OBJECTIVES:This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (intervention). The objectives are as follows: To evaluate the relative benefits and harms of topical pharmacological treatments in plaque psoriasis in adults and children, and rank their effectiveness and safety through a network meta-analysis.

The purpose of this study was to determine if short-term outcomes differed for pediatric patients with suspected musculoskeletal infection with or without a preoperative MRI. This was a multicenter, retrospective review of patients aged 0–16 years who presented with atraumatic extremity pain, underwent irrigation and debridement (I&D), and received at least one preoperative or postoperative MRI over a 10-year period. Primary outcomes were time to OR, total I&Ds, readmission rate, time from OR to discharge, and total number of MRIs. Secondary outcomes entailed the rate at which concurrent osteomyelitis was identified in patients with septic arthritis and the extent of the resulting surgical debridement. Of the 104 patients, 72.1% had a preoperative MRI. Patients with a preoperative MRI were significantly less likely to have surgery on the day of admission. No difference was found between groups regarding total I&Ds, readmission rate, time from OR to discharge, and total number of MRIs. Of the 57 patients diagnosed with septic arthritis, those with a preoperative MRI were significantly more likely to have concurrent osteomyelitis identified and to undergo bony debridement in addition to arthrotomy of the joint. In conclusion, patient outcomes are not adversely affected by obtaining a preoperative MRI despite the delay in time to OR. Although preoperative MRI can be beneficial in ruling out other pathologies and identifying the extent of concurrent osteomyelitis, the decision to obtain a preoperative MRI and timing of surgery should be left to the discretion of the treating surgeon.

Dermatomyositis (DM) is an idiopathic inflammatory myopathy characterized by progressive muscle weakness and distinctive cutaneous findings. The exact incidence and prevalence of DM in the general population is largely unknown, and data on demographic and clinical features in patients in Canada are lacking. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the patients with DM in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients with adult-onset DM at 2 tertiary care centres in Ontario, Canada, over a 13 year period. One hundred fourteen patients were included. The mean age was 59, and 80% of patients were female. Skin and muscle involvement coincided in 63% of patients, while skin predated muscle involvement in 11%. Most common characteristic skin manifestations included Gottron’s papules (69%), Heliotrope sign (66%), V sign (61%), and Shawl sign (56%). Among the 114 patients, 88 (77%) were myopathic while 26/114 (23%) were clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis. In the myopathic type, upper extremity weakness, lower extremity weakness, and dysphagia were present in 87%, 81%, and 29% of patients, respectively. Elevated creatine kinase, C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were found in 66%, 35%, 33%, and 32%, respectively. Lung disease was reported in 39%, particularly interstitial lung disease. Other associated features included malignancy, cardiovascular disease, and less commonly gastrointestinal disease. DM is a multifaceted autoimmune disease with distinct cutaneous and muscular findings. Our study results align with the growing body of evidence supporting DM as a complex systemic disease with the potential involvement of other organs such as the pulmonary, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal systems.

Gel manicures have become part of a popular personal care service in the last two decades due to increased longevity of the polish and the added strength to the nail plate. Prolonged exposure to nail ultraviolet (UV) lamps is required to cure the gel polish. Despite the increased use of UV nail lamps, there is limited consensus in the literature on the risk of skin malignancy associated with UV nail lamps. The objective of this article was to provide a systematic review of the risk of skin malignancy associated with the use of UV nail lamps and to synthesize evidence-based recommendations on their safe usage. A systematic review of the literature was conducted on the databases, Medline and Embase, in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The search yielded 2,331 non-duplicate articles. Nine were ultimately included, of which three were case reports, one was a cross-sectional study, and five were experimental studies. The risk of bias per the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines was high or unclear, likely due to the number of case reports included. Prolonged and repeated exposure to UV nail lamps may pose a low risk of skin cancer. It is important to note that the available evidence is weak, and patients should be informed about the limited data to make their own decisions. Dermatologists and other healthcare providers should be updated with the latest evidence to address patients' concerns about gel manicures and suggest practices which can effectively reduce the risk of cutaneous malignancy associated with gel manicures, such as the use of UV-blocking gloves or properly applied sunscreens.

Dear Editor, There is a well-established association of serious comorbidities including malignancy in adult-onset dermatomyositis (DM).1-5 The most reported malignancies are breast, colorectal, lung, ovarian and pancreatic.1-5 Previously identified risk factors for malignancy in adult-onset DM included older age at the time of diagnosis, male sex, dysphagia and cutaneous necrosis.4 At least two myositis-specific and myositis-associated autoantibodies are associated with malignancy; however, the availability and specificity of tests vary by institution and the data are confounded by inclusion of participants with the other idiopathic inflammatory myopathies.6-8 The objective of this retrospective case series was to describe the prevalence and types of malignancies and identify independent risk factors for malignancies in adult-onset DM. This study received institutional review board approval. A retrospective review of patient charts at Hamilton Health Sciences and St. Joseph's Healthcare in Hamilton, Ontario was completed between 1 January 2010 until 31 December 2020. Included participants were diagnosed with DM at age 18 years or above and had their diagnosis listed in at least two separate medical documents. Senior authors confirmed participants' eligibility according to the European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology (EULAR) 2017 criteria.9 Data on participants' demographics, clinical manifestations, investigations, comorbidities, follow-up and mortality were collected. Non-melanoma skin cancers were excluded from analysis. Continuous variables were compared between cohorts with and without malignancy using the Mann–Whitney U-test. Categorical variables were compared using Fisher's exact test. A multivariable regression analysis identified independent risk factors for malignancy. All statistical analyses were completed with two-sided p values and significance determined a priori as ∝ $$ \propto $$ < 0.05. Baseline demographics and clinical features of participants (n = 92) are summarized in Table 1. Mean age at diagnosis was 51.5 years, and 80% of the study population were female. The majority (88%) were clinically myopathic. The most common cutaneous manifestations were Gottron's papules (67%) and Heliotrope rash (64%). Malignancy was the most common cause of death (29%). Nearly half the study population (41%) had a reported malignancy. The most common malignancies were breast (10%), cutaneous melanoma (n = 4), lung (n = 3) and colorectal (n = 3). Most malignancies (63%) were diagnosed within 5 years of the DM diagnosis. Among participants with a malignancy and available data with respect to mortality, 46% were deceased at the time of chart review. Baseline characteristics of the cohorts with and without malignancy are summarized in Table 2. Significantly more participants with malignancy were deceased (p = 0.01). The cohort with malignancy was significantly older (mean age 57.8 years) than the cohort without malignancy (mean age 47.0 years, p = 0.0001). Multivariable regression analysis found greater age at the time of diagnosis to be the only significant predictor of malignancy (hazard ratio 1.04, 95% confidence interval 1.023, 1.062, p = 1.8 × 10−5). This is the largest dedicated cohort study of participants with adult-onset DM in Canada, and the first to assess risk factors for malignancy. Current recommendations for malignancy screening in patients with adult-onset DM are based on limited data.10 It is suggested that clinicians engage in risk–benefit discussions with patients on an individualized basis and make a shared decision about malignancy screening.10 Previously established risk factors for malignancy including older age at diagnosis may indicate which patients are most likely to benefit from enhanced malignancy screening and surveillance. Future studies may consider prospective enrolment of participants from multiple institutions to facilitate robust and standardized reporting of variables which may indicate an increased risk of malignancy. These proposed databases would be a reliable source to synthesize evidence-based malignancy screening recommendations for patients with adult-onset DM. This work was not funded or otherwise supported by any association. None. This study was approved by the institutional review board.

BACKGROUND Recommendations for the approved use of Mohs surgery for cutaneous melanoma on the trunk and extremities remain uncertain. OBJECTIVE To compare survival and recurrence between patients treated with Mohs surgery versus wide excision for melanoma on the trunk and extremities. METHODS The databases Medline, Embase, Web of Science, CENTRAL, and EMCare were searched from inception on January 11, 2021. Contemporary comparisons were included exclusively. Meta-analysis was conducted using generic inverse variance and a fixed effects model. RESULTS Four studies were eligible for inclusion. The study population (n = 279,556) was 52.1% men and 97.2% White. There were no observed differences in 5-year overall survival (hazard ratio 0.98, 95% confidence interval 0.90-1.07, I-2 = 0%), disease-free survival (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.12-6.47, I-2 = 0), or local recurrence among patients treated with Mohs surgery relative to wide excision. Quality of the evidence was very low. CONCLUSION This systematic review found survival and local recurrence were comparable among patients treated with Mohs surgery or wide excision for melanoma on the trunk and extremities. Future prospective contemporary studies with more diverse representation that report surgical complications and costs may facilitate more definitive recommendations.

Study design: This is a retrospective cohort experience reported with concurrent survey PROM outcomes. Objective: To describe the results of open PLIF reconstruction for a select group of mechanical back pain patients who have mono-or bi-segmental discopathy on MRI imaging, a clinical history of repeated severe and disabling acute mechanical back pain symptoms, and the irregular lumbar motion pattern in returning erect from the flexed position known as the "instability catch".Summary of background data: The literature of fusion surgery for back pain relief in "mechanical" back pain reveals inconsistent results and in the majority presents only a vague description of these syndromes. Internal Lumbar Disc Degeneration with Instability catch "ILDDIC" may be one subset of these patients who are uniquely benefitted from spine stabilization.Methods: The senior author (DAB) in midsummer 2015 began to offer smaller fusion procedures to selected patients on an overnight-stay basis using a standard perioperative care protocol. For practice audit, in December 2020 a mailed survey questionnaire requesting VAS pain scores and SF-36 physical function scores was sent out to all 111 patients who had been treated this way, which group included 30 cases of ILDDIC. We report here on the success of open PLIF reconstruction in achieving back pain relief for these patients. Results: Some 24 of 30 patients returned the mailed survey questionnaire, and the remaining six could not be reached. All 24 responders reported significant relief of back pain and improved physical function, at a mean of 30 months from surgery. Review of the available clinical records (LFU < 1 year) from the six nonresponders also recorded positive early benefit.Conclusion: The diagnosis of ILDDIC requires both imaging and clinical correlates and may define a subgroup of the mechanical back pain population uniquely suited to achieve pain relief through lumbar fusion.

BACKGROUND:Chronic hand dermatitis (CHD) is difficult to treat and has high individual and societal burdens. Phototherapy and oral alitretinoin are safe monotherapies for CHD, but their combination has not been assessed.OBJECTIVE:To assess the effectiveness and safety of low dose oral alitretinoin combined with phototherapy versus high dose oral alitretinoin for CHD refractory to topical corticosteroids.METHODS:This retrospective study of adult patients with CHD refractory to topical corticosteroid therapy compared low dose oral alitretinoin (10 mg three times weekly) combined with narrowband ultraviolet B therapy (three times weekly; LDA-UVB) to high dose oral alitretinoin (30 mg daily; HDA) for 16 weeks. Outcomes were improvement in disease severity measured by the Physician's Global Assessment and quality of life measured with the Dermatology Life Quality Index.RESULTS:The mean age of the study population (n = 64) was 41.25 years and 57.8% were male. Both cohorts experienced improvements in disease severity and quality of life after 16 weeks, however, significantly more participants who received LDA-UVB (n = 21/33, 63.6%) achieved "clear" or "almost clear" assessments compared to those who received HDA (n = 12/31, 38.7%; P < .05). Adverse effects were significantly more prevalent in the HDA group (P < .0001) and included headache, elevated cholesterol, and dry lips.CONCLUSIONS:The combination of low dose oral alitretinoin with narrowband-UVB therapy was more effective and had fewer adverse effects compared to high dose oral alitretinoin for participants with CHD refractory to topical corticosteroid therapy.

Importance: The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is involved in almost one-third of all knee injuries. Surgical management of PCL injuries is currently controversial, and no single graft material is determined as superior in primary PCL reconstruction. A growing body of literature has demonstrated the safety and versatility of the quadriceps tendon (QT) autograft in arthroscopic knee ligament reconstruction. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the QT autograft for use in primary PCL reconstruction with a focus on complication rates, revision rates, and functional outcomes. Evidence review: The online databases Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and CENTRAL were searched on April 30, 2020. Retrieved records were screened by two independent reviewers. Eligible studies assessed the QT autograft in skeletally mature participants undergoing primary PCL reconstruction. Studies of multiligamentous repairs and revisions were excluded. A narrative summary of results from individual studies is presented. Findings: Six articles met inclusion criteria with n = 119 participants (21% female) and a follow-up range from 12 months to 84 months. Complication rates ranged from 13% to 65% and included moderate (n = 4) and mild (n = 4) knee pain, reflex sympathetic dystrophy (n = 3), joint space narrowing (n = 3), superficial wound infections (n = 2), complex regional pain syndrome (n = 2), and flexion deficiency (n = 2). Revision rates ranged from 0% to 15% and included hardware removal (n = 4), manipulation under anaesthesia (n = 2), arthroscopic arthrolysis (n = 2), and arthroscopic refixation (n = 2). Subjective International Knee Documentation Committee scores increased from a preoperative range of 37.7 +/- 21.4 to 39.5 +/- 21 to a postoperative range of 74.5 +/- 17.7 to 84.7. Lysholm scores, Tegner activity scores, and posterior tibial laxity also demonstrated improvements postoperatively. No statistically significant differences were reported in the study that compared the QT autograft with the hamstring tendon autograft. Conclusions and relevance: This systematic review reported functional outcomes and complication rates of a small QT autograft sample that were comparable with other graft materials used in PCL reconstruction. Heterogeneity of the included studies and reported outcomes precluded meta-analysis. Future studies of better methodological quality and larger sample sizes need to be conducted before the QT autograft may be concluded as safe and effective in primary PCL reconstruction. Level of evidence: IV.

Background: Little League shoulder (LLS) is an overuse injury characterized by throwing-related pain that commonly presents in adolescent male athletes. Investigations into the optimal duration of rest from throwing and protocols for graduated return to sports (RTS) are lacking. Purpose: To summarize the current literature with respect to the diagnosis, management, RTS, and return to throwing for LLS. Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: The databases EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PubMed were searched between inception and April 22, 2020. References of retrieved records were reviewed for potentially eligible studies. English-language studies that reported the diagnosis and/or management of LLS in children or adolescents were included. Studies of animals or cadavers, review articles, and non—peer reviewed records were excluded. Data were summarized narratively using descriptive statistics. Results: Overall, 23 studies (21 level 4 studies, 2 level 3 studies) met the criteria for a total of 266 participants with a weighted mean age of 12.8 years (range, 7.4-17 years). Treatment recommendations evolved from prolonged rest and complete cessation of throwing to shorter periods of rest and graduated RTS. Less than half (11/23) of studies reported specific criteria to RTS; 1 case report discussed a coaching strategy to resume throwing, and 1 case report discussed a regimented throwing program. The proportion of participants returning to any sport participation was 94.0% (n = 157/167). The proportion returning to their preinjury level of sport was 92.5% (n = 123/133). Upon RTS, 18.7% (n = 35/187) of participants experienced a recurrence of symptoms. Premature closure of the epiphysis was reported in 1 participant. Conclusion: Young athletes with LLS may return to play after a period of rest, and a high proportion return to their preinjury level of sport. Further prospective studies are warranted to develop evidence-based, graduated RTS protocols and to better capture any long-term sequelae of the condition.

Researchers increasingly employ longitudinal trajectory methods to understand developmental pathways of people on the autism spectrum across the lifespan. By assessing developmental or health-related outcome domains at three or more timepoints, trajectory studies can characterize their shape and varying rates of change over time. The purpose of this scoping review was to identify and summarize the published breadth of research that uses a trajectory study design to examine development in children (to age 18 years) diagnosed with autism. Using a systematic search and screening procedure, 103 studies were included. This review summarizes methodological characteristics across studies including the varying statistical approaches used. A series of figures maps where published research is available across 10 outcome domains and the ages over which children have been followed. Evidence gaps, informed by the perspectives of the autistic and caregiver stakeholders that were engaged in this review, are discussed. We recommend that future trajectory research addresses the absence of studies from low- and middle-income countries, considers longitudinal assessment of outcome domains that caregivers and autistic people consider meaningful, and plans follow-up periods with assessment timepoints that cover the gaps in ages where more outcome-specific data are needed. Lay Abstract The types of outcomes studied in children on the autism spectrum include clinical characteristics, such as social functioning, communication, language, or autism symptoms. Research that measures these outcomes at multiple timepoints is useful to improve our understanding of what to expect as children develop. In trajectory studies, researchers assess outcomes at three or more timepoints. This method has advantages over two-timepoint studies because it allows researchers to describe changes in the speed of development, such as accelerations, plateaus, or slowdowns. We identified and reviewed 103 published trajectory studies in children (to age 18 years) with an autism diagnosis. Importantly, we did not include studies of treatments or their effects, nor did we summarize the results of studies. Instead, this review summarizes the characteristics of the available published research, including the methods used, the many different outcomes that have been studied over time and the ages over which they have been studied. This summary may be of interest to autistic people and caregivers (parents) who want to know about the existence of research that provides answers about what to expect during an autistic child's development. We have recommended that future trajectory research efforts try to make up for the lack of studies from low- and middle-income countries; that more attention is given to the following outcomes that are meaningful to caregivers and autistic people; and to try to fill in the age gaps where more outcome-specific data are needed.

Background: Severe and progressive early-onset scoliosis (EOS) has a serious prognosis including cardiopulmonary compromise. Growth-friendly technologies are the current surgical standard of care. Magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGRs) are newer implants with the potential for better quality of life and cost savings; however, they have not been well compared with the traditional distraction-based implants. The objective of this study was to compare the surgical outcomes, complications, metal ion levels, quality-of-life outcomes, and cost of MCGRs with other distraction-based surgical technologies for the treatment of EOS. Methods: The MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched. Record screening and data abstraction were completed in duplicate. Summary outcomes were calculated in a meta-analysis, if heterogeneity was appropriate, using a fixed-effects model. Results: This systematic review and meta-analysis included 18 studies. MCGRs were as clinically effective as other distraction-based technologies, with no significant difference in the Cobb angle at the latest follow-up (mean difference [MD], 1.20°; 95% confidence interval [CI], −1.80° to 4.20°; p = 0.43) and a significantly lower complication rate (odds ratio, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.71; p = 0.001). Quality of life measured using the EOSQ-24 (24-Item Early-Onset Scoliosis Questionnaire) was better in the MCGR group compared with other technologies (MD, 2.18; 95% CI, 0.40 to 3.95; p = 0.02). Serum titanium levels were 2.98 ng/mL (95% CI, 1.41 to 4.55 ng/mL; p = 0.0002) greater in patients with MCGRs, but the clinical impact is unclear. MCGRs had greater cost for the device and insertion but became cost-neutral or cost-effective compared with other technologies by 4 years postoperatively. Conclusions: MCGRs are clinically equivalent and cost-effective in the long term compared with other distraction-based technologies for the treatment of EOS. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

ObjectiveTo determine the effects of following return to activity (RTA) and return to school (RTS) protocols on clinical outcomes for children with concussion. The 12 subquestions of this review focus on the effectiveness of protocols, guidelines and recommendations, and the evidence supporting content of the protocols including rest, exercise and school accommodations.DesignSystematic review.Data sourcesPubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, ERIC and manual reference list check.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesStudies were included if they evaluated RTA or RTS protocols in children aged 5–18 years with a concussion or if they reported a rigorous study design that provided evidence for the recommendations. Included studies were original research or systematic reviews. Articles were excluded if they did not report on their methodology or included participants with significant neurological comorbidities.ResultsThe literature search retrieved 198 non-duplicate articles and a total of 13 articles were included in this review. Despite the adoption of several RTS and RTA protocols in clinical practice there is little evidence to determine their efficacy in the paediatric population.SummaryThe current data support the recommendation that children in the acute stage postconcussion should undergo 1–2 days physical and cognitive rest as they initiate graduated RTA/RTS protocols. Prolonged rest may increase reported symptoms and time to recovery. Further interventional studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of RTA/RTS protocols in youth with concussion.