. JXG’s clinical yellow appearance, the “setting sun” on dermoscopy, or the recognition of Touton giant cells histologically allows dermatologists to be reasonably confident of the diagnosis. This commentary will focus on advances in the realm of systemic JXG (SJXG), a disorder with profound implications and complications. Advances in genetics and molecular biology have identified pathways confirming the usefulness of targeted therapies such as dabrafenib and alectinib in those patients with systemic juvenile xanthogranulomas harboring specific mutations in BRAF or ALK translocations, respectively. Keep reading!
Academy mourns the passing of Marianne O’Donoghue, MD
The Academy recently learned with sorrow of the passing of Marianne O’Donoghue, MD, former vice president and Board of Director member. Dr. O’Donoghue was an active member of the Academy, participating on the Board of Directors (1995-1999), Nominating Committee (2004-2007), and serving as Vice President (2000-2001).
In addition to her successful dermatology practice in Oak Brook, she was an attending physician at Rush University Medical Center for over 50 years. Her professional career was one of distinction, as she volunteered her time in leadership roles including president of the Women’s Dermatological Society, the Noah Worcester Dermatological Society, the American Dermatological Association, the Chicago Dermatologic Society, and the Illinois Dermatologic Society.
In honor of Dr. O’Donoghue’s legacy, a donation to Camp Discovery has been made on behalf of the Board of Directors.
Weight-loss drugs for managing patients with HS
A review published in the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery assessed data regarding the use of weight-loss medications, including metformin, liraglutide, and semaglutide, as a treatment option for patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). The most statistically significant and consistent differences in Hurley stage reduction and quality of life were noted in patients receiving liraglutide for three months and those receiving semaglutide. Metformin showed promising results in a few studies; however, one case–control study did not report any significant difference in Hurley stages or BMI. Physicians should consider the referral of appropriate patients with HS to weight-loss management in order to open the discussion for the initiation of these drugs, the authors concluded.
What role should dermatologists take in screening for comorbidities in HS patients? Read more in DermWorld.
Atenolol vs. propranolol for the treatment of infantile hemangioma
A review published in Clinical and Experimental Dermatology assessed data regarding the safety and efficacy of atenolol versus propranolol in patients with infantile hemangioma. A total of seven studies were included. Atenolol was found to be as effective as propranolol for the treatment of patients with infantile hemangioma and was associated with fewer side effects. Although more studies are warranted, the authors note that atenolol could be a safer alternative to propranolol for treating patients with infantile hemangioma.
CMS opens data submission for 2024 MIPS performance year
CMS has opened the data submission period for Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS)-eligible clinicians who participated in the 2024 performance year of the Quality Payment Program (QPP). Data can be submitted and updated until 8 p.m. ET on March 31. Submission resources are available in the QPP Resource Library.
Please note: The AAD’s DataDerm™ registry submission deadline for 2024 reporting is Saturday, March 15, 2025.
Telehealth flexibilities extended until March 31: Geographic and location waivers
Congress extended specific telehealth flexibilities through March 2025 in a government funding resolution. Medicare patients can access telehealth services from any location in the U.S., including their home, through March 31. Learn more about the 2025 teledermatology flexibilities.
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