Adverse healthcare experiences are correlated with increased time to diagnosis in women with vulvar inflammatory dermatoses: a retrospective cohort survey

This retrospective cohort survey of over 300 women examined diagnostic delay in vulvar dermatoses compared with nonvulvar control conditions (e.g. psoriasis or atopic dermatitis). Adverse healthcare experiences (e.g. uncertainty of which provider to consult, embarrassment in talking to providers) occurred more often for participants with vulvar disease and were significantly correlated with increased time to diagnosis in this group, which was not the case in control conditions. The findings suggest opportunities to improve care for people with vulvar disease.

Assessment of the Cutaneous Hormone Landscapes and Microbiomes in Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus

Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) is a progressive skin disease of unknown etiology. In this longitudinal case-control exploratory study, we evaluated the hormonal and microbial landscapes in 18 postmenopausal women (mean [SD] age: 64.4 [8.4]) with vulvar lichen sclerosus and controls. We reevaluated the VLS patients after 10-14 weeks of daily topical Class I steroid. We found that groin cutaneous estrone was lower in vulvar lichen sclerosus versus controls (-22.33, 95% CI -36.96 to -7.70; P = 0.006); cutaneous progesterone was higher (5.73, 95% CI 3.74 to 7.73; P< 0.0001). Forehead 11-deoxycortisol (-0.24, 95% CI -0.42 to -0.06; P = 0.01) and testosterone (-7.22, 95% CI -12.83 to -1.62; P = 0.02) were lower in disease. With treatment, cutaneous estrone (-7.88, 95% CI -44.07 to 28.31; P = 0.62), progesterone (2.02, 95% CI -2.08 to 6.11; P = 0.29), and 11-deoxycortisol (-0.13, 95% CI -0.32 to 0.05; P = 0.15) normalized; testosterone remained suppressed (-7.41, 95% CI -13.38 to -1.43; P = 0.02). 16S rRNA V1-V3 and ITS1 amplicon sequencing revealed bacterial and fungal microbiome alterations in disease. Findings suggest that cutaneous sex hormone and bacterial microbiome alterations may be associated with VLS in postmenopausal women.

Geriatric Genital Dermatology

As women age, hormonal changes set the stage for a variety of vulvovaginal pathologies. Health care providers in long-term care facilities should be able to recognize and treat these conditions, especially because residents may be unable to communicate their discomfort. The objective of this article is to highlight the major vulvovaginal conditions affecting older women and provide up-to-date information on treatment for providers in long-term care facilities.

Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus Clinical Severity Scales and Histopathologic Correlation: A Case Series

ABSTRACT

Several vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) clinical severity scales have recently been proposed. In this prospective case series, we characterized histopathology in the context of clinical severity in 6 treatment-naïve postmenopausal patients with VLS. The Vulvar Quality of Life Index (VQLI) and an adaptation of the 2018 International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease Delphi consensus VLS severity score were administered. Vulvar skin punch biopsies were obtained to measure inflammatory density, constituent inflammatory cells, thickness of the stratum corneum and other epidermal layers, dermal edema, and dermal sclerosis. Clinicopathologic correlations were assessed. Two cases demonstrated sparse inflammatory densities, 1 case demonstrated patchy and nodular inflammatory density, 1 case demonstrated dense lichenoid inflammatory density, and 2 cases demonstrated dense lichenoid and epitheliotropic inflammatory densities. Those patients who reported severe pruritus demonstrated the greatest lymphocytic inflammatory densities on histopathological examination. Both cases of ulceration or erosion were associated with severe VQLI scores. Severe VQLI scores were also associated with trends for higher average thickness of the epidermal layers and of dermal sclerosis. Altogether, histopathologic grading of biopsy sites may reflect clinical severity in patients with VLS.

Development of a Skin-Directed Scoring System for Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Epidermal Necrolysis: A Delphi Consensus Exercise

Importance

Scoring systems for Stevens-Johnson syndrome and epidermal necrolysis (EN) only estimate patient prognosis and are weighted toward comorbidities and systemic features; morphologic terminology for EN lesions is inconsistent.

Objectives

To establish consensus among expert dermatologists on EN terminology, morphologic progression, and most-affected sites, and to build a framework for developing a skin-directed scoring system for EN.

Evidence Review

A Delphi consensus using the RAND/UCLA appropriateness criteria was initiated with a core group from the Society of Dermatology Hospitalists to establish agreement on the optimal design for an EN cutaneous scoring instrument, terminology, morphologic traits, and sites of involvement.

Findings

In round 1, the 54 participating dermatology hospitalists reached consensus on all 49 statements (30 appropriate, 3 inappropriate, 16 uncertain). In round 2, they agreed on another 15 statements (8 appropriate, 7 uncertain). There was consistent agreement on the need for a skin-specific instrument; on the most-often affected skin sites (head and neck, chest, upper back, ocular mucosa, oral mucosa); and that blanching erythema, dusky erythema, targetoid erythema, vesicles/bullae, desquamation, and erosions comprise the morphologic traits of EN and can be consistently differentiated.

Conclusions and Relevance

This consensus exercise confirmed the need for an EN skin-directed scoring system, nomenclature, and differentiation of specific morphologic traits, and identified the sites most affected. It also established a baseline consensus for a standardized EN instrument with consistent terminology.

Sudden Conjunctivitis, Lymphopenia, and Rash Combined With Hemodynamic Changes (SCoRCH) After Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole Use: A Case Series Study of a Hypersensitivity Reaction

Importance

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) hypersensitivity reaction, ranging from circulatory shock to aseptic meningitis and respiratory failure, is a potentially life-threatening condition with dermatologic relevance.

Objective

To describe the mucocutaneous findings and clinical features of TMP-SMX hypersensitivity reaction.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a retrospective case series study of 7 patients who developed a characteristic rash, hemodynamic changes, and end-organ dysfunction after treatment with TMP-SMX at a large university hospital system during January 2013 to March 2022.

Exposures

Treatment with TMP-SMX within 2 weeks of the reaction.

Main Outcome and Measures

Descriptions of the condition, including the demographic information of the affected population, the reaction timeline, and mucocutaneous and clinical features.

Results

The cohort comprised 7 patients (median [range] age, 20 [15-66] years; 4 female and 3 male). The most common mucocutaneous findings were generalized sunburn-like erythema without scale, conjunctivitis, and mild facial and acral edema. Three patients had previous exposure to TMP-SMX and developed symptoms in 1 day or less, while those without prior exposure presented from 4 to 11 days after drug initiation. Among the 7 patients, 6 had fever, 7 had hypotension, and 7 had tachycardia. All patients had lymphopenia and evidence of end-organ dysfunction with either kidney or liver involvement. Median (range) time to resolution was 72 (48-96) hours.

Conclusions and Relevance

This retrospective case series indicates that SCoRCH (sudden conjunctivitis, lymphopenia, and rash combined with hemodynamic changes) should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with acute generalized sunburn-like erythema, conjunctivitis, systemic symptoms, and hemodynamic changes in the setting of recent TMP-SMX use.

Plasma cell vulvitis: A systematic review

Background

Plasma cell vulvitis (PCV) is an inflammatory vulvar dermatosis that is not well characterized. Diagnosis is often delayed, and the condition can be refractory to treatment. To date, there are no systematic reviews on this topic.

Objective

This study aimed to provide a systematic review of PCV, including epidemiologic, clinical, and histopathologic findings, as well as associated comorbidities and treatment options.

Methods

A primary literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Ovid Medline, Cochrane, and CINAHL databases.

Results

Fifty-three publications with 196 patients (mean age: 55.3 ± 14.5 years) were included. The majority of studies were case reports and case series. Common symptoms included burning/stinging (52%), dyspareunia (44%), and pruritus (41%). Common findings included erythema (84%), glistening/shiny appearance (29%), well-demarcated lesions (25%), and erosions (22%). Common anatomic sites were the labia minora (45%), introitus (31%), and periurethral (19%). Fifty-three percent of patients had a solitary lesion. Common histologic findings were a predominant plasma cell infiltrate (88%), presence of other inflammatory cells (55%), hemosiderin/siderophages (46%), and epidermal atrophy (43%). Topical corticosteroids (64%) and tacrolimus ointment (13%) were the most frequent treatment modalities. In most reports, previous treatments were tried, and there was a diagnostic delay.

Conclusion

PCV is likely underrecognized and should be considered in patients with erythema of the mucous and modified mucous membranes, symptoms of burning or stinging, and a predominant plasma cell infiltrate on histopathology. First-line therapy should begin with high-potency topical corticosteroids, with the most evidence for clobetasol 0.05% or tacrolimus 0.1% ointment. Prospective studies are needed to further characterize this condition and to develop treatment guidelines.

Vulvar diseases: Approach to the patient

Patients with vulvar dermatoses often delay seeking medical treatment because of anxiety and embarrassment. Moreover, women frequently self-treat with various home remedies and see multiple clinicians before presenting to a dermatologist. Despite serving as the primary providers for patients with vulvovaginal symptoms, gynecologists typically receive limited training in the causes and management of these conditions. Dermatologists are experts in the evaluation and management of cutaneous disease and should be the caretakers of all skin, including the genitalia. Vulvar disorders are underrecognized by dermatologists for numerous reasons: inadequate training, lack of comfort with both interview and examination techniques, and unfamiliarity with normal anatomic variations. The first article in this continuing medical education series on vulvar dermatoses reviews the fundamentals, approach, and techniques that can be used to ensure a successful visit for both patient and provider.

Vulvovaginal manifestations in Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis: Prevention and treatment

The prevalence of acute vulvovaginal involvement in toxic epidermal necrolysis can be as high as 70%; up to 28% of female patients will also develop chronic vulvovaginal sequelae. There is little consensus regarding prevention and treatment of the gynecologic sequelae of both Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN). We review acute and chronic sequelae, including erosions, scar formation, chronic skin changes, urethral complications, adenosis, malignant transformation, vulvodynia, and dyspareunia. We provide comprehensive recommendations for acute and long-term vulvovaginal care in adult and pediatric SJS/TEN patients. Treatment should include an ultrapotent topical steroid, followed by a nonirritating barrier cream applied to vulvar and perineal lesions. A steroid should be used intravaginally along with vaginal dilation in all adults (but should be avoided in prepubertal adolescents) with vaginal involvement. Menstrual suppression should be considered in all reproductive age patients until vulvovaginal lesions have healed. Last, referrals for pelvic floor physical therapy and to surgical subspecialties should be offered on a case-by-case basis. This guide summarizes the current available literature combined with expert opinion of both dermatologists and gynecologists who treat a high volume of SJS/TEN patients.

Cutaneous extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma mimicking cellulitis an HIV positive patient without lymphopenia

We present the case of a 28-year-old male with a history of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with a 1-month history of a steadily enlarging, firm painful lesion on the right posterior shoulder. The patient was initially treated for cellulitis given his clinical picture. Histopathologic examination revealed an angiocentric and dermal proliferation of markedly atypical lymphoid cells with numerous mitoses and apoptotic bodies along with broad zones of necrosis. Biopsy revealed the presentation to be consistent with NK/T-cell lymphoma. The cutaneous lesions from NK/T-cell lymphoma can often be initially mistaken for cellulitis, therefore this malignancy should be included on the differential in a patient HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).