Adherence to levetiracetam for management of epilepsy: Assessment with electronic monitors.

Introduction: Anti-seizure medications are used to manage epilepsy and require long-term adherence to maintain therapeutic drug levels. We assessed adherence to levetiracetam and the use of a digital intervention to improve adherence in patients with epilepsy.

Methods: 30 participants with epilepsy were randomized 1:1 either to a digital email adherence intervention or control group.

A Comparison of Alternative Medicine Users and Non-Users in Patients With Hidradenitis Suppurativa.

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa patients often seek non-prescription therapies.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of alternative medicine use and characterize the differences between patients who report using alternative medications versus those who do not.

Methods: We surveyed 67 patients with hidradenitis suppurativa regarding demographics, alternative medicine use, disease severity, and quality of life.

The dermatology residency application process.

The dermatology application process is grueling, that is tough to navigate without the proper guidance. This commentary is meant to shed light on the factors that can help applicants stand out in order to be successful in the match. It includes observations from successful applicants from the most recent match process.

Patients' Perspectives of Diagnostic Error: A Qualitative Study.

Objectives: The Institute of Medicine (IOM) defines diagnostic error as the failure to establish an accurate or timely explanation for the patient's health problem(s) or effectively communicate the explanation to the patient. Using this definition, we sought to characterize diagnostic errors experienced by patients and describe patient perspectives on causes, impacts, and prevention strategies.

Methods: We conducted interviews of adults hospitalized at an academic medical center.

Emotional Well-Being Is Impaired in Hidradenitis Suppurativa Patients.

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory condition.

Objective: To measure emotional well-being in HS patients and compare to other populations, assess if there is an effect of disease severity on emotional well-being, and determine if emotional well-being is correlated with quality of life and depression.

Methods: A total of 153 HS subjects were recruited, and 66 Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) surveys assessing emotional well-being were completed.

Review of Graft-Versus-Host Disease.

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is an adverse immunologic phenomenon following allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Cutaneous manifestations are the earliest and most common presentation of the disease. This article describes the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment options available for acute and chronic GVHD.

Marshall Islands Pinworm.

Pinworm infections are usually under the spectrum of the Infectious Diseases department, however, they can fall into a gastroenterologist's lap when found incidentally during a screening colonoscopy. This case expands on the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of pinworms in the patient and household.

A safety review of recent advancements in the treatment of psoriasis: analysis of clinical trial safety data.

Introduction: The management of psoriasis can include oral medications and injectable biologics. Safety data of these various treatment options are important to consider when choosing the right treatment for the patient.

Areas Covered: This review evaluates the safety of newer treatments approved for psoriasis, including interleukin-(IL)-17 inhibitors, IL-23/p19 inhibitors, ustekinumab, certolizumab pegol and apremilast, using phases III and IV clinical trial data.

Validation of a Hidradenitis Suppurativa Self-Assessment Tool.

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a debilitating dermatologic condition presenting with recurrent abscesses. While there are multiple scales to determine HS severity, none are designed for self-administration. A validated severity self-assessment tool may facilitate survey research and improve communication by allowing patients to objectively report their HS severity between clinic visits.

Diet and psoriasis.

Background: Patients with psoriasis have a growing interest in managing their disease through diet.

Objective: This review paper aims to analyze dietary interventions for psoriasis and their outcome.

Methods: Terms "psoriasis AND diet" were used to search PubMed database and 63 articles describing dietary changes influencing psoriasis were selected.

Topical Retinoids in Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review.

Background: Topical retinoids are a first-line treatment for acne vulgaris.

Objective: This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of topical retinoids approved in the United States for the treatment of acne vulgaris.

Methods: A PubMed and Embase search was conducted using the search terms 'adapalene,' 'tretinoin,' 'tazarotene,' and 'acne vulgaris.

Pharmacotherapeutic strategies for standard treatment-resistant psoriasis.

Introduction: Psoriasis management includes a variety of treatments including localized therapies and systemic treatments; however, many patients report inadequate clinical response and resistance to therapy. Currently there is no treatment algorithm that incorporates effective strategies to tackle the various barriers leading to resistance.

Areas Covered: The authors evaluate the scope of resistance, the reasons it occurs, and provide the reader with strategies for overcoming resistance in both localized and systemic therapies for psoriasis.

Psychosocial impact of psoriasis: a review for dermatology residents.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease with both a physical and psychosocial burden. To offer strategies for dermatology residents to assess and manage psychosocial aspects of psoriasis, a PubMed search of articles indexed for MEDLINE was performed using the following terms: and . Selected articles covered the prevalence, assessment, and management of each of the psychosocial domains of psoriasis.

Review of future insights of Dragon's Blood in dermatology.

To assess the possible clinical implication of Dragon's Blood in dermatology, a PubMed search was conducted using the keyword "Dragon's Blood," "Croton lechleri," and more. Dragon's Blood from C. lechleri is an Amazonian medicinal plant with a characteristic red sap.

Tildrakizumab: A Review of Phase II and III Clinical Trials.

Objective: Tildrakizumab, an inhibitor of the p19 subunit of interleukin (IL)-23, was recently Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. This article will review the phase II and III clinical trial data of tildrakizumab.

Data Sources: A PubMed search from January 2000 to September 2018 was done with the search terms tildrakizumab, guselkumab, risankizumab, p19, interleukin-23, and psoriasis.