Priyanka Vedak

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor in traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, and their comorbid conditions: role in pathogenesis and treatment.

As US military service members return from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan with elevated rates of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention has been increasingly focused on TBI/PTSD comorbidity, its neurobiological mechanisms, and novel and effective treatment approaches. TBI and PTSD, and their comorbid conditions, present with a spectrum of common clinical features such as sleep disturbance, depression, anxiety, irritability, difficulty in concentrating, fatigue, suicidality, chronic pain, and alterations in arousal. These TBI and PTSD disorders are also thought to be characterized by overlapping neural mechanisms. Both conditions are associated with changes in hippocampal, prefrontal cortical, and limbic region function because of alterations in synaptogenesis, dendritic remodeling, and neurogenesis. Neural changes in TBI and PTSD result from pathophysiological disturbances in metabolic, cytotoxic, inflammatory, and apoptic processes, amongst other mechanisms. Neurotrophins have well-established actions in regulating cell growth and survival, differentiation, apoptosis, and cytoskeleton restructuring. A body of research indicates that dysregulation of neural brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is found in conditions of TBI and PTSD. Induction of BDNF and activation of its intracellular receptors can produce neural regeneration, reconnection, and dendritic sprouting, and can improve synaptic efficacy. In this review, we consider treatment approaches that enhance BDNF-related signaling and have the potential to restore neural connectivity. Such treatment approaches could facilitate neuroplastic changes that lead to adaptive neural repair and reverse cognitive and emotional deficits in both TBI and PTSD.

Costs and Consequences Associated With Misdiagnosed Lower Extremity Cellulitis

Importance Inflammatory dermatoses of the lower extremity are often misdiagnosed as cellulitis (aka “pseudocellulitis”) and treated with antibiotics and/or hospitalization. There is limited data on the cost and complications from misdiagnosed cellulitis. Objective To characterize the national health care burden of misdiagnosed cellulitis in patients admitted for treatment of lower extremity cellulitis. Design, Setting, and Participants Cross-sectional study using patients admitted from the emergency department (ED) of a large urban hospital with a diagnosis of lower extremity cellulitis between June 2010 and December 2012. Patients who were discharged with a diagnosis of cellulitis were categorized as having cellulitis, while those who were given an alternative diagnosis during the hospital course, on discharge, or within 30 days of discharge were considered to have pseudocellulitis. A literature review was conducted for calculation of large-scale costs and complication rates. We obtained national cost figures from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), provided by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) for 2010 to calculate the hospitalization costs per year attributed to misdiagnosed lower extremity pseudocellulitis. Exposures The exposed group was composed of patients who presented to and were admitted from the ED with a diagnosis of lower extremity cellulitis. Main Outcomes and Measures Patient characteristics, hospital course, and complications during and after hospitalization were reviewed for each patient, and estimates of annual costs of misdiagnosed cellulitis in the United States. Results Of 259 patients, 79 (30.5%) were misdiagnosed with cellulitis, and 52 of these misdiagnosed patients were admitted primarily for the treatment of cellulitis. Forty-four of the 52 (84.6%) did not require hospitalization based on ultimate diagnosis, and 48 (92.3%) received unnecessary antibiotics. We estimate cellulitis misdiagnosis leads to 50 000 to 130 000 unnecessary hospitalizations and

The utility of re-excising mildly and moderately dysplastic nevi: A retrospective analysis

195 million to

The Role of Bone Scintigraphy in the Diagnosis of Calciphylaxis

515 million in avoidable health care spending. Unnecessary antibiotics and hospitalization for misdiagnosed cellulitis are projected to cause more than 9000 nosocomial infections, 1000 to 5000 Clostridium difficile infections, and 2 to 6 cases of anaphylaxis annually. Conclusions and Relevance Misdiagnosis of lower extremity cellulitis is common and may lead to unnecessary patient morbidity and considerable health care spending.

A predictive model for diagnosis of lower extremity cellulitis: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND The management of dysplastic nevi (DN) is a highly debated and controversial topic within the dermatology community. Clinicians agree that margin-positive severely DN should be removed with a surgical margin, however, there is disagreement surrounding the appropriate management of margin-positive mildly and moderately DN. OBJECTIVE We sought to evaluate the utility of re-excising margin-positive mildly and moderately DN. METHODS A retrospective chart review was conducted on all adult patients given the diagnosis of a biopsy-proven DN from 2010 through 2011. The primary outcomes were defined as the presence of melanocytic residuum in re-excisional specimens and a clinically significant change in diagnosis. RESULTS A total of 1809 mildly and moderately DN were diagnosed from 2010 through 2011. In all, 765 (42.3%) of these lesions were found to have positive surgical margins during biopsy, and 495 (64.7) of the 765 lesions were subsequently re-excised. Melanocytic residuum was present in 18.2% of re-excisional specimens. Re-excision resulted in a clinically significant alteration of the diagnosis in only 1 case (0.2%). LIMITATIONS Limitations include retrospective design and inability to assess for malignant transformation given limited follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Re-excising mildly and moderately DN results in a low histopathological yield and rarely results in a clinically significant change in diagnosis. As such, clinical monitoring of margin-positive lesions may be warranted.

Genetic basis of TNF-α antagonist associated psoriasis in inflammatory bowel diseases: a genotype-phenotype analysis.

among the public, as people often choose not to heed any recommendations until consensus is achieved. A limitation of this study includes selection bias, as dermatologists who have stronger beliefs about sun protection may have been more likely to respond. In addition, social desirability bias may have been a factor, leading the dermatologists to provide more positive than negative answers. As debate continues about optimizing the use of sunscreen, it is important to assess and understand dermatologists’ views as well as the recommendations they provide to patients. This study provides insights into these issues and has identified potential knowledge gaps and corresponding educational opportunities where existing recommendations can be reviewed to better align with actual dermatologic practices. Aaron S. Farberg, MD Alex M. Glazer, MD Adam C. Rigel, MMS, MS Richard White, MS Darrell S. Rigel, MD, MS

Effect of Dermatology Consultation on Outcomes for Patients With Presumed Cellulitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background Cellulitis has many clinical mimickers (pseudocellulitis), which leads to frequent misdiagnosis. Objective To create a model for predicting the likelihood of lower extremity cellulitis. Methods A cross‐sectional review was performed of all patients admitted with a diagnosis of lower extremity cellulitis through the emergency department at a large hospital between 2010 and 2012. Patients discharged with diagnosis of cellulitis were categorized as having cellulitis, while those given an alternative diagnosis were considered to have pseudocellulitis. Bivariate associations between predictor variables and final diagnosis were assessed to develop a 4‐variable model. Results In total, 79 (30.5%) of 259 patients were misdiagnosed with lower extremity cellulitis. Of the variables associated with true cellulitis, the 4 in the final model were asymmetry (unilateral involvement), leukocytosis (white blood cell count ≥10,000/uL), tachycardia (heart rate ≥90 bpm), and age ≥70 years. We converted these variables into a points system to create the ALT‐70 cellulitis score as follows: Asymmetry (3 points), Leukocytosis (1 point), Tachycardia (1 point), and age ≥70 (2 points). With this score, 0‐2 points indicate ≥83.3% likelihood of pseudocellulitis, and ≥5 points indicate ≥82.2% likelihood of true cellulitis. Limitations Prospective validation of this model is needed before widespread clinical use. Conclusion Asymmetry, leukocytosis, tachycardia, and age ≥70 are predictive of lower extremity cellulitis. This model might facilitate more accurate diagnosis and improve patient care.

Location of skin lesions in Henoch-Schönlein purpura and its association with significant renal involvement

Anti‐tumour necrosis factor (anti‐TNF) biologic associated psoriasis has been reported in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. However, little is known regarding its pathogenesis.

Clinical Usefulness of Imaging and Blood Cultures in Cellulitis Evaluation

Importance Each year, cellulitis leads to 650 000 hospital admissions and is estimated to cost

Delayed type IV hypersensitivity reaction to porcine acellular dermal matrix masquerading as infection resulting in multiple debridements

3.7 billion in the United States. Previous literature has demonstrated a high misdiagnosis rate for cellulitis, which results in unnecessary antibiotic use and health care cost. Objective To determine whether dermatologic consultation decreases duration of hospital stay or intravenous antibiotic treatment duration in patients with cellulitis. Design, Setting, and Participants This randomized clinical trial was conducted in a large urban tertiary care hospital between October 2012 and January 2017, with 1-month follow-up duration. Patients were randomized to the control group, which received the standard of care (ie, treatment by primary medicine team), or the intervention group, which received dermatology consultation. Medical chart review of demographic information and hospital courses was performed. Adult patients hospitalized with presumed diagnosis of cellulitis were eligible. A total of 1300 patients were screened, 1125 were excluded, and 175 were included. Statistical analysis was employed to identify significant outcome differences between the 2 groups. Interventions Dermatology consultation within 24 hours of hospitalization. Main Outcomes and Measures Length of hospital stay and duration of intravenous antibiotic treatment. Results Of 175 participants, 70 (40%) were women and 105 (60%) were men. The mean age was 58.8 years. Length of hospital stay was not statistically different between the 2 groups. The duration of intravenous antibiotic treatment (<4 days: 86.4% vs 72.5%; absolute difference, 13.9%; 95% CI, 1.9%-25.9%; P = .04) and duration of total antibiotic treatment was significantly lower in patients who had early dermatology consultation (<10 days: 50.6% vs 32.5%; absolute difference, 18.1%; 95% CI, 3.7%-32.5%; P = .01). Clinical improvement at 2 weeks was significantly higher for those in the intervention group (79 [89.3%] vs 59 [68.3%]; absolute difference, 21.0%; 95% CI, 9.3%-32.7%; P < .001). There was no significant difference in 1-month readmission rate between the groups (4 [4.5%] vs 6 [6.9%]; absolute difference, −2.4%; 95% CI, −9.3% to 4.5%; P = .54). In the intervention group, the rate of cellulitis misdiagnosis was 30.7% (27 of 88 participants). Among the entire cohort, 101 (57.7%) patients were treated with courses of antibiotics longer than what is recommended by guidelines. Conclusions and Relevance Early dermatologic consultation can improve outcomes in patients with suspected cellulitis by identifying alternate diagnoses, treating modifiable risk factors, and decreasing length of antibiotic treatment. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01706913