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.

Atypical keratosis pilaris-like lesions in a patient with Bethlem myopathy

Bethlem myopathy is a collagen VI-related myopathy. Collagen VI is primarily not only associated with the extracellular matrix of skeletal muscle, but is also found in the skin, blood vessels, and other organs. Dermatologic findings described for Bethlem myopathy include follicular hyperkeratosis and abnormal scar formation, although clinical and histopathologic photographs remain elusive in the literature. We present a case of atypical keratosis pilaris-like follicular lesions in a patient with Bethlem myopathy and provide histopathologic correlation to better characterize the development of skin lesions in this rare neuromuscular disease.

Congenital cutaneous non-neural granular cell tumor mimicking herpetic infection: Case report and review of the literature

We present a case of a female neonate with a cluster of six skin colored to yellowish pseudovesicular papules on her right forearm present since birth, initially thought to be a herpes simplex virus infection. Punch biopsy with immunostaining revealed a diagnosis of S100-negative, CD163-positive congenital cutaneous non-neural granular cell tumor. Only four other reports are presented in the literature of this entity, three of which also presented on the arm with somewhat similar clinical findings. We briefly reviewed the subtypes of classic and S100-negative non-neural granular cell tumors.

Sunscreens: An Update

Sunscreens have been widely used by the general public for their photoprotective properties, including prevention of photocarcinogenesis and photoaging and management of photodermatoses. It is important to emphasize to consumers the necessity of broad-spectrum protection, with coverage of both ultraviolet A (320-400 nm) and ultraviolet B (290-320 nm) radiation. This review discusses the benefits of sunscreen, different ultraviolet filters, sunscreen regulations and controversies, the importance of broad-spectrum protection, issues of photostability and formulation, and patient education and compliance.