The National Epidermolysis Bullosa Registry

Validity of first-time diagnoses of congenital epidermolysis bullosa in the Danish National Patient Registry and the Danish Pathology Registry

Purpose

Congenital epidermolysis bullosa (CEB) is a group of rare monogenic genodermatoses. Phenotypically, the diseases vary in both severity and dissemination, which complicates studies of their epidemiology. To investigate the potential of using the Danish National Patient Registry (DNPR) for epidemiological research on CEB, we examined the positive predictive value (PPV) of a first-time diagnosis of CEB.

Methods

We identified patients with a record of CEB in DNPR and the Danish Pathology Registry (DPR) during January 1, 1977, until December 31, 2015. We restricted diagnoses from two dermatological departments and one regional hospital. Diagnoses in the DNPR are coded by the eighth and tenth revisions of the ICD (ICD-8 and ICD-10) and in the DPR by the Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine (SNOMED). We used clinical description in medical records, family history, histological findings, and molecular genetic investigations to validate diagnoses and classified them as rejected and confirmed. We estimated PPVs for any diagnosis, according to coding systems used, and for additional subdivisions of ICD-10 codes.

Results

We identified 116 cases from the hospital departments investigated and evaluated 96 medical records for validity. The overall PPV for probable CEB was 62.5% (95% CI: 52.5–71.5). For ICD-8, ICD-10, and SNOMED codes, the PPVs were 30.8% (95% CI: 11.4–57.7), 76.7% (95% CI: 65.8–84.9), and 0.0% (95% CI: 0.0–21.7), respectively. For the ICD-10 codes, we found the highest PPVs for diagnoses arising from the dermatological departments. For subdivisions of ICD-10 codes, PPVs were high for epidermolysis bullosa simplex and dystrophica.

Conclusion

The PPVs for first-time diagnoses of CEB registered in the two Danish nationwide registries investigated, DNPR and DPR, ranged from low to average. We therefore recommend that these data be used with caution and restricted to ICD-10 diagnoses from specialized dermatological departments.

Safe Skin Management during Open Hepatectomy in a Patient with Recessive Dystrophic Congenital Epidermolysis Bullosa

Congenital epidermolysis bullosa is a rare, genetic condition in which even slight stimulation can cause blistering of the skin or mucosa. While previous reports of treatments requiring general anesthesia in these patients were focused on anesthesia-related procedures, such as endotracheal intubation, no report has described specific management required for these patients during surgery, such as preparation of the surgical site, fixation of infusion lines and other tubes, and adjustment of the operation table. This is probably the first report to address these issues. This report presents a case of recessive dystrophic congenital epidermolysis bullosa in which open hepatectomy was safely performed.

A review of scoring systems for ocular involvement in chronic cutaneous bullous diseases

BACKGROUND

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) and autoimmune blistering diseases (AIBD) describe a group of rare chronic dermatoses characterized by cutaneous fragility and blistering. Although uncommon, significant ocular surface disease (OSD) may occur in both and require ophthalmological assessment. Disease scoring systems have a critical role in providing objective and accurate assessment of disease severity. The objectives of this report were, firstly, to document the prevalence and severity of ocular involvement in EB/AIBD. Secondly, to review and evaluate existing ocular and systemic scoring systems for EB/AIBD. Finally, to identify areas where further development of ocular specific tools in EB/AIBD could be pursued.

METHODS

A literature search was performed in October 2017 utilising Medline, Embase, and Scopus databases. The results were restricted by date of publication, between 01.01.1950 and 31.10.2017. The reference lists of these articles were then reviewed for additional relevant publications. Articles of all languages were included if an English translation was available. Articles were excluded if they were duplicates, had no reference to ocular involvement in EB/AIBD or described ocular involvement in other diseases.

RESULTS

Descriptions of ocular involvement in EB/AIBD were identified in 88 peer-reviewed journal articles. Findings reported include but are not limited to: cicatrising conjunctivitis, meibomian gland dysfunction, dry eye disease, trichiasis, symblepharon, fornix fibrosis, keratopathy, ectropion/entropion, ankyloblepharon, corneal ulceration, visual impairment and blindness. Although scoring systems exist for assessment of OSD in mucous membrane pemphigoid, no such tools exist for the other AIBD subtypes or for EB. Several systemic scoring systems exist in the dermatological literature that are efficacious in grading overall EB/AIBD severity, but have limited inclusion of ocular features. To the best of our knowledge, there is no recognised or validated scoring systems which comprehensively stages or grades the spectrum of ocular manifestations in EB/AIBD.

CONCLUSIONS

There are a range of ocular complications documented in EB and AIBD. Development of a comprehensive ocular scoring system for EB/AIBD which incorporates the delineation between 'activity' and 'damage' would facilitate more objective patient assessment, improved longitudinal monitoring, comparison of intervention outcomes, and provide commonality for discussion of these patients due to the multidisciplinary nature of their care.

Pseudosyndactyly and Musculoskeletal Contractures in Inherited Epidermolysis Bullosa: Experience of the National Epidermolysis Bullosa Registry, 1986–2002

Mitten deformities of the hands and feet occur in nearly every patient with the most severe subtype (Hallopeau-Siemens) of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, and in at least 40–50% of all other recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa patients. Smaller numbers of patients with dominant dystrophic, junctional, and simplex types of epidermolysis bullosa are also at risk of this complication. Surgical intervention is commonly performed to correct these deformities, but recurrence and the need for repeated surgery are common. Higher numbers of epidermolysis bullosa patients also develop musculoskeletal contractures in other anatomic sites, further impairing overall function. Lifetable analyses not only better project the cumulative risk of mitten deformities and other contractures but also emphasize the need for early surveillance and intervention, since both of these musculoskeletal complications may occur within the first year of life.

Prioritization of therapy uncertainties in Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa: where should research direct to? an example of priority setting partnership in very rare disorders

Background

Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (DEB) is a rare genodermatosis (7 cases per million) that causes blisters and erosions with minor trauma in skin and mucosa, and other systemic complications. A recently updated systematic review showed that the research evidence about DEB therapies is poor. As new trials in DEB are difficult and expensive, it is important to prioritizise research that patients and clinicians consider more relevant.

Objectives

To describe and prioritize the most important uncertainties about DEB treatment shared by patients, carers and health care professionals (HCPs) in order to promote research in those areas.

Methods

A DEB Priority Setting Partnership (PSP) was established, including patients, carers and HCPs. DBE uncertainties were gathered from patients and clinicians, and prioritized in a transparent process, using the methodology advocated by the James Lind Alliance.

Results

In the consultation stage, 323 uncertainties were submitted by 58 participants. Once the duplicated and non-treatment uncertainties were removed, the remainder were reduced to a list of 24 most voted questions. These 24 uncertainties were prioritized in a final workshop where a balanced number of patients, carers and HCPs selected the top 10 therapy uncertainties. The final list includes interventions in wound care, itch and pain management, treatment and prevention of syndactyly, cancer prevention and future promising therapies.

Conclusions

The final list of the top 10 treatment uncertainties on the management of DEB provides guidance for researchers and funding bodies, to ensure that future research answers questions that are important to both clinicians and patients. The method proposed by the James Lind Alliance is feasible for very rare disorders.

Two novel recessive mutations in KRT14 identified in a cohort of 21 Spanish families with epidermolysis bullosa simplex

BACKGROUND

Basal epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS) is a group of blistering genodermatoses mostly caused by mutations in the keratin genes, KRT5 and KRT14. Recessive mutations represent about 5% of all EBS mutations, being common and specific in populations with high consanguinity, where affected patients show severe phenotypes.

OBJECTIVES

To accomplish the first mutational analysis in patients of Spanish origin with EBS and to delineate a comprehensive genotype-phenotype correlation.

METHODS

Twenty-one EBS families were analysed. Immunofluorescence mapping at the dermoepidermal junction level was performed on skin biopsies from patients. Mutation screening of the entire coding sequences of KRT5 and KRT14 in genomic DNA was assessed by polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing.

RESULTS

KRT5 or KRT14 causative mutations were identified in 18 of the 21 EBS families. A total of 14 different mutations were disclosed, of which 12 were dominant missense mutations and two truncating recessive mutations. Five of the 14 mutations were novel including three dominant in KRT5 (p.V186E, p.T321P and p.A428T) and two recessive in KRT14 (p.K116X and p.K250RfsX8). The two patients with EBS carrying homozygous recessive mutations were affected by severe phenotypes and belonged to consanguineous families. All five families with the EBS Dowling-Meara subtype carried recurrent mutations affecting the highly conserved ends of the α-helical rod domain of K5 and K14. The seven mutations associated with the localized EBS subtype were widely distributed along the KRT5 and KRT14 genes. Two families with mottled pigmentation carried the P25L mutation in KRT5, commonly associated with this subtype.

CONCLUSIONS

This study further confirms the genotype-phenotype correlation established for EBS in other ethnic groups, and is the first in a Mediterranean country (excluding Israel). This study adds two novel recessive mutations to the worldwide record to date, which includes a total of 14 mutations. As in previous reports, the recessive mutations resulted in a lack of keratin K14, giving rise to a generalized and severe presentation.

Inherited epidermolysis bullosa: past, present, and future

Inherited epidermolysis bullosa encompasses dozens of diseases characterized by mechanical fragility of the skin, blister formation, and abnormal wound healing. Most of the more severe subtypes are associated with clinically significant extracutaneous complications. Some subtypes may lead to death, even in early infancy. Over the past two decades substantial advances have been made to our understanding of the underlying molecular basis for each member of this protean group of diseases. Research has now shifted toward the identification of therapeutic interventions, to include gene therapy, recombinant protein infusions, intradermal injection of allogeneic fibroblasts, and stem cell transplantation, that might eventually lead to a definitive cure for this disease. Other developing therapies being explored are directed toward the enhancement of wound healing and the prevention of potentially life-threatening skin cancers in these patients.

Gastrointestinal complications of inherited epidermolysis bullosa: cumulative experience of the National Epidermolysis Bullosa Registry

BACKGROUND

Portions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract may be severely involved in patients with inherited epidermolysis bullosa (EB). Evidence-based data are lacking as to the frequency and time of onset of these complications.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Cross-sectional and longitudinal data were analyzed on 3,280 and 450 patients with EB, respectively, who were followed from 1986-2002 as part of the National EB Registry, an epidemiological study that attempted to identify, enroll, and collect data on every EB patient residing within the continental United States. Frequencies of abnormalities arising within the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, rectum, and anus were determined for each major EB subtype. Cumulative risks were similarly calculated for esophageal stenoses or strictures, and for severe growth retardation.

RESULTS

Esophageal strictures and growth retardation were commonly seen among the more severe EB subtypes, most notably Hallopeau-Siemens recessive dystrophic EB, and occurred as early as within the first year of life. EB subtype-specific differences were also observed in the frequency of occurrence of other GI complications.

DISCUSSION

A variety of GI complications arise in patients with inherited EB, varying across the major EB subtypes in their relative severity, frequency, and time of onset.

CONCLUSIONS

Data generated by the National EB Registry should provide a sound basis whereby evidence-based strategies can be implemented for more effective surveillance and treatment of specific GI complications.

Cause-specific risks of childhood death in inherited epidermolysis bullosa

OBJECTIVE

To determine the cause-specific risks of death in children with epidermolysis bullosa (EB).

STUDY DESIGN

Data were collected throughout the continental United States between 1986 and 2002 by the National EB Registry. The study design is cross-sectional (n = 3280), containing within it a nested randomly sampled longitudinal subcohort (n = 450).

RESULTS

The risk of death during infancy and childhood was greatest in junctional EB (JEB), with cumulative and conditional risks of 40% to 44.7% by age 1 in both JEB subtypes, rising to 61.8% in children with JEB, Herlitz subtype and 48.2% in those with JEB, non-Herlitz subtype (JEB-nH) by age 15. In decreasing order, sepsis, failure to thrive, and respiratory failure were the major causes of death in children with JEB, plateauing by age 2 to 6. A small minority of children with epidermolysis bullosa simplex, Dowling-Meara subtype was at risk for death by age 1 (cumulative risk, 2.8%), with sepsis and respiratory failure accounting for cumulative risks of 1.9% and 0.9%. Only a minority of children with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, Hallopeau-Siemens subtype was at risk of death (cumulative risk = 8% by age 15). Renal failure also rarely accounted for death in children with JEB-nH.

CONCLUSIONS

Infants and children with inherited EB, particularly those with JEB, are at significant risk of death as a result of disease complications.

Tracheolaryngeal Complications of Inherited Epidermolysis Bullosa: Cumulative Experience of the National Epidermolysis Bullosa Registry

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To accurately determine the frequency with which complications arise in the ears, noses, and throats of patients with inherited epidermolysis bullosa (EB) as well as the cumulative risk of tracheolaryngeal stenosis or stricture.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study (3,280 patients) with a nested, randomly sampled longitudinal subcohort (n=450), representing data collection, stratified by major EB subtype, of the National EB Registry, an epidemiologic project focused on enrolling all EB patients within the continental United States from 1986 to 2002, to permit generalization of findings to the entire American EB population.

METHODS

Systematic epidemiologic case finding and data collection were performed throughout the continental United States, followed by subclassification of patients by EB subtype. ENT complications were quantified via contingency tables (as frequencies) and lifetable analyses. Frequencies of surgical procedures were also determined.

RESULTS

The most important clinical ENT complication in inherited EB was tracheolaryngeal stenosis or stricture, arising during early childhood and primarily within infants and children with junctional EB (JEB) (cumulative risk of 39.8% and 12.8% in Herlitz and non-Herlitz JEB, respectively, by ages 6 and 9). Other uncommon complications included chronic otitis media, chronic otitis externa, and hearing loss.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the potential risk for sudden airway occlusion and death, meticulous surveillance by a pediatric otolaryngologist is a critical part of the overall management of infants and children with EB, especially those with JEB and two rare subtypes of generalized EB simplex. Elective tracheostomy should be considered in EB infants and children with evidence of airway embarrassment.

Impact of inherited epidermolysis bullosa on parental interpersonal relationships, marital status and family size

BACKGROUND

The presence in a family of a child or children with epidermolysis bullosa (EB) may have profound psychological implications for other family members.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the impact of the presence of EB in one or more children on the personal relationships between their parents.

METHODS

Standardized questionnaires were used.

RESULTS

In general, the presence of a child severely affected with EB had profound effects on many aspects of marriage. This included a lack of interest in participating in activities as couples [junctional EB (JEB), 45%; recessive dystrophic EB (RDEB), 25%], a lack of energy to invest in such pursuits (JEB, 82%; RDEB, 50%), limitations in opportunities for sharing nonintimate physical activities (reported by most parents having children with some type of generalized EB), and negatively altered parental sex life (JEB, 55%; RDEB, 39%). This is consistent with the fact that 10%, 64%, 25% and 36% of parents of an affected child with EB simplex (EBS), JEB, dominant dystrophic EB (DDEB) and RDEB, respectively, characterized their relationships as couples as revolving almost exclusively around the day-to-day care of their affected children. The severity of disease in an affected child clearly influenced parental decisions about having more children: 24% and 64% of parents of children with JEB and RDEB, respectively, chose not to have additional children, compared with 26% and 54% of parents with children having EBS or DDEB. This choice was most often pursued via tubal ligation; less often, alternative means of surgical sterilization were chosen. Divorce was common among parents of children with EB (range: 17% in EBS to 31% in JEB) and, with the exception of parents of children with EBS, was usually directly attributed by one or both parents to the profound impact that this disease had exerted on their marriage.

CONCLUSIONS

Physicians caring for children with EB need to give more consideration to the many psychological factors that may contribute to their patients' well being. They may need to assist these children's parents in seeking support and counselling to prevent destruction of the family unit.

GENITOURINARY COMPLICATIONS OF INHERITED EPIDERMOLYSIS BULLOSA: EXPERIENCE OF THE NATIONAL EPIDERMYLOSIS BULLOSA REGISTRY AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

PURPOSE

We determined the frequency with which 6 genitourinary tract complications (urethral meatal stenosis, urinary retention, bladder hypertrophy, hydronephrosis secondary to ureteral strictures, pyelonephritis and cystitis) occur in inherited epidermolysis bullosa (EB) in the American EB population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Up to 16 years of longitudinal followup was done in 3,280 consecutively enrolled patients in the National EB Registry, a National Institutes of Health funded epidemiological study covering the entire continental United States. Data were stratified by major EB type and subtype. Frequencies of occurrence were determined for each of 6 genitourinary tract variables and stratified into 10 mutually exclusive, major EB subtypes.

RESULTS

Urinary tract complications occurred in a minority of patients across all major EB subtypes with the highest frequency seen in Herlitz junctional EB (JEB-H). Urethral meatus stenosis was the most common complication, occurring in 11.6% and 8.0% of patients with JEB-H and Hallopeau-Siemens recessive dystrophic EB (RDEB), respectively. Urinary retention, hydronephrosis and bladder hypertrophy occurred in 9.3%, 7.0% and 4.6% of JEB-H cases, respectively. In contrast, pyelonephritis and cystitis were most often seen in the setting of generalized EB simplex (Koebner variant) and inversa RDEB.

CONCLUSIONS

The urinary tract may be involved in any subtype of inherited EB, although these complications usually arise in patients with the most severe subtypes of junctional and recessive dystrophic disease. Chronic surveillance for the presence of genitourinary tract disease activity is warranted, especially in patients with JEB and RDEB, given the potential for longterm kidney injury if untreated.

Eye involvement in inherited epidermolysis bullosa: experience of the National Epidermolysis Bullosa Registry

PURPOSE

To determine the frequency of ocular manifestations in inherited epidermolysis bullosa (EB) within the continental United States and to define the estimated cumulative risks of developing nonscarring (blisters or erosions) and scarring corneal manifestations within each major EB subtype over time.

DESIGN

Observational (cross-sectional and longitudinal).

METHODS

Up to 16 years of longitudinal follow-up was conducted on 3,280 consecutively enrolled patients in the National EB Registry, an epidemiologic study funded by the National Institutes of Health. Data were stratified by major EB type and subtype. Frequencies of occurrence were determined for eight variables (corneal erosions or blistering; corneal scarring; symblepharons; blepharitis; ectropions; lacrimal duct obstruction; impaired vision; blindness) by contingency tables, and cumulative risks were generated by life table analysis technique.

RESULTS

The most common ocular manifestations were corneal erosions and blisters. Frequencies mirrored relative severity of skin disease, with 74.10% of all patients with recessive dystrophic EB, Hallopeau-Siemens (RDEB-HS) and 47.50% of all patients with junctional EB, Herlitz (JEB-H) experiencing at least one episode. Lower frequencies were noted for corneal scarring. Symblepharons and ectropions were most commonly seen in inversa RDEB and JEB-H, respectively. Blindness was reported in 6.47% of RDEB-HS patients. The cumulative risks of nonscarring and scarring corneal lesions in JEB-H at age 5 are 83.18% and 27.08% and at age 25 are 83.18% and 72.22%. With time, the cumulative risk of each in RDEB-HS approached that reported in JEB-H patients.

CONCLUSION

Ocular disease activity, particularly corneal, is common in some EB subtypes. Careful ophthalmologic examination should become an integral part of the management of all patients with inherited EB.

Assessment of mobility, activities and pain in different subtypes of epidermolysis bullosa

A standardized questionnaire was used to assess mobility, activity and pain in 140 randomly chosen children, who were representative of all major types and subtypes of inherited epidermolysis bullosa (EB). Pain status in these children was compared with 374 randomly selected adults with EB. The level of independence for each of six activities of daily living (ADL) (toileting; feeding; bathing; dressing; grooming; walking) was assessed in these EB children using conventional criteria for scoring. Whereas more than 90% of all EB simplex (EBS) and dominant dystrophic EB (DDEB) children were totally independent for each function (excluding walking), the frequency of similarly totally independent patients with junctional EB (JEB) and recessive dystrophic EB (RDEB) ranged from only 39% to 73%. No DDEB children and only 2% of EBS patients were totally dependent in their individual ADL, in comparison to 8-27% of JEB and 2-27% of RDEB children. Totally independent walking was reported in only 31%, 31%, 67%, and 24% of EBS, JEB, DDEB, and RDEB children, respectively. A daily level of EB-related pain was assessed in children by their parents using a linear scale of 0 (no pain) to 10 (unbearable pain). Whereas 14-19% of all children with EBS, JEB, and DDEB were graded with pain levels of more than 5, 32% of all RDEB children reportedly suffered this much pain. Increased frequencies of pain with scores more than 5 were most often noted in those patients having more clinically extensive or severe EB subtypes. These included JEB-Herlitz (20% vs. 14% in JEB-non-Herlitz) and RDEB-Hallopeau-Siemens (47% vs. 20% in all other RDEB subtypes). Only 5% of all RDEB children reportedly were pain-free, compared to 12-14% of those with EBS, JEB, and DDEB. Collectively, these data provide the first report of the specific impact different forms of EB have on daily living and coping with this genodermatosis.

Acellular dermal matrix allograft used to gain attached gingiva in a case of epidermolysis bullosa

BACKGROUND

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is an acquired disease or inherited as either autosomal dominant or recessive with an incidence of 1/50,000. The prominent clinical characteristic of the disease is the development of bullae or vesicles in mucosa or skin in response to minor trauma.

AIM

A female patient with a dystrophic type of EB had been put in a maintenance regimen after completion of the initial phase of periodontal therapy and followed for 7 years. The purpose of this report is to document acellular dermal matrix allograft application to increase the width of the attached gingiva in this patient experiencing difficulty in chewing and performing plaque control due to the dramatic loss of attached gingiva after 7 years of supportive periodontal therapy.

METHODS

Under local anaesthesia and antibiotic coverage, the acellular dermal matrix allograft was applied in the anterior region of the upper jaw in order to increase the width of attached gingiva, thereby improving patient comfort.

RESULTS

The healing was uneventful and a significant gain in attached gingiva dimensions was observed 9 months after the periodontal surgery. The procedure avoided a second surgical site, provided satisfactory results from an aesthetic point of view, and improved patient comfort.

CONCLUSION

Acellular dermal matrix allograft may be regarded as an alternative in the treatment of EB cases to increase the width of attached gingiva and facilitate maintenance of the dentition.

Successful Breast Conservation in a Patient with Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex

Before breast conservation can be offered to a woman with breast cancer one must understand both the indications and contraindications to such an approach. Factors that play a role in this decision include tumor-related factors and factors related to the expected cosmetic outcome following breast conservation. Here we present a case of a woman with epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS), a rare skin disorder that is characterized by blister formation following minor trauma, who underwent successful breast conservation.

Prenatal diagnosis of pyloric atresia-junctional epidermolysis bullosa syndrome in a fetus not known to be at risk

Junctional epidermolysis bullosa with pyloric atresia (PA-JEB) is a highly lethal, inherited, autosomal recessive disease. Thus far, prenatal diagnosis of this syndrome was only realized on pregnancies at risk for recurrence. We report the case of a 26-year-old woman, first cousin to her husband, who had undergone amniocentesis for polyhydramnios. The karyotype was normal but the amniotic fluid contained acetylcholinesterase. A targeted scan at 25 weeks' gestation did not find spina bifida, but polyhydramnios with a dilated stomach, and several other anomalies: echogenic particles in the amniotic fluid, a thin skin which closely adhered to the nasal bones, narrow nostrils, abnormal ears, fisted hands, malposition of both first toes, and kidney malformation. Despite no previous case in the family, it was thought that sonographic findings were suggestive of the PA-JEB syndrome. A fetal skin biopsy was carried out at 28 weeks' gestation. The ultrastructural examination of fetal skin displayed JEB. Genetic analysis detected a homozygous mutation in the gene encoding integrin alpha 6. Termination of pregnancy was carried out at 29 weeks' gestation. These results illustrate that in the case of a fetus not known to be at risk, diagnosis of PA-JEB can be achieved by ultrasound findings leading to fetal skin biopsy and ultrastructural examination of blistered epidermis. Some new sonographic signs should raise the possibility of significant cutaneous desquamation and blister formation in a fetus, especially when there is positive amniotic acetylcholinesterase coupled with elevated alpha-fetoprotein or suspected pyloric atresia.

Periodontal plastic surgery in a dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa patient: review and case report

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of genetic disorders in which patients frequently present with fragile skin and mucosal surfaces that blister following minor trauma; 23 subtypes have been recognized, but their precise pathogenesis and etiology remain obscure. There is no treatment for EB, only palliative therapy. Oral bullae are the most common oral finding and affect all surfaces. Patients with EB present a unique challenge in terms of periodontal therapy. The following article reviews this disorder and describes the complications encountered when providing periodontal plastic surgery to a patient exhibiting this condition. A 36-year-old female with dystrophic EB presented for treatment of a 3 mm recession area with minimal attached gingiva on the facial of #24 and 25. Oral evaluation revealed multiple ulcers. The treatment consisted of a subepithelial connective tissue graft in conjunction with a coronally positioned flap and buccal frenectomy. Most of the epithelium associated with the surgical area and buccal vestibule sloughed. During the postoperative course, the frenum had regenerated at a more coronal level and was applying tension on the gingival tissues. It appeared that a connective tissue union had formed between the de-epithelialized surface of the facial flap and the buccal mucosa of the vestibule. A second frenectomy was performed, and a clear acrylic stent was fabricated to prevent the union of the connective tissue of the facial flap to the buccal mucosa. The stent prevented the fusion of both connective tissue layers and allowed time for epithelium migration.