Direct medical cost related to the management of pemphigus: A pilot Tunisian study

INTRODUCTION

Pemphigus is a therapeutically challenging disease with high morbidity and economic burden. First-line prescription of rituximab remains limited in Tunisia due to its high cost. Systemic steroids remain the standard of care but are associated with a major risk of morbidities and higher treatment costs.

AIM

To assess the direct medical costs of pemphigus in Tunisia.

METHODS

Retrospective estimation of direct medical costs during the 18 months following the diagnosis using the "bottom-up approach" in the Dermatology Department of Hedi Chaker Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia.

RESULTS

Total medical costs were estimated at 38745.7 €, with an average cost of 1 210 € per patient and per year: paraclinical investigations (46%), medical treatment (30%), hospitalization (21%) and outpatient visits (3%). The average cost was the highest in the age group of 15-24 years (1553 €). Treatment costs related to corticosteroid-induced morbidity were estimated at 1208 €.

CONCLUSIONS

The management of pemphigus in Tunisia needs to be adapted to take into account the health economic analysis in order to reduce overall disease costs and the burden of steroid-induced morbidities.

Characteristics of DRESS Syndrome in the Elderly: A Comparative Study of 55 Patients

Background: Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a rare drug reaction characterized by a skin rash, eosinophilia, and organ involvement. Objective: Our purpose is to focus on the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of DRESS in the elderly and to identify the incriminated drugs. Methods: This is a retrospective study including patients, hospitalized for DRESS with a RegiSCAR ≥4. The population was divided into 2 groups according to age: 65 years or older (G1) and <65 years (G2). The statistical study was performed using the comparative and multivariate analysis. Results: We included 55 patients (30.9% G1 and 69.1% G2). Skin manifestations were comparable in both groups. Lymphadenopathy was less common in G1 with a statistically significant difference (P = 0.012). Renal impairment was more frequent in the elderly with a statistically significant result (P = 0.005). DRESS in the elderly group was significantly associated with the occurrence of sepsis (P = 0.008). Allopurinol was the most common culprit associated with DRESS in G1 (P = 0.001). Relapses and recurrences were comparable in both groups (P = 0.71). Conclusions: DRESS in the elderly is associated with a high risk of complications, mainly kidney involvement and sepsis. Allopurinol is the most incriminated drug.

Exceptional outcome in cutaneous myeloid sarcoma

Recognition of cutaneous myeloid sarcoma is important for all dermatologists to avoid further progression to acute myeloid leukemia. Nevertheless, we highlight the presence of a favorable clinical outcome in some patients with spontaneous regression.

The Use of Dermoscopy in the Delineation of Basal Cell Carcinoma for Mohs Micrographic Surgery: a Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Several studies investigated the use of dermoscopy in the delineation of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) for Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) with conflicting results.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of dermoscopy-guided MMS in the treatment of BCC.

METHODS

We included all comparative studies. Cases of BCC treated using dermoscopy-guided MMS (or slow MMS) were compared to those treated with curettage-guided MMS or "standard" MMS.

RESULTS

A total of 6 studies including 508 BCCs were reviewed. There was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of total margin clearance on the first MMS stage between BCCs removed using dermoscopy-guided MMS and those that had curettage or visual inspection. However, lateral margin involvement was significantly lower in BCCs that had dermoscopy-guided MMS.

CONCLUSIONS

Dermoscopy allows visualization of structures up to 1mm into the dermis. Therefore, it is rational to use it for lateral margin evaluation. Currently, there are two comparative studies showing the efficacy of dermoscopy for lateral margin evaluation during MMS. Future studies are required to develop an evidence-based recommendation regarding the utility of dermoscopy in MMS.

Great imitator with exclusive oral manifestations

Oral manifestations in syphilis are frequent through the different stages of the disease. Exclusive oral localization in secondary syphilis (SS) is yet uncommon. Delays in diagnosis are frequent in these patients. We describe a case of SS limited to the buccal mucosa with both serological and histological confirmation.

Pemphigus herpetiformis in a 4‐year‐old child: Case report and review of the literature

Pemphigus herpetiformis (PH) is a rare form of pemphigus, especially when occurring in childhood. Misdiagnosis is common in this age group. The disease exhibits diverse clinical and histological aspects. Further immunological investigations should be performed in order to make the right diagnosis with a correct management strategy.