Epidermolysis Bullosa Registry Data in Iran

Development and validation of the Iranian Minimum Data Set for Epidermolysis Bullosa: A mixed method approach

Minimum Data Set (MDS) enables integration in data collection, uniform data reporting, and data exchange across clinical and research information systems. The current study was conducted to determine a comprehensive national MDS for the Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) information management system in Iran. This cross-sectional descriptive study consists of three steps: systematic review, focus group discussion, and the Delphi technique. A systematic review was conducted using relevant databases. Then, a focus group discussion was held to determine the extracted data elements with the help of contributing multidisciplinary experts. Finally, MDSs were selected through the Delphi technique in two rounds. The collected data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2019. In total, 103 data elements were included in the Delphi survey. The data elements, based on the experts' opinions, were classified into two main categories: administrative data and clinical data. The final categories of data elements consisted of 11 administrative items and 92 clinical items. The national MDS, as the core of the EB surveillance program, is essential for enabling appropriate and informed decisions by healthcare policymakers, physicians, and healthcare providers. In this study, a MDS was developed and internally validated for EB. This research generated new knowledge to enable healthcare professionals to collect relevant and meaningful data for use. The use of this standardized approach can help benchmark clinical practice and target improvements worldwide.

Epidermolysis Bullosa: Practical Clinical Tips From the Field

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare genetic condition characterized by fragile skin caused by impaired adhesion between the dermis and epidermis. EB is present at or near birth. There is no cure and treatments are supportive. Children with EB are at elevated risk of squamous cell cancer. Under ideal circumstances, EB patients benefit from interdisciplinary care teams who can offer state-of-the-art treatments. In reality and particularly in less-developed nations, care can be limited. In all cases, families dealing with a member with EB face great challenges in caregiving, much of which is managed at home, and incur great financial expenses for dressings, equipment, transportation, and out-of-pocket expenses. While research groups are working to find a cure for EB, clinicians working with EB patients around the world have found practical and relatively inexpensive tips to make life easier for people with EB. NoBabyBlisters.org, a nonprofit organization actively supplying monthly medical supplies for EB children on five continents and working on EB research, has innovated, developed, collected, and now offers here seven such practical and actionable items learned from its experience in the real world assisting children in less-developed nations, typically with hot climates. These are based on real-world clinical experience dealing with a complex disorder under challenging circumstances. The goal of this short paper is to provide advice to EB caregivers and their loved ones that may make things easier and enhance quality of life, including blister and pain reduction.