Nhung Ho

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of topical tacrolimus 0·1% vs. clobetasol propionate 0·05% in childhood vitiligo.

Background  Both clobetasol propionate 0·05% (CP 0·05%) and tacrolimus 0·1% (T 0·1%) ointments have been shown to be efficacious and safe in treating vitiligo in the paediatric population.

Propranolol in the management of infantile hemangiomas: clinical response and predictors.

Background: Recent data suggest that propranolol is an effective treatment for infantile hemangiomas (IHs). Data on the optimal dose, duration of therapy, and predictors of response are currently lacking. Objective: To assess the clinical response to and predictors of propranolol use in the treatment of IH. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of 44 patients. Two independent assessors evaluated improvement by comparing serial digital photographs using a 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS), where 5 mm change represented 10% change in the size or appearance of the IH. Results: Propranolol was started at a mean age of 7.8 (SD 8.21) months and was used for 7.3 (SD 4.8) months before weaning. The mean percent improvement compared to baseline (as measured by the VAS) was 78% (SD 23%). Minor adverse events were noted in 32% of patients. The most significant predictor of regrowth after weaning was a IH > 5 cm in size (p = .017). Conclusions: Propranolol is effective in IH, but the side effects and the possibility of regrowth should be considered.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans in pediatric patients: a report of 17 cases.

Background: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is an uncommon soft tissue tumor. In children, there are acquired and congenital presentations. Due to clinical similarities with other conditions, diagnosis may be delayed. Objective: To review the clinical characteristics and treatment of DFSP in pediatric patients. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed from January 2002 to September 2012. Inclusion criteria were patients under 18 years of age with a histopathologic diagnosis of DFSP. Data on demographics, clinical characteristics, treatments, and outcomes were collected. Results: Information was gathered from 17 patients; 9 (53%) were female. Congenital lesions were reported in 7 patients. The mean delay of diagnosis was 5.7 years; the most common anatomic location was the trunk in 8 of 17 (47%) cases. Treatment options included wide local surgery, Mohs surgery, and imatinib mesylate. Conclusion: A detailed medical history and identification of the natural course of common conditions seen in pediatric patients are important to identify less common lesions and to suspect DFSP.

Pediatric Sweet syndrome. A retrospective study.

Sweet syndrome (SS) is a relatively rare pediatric diagnosis, with fewer than 80 pediatric cases reported in the literature, characterized by tender erythematous plaques and nodules associated with systemic inflammation.

Verrucous hemangioma: a challenging vascular lesion.

Background: We present a case of a 13-year-old girl with a congenital vascular lesion in her right ankle. Results and Conclusions: Clinical and pathologic examinations led to the diagnosis of a verrucous hemangioma, a distinct, uncommon vascular lesion. The appearance of verrucous hemangiomas evolves with time and may represent a diagnostic challenge. We present this case report and a review of the literature.

Hobnail Hemangioma (Superficial Hemosiderotic Lymphovascular Malformation) in Children: A Series of 6 Pediatric Cases and Review of the Literature.

Background: Hobnail hemangioma is a small benign vascular malformation of the superficial and mid-dermis with variable clinical presentation. Objectives: To review the clinical characteristics of hobnail hemangioma in pediatric patients. Methods: A retrospective chart review performed of all histopathologically confirmed cases of hobnail hemangioma from May 2000 to December 2014. Data on demographics, clinical characteristics, and results of immunohistochemical staining were collected. Results: Four male and 2 female patients identified. Congenital lesions were reported in 3 cases. The most common anatomic location was the extremities. Treatment options included observation and surgical excision. Conclusions: Hobnail hemangioma is an uncommon benign vascular malformation. Due to its benign nature, treatment is not required. If treatment is indicated, complete surgical excision appears to be the most effective option.

Potassium iodide in refractory, recurrent pediatric Sweet syndrome: Guidance in dosing and monitoring

We describe a 5‐month‐old boy with clinical and histopathologic presentation of Sweet syndrome. He responded to systemic corticosteroids, with multiple flares on tapering; potassium iodide was added, which provided complete resolution of Sweet syndrome. Potassium iodide has been used in only a few cases, and no standard dosage has been established in children. We discuss calculation of a pediatric dosage for potassium iodide in Sweet syndrome.

Congenital Telangiectatic Atrophic Patch on a Healthy Child

Background: Rapidly involuting congenital hemangiomas (RICHs) are rare vascular tumors that have a proliferative phase in utero, present fully grown at birth, and have a fast involution phase after birth. Even rarer cases have completed involution in utero and present at birth as an atrophic plaque with redundant skin. Case Report: We present one case of a RICH that underwent involution in utero and revise the diagnostic and management implications.

Variable Presentations of Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus

To the Editor: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has an incidence of 1 in 2,000 individuals with a female predominance. Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) accounts for 7 to 27% of the SLE population. The first report of SCLE as a unique entity was made by Sontheimer and colleagues in 1979. In the pediatric population, SCLE may be underreported partly because the cases are not recognized clinically owing to its multifaceted presentation. We report two cases of SCLE in childhood with different presentations using a comparative review of the literature on previously reported cases.