Publications by authors named "J F Rork"

Pediatric dermatology patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and comorbid cutaneous conditions often face barriers to effective healthcare due to differences in communication preferences and sensitivities to environmental factors. The clinical intake process serves as a potential intervention point to help better understand and meet patients' needs. Strengths-based assessment and considerations around identity-first versus person-first language are tools that can improve the clinical intake process in pediatric dermatology.

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Article Synopsis
  • As life expectancy for individuals with Down syndrome rises, this study aims to identify prevalent skin conditions throughout their lives to improve clinical care and drive research.
  • Analyzing data from 1,529 patients across eight medical centers from 2011 to 2021 revealed that eczematous dermatitis is the most common skin condition, with variations by age group; children often face eczema, adolescents experience folliculitis, and adults are prone to seborrheic dermatitis.
  • The findings highlight the need for focused clinical guidelines and research on skin disorders in the Down syndrome population, which predominantly include eczema and autoimmune skin diseases.
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Down syndrome (DS) is associated with many dermatological conditions, including hidradenitis suppurativa, folliculitis, and alopecia areata. Despite the high incidence of skin conditions in this population, there are no quality of life (QoL) studies in the dermatology literature focused on patients with DS or their caregivers. The frequently used QoL assessment tool, the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), has yet to be studied in this population.

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Metopic ridge (MeR) is a midline osseous forehead prominence resulting from physiologic closure of the underlying metopic suture. This mass-like ridge can be mistaken for serious conditions such as a craniosynostosis or vascular anomaly, prompting concern and workup. We reviewed patients presenting for a forehead mass to Vascular Anomalies and Dermatology clinics and diagnosed with MeR to increase familiarity with this finding and to encourage MeR in the differential diagnosis of pediatric midline forehead masses.

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