Pilocytic astrocytoma with leptomeningeal spread in a patient with incontinentia pigmenti presenting with unilateral nystagmus.

Incontinentia pigmenti (IP) is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in IKBKG, leading to functional loss of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-ĸB). We report the case of a 6-month-old female child with IP who presented with unilateral nystagmus and was found to have a pilocytic astrocytoma with leptomeningeal spread. Enhanced understanding of the relationship between NF-ĸB, along with its upstream regulators, and tumorigenesis may shed light on whether a subset of patients with IP may be at increased risk for neoplasia.

Atenolol Versus Propranolol for Treatment of Infantile Hemangiomas During the Proliferative Phase: A Retrospective Noninferiority Study.

Background/objectives: The nonselective beta-blocker propranolol is the current criterion standard for treatment of infantile hemangiomas (IHs) and the first therapy that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved for the condition, but concern about adverse effects, such as bronchospasm, hypoglycemia, and sleep disturbances, has sparked interest in the use of alternative agents such as the selective β1 antagonist atenolol.

Treatment of Alopecia Areata With Tofacitinib.

This medical record review describes the characteristics and outcomes of patients with alopecia areata before and after treatment with tofacitinib.

Beta-blockers for childhood vascular tumors.

Purpose Of Review: Since 2008, beta-blockers have become first-line treatment for infantile hemangiomas, the most common tumor of infancy. Their role is also being explored in the treatment of other childhood vascular tumors.

Recent Findings: Recent research has demonstrated that propranolol is a more effective and safer treatment for infantile hemangiomas than previous therapeutic options.

Dermatologic conditions in internationally adopted children.

Over 200,000 children have been adopted into United States (US) families from abroad since the year 2000. Health care providers who care for children adopted internationally should be aware of the spectrum of illnesses seen in this population, and should be prepared to encounter potentially unusual situations. An appreciation for the unique pre-adoption exposures and vulnerabilities inherent in international adoption is critical for proper diagnosis and treatment of this heterogeneous group of children.