The Food and Drug Administration has granted accelerated approval to checkpoint inhibitor nivolumab for the treatment of patients with mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) and microsatellite instability high (MSI-H) metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) that has progressed following treatment with fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan.

The indication covers patients aged 12 years and older. Efficacy for adolescent patients with MSI-H or dMMR metastatic CRC is extrapolated from the results in the respective adult population, the FDA said in a statement.

Approval of nivolumab in the adult population was based on an objective response rate of 28% in CHECKMATE 142, an open-label, single-arm study of 53 patients with locally determined dMMR or MSI-H metastatic CRC who had disease progression during, after, or were intolerant to prior treatment with fluoropyrimidine-, oxaliplatin-, and irinotecan-based chemotherapy.

Courtesy Wikimedia Commons/FitzColinGerald/Creative Commons License

Responses lasted 6 or more months for 67% of patients.

The most common adverse reactions to nivolumab, marketed as Opdivo by Bristol-Myers Squibb, include fatigue, rash, musculoskeletal pain, pruritus, diarrhea, nausea, asthenia, cough, dyspnea, constipation, decreased appetite, back pain, arthralgia, upper respiratory tract infection, and pyrexia, the FDA said.

The recommended nivolumab dose is 240 mg every 2 weeks.

[email protected]
 

 

The Food and Drug Administration has granted accelerated approval to checkpoint inhibitor nivolumab for the treatment of patients with mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) and microsatellite instability high (MSI-H) metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) that has progressed following treatment with fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan.

The indication covers patients aged 12 years and older. Efficacy for adolescent patients with MSI-H or dMMR metastatic CRC is extrapolated from the results in the respective adult population, the FDA said in a statement.

Approval of nivolumab in the adult population was based on an objective response rate of 28% in CHECKMATE 142, an open-label, single-arm study of 53 patients with locally determined dMMR or MSI-H metastatic CRC who had disease progression during, after, or were intolerant to prior treatment with fluoropyrimidine-, oxaliplatin-, and irinotecan-based chemotherapy.

Courtesy Wikimedia Commons/FitzColinGerald/Creative Commons License

Responses lasted 6 or more months for 67% of patients.

The most common adverse reactions to nivolumab, marketed as Opdivo by Bristol-Myers Squibb, include fatigue, rash, musculoskeletal pain, pruritus, diarrhea, nausea, asthenia, cough, dyspnea, constipation, decreased appetite, back pain, arthralgia, upper respiratory tract infection, and pyrexia, the FDA said.

The recommended nivolumab dose is 240 mg every 2 weeks.

[email protected]
 

 

The Food and Drug Administration has granted accelerated approval to checkpoint inhibitor nivolumab for the treatment of patients with mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) and microsatellite instability high (MSI-H) metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) that has progressed following treatment with fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan.

The indication covers patients aged 12 years and older. Efficacy for adolescent patients with MSI-H or dMMR metastatic CRC is extrapolated from the results in the respective adult population, the FDA said in a statement.

Approval of nivolumab in the adult population was based on an objective response rate of 28% in CHECKMATE 142, an open-label, single-arm study of 53 patients with locally determined dMMR or MSI-H metastatic CRC who had disease progression during, after, or were intolerant to prior treatment with fluoropyrimidine-, oxaliplatin-, and irinotecan-based chemotherapy.

Courtesy Wikimedia Commons/FitzColinGerald/Creative Commons License

Responses lasted 6 or more months for 67% of patients.

The most common adverse reactions to nivolumab, marketed as Opdivo by Bristol-Myers Squibb, include fatigue, rash, musculoskeletal pain, pruritus, diarrhea, nausea, asthenia, cough, dyspnea, constipation, decreased appetite, back pain, arthralgia, upper respiratory tract infection, and pyrexia, the FDA said.

The recommended nivolumab dose is 240 mg every 2 weeks.

[email protected]
 

Annular atrophic lichen planus (AALP) is a rare variant of lichen planus that was first described by Friedman and Hashimoto¹ in 1991. Clinically, it combines the configuration and morphological features of both annular and atrophic lichen planus. It is a rare entity. We report a case of AALP in a 69-year-old black man. The clinical and histopathological presentation depicted the defining features of this entity with a characteristic loss of elastic fibers corresponding to central atrophy of active lesions.

Case Report

A 69-year-old black man with a history of hepatitis C virus infection and hypothyroidism presented to the dermatology clinic with a pruritic rash on the trunk, extremities, groin, and scalp of 4 months' duration. He denied any new medications, recent illnesses, or sick contacts. Physical examination demonstrated well-demarcated violaceous papules and plaques on the trunk, extensor aspect of the forearms, and thighs involving 10% of the body surface area (Figure 1A). The lesions were annular with raised borders and central depigmented atrophic scarring (Figure 1B). The examination also revealed several large hypopigmented atrophic patches and plaques in the right inguinal region and on the dorsal aspect of the penile shaft and buttocks as well as a single atrophic plaque on the scalp. No oral lesions were seen. An initial punch biopsy was consistent with a nonspecific lichenoid dermatitis (Figure 2), and the patient was prescribed triamcinolone ointment 0.1% for the trunk and extremities and tacrolimus ointment 0.1% for the groin and genital region.

The patient continued to develop new annular atrophic skin lesions over the next several months. Repeat punch biopsies of lesional and uninvolved perilesional skin from the trunk were obtained for histopathologic confirmation and special staining. Lichenoid dermatitis again was noted on the lesional biopsy, and no notable histopathologic changes were observed on the perilesional biopsy. Verhoeff-van Gieson staining for elastic fibers was performed on both biopsies, which revealed destruction of elastic fibers in the central papillary dermis and upper reticular dermis of the lesional biopsy (Figure 3A). The elastic fibers on the perilesional biopsy were preserved (Figure 3B).

The clinical presentation and histopathological findings confirmed a diagnosis of AALP. The patient was prescribed a short taper of oral prednisone, which halted further disease progression. The patient was then started on pentoxifylline and continued on tacrolimus ointment 0.1% with minimal improvement in existing lesions. These medications were discontinued after 3 months. Hydroxychloroquine 400 mg once daily was administered, which initially resulted in some thinning of the plaques on the trunk; however, further progression of the disease was noted after 3 months. Acitretin 25 mg once daily was added to his treatment regimen. Marked thinning of active lesions, hyperpigmentation, and residual scarring was noted after 2 months of combined therapy with acitretin and hydroxychloroquine (Figure 4), with continued improvement appreciable several months later.

 

Comment

Lichen planus is a common pruritic inflammatory disease of the skin, mucous membranes, hair follicles, and nails with a highly variable clinical pattern and disease course that typically affects the adult population.² There are many clinical variants of lichen planus, which all demonstrate lichenoid dermatitis on histology. Annular lichen planus is an uncommon variant most commonly seen in men with asymptomatic lesions involving the axillae and groin.² Atrophic lichen planus is another variant demonstrating atrophic papules and plaques on the trunk and extremities.3 Annular atrophic lichen planus is the rarest variant of lichen planus, incorporating features of both annular and atrophic lichen planus.

The first case of AALP involved a 56-year-old black man with a 25-year history of annular atrophic papules and plaques on the trunk and extremities.¹ The second case reported by Requena et al⁴ in 1994 described a 65-year-old woman with characteristic lesions on the right elbow and left knee. Lipsker et al⁵ reported a third case in a 41-year-old man with a history of Sneddon syndrome who had lesions typical for AALP for 20 years. In all of these cases, histopathologic examination revealed a lichenoid infiltrate with thinning of the epidermis and loss of elastic fibers in the center of the active lesions.

In more recent cases of AALP, the characteristic findings primarily occurred on the trunk and extremities.^6-10 Treatment with topical corticosteroids failed in most cases and some patients noted moderate improvement with tacrolimus ointment 0.1%. Sugashima and Yamamoto¹¹ reported a unique case in 2012 of a 32-year-old woman with AALP on the lower lip. She had notable improvement with tacrolimus ointment 0.1% after 6 months.¹¹

All of the known cases of AALP to date have occurred in adults, both male and female, presenting with a limited number of annular plaques with slightly elevated borders and depressed atrophic centers.^1,3-11 Disease duration of AALP has ranged from 2 months to 25 years.¹¹ Histopathologic findings characteristically demonstrate a lichenoid dermatitis of the raised lesional border with a flattened epidermis, loss of rete ridges, and fibrosis of dermal papillae in the lesion center.⁷ The elastic fibers are destroyed in the papillary dermis of the lesion center, presumably due to elastolytic activity of inflammatory cells.¹ Macrophages present in the lichenoid infiltrate of acute lesions release elastases contributing to this destruction.⁷ Furthermore, elastic fibers appear fragmented on electron microscopy.¹

The clinical course of AALP has proven to be chronic in most cases and frequently is resistant to treatment with topical corticosteroids, retinoids, phototherapy, and immunosuppressive agents.³ Treatment administered early in the disease course may provide a more favorable outcome.¹¹ Lesions characteristically heal with scarring and hyperpigmentation. Our case displayed more extensive involvement than has previously been reported. Our patient showed minimal improvement with topical therapy; however, he demonstrated thinning and regression of active lesions after 2 months of combined treatment with hydroxychloroquine and acitretin. Our use of oral pentoxifylline, hydroxychloroquine, and acitretin has not been previously reported in the other cases of AALP we reviewed. Acitretin is the only systemic agent for lichen planus that has achieved level A evidence, as it previously was shown to be highly effective in a placebo-controlled, double-blind study of 65 patients.¹²

Conclusion

Annular atrophic lichen planus is a known variant of lichen planus characterized by a loss of elastic fibers in the papillary dermis in the center of active lesions. Treatment with topical corticosteroids and phototherapy frequently is ineffective. To our knowledge, there are no studies to date regarding the efficacy of systemic therapy in treatment of AALP. Hydroxychloroquine and acitretin may prove to be beneficial treatment options for resistant AALP. Additional alternative treatments continue to be explored. We encourage reporting additional cases of AALP to further characterize its clinical presentation and response to treatments.

Annular atrophic lichen planus (AALP) is a rare variant of lichen planus that was first described by Friedman and Hashimoto¹ in 1991. Clinically, it combines the configuration and morphological features of both annular and atrophic lichen planus. It is a rare entity. We report a case of AALP in a 69-year-old black man. The clinical and histopathological presentation depicted the defining features of this entity with a characteristic loss of elastic fibers corresponding to central atrophy of active lesions.

Case Report

A 69-year-old black man with a history of hepatitis C virus infection and hypothyroidism presented to the dermatology clinic with a pruritic rash on the trunk, extremities, groin, and scalp of 4 months' duration. He denied any new medications, recent illnesses, or sick contacts. Physical examination demonstrated well-demarcated violaceous papules and plaques on the trunk, extensor aspect of the forearms, and thighs involving 10% of the body surface area (Figure 1A). The lesions were annular with raised borders and central depigmented atrophic scarring (Figure 1B). The examination also revealed several large hypopigmented atrophic patches and plaques in the right inguinal region and on the dorsal aspect of the penile shaft and buttocks as well as a single atrophic plaque on the scalp. No oral lesions were seen. An initial punch biopsy was consistent with a nonspecific lichenoid dermatitis (Figure 2), and the patient was prescribed triamcinolone ointment 0.1% for the trunk and extremities and tacrolimus ointment 0.1% for the groin and genital region.

The patient continued to develop new annular atrophic skin lesions over the next several months. Repeat punch biopsies of lesional and uninvolved perilesional skin from the trunk were obtained for histopathologic confirmation and special staining. Lichenoid dermatitis again was noted on the lesional biopsy, and no notable histopathologic changes were observed on the perilesional biopsy. Verhoeff-van Gieson staining for elastic fibers was performed on both biopsies, which revealed destruction of elastic fibers in the central papillary dermis and upper reticular dermis of the lesional biopsy (Figure 3A). The elastic fibers on the perilesional biopsy were preserved (Figure 3B).

The clinical presentation and histopathological findings confirmed a diagnosis of AALP. The patient was prescribed a short taper of oral prednisone, which halted further disease progression. The patient was then started on pentoxifylline and continued on tacrolimus ointment 0.1% with minimal improvement in existing lesions. These medications were discontinued after 3 months. Hydroxychloroquine 400 mg once daily was administered, which initially resulted in some thinning of the plaques on the trunk; however, further progression of the disease was noted after 3 months. Acitretin 25 mg once daily was added to his treatment regimen. Marked thinning of active lesions, hyperpigmentation, and residual scarring was noted after 2 months of combined therapy with acitretin and hydroxychloroquine (Figure 4), with continued improvement appreciable several months later.

 

Comment

Lichen planus is a common pruritic inflammatory disease of the skin, mucous membranes, hair follicles, and nails with a highly variable clinical pattern and disease course that typically affects the adult population.² There are many clinical variants of lichen planus, which all demonstrate lichenoid dermatitis on histology. Annular lichen planus is an uncommon variant most commonly seen in men with asymptomatic lesions involving the axillae and groin.² Atrophic lichen planus is another variant demonstrating atrophic papules and plaques on the trunk and extremities.3 Annular atrophic lichen planus is the rarest variant of lichen planus, incorporating features of both annular and atrophic lichen planus.

The first case of AALP involved a 56-year-old black man with a 25-year history of annular atrophic papules and plaques on the trunk and extremities.¹ The second case reported by Requena et al⁴ in 1994 described a 65-year-old woman with characteristic lesions on the right elbow and left knee. Lipsker et al⁵ reported a third case in a 41-year-old man with a history of Sneddon syndrome who had lesions typical for AALP for 20 years. In all of these cases, histopathologic examination revealed a lichenoid infiltrate with thinning of the epidermis and loss of elastic fibers in the center of the active lesions.

In more recent cases of AALP, the characteristic findings primarily occurred on the trunk and extremities.^6-10 Treatment with topical corticosteroids failed in most cases and some patients noted moderate improvement with tacrolimus ointment 0.1%. Sugashima and Yamamoto¹¹ reported a unique case in 2012 of a 32-year-old woman with AALP on the lower lip. She had notable improvement with tacrolimus ointment 0.1% after 6 months.¹¹

All of the known cases of AALP to date have occurred in adults, both male and female, presenting with a limited number of annular plaques with slightly elevated borders and depressed atrophic centers.^1,3-11 Disease duration of AALP has ranged from 2 months to 25 years.¹¹ Histopathologic findings characteristically demonstrate a lichenoid dermatitis of the raised lesional border with a flattened epidermis, loss of rete ridges, and fibrosis of dermal papillae in the lesion center.⁷ The elastic fibers are destroyed in the papillary dermis of the lesion center, presumably due to elastolytic activity of inflammatory cells.¹ Macrophages present in the lichenoid infiltrate of acute lesions release elastases contributing to this destruction.⁷ Furthermore, elastic fibers appear fragmented on electron microscopy.¹

The clinical course of AALP has proven to be chronic in most cases and frequently is resistant to treatment with topical corticosteroids, retinoids, phototherapy, and immunosuppressive agents.³ Treatment administered early in the disease course may provide a more favorable outcome.¹¹ Lesions characteristically heal with scarring and hyperpigmentation. Our case displayed more extensive involvement than has previously been reported. Our patient showed minimal improvement with topical therapy; however, he demonstrated thinning and regression of active lesions after 2 months of combined treatment with hydroxychloroquine and acitretin. Our use of oral pentoxifylline, hydroxychloroquine, and acitretin has not been previously reported in the other cases of AALP we reviewed. Acitretin is the only systemic agent for lichen planus that has achieved level A evidence, as it previously was shown to be highly effective in a placebo-controlled, double-blind study of 65 patients.¹²

Conclusion

Annular atrophic lichen planus is a known variant of lichen planus characterized by a loss of elastic fibers in the papillary dermis in the center of active lesions. Treatment with topical corticosteroids and phototherapy frequently is ineffective. To our knowledge, there are no studies to date regarding the efficacy of systemic therapy in treatment of AALP. Hydroxychloroquine and acitretin may prove to be beneficial treatment options for resistant AALP. Additional alternative treatments continue to be explored. We encourage reporting additional cases of AALP to further characterize its clinical presentation and response to treatments.

Annular atrophic lichen planus (AALP) is a rare variant of lichen planus that was first described by Friedman and Hashimoto¹ in 1991. Clinically, it combines the configuration and morphological features of both annular and atrophic lichen planus. It is a rare entity. We report a case of AALP in a 69-year-old black man. The clinical and histopathological presentation depicted the defining features of this entity with a characteristic loss of elastic fibers corresponding to central atrophy of active lesions.

Case Report

A 69-year-old black man with a history of hepatitis C virus infection and hypothyroidism presented to the dermatology clinic with a pruritic rash on the trunk, extremities, groin, and scalp of 4 months' duration. He denied any new medications, recent illnesses, or sick contacts. Physical examination demonstrated well-demarcated violaceous papules and plaques on the trunk, extensor aspect of the forearms, and thighs involving 10% of the body surface area (Figure 1A). The lesions were annular with raised borders and central depigmented atrophic scarring (Figure 1B). The examination also revealed several large hypopigmented atrophic patches and plaques in the right inguinal region and on the dorsal aspect of the penile shaft and buttocks as well as a single atrophic plaque on the scalp. No oral lesions were seen. An initial punch biopsy was consistent with a nonspecific lichenoid dermatitis (Figure 2), and the patient was prescribed triamcinolone ointment 0.1% for the trunk and extremities and tacrolimus ointment 0.1% for the groin and genital region.

The patient continued to develop new annular atrophic skin lesions over the next several months. Repeat punch biopsies of lesional and uninvolved perilesional skin from the trunk were obtained for histopathologic confirmation and special staining. Lichenoid dermatitis again was noted on the lesional biopsy, and no notable histopathologic changes were observed on the perilesional biopsy. Verhoeff-van Gieson staining for elastic fibers was performed on both biopsies, which revealed destruction of elastic fibers in the central papillary dermis and upper reticular dermis of the lesional biopsy (Figure 3A). The elastic fibers on the perilesional biopsy were preserved (Figure 3B).

The clinical presentation and histopathological findings confirmed a diagnosis of AALP. The patient was prescribed a short taper of oral prednisone, which halted further disease progression. The patient was then started on pentoxifylline and continued on tacrolimus ointment 0.1% with minimal improvement in existing lesions. These medications were discontinued after 3 months. Hydroxychloroquine 400 mg once daily was administered, which initially resulted in some thinning of the plaques on the trunk; however, further progression of the disease was noted after 3 months. Acitretin 25 mg once daily was added to his treatment regimen. Marked thinning of active lesions, hyperpigmentation, and residual scarring was noted after 2 months of combined therapy with acitretin and hydroxychloroquine (Figure 4), with continued improvement appreciable several months later.

 

Comment

Lichen planus is a common pruritic inflammatory disease of the skin, mucous membranes, hair follicles, and nails with a highly variable clinical pattern and disease course that typically affects the adult population.² There are many clinical variants of lichen planus, which all demonstrate lichenoid dermatitis on histology. Annular lichen planus is an uncommon variant most commonly seen in men with asymptomatic lesions involving the axillae and groin.² Atrophic lichen planus is another variant demonstrating atrophic papules and plaques on the trunk and extremities.3 Annular atrophic lichen planus is the rarest variant of lichen planus, incorporating features of both annular and atrophic lichen planus.

The first case of AALP involved a 56-year-old black man with a 25-year history of annular atrophic papules and plaques on the trunk and extremities.¹ The second case reported by Requena et al⁴ in 1994 described a 65-year-old woman with characteristic lesions on the right elbow and left knee. Lipsker et al⁵ reported a third case in a 41-year-old man with a history of Sneddon syndrome who had lesions typical for AALP for 20 years. In all of these cases, histopathologic examination revealed a lichenoid infiltrate with thinning of the epidermis and loss of elastic fibers in the center of the active lesions.

In more recent cases of AALP, the characteristic findings primarily occurred on the trunk and extremities.^6-10 Treatment with topical corticosteroids failed in most cases and some patients noted moderate improvement with tacrolimus ointment 0.1%. Sugashima and Yamamoto¹¹ reported a unique case in 2012 of a 32-year-old woman with AALP on the lower lip. She had notable improvement with tacrolimus ointment 0.1% after 6 months.¹¹

All of the known cases of AALP to date have occurred in adults, both male and female, presenting with a limited number of annular plaques with slightly elevated borders and depressed atrophic centers.^1,3-11 Disease duration of AALP has ranged from 2 months to 25 years.¹¹ Histopathologic findings characteristically demonstrate a lichenoid dermatitis of the raised lesional border with a flattened epidermis, loss of rete ridges, and fibrosis of dermal papillae in the lesion center.⁷ The elastic fibers are destroyed in the papillary dermis of the lesion center, presumably due to elastolytic activity of inflammatory cells.¹ Macrophages present in the lichenoid infiltrate of acute lesions release elastases contributing to this destruction.⁷ Furthermore, elastic fibers appear fragmented on electron microscopy.¹

The clinical course of AALP has proven to be chronic in most cases and frequently is resistant to treatment with topical corticosteroids, retinoids, phototherapy, and immunosuppressive agents.³ Treatment administered early in the disease course may provide a more favorable outcome.¹¹ Lesions characteristically heal with scarring and hyperpigmentation. Our case displayed more extensive involvement than has previously been reported. Our patient showed minimal improvement with topical therapy; however, he demonstrated thinning and regression of active lesions after 2 months of combined treatment with hydroxychloroquine and acitretin. Our use of oral pentoxifylline, hydroxychloroquine, and acitretin has not been previously reported in the other cases of AALP we reviewed. Acitretin is the only systemic agent for lichen planus that has achieved level A evidence, as it previously was shown to be highly effective in a placebo-controlled, double-blind study of 65 patients.¹²

Conclusion

Annular atrophic lichen planus is a known variant of lichen planus characterized by a loss of elastic fibers in the papillary dermis in the center of active lesions. Treatment with topical corticosteroids and phototherapy frequently is ineffective. To our knowledge, there are no studies to date regarding the efficacy of systemic therapy in treatment of AALP. Hydroxychloroquine and acitretin may prove to be beneficial treatment options for resistant AALP. Additional alternative treatments continue to be explored. We encourage reporting additional cases of AALP to further characterize its clinical presentation and response to treatments.

 

The Food and Drug Administration has granted a priority review for acalabrutinib, a Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor, for the treatment of patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who have received at least one prior therapy.

The new drug application is based on results from the phase 2 ACE-LY-004 trial, which evaluated the safety and efficacy of acalabrutinib in patients with relapsed/refractory MCL who had received at least one prior therapy.

Results from the trial will be submitted for presentation at a forthcoming medical meeting, makers of the drug AstraZeneca said in a press release announcing the priority review. The company also has a phase 3 trial underway evaluating acalabrutinib as a first-line treatment for patients with MCL.

[email protected]

On Twitter @NikolaidesLaura

 

The Food and Drug Administration has granted a priority review for acalabrutinib, a Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor, for the treatment of patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who have received at least one prior therapy.

The new drug application is based on results from the phase 2 ACE-LY-004 trial, which evaluated the safety and efficacy of acalabrutinib in patients with relapsed/refractory MCL who had received at least one prior therapy.

Results from the trial will be submitted for presentation at a forthcoming medical meeting, makers of the drug AstraZeneca said in a press release announcing the priority review. The company also has a phase 3 trial underway evaluating acalabrutinib as a first-line treatment for patients with MCL.

[email protected]

On Twitter @NikolaidesLaura

 

The Food and Drug Administration has granted a priority review for acalabrutinib, a Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor, for the treatment of patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who have received at least one prior therapy.

The new drug application is based on results from the phase 2 ACE-LY-004 trial, which evaluated the safety and efficacy of acalabrutinib in patients with relapsed/refractory MCL who had received at least one prior therapy.

Results from the trial will be submitted for presentation at a forthcoming medical meeting, makers of the drug AstraZeneca said in a press release announcing the priority review. The company also has a phase 3 trial underway evaluating acalabrutinib as a first-line treatment for patients with MCL.

[email protected]

On Twitter @NikolaidesLaura

 

Ibrutinib (Imbruvica) added another notch on its indications belt with its Aug. 2 approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of adult patients with chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) after failure of one or more lines of systemic therapy.

The new indication makes ibrutinib the first FDA-approved therapy for the treatment of cGVHD, according to an FDA press release.

The approval was based on an open-label, multicenter, single-arm clinical trial that found a 67% response rate in 42 patients with cGVHD who did not respond to first-line corticosteroid therapy. The median time to response was 12.3 weeks, and responses persisted for at least 5 months in half of the patients. Treatment was discontinued because of adverse events in 24% of patients; 26% of the patients needed dose reductions. All of the specifics of that trial were covered in an article by our reporter at the annual congress of the European Hematology Association in Madrid. (Ibrutinib dons new anti-GVHD hat.)

Ibrutinib’s other approved indications include chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma with 17p deletion, Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, marginal zone lymphoma, and mantle cell lymphoma, according to a press release from the FDA.

The recommended dose of ibrutinib for cGVHD is 420 mg (three 140 mg capsules once daily). Prescribing information is available on the FDA website.

Imbruvica is manufactured by Pharmacyclics.
 

[email protected]

On Twitter @maryjodales

 

Ibrutinib (Imbruvica) added another notch on its indications belt with its Aug. 2 approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of adult patients with chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) after failure of one or more lines of systemic therapy.

The new indication makes ibrutinib the first FDA-approved therapy for the treatment of cGVHD, according to an FDA press release.

The approval was based on an open-label, multicenter, single-arm clinical trial that found a 67% response rate in 42 patients with cGVHD who did not respond to first-line corticosteroid therapy. The median time to response was 12.3 weeks, and responses persisted for at least 5 months in half of the patients. Treatment was discontinued because of adverse events in 24% of patients; 26% of the patients needed dose reductions. All of the specifics of that trial were covered in an article by our reporter at the annual congress of the European Hematology Association in Madrid. (Ibrutinib dons new anti-GVHD hat.)

Ibrutinib’s other approved indications include chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma with 17p deletion, Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, marginal zone lymphoma, and mantle cell lymphoma, according to a press release from the FDA.

The recommended dose of ibrutinib for cGVHD is 420 mg (three 140 mg capsules once daily). Prescribing information is available on the FDA website.

Imbruvica is manufactured by Pharmacyclics.
 

[email protected]

On Twitter @maryjodales

 

Ibrutinib (Imbruvica) added another notch on its indications belt with its Aug. 2 approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of adult patients with chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) after failure of one or more lines of systemic therapy.

The new indication makes ibrutinib the first FDA-approved therapy for the treatment of cGVHD, according to an FDA press release.

The approval was based on an open-label, multicenter, single-arm clinical trial that found a 67% response rate in 42 patients with cGVHD who did not respond to first-line corticosteroid therapy. The median time to response was 12.3 weeks, and responses persisted for at least 5 months in half of the patients. Treatment was discontinued because of adverse events in 24% of patients; 26% of the patients needed dose reductions. All of the specifics of that trial were covered in an article by our reporter at the annual congress of the European Hematology Association in Madrid. (Ibrutinib dons new anti-GVHD hat.)

Ibrutinib’s other approved indications include chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma with 17p deletion, Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, marginal zone lymphoma, and mantle cell lymphoma, according to a press release from the FDA.

The recommended dose of ibrutinib for cGVHD is 420 mg (three 140 mg capsules once daily). Prescribing information is available on the FDA website.

Imbruvica is manufactured by Pharmacyclics.
 

[email protected]

On Twitter @maryjodales

 

CHICAGO – The neonatal period and early infancy are especially critical for patients with ichthyosis, because compromised barrier function increases risk for morbidity and mortality.

“There are minimal data presently to guide management of patients with ichthyosis, making it a time of uncertainty,” Brittany Craiglow, MD, said at the World Congress of Pediatric Dermatology. “You’re going to want to get all hands on deck for the care of these patients. And don’t forget about the family – involve them in the care as much as possible. Reassure them; normalize their feelings, acknowledge them.”

Doug Brunk/Frontline Medical News

Cases of moderate to severe ichthyosis are rare, genetic disorders, affecting only about 200 births in the United States each year, said Dr. Craiglow, a pediatric dermatologist with Yale University, New Haven, Conn. “That means that even at a major academic center, you’re not going to see a lot of these cases.”

There are six general phenotypes of ichthyosis that differ from the eventual “mature” phenotype and are associated with numerous genes: collodion baby, armor-like scale, exuberant vernix, erythroderma and scale, bullae and erosions, and generalized scale.

The collodion baby phenotype is characterized by a shiny parchment-like membrane that covers the baby’s body, ectropion, and fissures, and is commonly associated with autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI). “About 10% of babies with ARCI are self healing, so they’ll go on to have largely normal skin,” Dr. Craiglow said. Guidelines for managing this phenotype can be found in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2012 Dec;67[6]:1362-74).

Armor-like scale is pathognomonic for harlequin ichthyosis. “This condition is associated with the highest mortality in the neonatal period,” she said. “In addition to the potential complications associated with other phenotypes, babies with harlequin ichthyosis can also have issues related to constriction of movement and flexibility and digital ischemia.” Tips for practical management of this phenotype were published online in the journal Pediatrics (2017 Jan;139[1]).

The exuberant vernix/cephalic hyperkeratosis phenotype generally appears in children with keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome (KID) and ichthyosis prematurity syndrome (IPS). Special considerations in KID include a hearing test and ophthalmology exam, while special considerations in IPS include respiratory compromise and atopic diathesis. Electron microscopy is diagnostic, characterized by curvilinear bodies in the granular layer.

The erythroderma and scale phenotype occurs most commonly in ARCI and Netherton syndrome. “Special considerations in Netherton syndrome include failure to thrive/growth failure,” Dr. Craiglow said. “Hair shaft abnormalities are usually present later, and nutritional support is really important.”

Bullae and erosions are hallmark signs of epidermolytic/superficial ichthyosis. On biopsy, epidermolytic hyperkeratosis is diagnostic for this phenotype. At the same time, cases with normal skin or xerosis are suggestive of X-linked ichthyosis, ichthyosis vulgaris, erythrokeratodermas, and Sjögren-Larsson syndrome.

Genetic testing for ichthyosis is generally readily available, Dr. Craiglow said. She advised clinicians to obtain a sample soon after birth to confirm the clinical diagnosis, assist with assessing prognosis, and enable genetic counseling. “It’s important to help identify those at risk for systemic complications,” she said. “Obtaining insurance coverage may be easier when sent during hospital admission.”

Babies with moderate to severe congenital ichthyosis are typically cared for in the neonatal ICU of a tertiary care center by a multidisciplinary team consisting of neonatology, dermatology, nursing, nutrition, and genetics, as well as ophthalmology, otolaryngology, orthopedics, plastic surgery, and spiritual/religious services in many cases. “These babies often have impaired thermoregulation,” Dr. Craiglow said. “They need to be in an isolette, generally with humidity somewhere between 50% and 70% – you don’t want it too high, because they can overheat. It’s also important to get them out of the isolette and into an open crib when they’re ready. That can help with bonding and has been shown to decrease hospital stay.”

Infection is a common culprit for morbidity and mortality. “In general, there are not a lot of data to guide our management; but generally, we don’t recommend prophylactic antibiotics,” Dr. Craiglow said. “Some people do surveillance cultures just to know what microbes are there in case there are signs of infection. Look for level of alertness, because they’re not always going to have a fever. Look for hemodynamic instability, irritability, or poor feeding, and have a low threshold to do your cultures and treat if necessary.”

Pain control is an imperative aspect of pain management.

“Typical newborn pain parameters of facial expression and extremity tone may be hard to interpret,” she said. “Look at heart rate, blood pressure, crying, level of arousal, and have a low threshold to treat for pain, especially prior to changing dressings. Acetaminophen and NSAIDs and even opioids in some cases might be indicated. Families want to know that pain is being adequately controlled.”

Retinoids are generally used in patients with harlequin ichthyosis. “In the United States, we generally use acitretin, but there is no liquid formulation, so you have to enlist help from a compounding pharmacy to mix a formulation of 0.5-0.1 mg/kg per day,” Dr. Craiglow said. “You want to start as soon as you can. Topical retinoids such as tazarotene are also an option.”

Resources that she recommends for parents include the Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types, the Ichthyosis Support Group, and the European Network for Ichthyosis.

Dr. Craiglow reported having no relevant financial disclosures.
 

 

[email protected]

 

CHICAGO – The neonatal period and early infancy are especially critical for patients with ichthyosis, because compromised barrier function increases risk for morbidity and mortality.

“There are minimal data presently to guide management of patients with ichthyosis, making it a time of uncertainty,” Brittany Craiglow, MD, said at the World Congress of Pediatric Dermatology. “You’re going to want to get all hands on deck for the care of these patients. And don’t forget about the family – involve them in the care as much as possible. Reassure them; normalize their feelings, acknowledge them.”

Doug Brunk/Frontline Medical News

Cases of moderate to severe ichthyosis are rare, genetic disorders, affecting only about 200 births in the United States each year, said Dr. Craiglow, a pediatric dermatologist with Yale University, New Haven, Conn. “That means that even at a major academic center, you’re not going to see a lot of these cases.”

There are six general phenotypes of ichthyosis that differ from the eventual “mature” phenotype and are associated with numerous genes: collodion baby, armor-like scale, exuberant vernix, erythroderma and scale, bullae and erosions, and generalized scale.

The collodion baby phenotype is characterized by a shiny parchment-like membrane that covers the baby’s body, ectropion, and fissures, and is commonly associated with autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI). “About 10% of babies with ARCI are self healing, so they’ll go on to have largely normal skin,” Dr. Craiglow said. Guidelines for managing this phenotype can be found in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2012 Dec;67[6]:1362-74).

Armor-like scale is pathognomonic for harlequin ichthyosis. “This condition is associated with the highest mortality in the neonatal period,” she said. “In addition to the potential complications associated with other phenotypes, babies with harlequin ichthyosis can also have issues related to constriction of movement and flexibility and digital ischemia.” Tips for practical management of this phenotype were published online in the journal Pediatrics (2017 Jan;139[1]).

The exuberant vernix/cephalic hyperkeratosis phenotype generally appears in children with keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome (KID) and ichthyosis prematurity syndrome (IPS). Special considerations in KID include a hearing test and ophthalmology exam, while special considerations in IPS include respiratory compromise and atopic diathesis. Electron microscopy is diagnostic, characterized by curvilinear bodies in the granular layer.

The erythroderma and scale phenotype occurs most commonly in ARCI and Netherton syndrome. “Special considerations in Netherton syndrome include failure to thrive/growth failure,” Dr. Craiglow said. “Hair shaft abnormalities are usually present later, and nutritional support is really important.”

Bullae and erosions are hallmark signs of epidermolytic/superficial ichthyosis. On biopsy, epidermolytic hyperkeratosis is diagnostic for this phenotype. At the same time, cases with normal skin or xerosis are suggestive of X-linked ichthyosis, ichthyosis vulgaris, erythrokeratodermas, and Sjögren-Larsson syndrome.

Genetic testing for ichthyosis is generally readily available, Dr. Craiglow said. She advised clinicians to obtain a sample soon after birth to confirm the clinical diagnosis, assist with assessing prognosis, and enable genetic counseling. “It’s important to help identify those at risk for systemic complications,” she said. “Obtaining insurance coverage may be easier when sent during hospital admission.”

Babies with moderate to severe congenital ichthyosis are typically cared for in the neonatal ICU of a tertiary care center by a multidisciplinary team consisting of neonatology, dermatology, nursing, nutrition, and genetics, as well as ophthalmology, otolaryngology, orthopedics, plastic surgery, and spiritual/religious services in many cases. “These babies often have impaired thermoregulation,” Dr. Craiglow said. “They need to be in an isolette, generally with humidity somewhere between 50% and 70% – you don’t want it too high, because they can overheat. It’s also important to get them out of the isolette and into an open crib when they’re ready. That can help with bonding and has been shown to decrease hospital stay.”

Infection is a common culprit for morbidity and mortality. “In general, there are not a lot of data to guide our management; but generally, we don’t recommend prophylactic antibiotics,” Dr. Craiglow said. “Some people do surveillance cultures just to know what microbes are there in case there are signs of infection. Look for level of alertness, because they’re not always going to have a fever. Look for hemodynamic instability, irritability, or poor feeding, and have a low threshold to do your cultures and treat if necessary.”

Pain control is an imperative aspect of pain management.

“Typical newborn pain parameters of facial expression and extremity tone may be hard to interpret,” she said. “Look at heart rate, blood pressure, crying, level of arousal, and have a low threshold to treat for pain, especially prior to changing dressings. Acetaminophen and NSAIDs and even opioids in some cases might be indicated. Families want to know that pain is being adequately controlled.”

Retinoids are generally used in patients with harlequin ichthyosis. “In the United States, we generally use acitretin, but there is no liquid formulation, so you have to enlist help from a compounding pharmacy to mix a formulation of 0.5-0.1 mg/kg per day,” Dr. Craiglow said. “You want to start as soon as you can. Topical retinoids such as tazarotene are also an option.”

Resources that she recommends for parents include the Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types, the Ichthyosis Support Group, and the European Network for Ichthyosis.

Dr. Craiglow reported having no relevant financial disclosures.
 

 

[email protected]

 

CHICAGO – The neonatal period and early infancy are especially critical for patients with ichthyosis, because compromised barrier function increases risk for morbidity and mortality.

“There are minimal data presently to guide management of patients with ichthyosis, making it a time of uncertainty,” Brittany Craiglow, MD, said at the World Congress of Pediatric Dermatology. “You’re going to want to get all hands on deck for the care of these patients. And don’t forget about the family – involve them in the care as much as possible. Reassure them; normalize their feelings, acknowledge them.”

Doug Brunk/Frontline Medical News

Cases of moderate to severe ichthyosis are rare, genetic disorders, affecting only about 200 births in the United States each year, said Dr. Craiglow, a pediatric dermatologist with Yale University, New Haven, Conn. “That means that even at a major academic center, you’re not going to see a lot of these cases.”

There are six general phenotypes of ichthyosis that differ from the eventual “mature” phenotype and are associated with numerous genes: collodion baby, armor-like scale, exuberant vernix, erythroderma and scale, bullae and erosions, and generalized scale.

The collodion baby phenotype is characterized by a shiny parchment-like membrane that covers the baby’s body, ectropion, and fissures, and is commonly associated with autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI). “About 10% of babies with ARCI are self healing, so they’ll go on to have largely normal skin,” Dr. Craiglow said. Guidelines for managing this phenotype can be found in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2012 Dec;67[6]:1362-74).

Armor-like scale is pathognomonic for harlequin ichthyosis. “This condition is associated with the highest mortality in the neonatal period,” she said. “In addition to the potential complications associated with other phenotypes, babies with harlequin ichthyosis can also have issues related to constriction of movement and flexibility and digital ischemia.” Tips for practical management of this phenotype were published online in the journal Pediatrics (2017 Jan;139[1]).

The exuberant vernix/cephalic hyperkeratosis phenotype generally appears in children with keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome (KID) and ichthyosis prematurity syndrome (IPS). Special considerations in KID include a hearing test and ophthalmology exam, while special considerations in IPS include respiratory compromise and atopic diathesis. Electron microscopy is diagnostic, characterized by curvilinear bodies in the granular layer.

The erythroderma and scale phenotype occurs most commonly in ARCI and Netherton syndrome. “Special considerations in Netherton syndrome include failure to thrive/growth failure,” Dr. Craiglow said. “Hair shaft abnormalities are usually present later, and nutritional support is really important.”

Bullae and erosions are hallmark signs of epidermolytic/superficial ichthyosis. On biopsy, epidermolytic hyperkeratosis is diagnostic for this phenotype. At the same time, cases with normal skin or xerosis are suggestive of X-linked ichthyosis, ichthyosis vulgaris, erythrokeratodermas, and Sjögren-Larsson syndrome.

Genetic testing for ichthyosis is generally readily available, Dr. Craiglow said. She advised clinicians to obtain a sample soon after birth to confirm the clinical diagnosis, assist with assessing prognosis, and enable genetic counseling. “It’s important to help identify those at risk for systemic complications,” she said. “Obtaining insurance coverage may be easier when sent during hospital admission.”

Babies with moderate to severe congenital ichthyosis are typically cared for in the neonatal ICU of a tertiary care center by a multidisciplinary team consisting of neonatology, dermatology, nursing, nutrition, and genetics, as well as ophthalmology, otolaryngology, orthopedics, plastic surgery, and spiritual/religious services in many cases. “These babies often have impaired thermoregulation,” Dr. Craiglow said. “They need to be in an isolette, generally with humidity somewhere between 50% and 70% – you don’t want it too high, because they can overheat. It’s also important to get them out of the isolette and into an open crib when they’re ready. That can help with bonding and has been shown to decrease hospital stay.”

Infection is a common culprit for morbidity and mortality. “In general, there are not a lot of data to guide our management; but generally, we don’t recommend prophylactic antibiotics,” Dr. Craiglow said. “Some people do surveillance cultures just to know what microbes are there in case there are signs of infection. Look for level of alertness, because they’re not always going to have a fever. Look for hemodynamic instability, irritability, or poor feeding, and have a low threshold to do your cultures and treat if necessary.”

Pain control is an imperative aspect of pain management.

“Typical newborn pain parameters of facial expression and extremity tone may be hard to interpret,” she said. “Look at heart rate, blood pressure, crying, level of arousal, and have a low threshold to treat for pain, especially prior to changing dressings. Acetaminophen and NSAIDs and even opioids in some cases might be indicated. Families want to know that pain is being adequately controlled.”

Retinoids are generally used in patients with harlequin ichthyosis. “In the United States, we generally use acitretin, but there is no liquid formulation, so you have to enlist help from a compounding pharmacy to mix a formulation of 0.5-0.1 mg/kg per day,” Dr. Craiglow said. “You want to start as soon as you can. Topical retinoids such as tazarotene are also an option.”

Resources that she recommends for parents include the Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types, the Ichthyosis Support Group, and the European Network for Ichthyosis.

Dr. Craiglow reported having no relevant financial disclosures.
 

 

[email protected]

 

Headache in idiopathic intracranial hypertension appears to be clinically independent of raised intracranial pressure and may require a different treatment approach than simply lowering intracranial pressure, say the authors of a study published online July 28 in Headache.

The researchers looked at data from 165 patients with untreated idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and mild vision loss, who were randomized to weight loss plus acetazolamide or placebo as part of the Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Treatment Trial.

In the 139 patients who had headaches at baseline, the researchers saw no significant correlation between lumbar puncture opening pressure – which was measured at baseline and 6 months – and Headache Impact Test-6 scores, or with the presence or absence of headache (Headache. 2017 Jul 28. doi: 10.1111/head.13153).

“Both providers and patients often perceive the headache of IIH as being directly linked to CSF [cerebrospinal fluid] pressure elevation, and they anticipate that lowering CSF pressure will improve headache control,” Deborah I. Friedman, MD, of the University of Texas, Dallas, and her coauthors wrote. “Our findings provide the first class I evidence that CSF pressure and headaches are clinically independent features of IIH.”

The study also failed to show any significant difference in headache outcomes between the acetazolamide and placebo groups at 6 months, although headaches in both groups improved overall during the course of the study.

“A substantial proportion of participants had severe headaches at 6 months, stressing the importance of incorporating other headache treatments,” the authors wrote. “These data support the view that additional treatments beyond those used to lower intracranial pressure are needed to treat the headaches associated with IIH.”

At baseline, participants with headache reported taking a range of symptomatic headache treatments including acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, and combination medications. Some also reported taking hydrocodone, tramadol, or combination formulations containing codeine.

More than one-third (37%) of the participants were assessed as overusing symptomatic pain medications, and 15 of these met the criteria for overuse of opioids or combination medications. Researchers noted that the mean Headache Impact Test-6 scores were significantly higher in those who were overusing medications, compared with those who weren’t.

The most common headache phenotype was migraine (52%), followed by tension-type headache (22%), probable migraine (16%), and probable tension-type headache (4%), with 7% unclassified.

Patients with headache also experienced associated symptoms such as photophobia, phonophobia, nausea, vomiting, visual loss or obscurations, diplopia, and dizziness.

The study was funded by the National Eye Institute. No conflicts of interest were declared.

 

Headache in idiopathic intracranial hypertension appears to be clinically independent of raised intracranial pressure and may require a different treatment approach than simply lowering intracranial pressure, say the authors of a study published online July 28 in Headache.

The researchers looked at data from 165 patients with untreated idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and mild vision loss, who were randomized to weight loss plus acetazolamide or placebo as part of the Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Treatment Trial.

In the 139 patients who had headaches at baseline, the researchers saw no significant correlation between lumbar puncture opening pressure – which was measured at baseline and 6 months – and Headache Impact Test-6 scores, or with the presence or absence of headache (Headache. 2017 Jul 28. doi: 10.1111/head.13153).

“Both providers and patients often perceive the headache of IIH as being directly linked to CSF [cerebrospinal fluid] pressure elevation, and they anticipate that lowering CSF pressure will improve headache control,” Deborah I. Friedman, MD, of the University of Texas, Dallas, and her coauthors wrote. “Our findings provide the first class I evidence that CSF pressure and headaches are clinically independent features of IIH.”

The study also failed to show any significant difference in headache outcomes between the acetazolamide and placebo groups at 6 months, although headaches in both groups improved overall during the course of the study.

“A substantial proportion of participants had severe headaches at 6 months, stressing the importance of incorporating other headache treatments,” the authors wrote. “These data support the view that additional treatments beyond those used to lower intracranial pressure are needed to treat the headaches associated with IIH.”

At baseline, participants with headache reported taking a range of symptomatic headache treatments including acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, and combination medications. Some also reported taking hydrocodone, tramadol, or combination formulations containing codeine.

More than one-third (37%) of the participants were assessed as overusing symptomatic pain medications, and 15 of these met the criteria for overuse of opioids or combination medications. Researchers noted that the mean Headache Impact Test-6 scores were significantly higher in those who were overusing medications, compared with those who weren’t.

The most common headache phenotype was migraine (52%), followed by tension-type headache (22%), probable migraine (16%), and probable tension-type headache (4%), with 7% unclassified.

Patients with headache also experienced associated symptoms such as photophobia, phonophobia, nausea, vomiting, visual loss or obscurations, diplopia, and dizziness.

The study was funded by the National Eye Institute. No conflicts of interest were declared.

 

Headache in idiopathic intracranial hypertension appears to be clinically independent of raised intracranial pressure and may require a different treatment approach than simply lowering intracranial pressure, say the authors of a study published online July 28 in Headache.

The researchers looked at data from 165 patients with untreated idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and mild vision loss, who were randomized to weight loss plus acetazolamide or placebo as part of the Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Treatment Trial.

In the 139 patients who had headaches at baseline, the researchers saw no significant correlation between lumbar puncture opening pressure – which was measured at baseline and 6 months – and Headache Impact Test-6 scores, or with the presence or absence of headache (Headache. 2017 Jul 28. doi: 10.1111/head.13153).

“Both providers and patients often perceive the headache of IIH as being directly linked to CSF [cerebrospinal fluid] pressure elevation, and they anticipate that lowering CSF pressure will improve headache control,” Deborah I. Friedman, MD, of the University of Texas, Dallas, and her coauthors wrote. “Our findings provide the first class I evidence that CSF pressure and headaches are clinically independent features of IIH.”

The study also failed to show any significant difference in headache outcomes between the acetazolamide and placebo groups at 6 months, although headaches in both groups improved overall during the course of the study.

“A substantial proportion of participants had severe headaches at 6 months, stressing the importance of incorporating other headache treatments,” the authors wrote. “These data support the view that additional treatments beyond those used to lower intracranial pressure are needed to treat the headaches associated with IIH.”

At baseline, participants with headache reported taking a range of symptomatic headache treatments including acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, and combination medications. Some also reported taking hydrocodone, tramadol, or combination formulations containing codeine.

More than one-third (37%) of the participants were assessed as overusing symptomatic pain medications, and 15 of these met the criteria for overuse of opioids or combination medications. Researchers noted that the mean Headache Impact Test-6 scores were significantly higher in those who were overusing medications, compared with those who weren’t.

The most common headache phenotype was migraine (52%), followed by tension-type headache (22%), probable migraine (16%), and probable tension-type headache (4%), with 7% unclassified.

Patients with headache also experienced associated symptoms such as photophobia, phonophobia, nausea, vomiting, visual loss or obscurations, diplopia, and dizziness.

The study was funded by the National Eye Institute. No conflicts of interest were declared.

 

CHICAGO – Pityriasis rosea was recognized as early as 1798, yet its precise cause remains elusive.

“We still don’t have a lot of information on it, because it’s self limited and it resolves,” John C. Browning, MD, said at the World Congress of Pediatric Dermatology. “There hasn’t been quite as much of a burning push for research into pityriasis rosea as there has been for pityriasis rubra pilaris, for instance.”

Classic pityriasis rosea (PR) is characterized by oval scaly, erythematous lesions on the trunk and extremities, sparing the face, scalp, palms, and soles, said Dr. Browning, a pediatric dermatologist who is chief of dermatology at the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio, Texas. The hallmark sign is a so-called herald patch, an oval, slightly scaly patch with a pale center, which usually appears on the trunk and remains isolated for about 2 weeks before the generalized papulosquamous eruption begins. This typically lasts for about 45 days but can range from 2 weeks to 5 months.

CDC/Wikimedia Commons/Public domain

“The herald patch is often mistaken for tinea corporis,” Dr. Browning said. “With the wide variability of over-the-counter antifungals, often these patients have used a topical antifungal agent on their own, or they’ve seen a primary care physician who’s prescribed one, and they’re not seeing an improvement.” Atypical cases also occur, often involving oral lesions.

Symptoms of PR may include malaise, nausea, loss of appetite, headache, difficulty concentrating, irritability, gastrointestinal upset, upper respiratory symptoms, joint pain, lymph node swelling, sore throat, and low-grade fever. Pruritus is variable, both in frequency and in intensity, and can be exacerbated by topical medications. Some studies have found a higher female-to-male ratio, while other studies have shown no such association.

“Only 6% of PR cases have been reported in children under 10 years of age,” Dr. Browning said. “PR in dark-skinned children tends to have more facial involvement and a scaly appearance, compared with lighter-skinned children.”

Human herpesvirus (HHV) 6 and HHV 7, members of the Roseolovirus genus of HHVs, have been implicated in triggering PR. These viruses cause a primary infection and can establish latent infection with reactivation if altered immunity develops.

“That’s probably why we don’t see PR in younger children, because that’s when the primary infection is happening,” Dr. Browning said. “These viruses are commonly acquired during childhood, with adult seroprevalence in the range of 80%-90%. Latency occurs in monocytes, bone marrow progenitor cells, in salivary glands, the brain, and in the kidneys, so it’s pretty widespread.”

He added that controversy exists as to whether HHV 6 and 7 cause PR, because older diagnostic methods only detected the presence of HHV DNA, rather than viral load. “HHV reactivation, rather than primary infection, is more likely the cause of PR as supported by sporadic occurrence of PR, reduced contagiousness, age of PR onset, possible relapse during a limited span of time, and frequent occurrence after stress or immunosuppressive states such as pregnancy,” Dr. Browning said.

Classical presentations of PR are not clinically worrisome, but atypical cases could indicate other triggers, such as drug-induced PR. “This is typically more itchy, can have mucous membrane involvement, and you’re not going to see the herald patch,” he said. “It’s more likely to be confluent with no prodromal symptoms.” Agents that have been implicated in drug-induced PR include isotretinoin, terbinafine, and adalimumab.

Other conditions that can trigger PR include secondary syphilis (characterized by involvement of the palms and soles, lymphadenopathy, and greater lesional infiltration); seborrheic dermatitis (characterized by greater involvement of the scalp and other hairy parts of the body); nummular eczema (more pruritic); and pityriasis lichenoides chronica, which involves more chronic and relapsing lesions. Histology of PR reveals focal parakeratosis in the epidermis in mounds with exocytosis of lymphocytes, variable spongiosis, mild acanthosis, and a thinned granular layer.

Dr. Browning noted that PR is more common in pregnancy. One study of 38 pregnant women with PR found that 13% miscarried before 16 weeks, compared with a normal miscarriage rate of 10% (J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008 May; 58[5 Suppl 1]:S78-83). “Neonatal hypotonia, weal motility, and hyporeactivity have been reported,” he said. “And with immunocompromised patients, you might see a longer, protracted course of PR.”

Although no treatment is recommended for classical cases of PR, Dr. Browning said that topical steroids “are widely employed because we all want to do something, especially if there’s some pruritus.” According to a position statement on the management of patients with PR, erythromycin has been reported to shorten the duration of rash and pruritus, but it can cause gastrointestinal disturbance (J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2016 Oct;30[10]:1670-81). Acyclovir has been reported to hasten clearance of PR in one placebo-controlled study, but PR has also been reported in another patient taking low doses of acyclovir. Phototherapy has also been found to be beneficial.

Dr. Browning reported having no financial disclosures.

 

[email protected]

 

CHICAGO – Pityriasis rosea was recognized as early as 1798, yet its precise cause remains elusive.

“We still don’t have a lot of information on it, because it’s self limited and it resolves,” John C. Browning, MD, said at the World Congress of Pediatric Dermatology. “There hasn’t been quite as much of a burning push for research into pityriasis rosea as there has been for pityriasis rubra pilaris, for instance.”

Classic pityriasis rosea (PR) is characterized by oval scaly, erythematous lesions on the trunk and extremities, sparing the face, scalp, palms, and soles, said Dr. Browning, a pediatric dermatologist who is chief of dermatology at the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio, Texas. The hallmark sign is a so-called herald patch, an oval, slightly scaly patch with a pale center, which usually appears on the trunk and remains isolated for about 2 weeks before the generalized papulosquamous eruption begins. This typically lasts for about 45 days but can range from 2 weeks to 5 months.

CDC/Wikimedia Commons/Public domain

“The herald patch is often mistaken for tinea corporis,” Dr. Browning said. “With the wide variability of over-the-counter antifungals, often these patients have used a topical antifungal agent on their own, or they’ve seen a primary care physician who’s prescribed one, and they’re not seeing an improvement.” Atypical cases also occur, often involving oral lesions.

Symptoms of PR may include malaise, nausea, loss of appetite, headache, difficulty concentrating, irritability, gastrointestinal upset, upper respiratory symptoms, joint pain, lymph node swelling, sore throat, and low-grade fever. Pruritus is variable, both in frequency and in intensity, and can be exacerbated by topical medications. Some studies have found a higher female-to-male ratio, while other studies have shown no such association.

“Only 6% of PR cases have been reported in children under 10 years of age,” Dr. Browning said. “PR in dark-skinned children tends to have more facial involvement and a scaly appearance, compared with lighter-skinned children.”

Human herpesvirus (HHV) 6 and HHV 7, members of the Roseolovirus genus of HHVs, have been implicated in triggering PR. These viruses cause a primary infection and can establish latent infection with reactivation if altered immunity develops.

“That’s probably why we don’t see PR in younger children, because that’s when the primary infection is happening,” Dr. Browning said. “These viruses are commonly acquired during childhood, with adult seroprevalence in the range of 80%-90%. Latency occurs in monocytes, bone marrow progenitor cells, in salivary glands, the brain, and in the kidneys, so it’s pretty widespread.”

He added that controversy exists as to whether HHV 6 and 7 cause PR, because older diagnostic methods only detected the presence of HHV DNA, rather than viral load. “HHV reactivation, rather than primary infection, is more likely the cause of PR as supported by sporadic occurrence of PR, reduced contagiousness, age of PR onset, possible relapse during a limited span of time, and frequent occurrence after stress or immunosuppressive states such as pregnancy,” Dr. Browning said.

Classical presentations of PR are not clinically worrisome, but atypical cases could indicate other triggers, such as drug-induced PR. “This is typically more itchy, can have mucous membrane involvement, and you’re not going to see the herald patch,” he said. “It’s more likely to be confluent with no prodromal symptoms.” Agents that have been implicated in drug-induced PR include isotretinoin, terbinafine, and adalimumab.

Other conditions that can trigger PR include secondary syphilis (characterized by involvement of the palms and soles, lymphadenopathy, and greater lesional infiltration); seborrheic dermatitis (characterized by greater involvement of the scalp and other hairy parts of the body); nummular eczema (more pruritic); and pityriasis lichenoides chronica, which involves more chronic and relapsing lesions. Histology of PR reveals focal parakeratosis in the epidermis in mounds with exocytosis of lymphocytes, variable spongiosis, mild acanthosis, and a thinned granular layer.

Dr. Browning noted that PR is more common in pregnancy. One study of 38 pregnant women with PR found that 13% miscarried before 16 weeks, compared with a normal miscarriage rate of 10% (J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008 May; 58[5 Suppl 1]:S78-83). “Neonatal hypotonia, weal motility, and hyporeactivity have been reported,” he said. “And with immunocompromised patients, you might see a longer, protracted course of PR.”

Although no treatment is recommended for classical cases of PR, Dr. Browning said that topical steroids “are widely employed because we all want to do something, especially if there’s some pruritus.” According to a position statement on the management of patients with PR, erythromycin has been reported to shorten the duration of rash and pruritus, but it can cause gastrointestinal disturbance (J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2016 Oct;30[10]:1670-81). Acyclovir has been reported to hasten clearance of PR in one placebo-controlled study, but PR has also been reported in another patient taking low doses of acyclovir. Phototherapy has also been found to be beneficial.

Dr. Browning reported having no financial disclosures.

 

[email protected]

 

CHICAGO – Pityriasis rosea was recognized as early as 1798, yet its precise cause remains elusive.

“We still don’t have a lot of information on it, because it’s self limited and it resolves,” John C. Browning, MD, said at the World Congress of Pediatric Dermatology. “There hasn’t been quite as much of a burning push for research into pityriasis rosea as there has been for pityriasis rubra pilaris, for instance.”

Classic pityriasis rosea (PR) is characterized by oval scaly, erythematous lesions on the trunk and extremities, sparing the face, scalp, palms, and soles, said Dr. Browning, a pediatric dermatologist who is chief of dermatology at the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio, Texas. The hallmark sign is a so-called herald patch, an oval, slightly scaly patch with a pale center, which usually appears on the trunk and remains isolated for about 2 weeks before the generalized papulosquamous eruption begins. This typically lasts for about 45 days but can range from 2 weeks to 5 months.

CDC/Wikimedia Commons/Public domain

“The herald patch is often mistaken for tinea corporis,” Dr. Browning said. “With the wide variability of over-the-counter antifungals, often these patients have used a topical antifungal agent on their own, or they’ve seen a primary care physician who’s prescribed one, and they’re not seeing an improvement.” Atypical cases also occur, often involving oral lesions.

Symptoms of PR may include malaise, nausea, loss of appetite, headache, difficulty concentrating, irritability, gastrointestinal upset, upper respiratory symptoms, joint pain, lymph node swelling, sore throat, and low-grade fever. Pruritus is variable, both in frequency and in intensity, and can be exacerbated by topical medications. Some studies have found a higher female-to-male ratio, while other studies have shown no such association.

“Only 6% of PR cases have been reported in children under 10 years of age,” Dr. Browning said. “PR in dark-skinned children tends to have more facial involvement and a scaly appearance, compared with lighter-skinned children.”

Human herpesvirus (HHV) 6 and HHV 7, members of the Roseolovirus genus of HHVs, have been implicated in triggering PR. These viruses cause a primary infection and can establish latent infection with reactivation if altered immunity develops.

“That’s probably why we don’t see PR in younger children, because that’s when the primary infection is happening,” Dr. Browning said. “These viruses are commonly acquired during childhood, with adult seroprevalence in the range of 80%-90%. Latency occurs in monocytes, bone marrow progenitor cells, in salivary glands, the brain, and in the kidneys, so it’s pretty widespread.”

He added that controversy exists as to whether HHV 6 and 7 cause PR, because older diagnostic methods only detected the presence of HHV DNA, rather than viral load. “HHV reactivation, rather than primary infection, is more likely the cause of PR as supported by sporadic occurrence of PR, reduced contagiousness, age of PR onset, possible relapse during a limited span of time, and frequent occurrence after stress or immunosuppressive states such as pregnancy,” Dr. Browning said.

Classical presentations of PR are not clinically worrisome, but atypical cases could indicate other triggers, such as drug-induced PR. “This is typically more itchy, can have mucous membrane involvement, and you’re not going to see the herald patch,” he said. “It’s more likely to be confluent with no prodromal symptoms.” Agents that have been implicated in drug-induced PR include isotretinoin, terbinafine, and adalimumab.

Other conditions that can trigger PR include secondary syphilis (characterized by involvement of the palms and soles, lymphadenopathy, and greater lesional infiltration); seborrheic dermatitis (characterized by greater involvement of the scalp and other hairy parts of the body); nummular eczema (more pruritic); and pityriasis lichenoides chronica, which involves more chronic and relapsing lesions. Histology of PR reveals focal parakeratosis in the epidermis in mounds with exocytosis of lymphocytes, variable spongiosis, mild acanthosis, and a thinned granular layer.

Dr. Browning noted that PR is more common in pregnancy. One study of 38 pregnant women with PR found that 13% miscarried before 16 weeks, compared with a normal miscarriage rate of 10% (J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008 May; 58[5 Suppl 1]:S78-83). “Neonatal hypotonia, weal motility, and hyporeactivity have been reported,” he said. “And with immunocompromised patients, you might see a longer, protracted course of PR.”

Although no treatment is recommended for classical cases of PR, Dr. Browning said that topical steroids “are widely employed because we all want to do something, especially if there’s some pruritus.” According to a position statement on the management of patients with PR, erythromycin has been reported to shorten the duration of rash and pruritus, but it can cause gastrointestinal disturbance (J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2016 Oct;30[10]:1670-81). Acyclovir has been reported to hasten clearance of PR in one placebo-controlled study, but PR has also been reported in another patient taking low doses of acyclovir. Phototherapy has also been found to be beneficial.

Dr. Browning reported having no financial disclosures.

 

[email protected]

BOSTON—A multidisciplinary approach is the best way to provide care for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), said Michael D. Weiss, MD, Professor of Neurology at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle. Providing access to speech therapists, mental health specialists, dieticians, and pharmacists can promote survival in patients with ALS. In an overview presented at the 69th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology, Dr. Weiss discussed the utility of multidisciplinary care and addressed symptom management, palliative care, and hospice care.

Prognosis and Multidisciplinary Care

ALS is a rare degenerative disorder of motor neurons of the cerebral cortex, brainstem, and spinal cord that results in progressive wasting and paralysis of voluntary muscles. The median age of onset is 55, and the disease has a slight male predominance. Fifty percent of patients with ALS die within three years of symptoms onset; 90% of patients die within five years. Patients with bulbar-onset ALS are more likely to die sooner. Riluzole is the only FDA-approved disease-modifying therapy for patients with ALS. Studies have indicated that this drug extends median survival by two to three months.

In addition, data suggest that multidisciplinary care improves quality of life and survival in patients with ALS. Traynor et al found that survival increased by 7.5 months among all patients in multidisciplinary clinics; patients with bulbar onset lived 9.5 months longer.

Managing Muscle Cramps

Recent studies suggest that muscle cramps occur in 85% of patients with ALS. Cramps can vary in severity and can be debilitating, said Dr. Weiss. Some patients can have as many as 50 cramps per day. Few efficacious treatments for managing this symptom of ALS are available. A recent trial showed that patients who received either 300 mg or 900 mg of mexiletine experienced significant declines in cramping.

Spasticity

It is common for patients with ALS to develop spasticity. Several therapies that may reduce spasticity include baclofen, tizanidine, diazepam, and botulinum toxin injections. The baclofen pump might be more helpful than these therapies for patients who have upper motor neuron dominance.

Sialorrhea

Sialorrhea occurs when patients are unable to clear extra saliva due to weakness in the oropharyngeal muscles. Doses of 600 mg to 1,200 mg of guaifenesin twice per day may be beneficial in managing sialorrhea. Other drying agents such as atropine drops and glycopyrrolate may also be efficacious. These drying agents may cause urinary retention in older patients, Dr. Weiss cautioned.

Amitriptyline can also help manage sialorrhea. It also improves sleep and reduces depression. Hyoscyamine, the transdermal scopolamine patch, and botulinum toxin injections into the submandibular glands may also be beneficial for patients. A suction machine or a mechanical in-exsufflator can also help manage this symptom of ALS.

Emotional Incontinence and Depression

Pseudobulbar affect, also known as emotional incontinence, affects as much as 50% of patients with ALS and is more common in bulbar ALS. This condition causes patients to have uncontrollable episodes of laughing and crying that are inconsistent with the patients’ mood. A randomized controlled trial found that dextromethorphan–quinidine was beneficial in managing these emotional symptoms. Other treatments include tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Reactive clinical depression occurs in 9% to 11% of patients with ALS. Once the ALS diagnosis is confirmed, patients should be counseled about their prognosis; their spouses and family members should also be offered counseling. Antidepressants such as tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors should be offered to all patients. These drugs may help to elevate mood, stimulate appetite, and improve sleep.

Respiratory Insufficiency and Falls

Respiratory insufficiency is one of the leading causes of death among patients with ALS. Patients with this condition may have morning headaches, vivid dreams and nightmares, frequent nocturnal arousals, fatigue, excessive daytime somnolence, and dyspnea on exertion. The American Academy of Neurology recommends that patients start noninvasive ventilation if their sniff nasal pressure is less than 40 cm, their maximal inspiratory pressure is less than –60 cm, or their forced vital capacity is less than 50%.

Bourke et al found that noninvasive ventilation was associated with improvement in quality of life and survival in patients with ALS. The median survival was increased by 205 days, and quality of life was maintained above 75% of baseline on the sleep apnea quality of life index score. In addition, patients who have a peak cough expiratory flow of less than 270 L/min should be offered a mechanical in-exsufflator suction device. If the patient does not tolerate noninvasive ventilation, then palliative medicine and hospice may be appropriate, said Dr. Weiss.

Evidence suggests that 2% of patients with ALS die from fall-related complications. Risk factors for falls in ALS include muscle weakness, deficits in gait or balance, and cognitive impairment. Assistive devices, wheelchairs, and physical therapy can help prevent falls. Some patients may need a brace to help stabilize their gait.

 

Managing Frontotemporal Dementia

Research suggests that 10% of patients with ALS develop frontotemporal dementia. Nearly 50% of these patients demonstrate behavioral changes such as apathy, disinhibition, and hostility. In addition, the incidence of frontotemporal dementia is higher in patients with familial ALS. The treatment of frontotemporal dementia remains symptomatic.

Observational studies have indicated that antidepressant medications, particularly serotonin reuptake inhibitors like sertraline, paroxetine, and trazadone, decrease disinhibition, anxiety, repetitive behaviors, and impulsivity. Although antipsychotic medications like quetiapine or olanzapine can limit agitation, they must be used cautiously, as they can cause extrapyramidal side effects. In addition, behavioral modification may also be helpful for problematic behavior. Finally, these patients require close supervision at all times to maintain their safety.

Dysphagia and Malnourishment

Between 16% and 55% of patients with ALS become malnourished because of dysphagia. This condition is characterized by difficulty with chewing and swallowing, nasal regurgitation, or coughing when drinking liquids. Nutritional status must be monitored every three months in patients with ALS, said Dr. Weiss. In addition, their BMI must be calculated and their weight measured. Paganoni et al found that the risk of death increased sevenfold in patients with ALS who had a BMI less than 18.5. Patients with ALS also need to be queried about the severity of choking, duration of meals, and caloric intake. A speech therapist should evaluate patients at every visit. Dietary changes might also be necessary and may include thickening liquids and preparing food that forms easily into a bolus.

As this disease progresses, patients may need a percutaneous gastrostomy (PEG) tube. According to the American Academy of Neurology practice guidelines, it is time to discuss PEG placement when a patient with ALS starts to lose weight. When a patient’s forced vital capacity is over 50%, the procedure can be done safely. When it is less than 50%, the procedure entails an increased risk of complications, including death.

Managing Dysarthria and Hospice

More than 95% of patients with ALS lose their ability to speak before they die. This condition, known as dysarthria, is difficult to treat. Almost all patients with bulbar-onset ALS and nearly 70% of patients with spinal-onset ALS develop dysarthria. Alternative augmentative communication devices and speech pathologists can be helpful. The Speakit application is a free speech-generating device available for the iPad, and a DynaVox device is a more costly augmentative and alternative communication tool. These devices help patients to communicate their needs and to stay connected to others.

As ALS advances, patients might require palliative medicine or hospice care. Before a patient reaches advanced stages of the disease, he or she should fill out a directive and Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment form, said Dr. Weiss. Patients must meet one of two criteria to receive Medicare reimbursement for hospice care. The first is a forced vital capacity of less than 30% with dyspnea at rest. The second is rapid progression of the disease with life-threatening complications (eg, infections) over 12 months or severe nutritional impairment over 12 months. Treatments for terminal dyspnea include morphine sulfate, oxygen, lorazepam, and chlorpromazine. These medications may depress respiratory drive, however, said Dr. Weiss.

Current Research and Recently Completed Trials

Smith et al found that dextromethorphan–quinidine may improve bulbar function. In addition, recent studies have found that diaphragmatic pacing, an FDA-approved technique, shortened the survival of patients with ALS by one year. An interanalysis found that patients using the diaphragmatic pacer died prematurely, compared with patients who had sham surgery in which electrodes were not implanted. Several phase II studies have suggested that tirasemtiv is substantially beneficial in decelerating slow vital capacity. Finally, a 24-week randomized controlled trial found that edaravone improved function in patients with definite or probable ALS. Edaravone was FDA-approved in May 2017.

—Erica Tricarico

Suggested Reading

Miller RG, Mitchell JD, Moore DH. Riluzole for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/motor neuron disease (MND). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012;(3):CD001447.

Miller RG, Jackson CE, Kasarskis EJ, et al. Practice parameter update: the care of the patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: drug, nutritional, and respiratory therapies (an evidence-based review): report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology. 2009;73(15):1218-1226.

Paganoni S, Deng J, Jaffa M, et al. Body mass index, not dyslipidemia, is an independent predictor of survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Muscle Nerve. 2011;44(1):20-24.

Shefner JM, Wolff AA, Meng L, et al. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind phase IIb trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of tirasemtiv in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener. 2016;17(5-6):426-435.

Smith R, Pioro E, Myers K, et al. Enhanced bulbar function in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: The nuedexta treatment trial. Neurotherapeutics. 2017 Jan 9 [Epub ahead of print].

Traynor BJ, Alexander M, Corr B, et al. Effect of multidisciplinary amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) clinic on ALS survival: a population based study, 1996-2000. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2003;74(9):1258-1261.

Weiss MD, Macklin EA, Simmons Z, et al. A randomized trial of mexiletine in ALS: Safety and effects on muscle cramps and progression. Neurology. 2016;86(16):1474-1481.

BOSTON—A multidisciplinary approach is the best way to provide care for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), said Michael D. Weiss, MD, Professor of Neurology at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle. Providing access to speech therapists, mental health specialists, dieticians, and pharmacists can promote survival in patients with ALS. In an overview presented at the 69th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology, Dr. Weiss discussed the utility of multidisciplinary care and addressed symptom management, palliative care, and hospice care.

Prognosis and Multidisciplinary Care

ALS is a rare degenerative disorder of motor neurons of the cerebral cortex, brainstem, and spinal cord that results in progressive wasting and paralysis of voluntary muscles. The median age of onset is 55, and the disease has a slight male predominance. Fifty percent of patients with ALS die within three years of symptoms onset; 90% of patients die within five years. Patients with bulbar-onset ALS are more likely to die sooner. Riluzole is the only FDA-approved disease-modifying therapy for patients with ALS. Studies have indicated that this drug extends median survival by two to three months.

In addition, data suggest that multidisciplinary care improves quality of life and survival in patients with ALS. Traynor et al found that survival increased by 7.5 months among all patients in multidisciplinary clinics; patients with bulbar onset lived 9.5 months longer.

Managing Muscle Cramps

Recent studies suggest that muscle cramps occur in 85% of patients with ALS. Cramps can vary in severity and can be debilitating, said Dr. Weiss. Some patients can have as many as 50 cramps per day. Few efficacious treatments for managing this symptom of ALS are available. A recent trial showed that patients who received either 300 mg or 900 mg of mexiletine experienced significant declines in cramping.

Spasticity

It is common for patients with ALS to develop spasticity. Several therapies that may reduce spasticity include baclofen, tizanidine, diazepam, and botulinum toxin injections. The baclofen pump might be more helpful than these therapies for patients who have upper motor neuron dominance.

Sialorrhea

Sialorrhea occurs when patients are unable to clear extra saliva due to weakness in the oropharyngeal muscles. Doses of 600 mg to 1,200 mg of guaifenesin twice per day may be beneficial in managing sialorrhea. Other drying agents such as atropine drops and glycopyrrolate may also be efficacious. These drying agents may cause urinary retention in older patients, Dr. Weiss cautioned.

Amitriptyline can also help manage sialorrhea. It also improves sleep and reduces depression. Hyoscyamine, the transdermal scopolamine patch, and botulinum toxin injections into the submandibular glands may also be beneficial for patients. A suction machine or a mechanical in-exsufflator can also help manage this symptom of ALS.

Emotional Incontinence and Depression

Pseudobulbar affect, also known as emotional incontinence, affects as much as 50% of patients with ALS and is more common in bulbar ALS. This condition causes patients to have uncontrollable episodes of laughing and crying that are inconsistent with the patients’ mood. A randomized controlled trial found that dextromethorphan–quinidine was beneficial in managing these emotional symptoms. Other treatments include tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Reactive clinical depression occurs in 9% to 11% of patients with ALS. Once the ALS diagnosis is confirmed, patients should be counseled about their prognosis; their spouses and family members should also be offered counseling. Antidepressants such as tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors should be offered to all patients. These drugs may help to elevate mood, stimulate appetite, and improve sleep.

Respiratory Insufficiency and Falls

Respiratory insufficiency is one of the leading causes of death among patients with ALS. Patients with this condition may have morning headaches, vivid dreams and nightmares, frequent nocturnal arousals, fatigue, excessive daytime somnolence, and dyspnea on exertion. The American Academy of Neurology recommends that patients start noninvasive ventilation if their sniff nasal pressure is less than 40 cm, their maximal inspiratory pressure is less than –60 cm, or their forced vital capacity is less than 50%.

Bourke et al found that noninvasive ventilation was associated with improvement in quality of life and survival in patients with ALS. The median survival was increased by 205 days, and quality of life was maintained above 75% of baseline on the sleep apnea quality of life index score. In addition, patients who have a peak cough expiratory flow of less than 270 L/min should be offered a mechanical in-exsufflator suction device. If the patient does not tolerate noninvasive ventilation, then palliative medicine and hospice may be appropriate, said Dr. Weiss.

Evidence suggests that 2% of patients with ALS die from fall-related complications. Risk factors for falls in ALS include muscle weakness, deficits in gait or balance, and cognitive impairment. Assistive devices, wheelchairs, and physical therapy can help prevent falls. Some patients may need a brace to help stabilize their gait.

 

Managing Frontotemporal Dementia

Research suggests that 10% of patients with ALS develop frontotemporal dementia. Nearly 50% of these patients demonstrate behavioral changes such as apathy, disinhibition, and hostility. In addition, the incidence of frontotemporal dementia is higher in patients with familial ALS. The treatment of frontotemporal dementia remains symptomatic.

Observational studies have indicated that antidepressant medications, particularly serotonin reuptake inhibitors like sertraline, paroxetine, and trazadone, decrease disinhibition, anxiety, repetitive behaviors, and impulsivity. Although antipsychotic medications like quetiapine or olanzapine can limit agitation, they must be used cautiously, as they can cause extrapyramidal side effects. In addition, behavioral modification may also be helpful for problematic behavior. Finally, these patients require close supervision at all times to maintain their safety.

Dysphagia and Malnourishment

Between 16% and 55% of patients with ALS become malnourished because of dysphagia. This condition is characterized by difficulty with chewing and swallowing, nasal regurgitation, or coughing when drinking liquids. Nutritional status must be monitored every three months in patients with ALS, said Dr. Weiss. In addition, their BMI must be calculated and their weight measured. Paganoni et al found that the risk of death increased sevenfold in patients with ALS who had a BMI less than 18.5. Patients with ALS also need to be queried about the severity of choking, duration of meals, and caloric intake. A speech therapist should evaluate patients at every visit. Dietary changes might also be necessary and may include thickening liquids and preparing food that forms easily into a bolus.

As this disease progresses, patients may need a percutaneous gastrostomy (PEG) tube. According to the American Academy of Neurology practice guidelines, it is time to discuss PEG placement when a patient with ALS starts to lose weight. When a patient’s forced vital capacity is over 50%, the procedure can be done safely. When it is less than 50%, the procedure entails an increased risk of complications, including death.

Managing Dysarthria and Hospice

More than 95% of patients with ALS lose their ability to speak before they die. This condition, known as dysarthria, is difficult to treat. Almost all patients with bulbar-onset ALS and nearly 70% of patients with spinal-onset ALS develop dysarthria. Alternative augmentative communication devices and speech pathologists can be helpful. The Speakit application is a free speech-generating device available for the iPad, and a DynaVox device is a more costly augmentative and alternative communication tool. These devices help patients to communicate their needs and to stay connected to others.

As ALS advances, patients might require palliative medicine or hospice care. Before a patient reaches advanced stages of the disease, he or she should fill out a directive and Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment form, said Dr. Weiss. Patients must meet one of two criteria to receive Medicare reimbursement for hospice care. The first is a forced vital capacity of less than 30% with dyspnea at rest. The second is rapid progression of the disease with life-threatening complications (eg, infections) over 12 months or severe nutritional impairment over 12 months. Treatments for terminal dyspnea include morphine sulfate, oxygen, lorazepam, and chlorpromazine. These medications may depress respiratory drive, however, said Dr. Weiss.

Current Research and Recently Completed Trials

Smith et al found that dextromethorphan–quinidine may improve bulbar function. In addition, recent studies have found that diaphragmatic pacing, an FDA-approved technique, shortened the survival of patients with ALS by one year. An interanalysis found that patients using the diaphragmatic pacer died prematurely, compared with patients who had sham surgery in which electrodes were not implanted. Several phase II studies have suggested that tirasemtiv is substantially beneficial in decelerating slow vital capacity. Finally, a 24-week randomized controlled trial found that edaravone improved function in patients with definite or probable ALS. Edaravone was FDA-approved in May 2017.

—Erica Tricarico

Suggested Reading

Miller RG, Mitchell JD, Moore DH. Riluzole for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/motor neuron disease (MND). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012;(3):CD001447.

Miller RG, Jackson CE, Kasarskis EJ, et al. Practice parameter update: the care of the patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: drug, nutritional, and respiratory therapies (an evidence-based review): report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology. 2009;73(15):1218-1226.

Paganoni S, Deng J, Jaffa M, et al. Body mass index, not dyslipidemia, is an independent predictor of survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Muscle Nerve. 2011;44(1):20-24.

Shefner JM, Wolff AA, Meng L, et al. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind phase IIb trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of tirasemtiv in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener. 2016;17(5-6):426-435.

Smith R, Pioro E, Myers K, et al. Enhanced bulbar function in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: The nuedexta treatment trial. Neurotherapeutics. 2017 Jan 9 [Epub ahead of print].

Traynor BJ, Alexander M, Corr B, et al. Effect of multidisciplinary amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) clinic on ALS survival: a population based study, 1996-2000. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2003;74(9):1258-1261.

Weiss MD, Macklin EA, Simmons Z, et al. A randomized trial of mexiletine in ALS: Safety and effects on muscle cramps and progression. Neurology. 2016;86(16):1474-1481.

BOSTON—A multidisciplinary approach is the best way to provide care for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), said Michael D. Weiss, MD, Professor of Neurology at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle. Providing access to speech therapists, mental health specialists, dieticians, and pharmacists can promote survival in patients with ALS. In an overview presented at the 69th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology, Dr. Weiss discussed the utility of multidisciplinary care and addressed symptom management, palliative care, and hospice care.

Prognosis and Multidisciplinary Care

ALS is a rare degenerative disorder of motor neurons of the cerebral cortex, brainstem, and spinal cord that results in progressive wasting and paralysis of voluntary muscles. The median age of onset is 55, and the disease has a slight male predominance. Fifty percent of patients with ALS die within three years of symptoms onset; 90% of patients die within five years. Patients with bulbar-onset ALS are more likely to die sooner. Riluzole is the only FDA-approved disease-modifying therapy for patients with ALS. Studies have indicated that this drug extends median survival by two to three months.

In addition, data suggest that multidisciplinary care improves quality of life and survival in patients with ALS. Traynor et al found that survival increased by 7.5 months among all patients in multidisciplinary clinics; patients with bulbar onset lived 9.5 months longer.

Managing Muscle Cramps

Recent studies suggest that muscle cramps occur in 85% of patients with ALS. Cramps can vary in severity and can be debilitating, said Dr. Weiss. Some patients can have as many as 50 cramps per day. Few efficacious treatments for managing this symptom of ALS are available. A recent trial showed that patients who received either 300 mg or 900 mg of mexiletine experienced significant declines in cramping.

Spasticity

It is common for patients with ALS to develop spasticity. Several therapies that may reduce spasticity include baclofen, tizanidine, diazepam, and botulinum toxin injections. The baclofen pump might be more helpful than these therapies for patients who have upper motor neuron dominance.

Sialorrhea

Sialorrhea occurs when patients are unable to clear extra saliva due to weakness in the oropharyngeal muscles. Doses of 600 mg to 1,200 mg of guaifenesin twice per day may be beneficial in managing sialorrhea. Other drying agents such as atropine drops and glycopyrrolate may also be efficacious. These drying agents may cause urinary retention in older patients, Dr. Weiss cautioned.

Amitriptyline can also help manage sialorrhea. It also improves sleep and reduces depression. Hyoscyamine, the transdermal scopolamine patch, and botulinum toxin injections into the submandibular glands may also be beneficial for patients. A suction machine or a mechanical in-exsufflator can also help manage this symptom of ALS.

Emotional Incontinence and Depression

Pseudobulbar affect, also known as emotional incontinence, affects as much as 50% of patients with ALS and is more common in bulbar ALS. This condition causes patients to have uncontrollable episodes of laughing and crying that are inconsistent with the patients’ mood. A randomized controlled trial found that dextromethorphan–quinidine was beneficial in managing these emotional symptoms. Other treatments include tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Reactive clinical depression occurs in 9% to 11% of patients with ALS. Once the ALS diagnosis is confirmed, patients should be counseled about their prognosis; their spouses and family members should also be offered counseling. Antidepressants such as tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors should be offered to all patients. These drugs may help to elevate mood, stimulate appetite, and improve sleep.

Respiratory Insufficiency and Falls

Respiratory insufficiency is one of the leading causes of death among patients with ALS. Patients with this condition may have morning headaches, vivid dreams and nightmares, frequent nocturnal arousals, fatigue, excessive daytime somnolence, and dyspnea on exertion. The American Academy of Neurology recommends that patients start noninvasive ventilation if their sniff nasal pressure is less than 40 cm, their maximal inspiratory pressure is less than –60 cm, or their forced vital capacity is less than 50%.

Bourke et al found that noninvasive ventilation was associated with improvement in quality of life and survival in patients with ALS. The median survival was increased by 205 days, and quality of life was maintained above 75% of baseline on the sleep apnea quality of life index score. In addition, patients who have a peak cough expiratory flow of less than 270 L/min should be offered a mechanical in-exsufflator suction device. If the patient does not tolerate noninvasive ventilation, then palliative medicine and hospice may be appropriate, said Dr. Weiss.

Evidence suggests that 2% of patients with ALS die from fall-related complications. Risk factors for falls in ALS include muscle weakness, deficits in gait or balance, and cognitive impairment. Assistive devices, wheelchairs, and physical therapy can help prevent falls. Some patients may need a brace to help stabilize their gait.

 

Managing Frontotemporal Dementia

Research suggests that 10% of patients with ALS develop frontotemporal dementia. Nearly 50% of these patients demonstrate behavioral changes such as apathy, disinhibition, and hostility. In addition, the incidence of frontotemporal dementia is higher in patients with familial ALS. The treatment of frontotemporal dementia remains symptomatic.

Observational studies have indicated that antidepressant medications, particularly serotonin reuptake inhibitors like sertraline, paroxetine, and trazadone, decrease disinhibition, anxiety, repetitive behaviors, and impulsivity. Although antipsychotic medications like quetiapine or olanzapine can limit agitation, they must be used cautiously, as they can cause extrapyramidal side effects. In addition, behavioral modification may also be helpful for problematic behavior. Finally, these patients require close supervision at all times to maintain their safety.

Dysphagia and Malnourishment

Between 16% and 55% of patients with ALS become malnourished because of dysphagia. This condition is characterized by difficulty with chewing and swallowing, nasal regurgitation, or coughing when drinking liquids. Nutritional status must be monitored every three months in patients with ALS, said Dr. Weiss. In addition, their BMI must be calculated and their weight measured. Paganoni et al found that the risk of death increased sevenfold in patients with ALS who had a BMI less than 18.5. Patients with ALS also need to be queried about the severity of choking, duration of meals, and caloric intake. A speech therapist should evaluate patients at every visit. Dietary changes might also be necessary and may include thickening liquids and preparing food that forms easily into a bolus.

As this disease progresses, patients may need a percutaneous gastrostomy (PEG) tube. According to the American Academy of Neurology practice guidelines, it is time to discuss PEG placement when a patient with ALS starts to lose weight. When a patient’s forced vital capacity is over 50%, the procedure can be done safely. When it is less than 50%, the procedure entails an increased risk of complications, including death.

Managing Dysarthria and Hospice

More than 95% of patients with ALS lose their ability to speak before they die. This condition, known as dysarthria, is difficult to treat. Almost all patients with bulbar-onset ALS and nearly 70% of patients with spinal-onset ALS develop dysarthria. Alternative augmentative communication devices and speech pathologists can be helpful. The Speakit application is a free speech-generating device available for the iPad, and a DynaVox device is a more costly augmentative and alternative communication tool. These devices help patients to communicate their needs and to stay connected to others.

As ALS advances, patients might require palliative medicine or hospice care. Before a patient reaches advanced stages of the disease, he or she should fill out a directive and Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment form, said Dr. Weiss. Patients must meet one of two criteria to receive Medicare reimbursement for hospice care. The first is a forced vital capacity of less than 30% with dyspnea at rest. The second is rapid progression of the disease with life-threatening complications (eg, infections) over 12 months or severe nutritional impairment over 12 months. Treatments for terminal dyspnea include morphine sulfate, oxygen, lorazepam, and chlorpromazine. These medications may depress respiratory drive, however, said Dr. Weiss.

Current Research and Recently Completed Trials

Smith et al found that dextromethorphan–quinidine may improve bulbar function. In addition, recent studies have found that diaphragmatic pacing, an FDA-approved technique, shortened the survival of patients with ALS by one year. An interanalysis found that patients using the diaphragmatic pacer died prematurely, compared with patients who had sham surgery in which electrodes were not implanted. Several phase II studies have suggested that tirasemtiv is substantially beneficial in decelerating slow vital capacity. Finally, a 24-week randomized controlled trial found that edaravone improved function in patients with definite or probable ALS. Edaravone was FDA-approved in May 2017.

—Erica Tricarico

Suggested Reading

Miller RG, Mitchell JD, Moore DH. Riluzole for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/motor neuron disease (MND). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012;(3):CD001447.

Miller RG, Jackson CE, Kasarskis EJ, et al. Practice parameter update: the care of the patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: drug, nutritional, and respiratory therapies (an evidence-based review): report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology. 2009;73(15):1218-1226.

Paganoni S, Deng J, Jaffa M, et al. Body mass index, not dyslipidemia, is an independent predictor of survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Muscle Nerve. 2011;44(1):20-24.

Shefner JM, Wolff AA, Meng L, et al. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind phase IIb trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of tirasemtiv in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener. 2016;17(5-6):426-435.

Smith R, Pioro E, Myers K, et al. Enhanced bulbar function in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: The nuedexta treatment trial. Neurotherapeutics. 2017 Jan 9 [Epub ahead of print].

Traynor BJ, Alexander M, Corr B, et al. Effect of multidisciplinary amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) clinic on ALS survival: a population based study, 1996-2000. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2003;74(9):1258-1261.

Weiss MD, Macklin EA, Simmons Z, et al. A randomized trial of mexiletine in ALS: Safety and effects on muscle cramps and progression. Neurology. 2016;86(16):1474-1481.

 

Sunscreens sold by two major retailers in the United States in 2017 are more adherent to the American Academy of Dermatology recommendations for sun protection than in 2014, but approximately 35% still do not meet the AAD criteria, according to results of a new study.

The results are based on data from a review of 472 products, available for sale on-line, a follow-up to a 2014 study that examined the proportion of sunscreen products that met three AAD recommendations: a sun protection factor of 30 or higher, broad-spectrum coverage, and 40-80 minutes of water resistance. In the 2014 study, almost 35% of sunscreens sold at Walmart and 41% of sunscreens sold at Walgreens met all three recommendations (J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014;71[5]:1011-2).

mark wragg/iStockphoto.com

Ariel E. Eber of the University of Miami department of dermatology and cutaneous surgery and associates conducted the follow-up study to determine whether more products met the AAD criteria in 2017. They reviewed products listed on the websites of Walmart (251 products) and Walgreens (221 products) on Jan. 25, 2017.

Overall, about 65% of Walmart products and 73% of Walgreens products met all three recommendations, a significant increase from 2014 (P less than .01). When the products were broken down by recommendation, more than 90% in 2017 offered broad-spectrum coverage, and more than 75% offered 40-80 minutes of water resistance, representing significant increases from 2014(J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017 Aug;77[2]:377-9).

The proportion of products with SPF 30 or higher “remained stable, possibly because there were already many to begin with,” noted the authors, who found that 82% of the Walmart products and 86% of the Walgreens products had an SPF of at least 30.

Of the 31 products with tanning and bronzing on their primary display, however, only 6 met the three AAD criteria for sun protection; these findings were similar to the findings in 2014.

“Our study demonstrates that sunscreens available at major retailers more closely adhere to AAD guidelines in 2017 than in 2014, but there remains room for improvement,” they said, pointing out that almost 35% of products sold at Walmart, the largest U.S. retailer, did not meet all three recommendations and that “tanning and bronzing products continue to fail to meet AAD criteria.”

The researchers had no financial conflicts to disclose.

 

Sunscreens sold by two major retailers in the United States in 2017 are more adherent to the American Academy of Dermatology recommendations for sun protection than in 2014, but approximately 35% still do not meet the AAD criteria, according to results of a new study.

The results are based on data from a review of 472 products, available for sale on-line, a follow-up to a 2014 study that examined the proportion of sunscreen products that met three AAD recommendations: a sun protection factor of 30 or higher, broad-spectrum coverage, and 40-80 minutes of water resistance. In the 2014 study, almost 35% of sunscreens sold at Walmart and 41% of sunscreens sold at Walgreens met all three recommendations (J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014;71[5]:1011-2).

mark wragg/iStockphoto.com

Ariel E. Eber of the University of Miami department of dermatology and cutaneous surgery and associates conducted the follow-up study to determine whether more products met the AAD criteria in 2017. They reviewed products listed on the websites of Walmart (251 products) and Walgreens (221 products) on Jan. 25, 2017.

Overall, about 65% of Walmart products and 73% of Walgreens products met all three recommendations, a significant increase from 2014 (P less than .01). When the products were broken down by recommendation, more than 90% in 2017 offered broad-spectrum coverage, and more than 75% offered 40-80 minutes of water resistance, representing significant increases from 2014(J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017 Aug;77[2]:377-9).

The proportion of products with SPF 30 or higher “remained stable, possibly because there were already many to begin with,” noted the authors, who found that 82% of the Walmart products and 86% of the Walgreens products had an SPF of at least 30.

Of the 31 products with tanning and bronzing on their primary display, however, only 6 met the three AAD criteria for sun protection; these findings were similar to the findings in 2014.

“Our study demonstrates that sunscreens available at major retailers more closely adhere to AAD guidelines in 2017 than in 2014, but there remains room for improvement,” they said, pointing out that almost 35% of products sold at Walmart, the largest U.S. retailer, did not meet all three recommendations and that “tanning and bronzing products continue to fail to meet AAD criteria.”

The researchers had no financial conflicts to disclose.

 

Sunscreens sold by two major retailers in the United States in 2017 are more adherent to the American Academy of Dermatology recommendations for sun protection than in 2014, but approximately 35% still do not meet the AAD criteria, according to results of a new study.

The results are based on data from a review of 472 products, available for sale on-line, a follow-up to a 2014 study that examined the proportion of sunscreen products that met three AAD recommendations: a sun protection factor of 30 or higher, broad-spectrum coverage, and 40-80 minutes of water resistance. In the 2014 study, almost 35% of sunscreens sold at Walmart and 41% of sunscreens sold at Walgreens met all three recommendations (J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014;71[5]:1011-2).

mark wragg/iStockphoto.com

Ariel E. Eber of the University of Miami department of dermatology and cutaneous surgery and associates conducted the follow-up study to determine whether more products met the AAD criteria in 2017. They reviewed products listed on the websites of Walmart (251 products) and Walgreens (221 products) on Jan. 25, 2017.

Overall, about 65% of Walmart products and 73% of Walgreens products met all three recommendations, a significant increase from 2014 (P less than .01). When the products were broken down by recommendation, more than 90% in 2017 offered broad-spectrum coverage, and more than 75% offered 40-80 minutes of water resistance, representing significant increases from 2014(J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017 Aug;77[2]:377-9).

The proportion of products with SPF 30 or higher “remained stable, possibly because there were already many to begin with,” noted the authors, who found that 82% of the Walmart products and 86% of the Walgreens products had an SPF of at least 30.

Of the 31 products with tanning and bronzing on their primary display, however, only 6 met the three AAD criteria for sun protection; these findings were similar to the findings in 2014.

“Our study demonstrates that sunscreens available at major retailers more closely adhere to AAD guidelines in 2017 than in 2014, but there remains room for improvement,” they said, pointing out that almost 35% of products sold at Walmart, the largest U.S. retailer, did not meet all three recommendations and that “tanning and bronzing products continue to fail to meet AAD criteria.”

The researchers had no financial conflicts to disclose.

In 1931, Lindberg¹ described a cutaneous variant of polyarteritis nodosa, which lacked visceral involvement and possessed a more favorable prognosis.² Cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa (CPAN) is a localized small- to medium-vessel vasculitis restricted to the skin. Both benign and chronic courses have been described, and systemic involvement does not occur.³ Diagnostic criteria proposed by Nakamura et al³ in 2009 included cutaneous nodules, livedo reticularis, purpura, or ulcers; histopathologic fibrinoid necrotizing vasculitis of small- to medium-sized vessels; and exclusion of systemic symptoms (eg, fever, hypertension, weight loss, renal failure, cerebral hemorrhage, neuropathy, myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, pericarditis, pleuritis, arthralgia/myalgia). Nodules occur in 30% to 50% of cases and can remain for years if left untreated. Ulcerations occur in up to 30% of patients. Myositis, arthritis, and weakness also have been reported with this condition.⁴ Cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa has been associated with abnormal antibody testing with elevations of antiphospholipid cofactor antibody, lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibody, and anti-β₂-glycoprotein I–dependent cardiolipin antibody, as well as elevated anti–phosphatidylserine-prothrombin complex antibody.⁵ These antibodies suggest increased risk for thrombosis and systemic diseases such as lupus or other autoimmune connective tissue disease. The distinction of this entity from systemic polyartertitis nodosa is key when determining treatment options and monitoring parameters.

Case Report

A 66-year-old woman was referred to our facility by an outside dermatologist with a mildly pruritic, blanchable, reticulated erythema on the chest and bilateral arms and legs of 3 months’ duration consistent with livedo reticularis (Figure 1). Prior systemic therapy included prednisone 10 mg 3 times daily, fexofenadine, loratadine, and hydroxyzine. When the systemic steroid was tapered, the patient developed an asymptomatic flare of her eruption. On presentation, the lesions had waxed and waned, and the patient was taking only vitamin B₁₂ and vitamin C. Her medical history was notable for an unknown-type lymphoma of the chest wall diagnosed at 46 years of age that was treated with an unknown chemotherapeutic agent, chronic pancreatitis that resulted in a duodenectomy at 61 years of age, chronic cholecystitis, and 1 first-trimester miscarriage. Outside laboratory tests, including a comprehensive metabolic panel, complete blood cell count, urinalysis, renal function, and liver function tests were within reference range, except for the finding of mild leukocytosis (11,000/µL)(reference range, 3800–10,800/µL), which resolved after steroids were discontinued, with otherwise normal results. Punch biopsy of a specimen from the right thigh revealed medium-vessel vasculitis consistent with polyarteritis nodosa (Figure 2). Laboratory workup by our facility including hepatitis panel, perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody, cytoplasmic antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody, factor V Leiden, prothrombin time/international normalized ratio, anticardiolipin antibody, and proteins C and S were all within reference range. Abnormal values included a low positive but nondiagnostic antinuclear antibody screen with negative titers, and the lupus anticoagulant titer was mildly elevated at 44 IgG binding units (reference range, <40 IgG binding units). Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) and urine protein electrophoresis also were performed, and SPEP was low positive for elevated κ and γ light chains. The patient was referred to oncology, and further testing revealed no underlying malignancy. The patient was monitored and no treatment was initiated; her rash completely resolved within 3 months. Laboratory monitoring at 6 months including SPEP, urine protein electrophoresis, lupus anticoagulant, and clotting studies all were within reference range.

Comment

Although the treatment of systemic polyarteritis nodosa often is necessary and typically involves high-dose corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide, the treatment of CPAN initially is less aggressive. Of the options available for treatment of CPAN, each has associated risks and side effects. Chen⁶ classified CPAN into 3 groups: 1 (mild), 2 (severe with no systemic involvement), and 3 (severe with progression to systemic disease)(Table). The authors performed a review of all the published treatments and their respective side effects to evaluate if treatment should be instituted for asymptomatic (group 1) disease presenting with abnormal antibody findings as demonstrated in our case.

 

First-line treatment of CPAN includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and colchicine.⁷ Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are preferred; however, they also have been associated with gastrointestinal tract upset and increased risk for peptic ulcer disease with long-term use. Although colchicine often is used in conjunction with NSAIDS⁸ for its anti-inflammatory activity, no studies have been performed on this drug as monotherapy, and the side effect of diarrhea often limits its use.

Other therapies include dapsone, which should be monitored carefully due to the risk for dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome.^8,9 Topical corticosteroids have been proven effective for mild cases of confluent erythema with remission occurring as early as 4 weeks.⁴ Some reports emphasize the role of streptococcal infections in CPAN, especially in children.^8,10-12 Consequently it is recommended that anti–streptolysin O titers should be included in the workup for CPAN. Long-term penicillin prophylaxis and tonsillectomy have been used to prevent disease flares with limited success.^8,10-12

For more severe disease, especially with neuromuscular involvement, oral methylprednisolone up to 1 mg/kg daily has been used and has proven effective in the control of acute exacerbations.^7,13 However, the many adverse effects of systemic steroids limit their use long-term, and taper will often result in flare of disease.^4,7 Medications used in conjunction with steroids include hydroxychloroquine, dapsone, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, sulfapyridine, pentoxifylline, infliximab, etanercept, and intravenous immunoglobulin.^4,9,12-17

Low-dose methotrexate has shown some improvement in skin disease with CPAN, but other case reports suggest that complete remission is not achieved with this drug.^15,18 More studies are needed to assess the use of methotrexate for CPAN.

Immunomodulators have been used in multiple case reports with varying levels of success. Rogalski and Sticherling⁴ reported 3 cases that cleared with methylprednisolone plus azathioprine ranging from 4 weeks to 6 months; nausea limited tolerance of azathioprine in 1 case. Mycophenolate mofetil also was successfully used in 2 cases with clearance at 17 weeks and 6 months. In this series of cases, cyclosporine was ineffective for CPAN.⁴ Two case reports documented cutaneous clearance with cyclophosphamide in conjunction with prednisolone.^9,10 No prospective trials have been performed on these medications, and immunosuppressants should only be considered in steroid-resistant cases.

The use of intravenous immunoglobulin has been reported effective in prior cases that showed resistance to more conventional trials of steroids, azathioprine, and/or cyclophosphamide.^12,14 Intravenous immunoglobulin may be regarded as a treatment option for severe resistant disease. Several case reports also have documented success using tumor necrosis factor α blockers, particularly infliximab, as an adjunct to steroids and etanercept as both a steroid adjunct and monotherapy.^16,17,19 More studies are necessary to evaluate these treatments.

Additionally, single case reports have outlined the use of other therapeutic agents, including tamoxifen (10 mg twice daily increased to 20 mg twice daily during episodes of breakthrough lesions),²⁰ hyperbaric oxygen therapy (100% oxygen for 90 minutes 5 times weekly at 1.5 atm absolute followed by 2 weeks of 2 atm absolute),²¹ and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (300 µg injection in small portion to ulcer edges twice monthly for 2 months).²² All of these treatments show promise, but data are limited.

Because thrombosis is postulated to be a potential mechanism leading to CPAN, agents such as pentoxifylline, clopidogrel, and warfarin have been examined as treatment options. Pentoxifylline in combination with mycophenolate mofetil has been successful in treating a case that was resistant to other immunosuppressants.²³ Clopidogrel blocks the adenosine diphosphate pathway and impairs clot retraction. Clopidogrel was reported effective in an acute flare of CPAN for clearance of skin lesions and normalization of lupus anticoagulant.²⁴ It also was used successfully in recurrent CPAN after steroid treatments in a patient with neuromuscular symptoms. There was no recurrence in either of the patients in this case report series. Warfarin therapy at an international normalized ratio of 3.0 also has demonstrated success in halting disease progression and in facilitating the resolution of skin changes and normalization of anti–phosphatidylserine-prothrombin complex antibodies.²⁴ Our review of the literature did not reveal evidence of a standardized length of treatment following symptom resolution or if treatment is indicated in asymptomatic disease, or as in our case, with only mild elevations of antiphospholipid antibodies.

Conclusion

Multiple treatment options exist for CPAN, but the data on their efficacies is limited and based only on anecdotal evidence, not prospective analysis. We believe that it seems reasonable to initiate treatment only for symptomatic disease or cases in which the antibody titers suggest that the patient may be at high risk for thrombosis. Mild symptoms and mild cutaneous changes would suggest the likely choice of NSAIDs, colchicine, or dapsone as treatment options versus no treatment. In patients with antibody titers, pentoxifylline, clopidogrel, or warfarin may be considered first-line therapies. With severe ulcerative lesions and neuromuscular involvement, steroids, immunosuppressants, and other investigative agents should be contemplated. In our patient, the laboratory studies were repeated and normalized on complete resolution of her livedo eruption. She remained asymptomatic and clear for 8 months without any treatment. The incidence of this presentation of CPAN is unknown and is likely underreported, as we would not expect most patients to present to their physicians for the evaluation of otherwise asymptomatic livedo reticularis. In essence, our case report suggests that it may be prudent to simply monitor patients with asymptomatic CPAN.

In 1931, Lindberg¹ described a cutaneous variant of polyarteritis nodosa, which lacked visceral involvement and possessed a more favorable prognosis.² Cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa (CPAN) is a localized small- to medium-vessel vasculitis restricted to the skin. Both benign and chronic courses have been described, and systemic involvement does not occur.³ Diagnostic criteria proposed by Nakamura et al³ in 2009 included cutaneous nodules, livedo reticularis, purpura, or ulcers; histopathologic fibrinoid necrotizing vasculitis of small- to medium-sized vessels; and exclusion of systemic symptoms (eg, fever, hypertension, weight loss, renal failure, cerebral hemorrhage, neuropathy, myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, pericarditis, pleuritis, arthralgia/myalgia). Nodules occur in 30% to 50% of cases and can remain for years if left untreated. Ulcerations occur in up to 30% of patients. Myositis, arthritis, and weakness also have been reported with this condition.⁴ Cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa has been associated with abnormal antibody testing with elevations of antiphospholipid cofactor antibody, lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibody, and anti-β₂-glycoprotein I–dependent cardiolipin antibody, as well as elevated anti–phosphatidylserine-prothrombin complex antibody.⁵ These antibodies suggest increased risk for thrombosis and systemic diseases such as lupus or other autoimmune connective tissue disease. The distinction of this entity from systemic polyartertitis nodosa is key when determining treatment options and monitoring parameters.

Case Report

A 66-year-old woman was referred to our facility by an outside dermatologist with a mildly pruritic, blanchable, reticulated erythema on the chest and bilateral arms and legs of 3 months’ duration consistent with livedo reticularis (Figure 1). Prior systemic therapy included prednisone 10 mg 3 times daily, fexofenadine, loratadine, and hydroxyzine. When the systemic steroid was tapered, the patient developed an asymptomatic flare of her eruption. On presentation, the lesions had waxed and waned, and the patient was taking only vitamin B₁₂ and vitamin C. Her medical history was notable for an unknown-type lymphoma of the chest wall diagnosed at 46 years of age that was treated with an unknown chemotherapeutic agent, chronic pancreatitis that resulted in a duodenectomy at 61 years of age, chronic cholecystitis, and 1 first-trimester miscarriage. Outside laboratory tests, including a comprehensive metabolic panel, complete blood cell count, urinalysis, renal function, and liver function tests were within reference range, except for the finding of mild leukocytosis (11,000/µL)(reference range, 3800–10,800/µL), which resolved after steroids were discontinued, with otherwise normal results. Punch biopsy of a specimen from the right thigh revealed medium-vessel vasculitis consistent with polyarteritis nodosa (Figure 2). Laboratory workup by our facility including hepatitis panel, perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody, cytoplasmic antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody, factor V Leiden, prothrombin time/international normalized ratio, anticardiolipin antibody, and proteins C and S were all within reference range. Abnormal values included a low positive but nondiagnostic antinuclear antibody screen with negative titers, and the lupus anticoagulant titer was mildly elevated at 44 IgG binding units (reference range, <40 IgG binding units). Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) and urine protein electrophoresis also were performed, and SPEP was low positive for elevated κ and γ light chains. The patient was referred to oncology, and further testing revealed no underlying malignancy. The patient was monitored and no treatment was initiated; her rash completely resolved within 3 months. Laboratory monitoring at 6 months including SPEP, urine protein electrophoresis, lupus anticoagulant, and clotting studies all were within reference range.

Comment

Although the treatment of systemic polyarteritis nodosa often is necessary and typically involves high-dose corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide, the treatment of CPAN initially is less aggressive. Of the options available for treatment of CPAN, each has associated risks and side effects. Chen⁶ classified CPAN into 3 groups: 1 (mild), 2 (severe with no systemic involvement), and 3 (severe with progression to systemic disease)(Table). The authors performed a review of all the published treatments and their respective side effects to evaluate if treatment should be instituted for asymptomatic (group 1) disease presenting with abnormal antibody findings as demonstrated in our case.

 

First-line treatment of CPAN includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and colchicine.⁷ Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are preferred; however, they also have been associated with gastrointestinal tract upset and increased risk for peptic ulcer disease with long-term use. Although colchicine often is used in conjunction with NSAIDS⁸ for its anti-inflammatory activity, no studies have been performed on this drug as monotherapy, and the side effect of diarrhea often limits its use.

Other therapies include dapsone, which should be monitored carefully due to the risk for dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome.^8,9 Topical corticosteroids have been proven effective for mild cases of confluent erythema with remission occurring as early as 4 weeks.⁴ Some reports emphasize the role of streptococcal infections in CPAN, especially in children.^8,10-12 Consequently it is recommended that anti–streptolysin O titers should be included in the workup for CPAN. Long-term penicillin prophylaxis and tonsillectomy have been used to prevent disease flares with limited success.^8,10-12

For more severe disease, especially with neuromuscular involvement, oral methylprednisolone up to 1 mg/kg daily has been used and has proven effective in the control of acute exacerbations.^7,13 However, the many adverse effects of systemic steroids limit their use long-term, and taper will often result in flare of disease.^4,7 Medications used in conjunction with steroids include hydroxychloroquine, dapsone, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, sulfapyridine, pentoxifylline, infliximab, etanercept, and intravenous immunoglobulin.^4,9,12-17

Low-dose methotrexate has shown some improvement in skin disease with CPAN, but other case reports suggest that complete remission is not achieved with this drug.^15,18 More studies are needed to assess the use of methotrexate for CPAN.

Immunomodulators have been used in multiple case reports with varying levels of success. Rogalski and Sticherling⁴ reported 3 cases that cleared with methylprednisolone plus azathioprine ranging from 4 weeks to 6 months; nausea limited tolerance of azathioprine in 1 case. Mycophenolate mofetil also was successfully used in 2 cases with clearance at 17 weeks and 6 months. In this series of cases, cyclosporine was ineffective for CPAN.⁴ Two case reports documented cutaneous clearance with cyclophosphamide in conjunction with prednisolone.^9,10 No prospective trials have been performed on these medications, and immunosuppressants should only be considered in steroid-resistant cases.

The use of intravenous immunoglobulin has been reported effective in prior cases that showed resistance to more conventional trials of steroids, azathioprine, and/or cyclophosphamide.^12,14 Intravenous immunoglobulin may be regarded as a treatment option for severe resistant disease. Several case reports also have documented success using tumor necrosis factor α blockers, particularly infliximab, as an adjunct to steroids and etanercept as both a steroid adjunct and monotherapy.^16,17,19 More studies are necessary to evaluate these treatments.

Additionally, single case reports have outlined the use of other therapeutic agents, including tamoxifen (10 mg twice daily increased to 20 mg twice daily during episodes of breakthrough lesions),²⁰ hyperbaric oxygen therapy (100% oxygen for 90 minutes 5 times weekly at 1.5 atm absolute followed by 2 weeks of 2 atm absolute),²¹ and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (300 µg injection in small portion to ulcer edges twice monthly for 2 months).²² All of these treatments show promise, but data are limited.

Because thrombosis is postulated to be a potential mechanism leading to CPAN, agents such as pentoxifylline, clopidogrel, and warfarin have been examined as treatment options. Pentoxifylline in combination with mycophenolate mofetil has been successful in treating a case that was resistant to other immunosuppressants.²³ Clopidogrel blocks the adenosine diphosphate pathway and impairs clot retraction. Clopidogrel was reported effective in an acute flare of CPAN for clearance of skin lesions and normalization of lupus anticoagulant.²⁴ It also was used successfully in recurrent CPAN after steroid treatments in a patient with neuromuscular symptoms. There was no recurrence in either of the patients in this case report series. Warfarin therapy at an international normalized ratio of 3.0 also has demonstrated success in halting disease progression and in facilitating the resolution of skin changes and normalization of anti–phosphatidylserine-prothrombin complex antibodies.²⁴ Our review of the literature did not reveal evidence of a standardized length of treatment following symptom resolution or if treatment is indicated in asymptomatic disease, or as in our case, with only mild elevations of antiphospholipid antibodies.

Conclusion

Multiple treatment options exist for CPAN, but the data on their efficacies is limited and based only on anecdotal evidence, not prospective analysis. We believe that it seems reasonable to initiate treatment only for symptomatic disease or cases in which the antibody titers suggest that the patient may be at high risk for thrombosis. Mild symptoms and mild cutaneous changes would suggest the likely choice of NSAIDs, colchicine, or dapsone as treatment options versus no treatment. In patients with antibody titers, pentoxifylline, clopidogrel, or warfarin may be considered first-line therapies. With severe ulcerative lesions and neuromuscular involvement, steroids, immunosuppressants, and other investigative agents should be contemplated. In our patient, the laboratory studies were repeated and normalized on complete resolution of her livedo eruption. She remained asymptomatic and clear for 8 months without any treatment. The incidence of this presentation of CPAN is unknown and is likely underreported, as we would not expect most patients to present to their physicians for the evaluation of otherwise asymptomatic livedo reticularis. In essence, our case report suggests that it may be prudent to simply monitor patients with asymptomatic CPAN.

In 1931, Lindberg¹ described a cutaneous variant of polyarteritis nodosa, which lacked visceral involvement and possessed a more favorable prognosis.² Cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa (CPAN) is a localized small- to medium-vessel vasculitis restricted to the skin. Both benign and chronic courses have been described, and systemic involvement does not occur.³ Diagnostic criteria proposed by Nakamura et al³ in 2009 included cutaneous nodules, livedo reticularis, purpura, or ulcers; histopathologic fibrinoid necrotizing vasculitis of small- to medium-sized vessels; and exclusion of systemic symptoms (eg, fever, hypertension, weight loss, renal failure, cerebral hemorrhage, neuropathy, myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, pericarditis, pleuritis, arthralgia/myalgia). Nodules occur in 30% to 50% of cases and can remain for years if left untreated. Ulcerations occur in up to 30% of patients. Myositis, arthritis, and weakness also have been reported with this condition.⁴ Cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa has been associated with abnormal antibody testing with elevations of antiphospholipid cofactor antibody, lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibody, and anti-β₂-glycoprotein I–dependent cardiolipin antibody, as well as elevated anti–phosphatidylserine-prothrombin complex antibody.⁵ These antibodies suggest increased risk for thrombosis and systemic diseases such as lupus or other autoimmune connective tissue disease. The distinction of this entity from systemic polyartertitis nodosa is key when determining treatment options and monitoring parameters.

Case Report

A 66-year-old woman was referred to our facility by an outside dermatologist with a mildly pruritic, blanchable, reticulated erythema on the chest and bilateral arms and legs of 3 months’ duration consistent with livedo reticularis (Figure 1). Prior systemic therapy included prednisone 10 mg 3 times daily, fexofenadine, loratadine, and hydroxyzine. When the systemic steroid was tapered, the patient developed an asymptomatic flare of her eruption. On presentation, the lesions had waxed and waned, and the patient was taking only vitamin B₁₂ and vitamin C. Her medical history was notable for an unknown-type lymphoma of the chest wall diagnosed at 46 years of age that was treated with an unknown chemotherapeutic agent, chronic pancreatitis that resulted in a duodenectomy at 61 years of age, chronic cholecystitis, and 1 first-trimester miscarriage. Outside laboratory tests, including a comprehensive metabolic panel, complete blood cell count, urinalysis, renal function, and liver function tests were within reference range, except for the finding of mild leukocytosis (11,000/µL)(reference range, 3800–10,800/µL), which resolved after steroids were discontinued, with otherwise normal results. Punch biopsy of a specimen from the right thigh revealed medium-vessel vasculitis consistent with polyarteritis nodosa (Figure 2). Laboratory workup by our facility including hepatitis panel, perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody, cytoplasmic antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody, factor V Leiden, prothrombin time/international normalized ratio, anticardiolipin antibody, and proteins C and S were all within reference range. Abnormal values included a low positive but nondiagnostic antinuclear antibody screen with negative titers, and the lupus anticoagulant titer was mildly elevated at 44 IgG binding units (reference range, <40 IgG binding units). Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) and urine protein electrophoresis also were performed, and SPEP was low positive for elevated κ and γ light chains. The patient was referred to oncology, and further testing revealed no underlying malignancy. The patient was monitored and no treatment was initiated; her rash completely resolved within 3 months. Laboratory monitoring at 6 months including SPEP, urine protein electrophoresis, lupus anticoagulant, and clotting studies all were within reference range.

Comment

Although the treatment of systemic polyarteritis nodosa often is necessary and typically involves high-dose corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide, the treatment of CPAN initially is less aggressive. Of the options available for treatment of CPAN, each has associated risks and side effects. Chen⁶ classified CPAN into 3 groups: 1 (mild), 2 (severe with no systemic involvement), and 3 (severe with progression to systemic disease)(Table). The authors performed a review of all the published treatments and their respective side effects to evaluate if treatment should be instituted for asymptomatic (group 1) disease presenting with abnormal antibody findings as demonstrated in our case.

 

First-line treatment of CPAN includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and colchicine.⁷ Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are preferred; however, they also have been associated with gastrointestinal tract upset and increased risk for peptic ulcer disease with long-term use. Although colchicine often is used in conjunction with NSAIDS⁸ for its anti-inflammatory activity, no studies have been performed on this drug as monotherapy, and the side effect of diarrhea often limits its use.

Other therapies include dapsone, which should be monitored carefully due to the risk for dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome.^8,9 Topical corticosteroids have been proven effective for mild cases of confluent erythema with remission occurring as early as 4 weeks.⁴ Some reports emphasize the role of streptococcal infections in CPAN, especially in children.^8,10-12 Consequently it is recommended that anti–streptolysin O titers should be included in the workup for CPAN. Long-term penicillin prophylaxis and tonsillectomy have been used to prevent disease flares with limited success.^8,10-12

For more severe disease, especially with neuromuscular involvement, oral methylprednisolone up to 1 mg/kg daily has been used and has proven effective in the control of acute exacerbations.^7,13 However, the many adverse effects of systemic steroids limit their use long-term, and taper will often result in flare of disease.^4,7 Medications used in conjunction with steroids include hydroxychloroquine, dapsone, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, sulfapyridine, pentoxifylline, infliximab, etanercept, and intravenous immunoglobulin.^4,9,12-17

Low-dose methotrexate has shown some improvement in skin disease with CPAN, but other case reports suggest that complete remission is not achieved with this drug.^15,18 More studies are needed to assess the use of methotrexate for CPAN.

Immunomodulators have been used in multiple case reports with varying levels of success. Rogalski and Sticherling⁴ reported 3 cases that cleared with methylprednisolone plus azathioprine ranging from 4 weeks to 6 months; nausea limited tolerance of azathioprine in 1 case. Mycophenolate mofetil also was successfully used in 2 cases with clearance at 17 weeks and 6 months. In this series of cases, cyclosporine was ineffective for CPAN.⁴ Two case reports documented cutaneous clearance with cyclophosphamide in conjunction with prednisolone.^9,10 No prospective trials have been performed on these medications, and immunosuppressants should only be considered in steroid-resistant cases.

The use of intravenous immunoglobulin has been reported effective in prior cases that showed resistance to more conventional trials of steroids, azathioprine, and/or cyclophosphamide.^12,14 Intravenous immunoglobulin may be regarded as a treatment option for severe resistant disease. Several case reports also have documented success using tumor necrosis factor α blockers, particularly infliximab, as an adjunct to steroids and etanercept as both a steroid adjunct and monotherapy.^16,17,19 More studies are necessary to evaluate these treatments.

Additionally, single case reports have outlined the use of other therapeutic agents, including tamoxifen (10 mg twice daily increased to 20 mg twice daily during episodes of breakthrough lesions),²⁰ hyperbaric oxygen therapy (100% oxygen for 90 minutes 5 times weekly at 1.5 atm absolute followed by 2 weeks of 2 atm absolute),²¹ and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (300 µg injection in small portion to ulcer edges twice monthly for 2 months).²² All of these treatments show promise, but data are limited.

Because thrombosis is postulated to be a potential mechanism leading to CPAN, agents such as pentoxifylline, clopidogrel, and warfarin have been examined as treatment options. Pentoxifylline in combination with mycophenolate mofetil has been successful in treating a case that was resistant to other immunosuppressants.²³ Clopidogrel blocks the adenosine diphosphate pathway and impairs clot retraction. Clopidogrel was reported effective in an acute flare of CPAN for clearance of skin lesions and normalization of lupus anticoagulant.²⁴ It also was used successfully in recurrent CPAN after steroid treatments in a patient with neuromuscular symptoms. There was no recurrence in either of the patients in this case report series. Warfarin therapy at an international normalized ratio of 3.0 also has demonstrated success in halting disease progression and in facilitating the resolution of skin changes and normalization of anti–phosphatidylserine-prothrombin complex antibodies.²⁴ Our review of the literature did not reveal evidence of a standardized length of treatment following symptom resolution or if treatment is indicated in asymptomatic disease, or as in our case, with only mild elevations of antiphospholipid antibodies.

Conclusion

Multiple treatment options exist for CPAN, but the data on their efficacies is limited and based only on anecdotal evidence, not prospective analysis. We believe that it seems reasonable to initiate treatment only for symptomatic disease or cases in which the antibody titers suggest that the patient may be at high risk for thrombosis. Mild symptoms and mild cutaneous changes would suggest the likely choice of NSAIDs, colchicine, or dapsone as treatment options versus no treatment. In patients with antibody titers, pentoxifylline, clopidogrel, or warfarin may be considered first-line therapies. With severe ulcerative lesions and neuromuscular involvement, steroids, immunosuppressants, and other investigative agents should be contemplated. In our patient, the laboratory studies were repeated and normalized on complete resolution of her livedo eruption. She remained asymptomatic and clear for 8 months without any treatment. The incidence of this presentation of CPAN is unknown and is likely underreported, as we would not expect most patients to present to their physicians for the evaluation of otherwise asymptomatic livedo reticularis. In essence, our case report suggests that it may be prudent to simply monitor patients with asymptomatic CPAN.