Risk of pericardial effusions in patients with alopecia on low-dose oral minoxidil
Authors of a study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology used point-of-care ultrasound to evaluate the prevalence of pericardial effusions among patients with alopecia receiving low-dose oral minoxidil. Small pericardial effusions were noted in 5.8% of the patients receiving low-dose oral minoxidil compared with 6% of controls. The study did not find a significantly increased prevalence of pericardial effusions among patients with alopecia on low-dose oral minoxidil therapy compared with controls.
DermWorld Insights and Inquiries: The latest dirt on terra firma-forme dermatosis
The renowned gastroenterologist was rounding with his fellows when he summoned me to his patient’s bedside to impress me with his astute diagnosis of malignant acanthosis nigricans, having admitted his patient for an extensive endoscopic work-up for a presumed GI tract adenocarcinoma. “Well, Heymann, what do you think?” When the “acanthosis nigricans” cleared with an alcohol pad swipe, the politest response I could offer was, “He has an excellent prognosis.” This scenario occurred four years before Duncan et al named this condition “terra firma [dry land]-forme dermatosis,” detailing the case of a 12-year-old girl with “dirt” on her neck that could not be washed away. Keep reading!
Rate of residual BCC among excision specimens after shave biopsy
A retrospective study published in Dermatologic Surgery assessed the presence of residual basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in excision specimens after an initial shave biopsy. Of the 2,117 BCC cases, 39.4% had residual BCC after an initial shave biopsy. Larger lesions, a longer biopsy-to-excision time, and lesions on high-risk body sites were associated with significantly increased risk of residual BCC in excision specimens. Having negative margins or not specified margins on shave biopsy was associated with a significantly reduced risk of residual BCC.
Dermatologists discuss considerations and complexities in caring for older adults with skin cancer. Read more.
Association of topical corticosteroid use during pregnancy with stillbirth, cesarean delivery in women with psoriasis
A research letter published in JAAD evaluated the risks of adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes associated with topical corticosteroid (TC) use in pregnant women with psoriasis. The authors found that TC use during pregnancy was associated with increased cesarean delivery risk but decreased risks of low-birth weight and poor 5-minute Apgar score. TCs were not associated with stillbirth, preterm birth, small for gestational age, and congenital defects across different trimesters. Cesarean delivery risk significantly increased when TCs were used before conception and in the first and second trimesters in pregnant women with psoriasis.
Dermatologists discuss the safety of common dermatologic drugs in pregnant patients. Read more.
Atopic march risk in pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis taking dupilumab vs. other immunomodulators
A study published in JAAD analyzed the progression of atopic march, defined as atopic dermatitis (AD) along with the development of asthma or allergic rhinitis, in pediatric patients with AD. The two study groups included pediatric patients on dupilumab versus other immunomodulators such as systemic corticosteroids, azathioprine, cyclosporine, and methotrexate. The results showed that the three-year cumulative incidence of atopic march was lower among patients receiving dupilumab, with a greater risk reduction in younger patients. The authors suggested that dermatologists should consider the benefit of starting dupilumab earlier in subgroups of the pediatric population.
CMS announces MIPS EUC policy for clinicians affected by hurricanes Milton, Helene, and Francine
In response to the declarations from the HHS and FEMA for Hurricanes Milton, Helene, and Francine, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will apply the MIPS automatic Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances (EUC) policy for MIPS eligible clinicians in the affected counties.
Health and Human Services (HHS) Public Health Emergency (PHE) declaration
MIPS-eligible clinicians in the specified counties will have all performance categories reweighted to 0% for the 2024 period, resulting in a neutral payment adjustment for 2026.
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