Anaesthetic management of two different modes of delivery in patients with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa

Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (DEB): How Can Pregnancy Alter the Course of This Rare Disease? An Updated Literature Review on Obstetrical Management with an Additional Italian Experience

Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is an extremely rare and disabling inherited genetic skin disease with a predisposition to develop bullous lesions on the skin and inner mucous membranes, occurring after mild friction or trauma, or even spontaneously. Within the spectrum of EB forms, dystrophic EB (DEB) represents the most intriguing and challenging in terms of clinical management, especially with regard to pregnancy, due to the highly disabling and life-threatening phenotype. Disappointingly, in the literature little focus has been directed towards pregnancy and childbirth in DEB patients, resulting in a lack of sound evidence and guidance for patients themselves and clinicians. The current study aims to contribute to the DEB literature with an updated summary of the existing evidence regarding the obstetrical and anesthesiological management of this rare disease. Furthermore, this literature review sought to answer the question of whether, and if so, in which way, the pregnancy condition may alter the course of the underlying dermatologic skin disease. Having all this information is indispensable when counseling a patient with DEB who desires a child or is expecting one. Finally, we reported own experience with a pregnant woman with a recessive DEB whom we recently managed, with a favorable outcome.

Recommendations on pregnancy, childbirth and aftercare in epidermolysis bullosa: a consensus-based guideline

Linked Comment: A.W. Lucky and E. Pope. Br J Dermatol 2022; 186 :602–603.

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Anesthetic Management of Adults With Epidermolysis Bullosa

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of rare, inherited diseases characterized by skin fragility and multiorgan system involvement that presents many anesthetic challenges. Although the literature regarding anesthetic management focuses primarily on the pediatric population, as life expectancy improves, adult patients with EB are more frequently undergoing anesthesia in nonpediatric hospital settings. Safe anesthetic management of adult patients with EB requires familiarity with the complex and heterogeneous nature of this disease, especially with regard to complications that may worsen during adulthood. General, neuraxial, and regional anesthetics have all been used safely in patients with EB. A thorough preoperative evaluation is essential. Preoperative testing should be guided by EB subtype, clinical manifestations, and extracutaneous complications. Advanced planning and multidisciplinary coordination are necessary with regard to timing and operative plan. Meticulous preparation of the operating room and education of all perioperative staff members is critical. Intraoperatively, utmost care must be taken to avoid all adhesives, shear forces, and friction to the skin and mucosa. Special precautions must be taken with patient positioning, and standard anesthesia monitors must be modified. Airway management is often difficult, and progressive airway deterioration can occur in adults with EB over time. A smooth induction, emergence, and postoperative course are necessary to minimize blister formation from excess patient movement. With careful planning, preparation, and precautions, adult patients with EB can safely undergo anesthesia.

Anesthetic management and outcomes of patients with Steven-Johnson Syndrome-A retrospective review study

Background and Aims:

Steven-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a rare and severe form of erythema exudative multiforme. Multisystem involvement in SJS and the suspicion of precipitation of the disease with exposure to anesthetic drugs makes anesthesia a challenging task. The concerns during anesthesia are the mucosal lesions and special care that is required to prevent injury to the oropharynx and larynx during airway management and also the drugs used for anesthesia. In the literature, very few isolated case reports or case series are available. Here, we have analyzed the cases of SJS coming for ophthalmic anesthesia, taking into consideration factors like mode of presentation, precipitating factors, associated diseases, types of anesthesia, anesthetic modifications, and various drugs used during anesthesia.

Material and Methods:

The electronic medical records of 497 cases of SJS who required interventions like ophthalmic examination or surgery (either under local or general anesthesia) over a period of 18 months were analyzed retrospectively. The records were reviewed to obtain the concerned details like anesthesia-inducing agents, muscle relaxants, inhalational agents, and analgesics. The problems concerned with monitoring and intubation were also noted. The data were analyzed and presented as frequency and percentage.

Results:

Patient age ranged between 9 months and 72 years. Many surgeries were conducted under general anesthesia (441) although a few required local (peribulbar block) anesthesia (56). The drugs administered for general anesthesia were sevoflurane, isoflurane, propofol, thiopentone, vecuronium, and atracurium and those administered for pain management were fentanyl, tramadol, butorphanol, and paracetamol. The patients who were sensitive to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and paracetamol were not administered the same. None of the patients reacted adversely to the different drugs used for anesthesia.

Conclusion:

Identifying the precipitating factors, understanding the pathophysiology and its implications for anesthesia will help in successfully managing anesthesia in the rare cases of SJS.

Management of epidermolysis bullosa simplex in pregnancy: A case report

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) encompasses a group of diseases characterized by extreme fragility of skin and mucous membranes, resulting in blister formation following minimal injury. There are 4 types of EB, with epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS) being the most common. We report our experience with the care of a parturient woman diagnosed with EBS. There is little literature on pregnancy in women with this condition. Special precautions are necessary during diagnostic and therapeutic interventions to avoid bullae formation or exacerbation of existing lesions. Frictional or shearing forces are typically more damaging than compressive forces. Multidisciplinary planning was done for our patient to ensure uneventful labor and delivery. Elective induction of labor was started at 40 weeks of gestation. She eventually underwent a cesarean delivery after failed trial of labor. We present this case to highlight the obstetric and anesthetic implications of caring for a parturient with EBS.

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Blister formation occurs following minimal injury in epidermolysis bullosa.

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Frictional or shearing forces rather than direct pressure predispose to bullae.

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Use of adhesive materials should be avoided during patient care.

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Vaginal delivery without instrumentation is preferred for pregnant women with epidermolysis bullosa.

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If cesarean delivery is necessary, neuraxial anesthesia is preferred to general anesthesia.

Retrospective evidence on outcomes and experiences of pregnancy and childbirth in epidermolysis bullosa in Australia and New Zealand

BACKGROUND

Pregnancy in epidermolysis bullosa (EB) has not been comprehensively studied.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to develop a foundational database, which could provide peri-obstetric advice in EB.

METHODS

Survey questionnaires were sent to obstetricians, unaffected mothers of EB babies, and mothers with EB. Results were analyzed using chi-square, Fisher exact, and t-tests.

RESULTS

Out of 1346 obstetricians surveyed, 195 responded, and only 14 had encountered EB. All recommended normal vaginal delivery (NVD), except for one elective Caesarean section (CS). We received responses from 75 unaffected mothers who had delivered EB babies. They had significantly more complications in their EB pregnancies compared to their non-EB pregnancies. A further 44 women with various types of EB who had given birth responded. Most delivered via NVD and had no significant increase in complications in both their EB and non-EB pregnancies. In both groups, there were no significant differences in blistering at birth in babies delivered via NVD and CS.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, most patients with EB who are capable of giving birth do not have an increased risk for pregnancy-related complications and NVD appears to be safe. Awareness of this data amongst obstetricians and dermatologists should lead to improved quality of care for mothers and babies affected with EB.

Maintenance Hemodialysis Using Native Arteriovenous Fistula in a Patient with Severe Generalized Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa

Renal failure and infectious disease are strongly associated with morbidity and mortality in patients with severe generalized recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB-sev gen). However, it is reportedly difficult to introduce hemodialysis with an arteriovenous fistula (AVF). We encountered a 32-year-old man with RDEB-sev gen in whom hemodialysis with a native AVF was introduced that favorably affected his long-term survival. This patient eventually died because of cachexia related to the recurrence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma 51 months after hemodialysis introduction. We believe that in this patient, the frequency of vascular access troubles related to infection or reduction of blood flow was probably low as a result of hemodialysis with his native AVF. Thus, it seems likely that patients with RDEB-sev gen with end stage kidney disease who are on hemodialysis can be successfully managed with a native AVF.

Retrospective evidence on outcomes and experiences of pregnancy and childbirth in epidermolysis bullosa in Australia and New Zealand

Background

Pregnancy in epidermolysis bullosa (EB) has not been comprehensively studied.

Objective

We aimed to develop a foundational database, which could provide peri-obstetric advice in EB.

Methods

Survey questionnaires were sent to obstetricians, unaffected mothers of EB babies, and mothers with EB. Results were analyzed using chi-square, Fisher exact, and t-tests.

Results

Out of 1346 obstetricians surveyed, 195 responded, and only 14 had encountered EB. All recommended normal vaginal delivery (NVD), except for one elective Caesarean section (CS). We received responses from 75 unaffected mothers who had delivered EB babies. They had significantly more complications in their EB pregnancies compared to their non-EB pregnancies. A further 44 women with various types of EB who had given birth responded. Most delivered via NVD and had no significant increase in complications in both their EB and non-EB pregnancies. In both groups, there were no significant differences in blistering at birth in babies delivered via NVD and CS.

Conclusion

In conclusion, most patients with EB who are capable of giving birth do not have an increased risk for pregnancy-related complications and NVD appears to be safe. Awareness of this data amongst obstetricians and dermatologists should lead to improved quality of care for mothers and babies affected with EB.

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There is limited information on pregnancy in EB.

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This is the first comprehensive study in the world on pregnancy experiences of a large group of mothers with EB, unaffected mothers of EB babies and an obstetrician survey.

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We have recommendations for mothers expecting EB babies and expectant mothers with EB.

Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa in pregnancy: a case report of the autosomal dominant subtype and review of the literature

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of inherited blistering skin diseases that vary widely in their pathogenesis and severity. There are three main categories of EB: simplex, junctional, and dystrophic. This classification is based on the level of tissue separation within the basement membrane zone and this is attributed to abnormalities of individual or several anchoring proteins that form the interlocking network spanning from the epidermis to the dermis underneath. Dystrophic EB results from mutations in COL7A1 gene coding for type VII collagen leading to blister formation within the dermis. Diagnosis ultimately depends on the patient's specific genetic mutation, but initial diagnosis can be made from careful examination and history taking. We present a pregnant patient known to have autosomal dominant dystrophic EB and discuss the obstetrical and neonatal outcome. The paper also reviews the current English literature on this rare skin disorder.

The course of pregnancy and childbirth in three mothers with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa

BACKGROUND

Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is an autosomal recessive skin disease caused by mutations in the type VII collagen gene (COL7A1), resulting in detachment of the entire epidermis due to loss or hypoplasticity of the anchoring fibrils that normally secure the basement membrane to the underlying dermis. Trauma-induced blistering is often complicated by chronic erosions and scarring. From that perspective, pregnancy in RDEB might be considered an indication for elective caesarean section in a bid to minimize perineal blistering. To date, only four cases of pregnancy and delivery in patients with RDEB have been reported.

CASES

We report three more women, each with RDEB-generalized other (RDEB-GO), all of whom had successful vaginal deliveries without major cutaneous or mucosal complications. One woman also had a second child, by vaginal delivery, indicating a lack of vaginal stenosis after the first birth.

CONCLUSIONS

These cases show that RDEB-GO is not an absolute primary indication for elective caesarean section and that, perhaps surprisingly, genital/perineal blistering and scarring are not inevitable consequences of childbirth. Moreover, breastfeeding is also feasible in women with RDEB-GO.

A review of the obstetric management of patients with epidermolysis bullosa

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare inherited skin condition characterized by the development of blisters after minor mechanical friction or trauma. There are few reported pregnancies in the literature in these women. We describe a pregnancy we recently managed. The collated series of pregnancies show that there are no additional antenatal or postnatal problems and that the skin itself does not worsen during pregnancy. Vaginal delivery is most favourable, but if a caesarean section is required, regional anaesthesia should be attempted. A multidisciplinary team should be active throughout the pregnancy of these women and a well-documented labour plan should be made in advance.

[Anesthesia for cesarean section in a patient with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa]

Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa is inherited as a rare autosomal disorder which causes blisters to form in the skin. We describe the treatment of a 39-year-old parturient with this condition. She was scheduled for elective cesarean section at 37 weeks' gestation. The patient had widespread skin lesions, had lost fingers, and had esophageal stenosis. The cesarean was performed under spinal anesthesia without complications. Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa requires adaptation of anesthetic technique that includes control over posture and careful handling of the skin. Material for attaching monitoring devices and inserting venous lines must be adapted to the particular deformities and skin lesions present.

Current world literature

This bibliography is compiled by clinicians from the journals listed at the end of this publication. It is based on literature entered into our database between 1 February 2008 and 31 January 2009 (articles are generally added to the database about two and a half months after publication). In addition, the bibliography contains every paper annotated by reviewers; these references were obtained from a variety of bibliographic databases and published between the beginning of the review period and the time of going to press. The bibliography has been grouped into topics that relate to the reviews in this issue.

Connective tissue and related disorders and preterm birth: clues to genes contributing to prematurity

To identify candidate genes contributing to preterm birth, we examined the existing literature on the association between known disorders of connective tissue synthesis and metabolism and related diseases and prematurity. Our hypothesis was that abnormal matrix metabolism contributes to prematurity by increasing risk of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and cervical incompetence. Based on this review, we identified gene mutations inherited by the fetus that could predispose to preterm birth as a result of PPROM. The responsible genes include COL5A1, COL5A2, COL3A1, COL1A1, COL1A2, TNXB, PLOD1, ADAMTS2, CRTAP, LEPRE1 and ZMPSTE24. Marfan syndrome, caused by FBN1 mutations, and polymorphisms in the COL1A1 and TGFB1 genes have been associated with cervical incompetence. We speculate that an analysis of sequence variation at the loci noted above will reveal polymorphisms that may contribute to susceptibility to PPROM and cervical incompetence in the general population.