Subcutaneous vs. oral methotrexate for psoriasis patients
According to a research letter published in theBritish Journal of Dermatology, more patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis treated with subcutaneous methotrexate achieved minimal response criteria and possibly better improved long-term disease control compared with patients treated with oral doses.
The baseline mean PASI scores were 20.2 in the oral methotrexate group and 18.6 in the subcutaneous group. By week 12, a significantly greater percentage of patients in the subcutaneous methotrexate group achieved minimal response criteria of PASI 50 (80.9% vs. 65.3%) and PASI <5 (63.1% vs. 44.9%). The investigators also observed a trend across PASI 90 and PASI <3 response criteria in terms of better outcomes with subcutaneous methotrexate compared with oral methotrexate after one year. Subcutaneous methotrexate was also associated with a better safety profile.
DermWorld Insights and Inquiries: Dermatology and dermatopathology awake — now is the time to embrace the AI revolution
In 1991, the late Dr. A. Bernard Ackerman sounded the alarm about the decline in the interest in dermatopathology by dermatologists in an effort to preserve this foundational subspecialty within dermatology. Although not with the same urgency, Zakhem and co-workers are pleading with dermatologists to take a leadership role in the development and implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in dermatology. In their analysis of studies related to AI and skin cancer, they point out that only 41% of authors were dermatologists and that greater leadership by dermatologists is needed for issues of data collection, data set biases, model assessment, and application of this fast-changing technology. Keep reading!
Young Physician Focus: Looking back and forging ahead
I love this time of year — finally some warm weather after what feels like 17 months of winter, longer days, and vacation plans. This year’s summer season feels especially meaningful, as we hope the worst of the pandemic is behind us. Certainly there is more work to be done, and with unvaccinated kids, I won’t be shedding my COVID precautions anytime soon.
But things do seem to be looking up, and after a year filled with loss and despair, we could all use a sliver of hope. There remains the nagging question, however: Have we learned from our collective experience? Read more from DermWorld Young Physician Advisor Jenna O'Neill.
OSHA mandates COVID-19 safety plans for health care workplaces
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued a mandatory workplace safety rule aimed at protecting health care workers from COVID-19, which was published in the Federal Registeron Monday. Employers must comply with most provisions, such as developing an infection prevention program and creating a log of new virus cases, by July 6. Other mandates, such as those that may require physical changes to workspaces and buildings, have a July 21 compliance deadline.
The new rule mandates that health care workplaces develop a “COVID-19 plan” which includes a workplace-specific hazard assessment, cleaning and disinfecting the workplace, screening employees for COVID-19, following requirements for removing employees from the workplace, ensuring physical distancing, screening and monitoring patients upon arrival, reporting COVID-19 fatalities and hospitalizations, and providing reasonable time and paid leave for COVID-19 vaccinations. Read the complete list of requirements for this “Emergency Temporary Standard.”
Is male frontal fibrosing alopecia linked to sunscreen, hair care products?
A single-institution study published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereologyfound that there was no association between men with frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) and the use of facial moisturizers, sunscreens (chemical and physical), or other face or hair products. Thirty men with FFA and 60 age-matched controls presenting to the clinic for different skin and hair issues completed a questionnaire investigating their use of sunscreens and skin- and hair-care products. Despite previous studies showing an association for females, the authors conclude that patients with FFA should not be counseled to refrain from the use of sunscreens.
Apply for the Academy’s new HAIR Grant, a program to support research projects that address gaps in hair disorders research, with an emphasis on hair disorders in diverse populations. Learn more and apply by Aug. 31.
AAD mourns the passing of Robert J. Friedman, MD, MSc
The Academy recently learned with sorrow of the passing of Robert J. Friedman, MD, MSc, on June 10, at the age of 73. In 1985, Dr. Friedman — along with Alfred Kopf, MD, and Darrell Rigel, MD — created the original ‘ABCDs of melanoma’ guide, “Early Detection of Malignant Melanoma: The Role of Physician Examination and Self Examination of the Skin,” which was published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians and was later a formal joint publication with the AAD and the American Cancer Society. Dr. Friedman was also one of the primary organizers of the AAD Skin Cancer Screening Program.
Dr. Friedman was a professor at NYU for 35 years and ran the multidisciplinary skin tumor conference. He joined Dr. Kopf in private practice from 1982 to 2002, and was also co-founder and physician leader of Dermpath, Inc. He received a Master of Science from McMaster University, and then attended Albert Einstein School of Medicine. He completed his fellowship in dermatopathology at NYU in concert with a complete residency in pathology at NYU/Bellevue, and complete residency in dermatology at NYU.
After retiring, Dr. Friedman moved to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. He is survived by his wife Nancy of 51 years, and his two children and their spouses: Scott Friedman (Jessica Fink) and
Seth Friedman (Randi). He is also survived by his five grandchildren: Madison, Joshua, Zachary, Abigail, and Hannah; his brother, Peter, and many nieces and nephews. The family has asked that donations in his memory are sent to the NYU Department of Dermatology through https://nyulangone.org/give/fundraise/robertfriedman.
Join efforts to increase COVID-19 vaccination rates
The American Medical Association (AMA) is encouraging the health care community to join in its efforts to increase COVID-19 vaccination rates and ensure equitable COVID-19 vaccination. The AMA has partnered with Made to Save, a national organizing campaign working closely with the Biden Administration to help increase vaccine equity and access in communities of color. Made to Save has identified individuals who are most likely to not be vaccinated and is asking for assistance in reaching those people through the following events:
“House calls”: Health care professional phone banking
All health care and public health professionals and students are invited to join the AMA to call people in key communities to listen to their concerns, answer questions, and help them get their COVID-19 vaccination. All that is needed is a computer and a phone. The event takes place June 23, June 26, and June 27. Learn more and sign up.
Ask me anything about COVID-19: Health care providers participate in one-on-one conversations about vaccination
Reserve the weekend of June 26-27, to answer vaccine questions in your community. Partner with your local health department, church, or other community organization in underserved communities. Made to Save will share additional resources as the weekend approaches. Sign up through the Made to Save commitment form and register your event(s) on Mobilize.
Additionally, the CDC is hosting a webinar for organizations interested in helping to increase vaccination rates in communities of color on Thursday, June 24, 2021, from 1:00-2:30 p.m. ET.
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