Knowledge of community pharmacists on infantile haemangioma: Gaps and lack confidence to deliver propranolol still need to be filled

AIM

To evaluate the knowledge, practices and self-confidence of community pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy students about infantile haemangioma (IH) and propranolol treatment.

METHODS

A national survey was conducted in France from May 2022 to October 2022. A 42-item online questionnaire was used to assess pharmacists' knowledge of the epidemiology, clinical features and management of IH and propranolol treatment.

RESULTS

The survey included 255 participants. The mean age was 34.9 years (±9.0); 225 (88%) were women. In all, 193 (76%) practised in urban pharmacies. Altogether, 83 participants (33%) had delivered oral propranolol solution for IH in the last 6 months. Participants' median score for self-confidence regarding propranolol dispensing was five (interquartile range, 2.5-6) on a scale of 1 to 10. Overall, 96 (38%) had more than 50% correct answers on the questionnaire. Multinomial regression models showed high scores on the questionnaire associated with high self-confidence when delivering oral propranolol solution, low number of years since graduation and having already delivered propranolol treatment.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights a lack of knowledge of IH and modalities of propranolol treatment by community pharmacists and slight self-confidence when delivering propranolol. Greater cooperation between healthcare professionals could improve the proper use of medicine.

The majority of observational studies in leading peer-reviewed medicine journals are not registered and do not have a publicly accessible protocol: a scoping review

OBJECTIVES

Observational studies are not subject to the same requirements as randomised controlled trials such as as registration or publishing a protocol. The aim of this scoping review was to estimate the registration rate of observational studies in leading peer-reviewed medicine journals and to evaluate whether protocols were available in the public domain.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

In March 2023, we searched OVID Medline for observational studies published in 2022 in the top five general medicine journals according to impact factor (The Lancet, The British Medical Journal, The Journal of the American Medical Association, The New England Journal of Medicine and Annals of Internal Medicine). We defined an observational study as a cohort study, case-control study, cross-sectional study, or case series. Information on i) the proportion of observational studies that have been registered, and ii) the proportion of observational studies that have a protocol available in the public domain was extracted from a random sample of studies.

RESULTS

Our search identified 699 studies, 290 studies were selected as full text and a random sample of 200 studies were included. For half of the studies, the first author worked in an USA institution. Most studies were cohort studies (n=126, 63.0%) and used administrative healthcare records, electronic healthcare records and registries. Of the 200 observational studies, 20 (10.0%) were registered. Among those, 14 were prospectively registered. Twenty-four studies (12.0%) had a protocol available in the public domain. Studies that were registered or had a protocol, were more frequently published in the BMJ (n=12/28, 42.9%), had a 1st author working in the UK (n=10/28, 35.1%) and used electronic health records (n=13/28, 46.4%) compared to studies with no registration and no protocol.

CONCLUSION

The rate of prospectively registered observational studies is worryingly low. Prospective registration of observational studies should be encouraged and standardized to ensure transparency in clinical research and reduce research wastage.

Deep-seated dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton rubrum in patient with Becker muscular dystrophy

Trichophyton rubrum is a common fungal pathogen that usually causes superficial infection limited to epidermis only, so called dermatophytosis. However in immunocompromised patients, dermatophytosis can be exceptionally more invasive with extensive lesions involving deep tissues and generating sometimes systemic course. We report the case of a 43-year-old heart transplanted man, who presented with multiple deep-seated nodules and papules in the inguinal areas and in the buttocks. Involvement of Trichophyton rubrum was confirmed by culture, DNA sequencing and histological examination that showed granulomatous inflammatory infiltrates with the presence of hyphae in the dermis. Antifungal therapy with oral terbinafine for four weeks was successful; in spite of initial remnant atrophic scars, the lesions were completely cleared after four month evolution. Deep-seated invasive dermatophytosis is rare, but should be considered with immunocompromised conditions, especially when history of previous superficial dermatophytosis is present.

Indication for a Pneumocystis Prophylaxis Therapy in Patients with Vascular Anomalies Treated with PIK3/AKT/mTOR Pathway Inhibitors: Experts' Opinion and Systematic Review from the Literature

BACKGROUND

Vascular anomalies (VAs) are increasingly being treated with PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitors. These drugs have immunosuppressive properties and thus theoretically overexpose patients to opportunistic infections, especially Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP). PJP prophylaxis use lacks consensus. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of PJP in patients receiving mTOR/PI3K/AKT inhibitors for VAs and determine any indication for pneumocystis prophylaxis in this population.

METHODS

The study was conducted in 2 parts: (1) we sent a survey to a panel of international experts of VAs asking about their use of pneumocystis prophylaxis drugs and (2) we performed a systematic review of the literature of all published cases of patients receiving these drugs for VA to estimate the prevalence of PJP in this population.

RESULTS

Answers from 68 experts were analyzed: 21 (30.9%) answered they always add PJP prophylaxis when prescribing mTOR inhibitors, 20 (29.4%) case-by-case, and 27 (39.7%) never. For the systematic review, among 3,053 reports screened, 217 were included involving 1,189 patients (1,143 received sirolimus, 38 everolimus, 4 alpelisib, 4 miransertib). Among the 1,189 cases, 2 (0.2%) PJP were reported: one under sirolimus and one under everolimus. Thus, the prevalence of PJP was estimated at 0.88 cases/1,000 patients under sirolimus (95% CI: -0.84 to 2.59) and 26.31 cases/1,000 under everolimus (95% CI: -24.58 to 77.18). Patients with PJP never received prophylaxis drugs. We found no PJP cases under alpelisib and miransertib. PJP prophylaxis was given in 218 (18.3%) cases, more frequently for children (91.3 vs. 77.2% in the non-prophylaxis group, p = 0.012), mostly trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (186 patients, 85.3%).

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that even if PJP is a rare event, it may occur in patients with VAs treated with an mTOR inhibitor. Although our results cannot allow for revising guidelines, prophylaxis with TMP-SMX might be appropriate for a subgroup of patients with risk factors for PJP.

Accurate diagnosis of acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy: a French multicenter observational study

The purpose of the study is to highlight clinical signs that are either suggestive of or against the diagnosis of AHEI to improve diagnosis and management. The medical records of children under 3 years old diagnosed with AHEI were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical data and photographs were reviewed by three independent experts, and the cases were classified as probable, doubtful, or unclear AHEI. Of the 69 cases of children diagnosed with AHEI included in 22 centers, 40 were classified as probable, 22 as doubtful, and 7 as unclear. The median age of patients with probable AHEI was 11 months [IQR 9-15], and they were in overall good condition (n = 33/40, 82.5%). The morphology of the purpura was targetoid in 75% of cases (n = 30/40) and ecchymotic in 70% of cases (n = 28/40) and affected mostly the legs (n = 39/40, 97%), the arms (n = 34/40, 85%), and the face (n = 33/40, 82.5%). Edema was observed in 95% of cases and affected mostly the hands (n = 36/38, 95%) and feet (n = 28/38, 74%). Pruritus was absent in all patients with probable AHEI and described for 6/21 with doubtful AHEI (29%). AHEI was the original diagnosis in only 24 patients (n = 24/40, 60%). The major differential diagnoses were purpura fulminans and urticaria multiforme.  Conclusion: AHEI, which the diagnosis is made on clinical findings, is often misdiagnosed. Purpuric lesions localized on the face/ears, arms/forearms, and thighs/legs with edema of the hands without pruritus in a young child with a good overall condition are highly suggestive of AHEI. What is Known: •Acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy (AHEI) is a cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis affecting children under 3 years old. •Appropriate diagnosis is important to distinguish this benign disease from more serious diseases to avoid investigations and treatments, iatrogenic harm and unnecessary follow-up. What is New: •AHEI is an uncommon disorder often misdiagnosed by pediatricians and dermatologists. •Purpuric lesions localized on the face/ears, arms/forearms, and thighs/legs with edema of the hands without pruritus in an infant with a good overall condition are highly suggestive of AHEI.

Designs used in published therapeutic studies of rare superficial vascular anomalies: a systematic literature search

BACKGROUND

Rare superficial vascular anomalies represent a wide range of diseases. Their management is difficult given the broad spectrum and the lack of clinical trials assessing treatment efficacy. A randomized clinical trial of vascular anomalies is difficult because of the rarity of the diseases and is enhanced by the population of interest often being children. Therefore, suitable designs are needed. We conducted a methodological systematic literature search to identify designs implemented for investigating the treatment of rare superficial vascular anomalies.

METHODS

We conducted a literature search on January 25, 2021, of the PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov and European Union Clinical Trials Register databases. This systematic methodological literature search was registered at the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42021232449). Randomized and non-randomized studies were included if they met the following criteria: were prospective studies of rare superficial vascular anomaly therapies, dealt with humans (adults and children) and were published in English from 2000. We excluded case reports/case series reporting fewer than 10 patients, reviews, retrospective studies, animal studies, studies of systemic or common vascular anomalies and non-therapeutic studies. We did not assess risk of bias in the included studies because our review was a methodological one focused on the design used. The review provided a descriptive analysis of relevant features of eligible research studies.

RESULTS

From 2046 articles identified, we included 97 studies (62 reports and 35 ongoing studies): 25 randomized controlled studies, 7 non-randomized comparative studies, 64 prospective cohorts and 1 case series. Among the 32 comparative studies included, 21 used a parallel-group design. The 11 other studies used different designs such as cross-over, randomized placebo phase, delayed-start, within-person, or challenge-dechallenge-rechallenge or used a historical control group or an observational run-in period.

CONCLUSIONS

Our systematic literature search highlights the lack of randomized control trials in superficial vascular anomalies due to the rarity of patients and their heterogeneity. New designs are emerging and can overcome the limitations of testing treatments in parallel groups.

Predator and Alien: the threat of predatory journals and conferences

Predatory journals, first recognized in the early 2000s, are fraudulent journals characterized by aggressive marketing solicitations and deviation from best publishing practices. These journals claim to be legitimate scholarly journals, and accept articles for publication with no or poor peer review process or quality checks with a rapid publication process upon payment by the authors. They are a global threat as they are dishonest, lack transparency and seek only financial gain. More recently, predatory conferences have emerged and are expanding rapidly. Although they appear to be legitimate scientific conferences, they are also characterised by an over-riding profit motive, with no concern on academic values. Predatory journals and conferences are on the rise; dermatology trainees, readers and those new to publishing and conferences are vulnerable to predatory exploitation. The consequences of falling prey to such predation includes damage to the external reputation of the authors and their Institution and raises concerns about the legitimacy of the research. Several tools are available to help researchers recognise a predatory journal or conference. This educational review defines predatory journals and predatory conferences and summarises their distinguishing features such as no or poor peer review process, rapid acceptance, flattering language and lacking of meeting. We also highlight the consequences of publishing in a predatory journal or attending a predatory conference. The review finally outlines several tools available to use to reduce the likelihood of dermatologists falling into the hands of a predator.

Design and Methodological Issues of Within-Person (Split-Body) Randomized Controlled Trials Evaluating a Topical Treatment: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Topical drugs are often used as first-line treatment for dermatological conditions. A within-person design may then be well adapted: it consists of randomizing lesions/body sites rather than patients, which are then concomitantly treated by the different drugs compared, reducing inter-group variability and therefore requiring fewer patients than the classical parallel-group trial.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this review was to provide a methodological overview of within-person randomized trials (WP-RCTs) in dermatology.

METHODS

We searched for eligible trials published between 2017 and 2021 in MEDLINE, Embase, and Central in dermatology journals and the 6 highest-impact-factor general medical journals. Two authors selected publications and extracted data independently.

RESULTS

From 1,034 articles identified, we included 54 WP-RCTs, mainly for acne vulgaris, psoriasis, actinic keratosis, and atopic dermatitis. In most of the trials, patients had only 2 lesions/body sites. In none of the trials, did we detect a potential carry-across effect (known to be the major methodological problem in WP-RCTs). Twelve studies reported a care provider applying the treatment, and in 26 studies, the patients themselves applied the treatment. Finally, we also highlight statistical issues for the statistical analysis: overall, 14 (26.9%) studies used a test for independent observations, thus ignoring the between-lesion correlation.

CONCLUSION

Our systematic review highlights that despite the publication of the CONSORT checklist extension for WP-RCTs in 2017, this design is rarely used, and when it is, there are methodological and reporting concerns.

Clinical Manifestations and Management of Pediatric Granuloma Annulare: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

To determine the clinical manifestations, management, and outcomes of pediatric granuloma annulare.

STUDY DESIGN

We searched MEDLINE via PubMed, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences (LILACS), and EMBASE from inception to January 2021. We included all original reports of patients < 18 years of age with a diagnosis of GA and all original reports describing any intervention, including topical or systemic agents, in these patients. Two authors independently extracted socio-demographics and clinical data of the study patients, and treatment(s) used.

RESULTS

Of 2,440 reports screened, 202 were included (836 patients). The mean age was 5.7 (SD 3.8) years and F:M ratio 1.3:1. Localized GA (n=384, 46.8%) and subcutaneous GA (n=353, 43.0%) were the most prevalent subtypes. The most affected site was lower limbs (n=272/568, 47.9%). Suspected triggering factors were mainly local trauma. Diabetes was associated in 22 (2.6%) patients. The rate of spontaneous remission was high (n=140/155, 90.3%), with a median time of 12 months. The most frequent therapies were surgery and topical corticosteroids. Recurrence was observed in 38.3% (n=168/439) of patients, regardless of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric GA frequently resolves spontaneously yet displays a high recurrence rate. Hence, in asymptomatic forms, invasive therapies are not recommended as first-line treatment.

Vascular endothelial growth factor, tissue factor, coagulation and fibrinolysis markers in slow-flow vascular malformations: a prospective study of treatment with sirolimus

Slow-flow vascular malformations (VMs), especially those with venous components, can be complicated by localized intravascular coagulopathy (LIC), responsible for pain and impaired quality of life. Several studies have shown the effectiveness of mTOR inhibitors (especially sirolimus) on slow-flow VMs but its effect on coagulation has been poorly studied, especially in children. Our study shows that venous and combined VMs are associated with coagulation abnormalities and provides novel evidence that sirolimus improves coagulopathy in venous malformations. However we did not clearly evidence predictive biomarkers of response to sirolimus but this is the first study attempting to highlight predictive markers of response to sirolimus.

Topical sirolimus solution for lingual microcystic lymphatic malformations in children and adults (TOPGUN): study protocol for a multicenter, randomized, assessor-blinded, controlled, stepped-wedge clinical trial

Background

Lingual microcystic lymphatic malformations (LMLMs) are rare congenital vascular malformations presenting as clusters of cysts filled with lymph fluid or blood. Even small well-limited lesions can be responsible for a heavy burden, inducing pain, aesthetic prejudice, or oozing, bleeding, infections. The natural history of LMLMs is progressive worsening punctuated by acute flares. Therapeutic options include surgery, laser excision, and radiofrequency ablation but all are potentially detrimental and expose to local relapse. Therefore, the management frequently relies on a “watchful waiting” approach. In complicated LMLMs, treatment with oral sirolimus, a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, is often used. Topical applications of sirolimus on the buccal mucosae have been reported in other oral diseases with good tolerance and none to slight detectable blood sirolimus concentrations. We aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a 1 mg/mL sirolimus solution applied once daily on LMLM of any stage in children and adults after 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 weeks of treatment compared to usual care (no treatment).

Methods

This is a randomized, multicentric study using an individually randomized stepped-wedge design over 24 weeks to evaluate topical application of a 1 mg/mL sirolimus solution once daily, on LMLM, versus usual care (no treatment), the control condition. Participants begin with an observational period and later switch to the intervention at a randomized time (week 0, 4, 8, or 12). Visits occur every 4 weeks, either in the study center or by teleconsulting. The primary outcome will be the evaluation of global severity of the LMLM on monthly standardized photographs by 3 independent blinded experts using the physical global assessment (PGA) 0 to 5 scale. Secondary outcomes will include lesion size measurement and quality of life assessment, investigator, and patient-assessed global disease and specific symptoms (oozing, bleeding, sialorrhea, eating impairment, taste modification, aesthetic impairment, pain, and global discomfort) assessment. A biological monitoring will be performed including residual blood sirolimus concentration and usual laboratory parameters.

Discussion

Given the disappointing state of current treatment options in LMLMs, topical sirolimus could become firstline therapy in treating LMLMs if its efficacy and safety were to be demonstrated.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04128722. Registered on 24 September 2019.

EudraCT: EUCTR2019-001530-33-FR

Sponsor (University Hospital Center of Tours – CHRU Tours): DR190041-TOPGUN

French regulatory authorities: ID RCB: 2019-001530-33

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-022-06365-y.

Lesion of the Anal Margin in a Young Child: A Quiz

Abstract is missing (Quiz)

Sirolimus (Rapamycin) for Slow-Flow Malformations in Children: The Observational-Phase Randomized Clinical PERFORMUS Trial

Importance

Sirolimus is increasingly being used to treat various vascular anomalies, although evidence of its efficacy is lacking.

Objective

To assess the efficacy and safety of sirolimus for children with slow-flow vascular malformations to better delineate the indications for treatment.

Design, Setting and Participants

This multicenter, open-label, observational-phase randomized clinical trial included 59 children aged 6 to 18 years with a slow-flow vascular malformation who were recruited between September 28, 2015, and March 22, 2018, in 11 French tertiary hospital centers. Statistical analysis was performed on an intent-to-treat basis from December 4, 2019, to November 10, 2020.

Interventions

Patients underwent an observational period, then switched to an interventional period when they received oral sirolimus (target serum levels, 4-12 ng/mL). The switch time was randomized from month 4 to month 8, and the whole study period lasted 12 months for each patient.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was change in the volume of vascular malformations detected on magnetic resonance imaging scan (with centralized interpretation) per unit of time (ie, between the interventional period and the observational period). Secondary outcomes included subjective end points: pain, bleeding, oozing, quality of life, and safety.

Results

Among the participants (35 girls [59.3%]; mean [SD] age, 11.6 [3.8] years), 22 (37.3%) had a pure venous malformation, 18 (30.5%) had a cystic lymphatic malformation, and 19 (32.2%) had a combined malformation, including syndromic forms. Variations in the volume of vascular malformations detected on magnetic resonance imaging scans associated with the duration period were not overall significantly different between the interventional period and the observational period (all vascular malformations: mean [SD] difference, -0.001 [0.007]; venous malformations: mean [SD] difference, 0.001 [0.004]; combined malformations: mean [SD] difference, 0.001 [0.009]). However, a significant decrease in volume was observed for children with pure lymphatic malformations (mean [SD] difference, -0.005 [0.005]). Overall, sirolimus had positive effects on pain, especially for combined malformations, and on bleeding, oozing, self-assessed efficacy, and quality of life. During sirolimus treatment, 56 patients experienced 231 adverse events (5 serious adverse events, none life-threatening). The most frequent adverse event was an oral ulcer (29 patients [49.2%]).

Conclusions and Relevance

This observational-phase randomized clinical trial allows for clarifying the goals of patients and families when starting sirolimus therapy for children older than 6 years. Pure lymphatic malformations seem to be the best indication for sirolimus therapy because evidence of decreasing lymphatic malformation volume per unit of time, oozing, and bleeding and increasing quality of life was found. In combined malformations, sirolimus significantly reduced pain, oozing, and bleeding. Benefits seemed lower for pure venous malformations than for the 2 other subgroups, also based on symptoms.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02509468; clinicaltrialsregister.eu Identifier: 2015-001096-43.

Health care transition for patients with vascular malformations: a French multicenter cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Health care transition (i.e., transition from pediatric to adult care) is challenging in chronic conditions but has been poorly studied in rare chronic skin diseases. We investigated the proportion of lost to follow-up among patients with superficial vascular malformations after health care transition. We also collected patients' opinions. This prospective, multicenter, cross-sectional study was performed at 7 French hospitals. We included patients aged 19-25 years, who were followed for a superficial vascular malformation before age 16, and who had completed the transition period in 2020. Data were collected from medical records and a questionnaire was sent to included patients asking about the health care transition.

RESULTS

Among the 90 patients included, 41 (46%) were lost to follow-up after health care transition period. The age at diagnosis was significantly higher for lost to follow-up than non- lost to follow-up patients. The lost to follow-up proportion was similar between patients who changed and did not change hospitals during the transition. Responses to the questionnaire were obtained for 47 of 90 patients (52.2% response rate); most were satisfied with their care (n = 31/36, 86.1%); however, a lack of psychological support was reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Health care transition is associated to a high rate of lost to follow-up. Early management seems associated to less lost to follow-up. Further studies are needed to better understand risk factors for a failed health care transition and its consequences.

Acute acral eruptions in children during the COVID-19 pandemic: Characteristics of 103 children and their family clusters

Background

A marked increase in frequency of acute acral eruptions (AAE) was observed in children during the COVID-19 pandemic in the spring period.

Objectives

In this observational multicenter study, based on children with AAE, we aimed to assess the proportion of household members possibly infected by SARS-CoV-2.

Methods

We collected data from all children observed with AAE, prospectively from April 7, 2020 to June 22, 2020, and retrospectively since February 28, 2020. The primary outcome was the household infection rate, defined as the proportion of family clusters having at least one member with COVID-19 infection other than the child with AAE (“index child”). The definition of a case was based on characteristic clinical signs and a positive PCR or serology.

Results

The study included 103 children in 10 French departments and in Quebec. The median age was 13 years and the interquartile range [8–15], with a female-to-male ratio of 1/1.15. In children with AAE, all PCR tests were negative (n = 18), and serology was positive in 2/14 (14.3%) cases. We found no significant anomalies in the lab results. A total of 66 of the 103 families (64.1%) of included children had at least one other infected member apart from the index child. The total number of household members was 292, of whom 119 (40.8%) were considered possibly infected by SARS-CoV-2. No index children or households exhibited severe COVID-19.

Discussion

Among the 103 households included, 64.1% had at least one infected member. Neither children with AAE nor their households showed severe COVID-19.

Short-term Effect and Acceptability of Manual Lymphatic Drainage for Paediatric Limb Lymphoedema: A Prospective Study

Paediatric lymphoedema (LE) is a rare condition, for which there is little data available regarding treatments. The aim of this study was to assess the short-term effect and acceptability of a 30-min session of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) in children with well-documented LE of the lower limbs. Fifteen children were included (8 males; median age 11 years). Comparison of the sum of circumference values for the whole limb before and after MLD revealed a slight, but significant, reduction (from a median of 289.8 to 285.5 cm, p = 0.024), but the limb volumes did not decrease significantly (from a median of 4,870.3 to 4,772.3 ml, p = 0.394). Dermal thickness, measured by high-resolution ultrasound, decreased from 1.44 to 1.40 mm (p < 0.001). All children reported improvement in well-being, and found MLD useful. In conclusion, MLD is well accepted by children, but has poor impact on LE swelling. However, it decreases cutaneous oedema by mobilizing the lymph fluid.

Research Techniques Made Simple: Randomized Controlled Trials for Topical Drugs in Dermatology: When and How Should We Use a Within-Person Design?

Topical drugs are often used as first-line treatment for dermatological conditions. Depending on the disease and the drug, three main designs can be used for randomized controlled trials assessing topical drugs: the classical individual parallel design, the cluster randomized design, and designs allowing within-individual comparisons, including the cross-over design (in which patients are randomized to a sequence of interventions) and the within-person design (also called the split-body design). Within-person design can be used to compare different drugs concomitantly in the same patient. Randomization does not concern patients but rather lesions or body sites within patients, and the drugs to be compared are applied to the different lesions (or sites). This design considerably reduces interobservation variability, and thus, the number of patients to be included in the trial (sample size). However, this design has major methodological constraints, especially the need to resolve the problem of a possible carry-across effect. First, we describe the specificities of randomized controlled trials evaluating a topical drug. Second, we present the different designs available and discuss the methodological points that should be considered, especially for a within-person design. Finally, we compare the relevance of the within-person design with that of other trial designs by considering three different scenarios.

Topical rapamycin versus betamethasone dipropionate ointment for treating oral erosive lichen planus: a randomized, double-blind, controlled study

BACKGROUND

Although superpotent topical corticosteroids are the first-line treatment for oral erosive lichen planus (OELP), topical rapamycin was found efficient in a previous case series.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the efficacy and safety of topical rapamycin and betamethasone dipropionate ointment for OELP in a randomized, double-blind trial.

METHODS

Patients were randomized to receive treatment with betamethasone dipropionate ointment 0.05% in Orabase^® or topical rapamycin solution (1 mg/mL) on lesions twice daily for 3 months, followed by 3 months of observation. The primary outcome was clinical remission after 3 months of treatment. Secondary outcomes were clinical remission after 1 and 2 months, reduced oral pain and reduced impact on food intake after 3 months, clinical recurrence after treatment withdrawal, and adverse events.

RESULTS

During a 4-year period, 76 patients were randomized and 75 received treatment (rapamycin, n = 39; betamethasone, n = 36). At 3 months, 39.4% of patients with betamethasone and 27.3% with rapamycin showed clinical remission (odds ratio 0.68, 95% CI [0.24; 1.89]; P = 0.46). Rates of remission after 1 and 2 months, reduction in pain and impact on food intake after 3 months, were higher with betamethasone than rapamycin. Recurrence of oral erosions was similar between groups. Adverse events occurred in 43.6% of patients with rapamycin (mostly burning sensation, impaired taste) and 27.8% with betamethasone (mostly oral candidiasis).

CONCLUSION

Although the study was limited by insufficient recruitment, we did not find any superiority of topical rapamycin over betamethasone dipropionate ointment for OELP. Given the rapid remission and pain improvement in the betamethasone group, it appears that superpotent topical corticosteroids should remain the first-line treatment for OELP.

Topical sirolimus 0.1% for treating cutaneous microcystic lymphatic malformations in children and adults (TOPICAL): protocol for a multicenter phase 2, within-person, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled clinical trial

Background

Cutaneous microcystic lymphatic malformations (CMLMs) are rare conditions in children and adults. They present as clusters of vesicles full of lymph and blood to various extents, inducing maceration, esthetic impairment, pain, and impaired quality of life. The treatment is challenging. Sirolimus is an inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) involved in angio-lymphangiogenesis. Topical sirolimus has recently been reported as effective in a few reports of patients with CMLMs. The objective is to compare the efficacy and safety of a 12-week application of 0.1% topical sirolimus versus topical vehicle in CMLMs in children and adults.

Methods

This French blinded multicenter within-person randomized controlled phase 2 trial aims to include 55 patients aged ≥ 6 years who have a primary CMLM. The CMLM will be divided into two equal areas that will be randomly allocated to 0.1% topical sirolimus or topical vehicle applied for 12 weeks. At the end of the 12-week period, the patient/parent will treat the whole area of CMLM with 0.1% topical sirolimus on remaining lesions, for eight more weeks. Patients will be seen at week 20 (treatment will be stopped) and at month 12 to evaluate long-term efficacy. The primary outcome will be improvement of the CMLM in the area treated with topical sirolimus compared to the area treated with topical vehicle by the investigator physician (blinded to the treatment) with the Physician Global Assessment score at week 12. Secondary outcomes will include: assessment of efficacy by independent experts on the basis of standardized photographs; impact on quality of life; efficacy for oozing, bleeding, erythema, and thickness evaluated by the investigators; and global efficacy as well as efficacy for functional and aesthetic impairment evaluated by the patient. Systemic passage of sirolimus will be measured at weeks 6, 12, and 20, and at week 16 for CMLMs ≥ 900 cm².

Discussion

For patients with CMLMs, topical sirolimus could be a non-invasive and well-tolerated therapeutic option. If the trial demonstrates efficacy and safety of this treatment, this result will lead to a real change in the management of this condition, and 0.1% sirolimus cream would become the first-line treatment.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03972592. Registered on 3 June 2019. EU Clinical Trials Register EudraCT, 2018–001359-11.