Instrument for scoring clinical outcome of research for epidermolysis bullosa: a consensus-generated clinical research tool

Psychometric Properties of the Instrument for Scoring Clinical Outcomes of Research for Epidermolysis Bullosa patient score (iscorEB-p): a patient-reported outcome measure

BACKGROUND

In contrast to clinical diagnosis via external examination, patient-related outcome measures (PROMs) allow access to patients' internal perceptions. In the case of epidermolysis bullosa (EB) - a rare disease characterized by a wide variety of symptoms and individual disease courses - it is important to integrate the patient's perspective into diagnostic processes. The Instrument for Scoring Clinical Outcomes of Research for EB (iscorEB) is an EB-specific measurement tool, combining a clinician score (iscorEB-c) and a patient questionnaire (iscorEB-p).

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to establish the iscorEB-p as an independent PROM tool by exploring its psychometric properties.

METHODS

Sample-based psychometric testing and evaluation were performed on data collected via a multinational online cross-sectional study.

RESULTS

Data analysis was performed with n = 95 participants across all EB types. The reliability and internal consistency of the iscorEB-p was excellent (α = 0.90). Principal component analysis with a varimax rotation resulted in a two-factor solution, explaining 55.6% of the total variance, with the distinct factors 'everyday life functioning' and 'specific EB symptoms'. Convergent validity was shown by high correlations to the Satisfaction With Life Scale (r = -0.52, P < 0.001), the Quality of Life in Epidermolysis Bullosa questionnaire (r = 0.72, P < 0.001) and the Epidermolysis Bullosa Family Burden of Disease questionnaire (r = -0.73, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The iscorEB-p is a reliable and valid instrument to assess patient-reported health status of people with EB.

Facing the complex challenges of people with epidermolysis bullosa in Austria: a mixed methods study on burdens and helpful practices

BACKGROUND

With approximately 500 people affected in Austria, epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare genetic skin disease reducing the quality of life of those affected and their relatives. The intensive efforts of the patient organisation DEBRA Austria during the last decades have led to a unique situation of those affected and their relatives, with increased support and broader knowledge about the disease in the general population. The aim of the study is to evaluate the current situation of patients and their relatives living in Austria, with a focus on burdens and helpful practices.

RESULTS

The mixed-methods study consisted of two parts: a qualitative interview study to identify psychosocial aspects of EB in those affected and their relatives, and a subsequent online survey to further assess those aspects in a larger sample, resulting in a total of n=78 Austrian participants. The impact of EB on the quality of life of EB patients and their relatives in Austria is related to the current health status, psychological burden, mobility, visibility, financial situation as well as job prospects. Personal and social resources and external support have a significant influence on the individual situation.

CONCLUSIONS

The outcome is mapped to concrete implications regarding targeted support for EB patients and their relatives on an individual level and their needs in regard to the Austrian health care system.

Translation, cultural adaptation and validation of the German Quality of Life in Epidermolysis Bullosa (QOLEB) questionnaire

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare disease characterised by skin fragility and a wide variety of symptoms. The Quality of Life in Epidermolysis Bullosa (QOLEB) score is an English 17-item EB-specific validated measurement tool with two dimensions: functioning and emotions. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to develop and validate a culturally adapted German QOLEB. The following steps were carried out: translation, expert evaluation, back translation, linguistic and cultural adaptation, sample-based psychometric testing and evaluation. Data analysis was performed with n = 46 patients across all EB types. The reliability and internal consistency of the translated German QOLEB were excellent (α = 0.901). Regarding convergent validity, the QOLEB correlated highly with the iscorEB (r = 0.879; p < 0.001). Structural similarity with the English original version was confirmed through exploratory factor analysis. In conclusion, the German QOLEB demonstrates internal reliability and construct validity and is suitable to assess the quality of life in German-speaking EB patients.

ABCB5+ mesenchymal stromal cells facilitate complete and durable wound closure in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a hereditary, rare, devastating and life-threatening skin fragility disorder with a high unmet medical need. In a recent international, single-arm clinical trial, treatment of 16 patients (aged 6-36 years) with three intravenous infusions of 2 × 106 immunomodulatory ABCB5+ dermal mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs)/kg on days 0, 17 and 35 reduced disease activity, itch and pain. A post-hoc analysis was undertaken to assess the potential effects of treatment with ABCB5+ MSCs on the overall skin wound healing in patients suffering from RDEB.

METHODS

Documentary photographs of the affected body regions taken on days 0, 17, 35 and at 12 weeks were evaluated regarding proportion, temporal course and durability of wound closure as well as development of new wounds.

RESULTS

Of 168 baseline wounds in 14 patients, 109 (64.9%) wounds had closed at week 12, of which 63.3% (69 wounds) had closed already by day 35 or day 17. Conversely, 74.2% of the baseline wounds that had closed by day 17 or day 35 remained closed until week 12. First-closure ratio within 12 weeks was 75.6%. The median rate of newly developing wounds decreased significantly (P = 0.001) by 79.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

Comparison of the findings with published data from placebo arms and vehicle-treated wounds in controlled clinical trials suggests potential capability of ABCB5+ MSCs to facilitate wound closure, prolongate wound recurrence and decelerate formation of new wounds in RDEB. Beyond suggesting therapeutic efficacy for ABCB5+ MSCs, the analysis might stimulate researchers who develop therapies for RDEB and other skin fragility disorders to not only assess closure of preselected target wounds but pay attention to the patients' dynamic and diverse overall wound presentation as well as to the durability of achieved wound closure and the development of new wounds.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03529877; EudraCT 2018-001009-98.

Efficacy and safety of Oleogel-S10 (birch triterpenes) for epidermolysis bullosa: results from the phase III randomized double-blind phase of the EASE study

BACKGROUND

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a heterogeneous group of rare, difficult-to-treat, inherited multisystem diseases affecting epithelial integrity. Patients with EB are affected by mechanical fragility of epithelial surfaces including the skin and, as a result, extensive recurrent blistering is a characteristic of the condition. Chronic wounds predispose patients with EB to the development of squamous cell carcinoma, which is a major cause of premature death.

OBJECTIVES

EASE was a double-blind, randomized, vehicle-controlled, phase III study to determine the efficacy and safety of the topical gel Oleogel-S10 (birch triterpenes) in EB. EASE was funded by Amryt Research Limited.

METHODS

Patients with dystrophic EB, junctional EB or Kindler EB and a target partial-thickness wound lasting ≥ 21 days and < 9 months that was 10-50 cm2, were enrolled and randomized via computer-generated allocation tables 1 : 1 to Oleogel-S10 or control gel - both with standard-of-care dressings. Study gel was applied to all wounds at least every 4 days. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with first complete closure of target wound within 45 days.

RESULTS

A total of 223 patients were enrolled and treated (109 treated with Oleogel-S10, 114 with control gel). The primary endpoint was met; Oleogel-S10 resulted in 41·3% of patients with first complete target wound closure within 45 days, compared with 28·9% in the control gel arm (relative risk 1·44, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·01-2·05; P = 0·013). Adverse events (AEs) occurred with similar frequency for Oleogel-S10 (81·7%) compared with control gel (80·7%). AEs were predominantly of mild-to-moderate intensity (4·6% were severe).

CONCLUSIONS

Oleogel-S10 is the first therapy to demonstrate accelerated wound healing in EB. Oleogel-S10 was well -tolerated.

Validation and Repeatability of the Epidermolysis Bullosa Eye Disease Index in Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa

PURPOSE

Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) is a devastating condition that causes painful corneal abrasions and vision loss. Epidermolysis Bullosa Eye Disease Index (EB-EDI) for the first time captures and quantifies EB-specific assessment of ocular symptoms and activities of daily living scales. This survey will become critical in developing new interventions on patients' quality of life.

METHODS

Three-part set of the EB-EDI baseline, EB-EDI interval, and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) survey was distributed to 92 patients with DEB who previously reported eye symptoms on previous surveys. It was then posted online through several EB patient organizations. We compared the EB-EDI with the gold standard OSDI and examined the repeatability of the EB-EDI over a 7- to 15-day interval.

RESULTS

Of the 45 individuals who initially responded, 30 of 45 (67%) completed the surveys sent 7 to 15 days later. The age of participants ranged from 6 to 51 years (mean 21 ± 15 years), and 60% (18 of 30) of participants were younger than 18 years. The overall Cronbach alpha values for the subscales of EB-EDI baseline and interval tools presented a good internal consistency (≥0.7). From 2 visits, the domain scores of EB-EDI baseline (0.94) and interval tools (0.83) were shown to have excellent test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient >0.8). By comparison, OSDI had the intraclass correlation coefficient score of 0.72 ± 0.11. The convergent validation analysis showed that correlations between the domain scores of EB-EDI baseline and interval tools and the subscales of the OSDI reached the hypothesized strength.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on a 30-person repeated-measures study, we found that the EB-EDI has excellent reliability and validity specifically in patients with DEB.

Clinical trial of ABCB5+ mesenchymal stem cells for recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa

BACKGROUND

Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a rare, devastating, and life-threatening inherited skin fragility disorder that comes about due to a lack of functional type VII collagen, for which no effective therapy exists. ABCB5⁺ dermal mesenchymal stem cells (ABCB5⁺ MSCs) possess immunomodulatory, inflammation-dampening, and tissue-healing capacities. In a Col7a1^–/– mouse model of RDEB, treatment with ABCB5⁺ MSCs markedly extended the animals’ lifespans.

METHODS

In this international, multicentric, single-arm, phase I/IIa clinical trial, 16 patients (aged 4–36 years) enrolled into 4 age cohorts received 3 i.v. infusions of 2 × 10⁶ ABCB5⁺ MSCs/kg on days 0, 17, and 35. Patients were followed up for 12 weeks regarding efficacy and 12 months regarding safety.

RESULTS

At 12 weeks, statistically significant median (IQR) reductions in the Epidermolysis Bullosa Disease Activity and Scarring Index activity (EBDASI activity) score of 13.0% (2.9%–30%; P = 0.049) and the Instrument for Scoring Clinical Outcome of Research for Epidermolysis Bullosa clinician (iscorEB‑c) score of 18.2% (1.9%–39.8%; P = 0.037) were observed. Reductions in itch and pain numerical rating scale scores were greatest on day 35, amounting to 37.5% (0.0%–42.9%; P = 0.033) and 25.0% (–8.4% to 46.4%; P = 0.168), respectively. Three adverse events were considered related to the cell product: 1 mild lymphadenopathy and 2 hypersensitivity reactions. The latter 2 were serious but resolved without sequelae shortly after withdrawal of treatment.

CONCLUSION

This trial demonstrates good tolerability, manageable safety, and potential efficacy of i.v. ABCB5⁺ MSCs as a readily available disease-modifying therapy for RDEB and provides a rationale for further clinical evaluation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03529877; EudraCT 2018-001009-98.

FUNDING

The trial was sponsored by RHEACELL GmbH & Co. KG. Contributions by NYF and MHF to this work were supported by the NIH/National Eye Institute (NEI) grants RO1EY025794 and R24EY028767.

Hindi translation and validation of quality of life score in Indian patients with epidermolysis bullosa; and its correlation with the clinical severity assessment scores: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Quality of life (QoL) has not been evaluated in Indian patients having epidermolysis bullosa (EB).

AIMS

The aims of the study were to measure health-related QoL in Indian patients having EB using the quality of life in epidermolysis bullosa (QoLEB) questionnaire, and to find its correlation with clinically measured disease severity.

METHODS

In this observational cross-sectional study, the QoLEB questionnaire was translated from English to Hindi (QoLEB-Hin) and culturally adapted without a change in concept following standard guidelines. QoLEB-Hin and three clinical scores that have been independently validated in EB, that is, Birmingham Epidermolysis Bullosa severity score (BEBs), Instrument for Scoring Clinical Outcomes of Research for Epidermolysis Bullosa (iscorEB) and Epidermolysis Bullosa Disease Activity and Scarring Index (EBDASI), were administered to EB patients/their parents in the presence of an expert. This was followed by validity and correlation studies.

RESULTS

Fifty-four patients were recruited (19-females, 35-males; median age 5 years, range 0.025-36 years and 12 patients with an age >13 years). The parents answered the questions for 42 patients (age <13 years). Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa was diagnosed in 32 (59.2%) patients (dominant dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa [DDEB]-19 [35.2%] and recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa [RDEB]-13 [24.1%]). Junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB) and epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS) were each diagnosed in 11 (20.4%) patients. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) of QoLEB-Hin score of all epidermolysis bullosa patients was 11.3 ± 7.6 (range 0-28; median and interquartile range [IQR], 10, 10) and reflected an overall moderate degree of affliction on QoL of patients. Mean ± SD of QoLEB-Hin scores for EBS, JEB, DDEB and RDEB were 5.4 ± 3.7 (range, 1-13; median and IQR, 6, 6), 11 ± 6.2 (range, 1-22; median and IQR, 10, 6), 9 ± 5.7 (range, 0-19; median and IQR, 10, 10) and 20.1 ± 6.4 (range, 12-28; median and IQR, 19, 12.5), respectively (P < 0.001, Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance). Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.946 was obtained for all items indicating excellent internal consistency and reliability. Mean sample adequacy was 0.91; absolute fit based off diagonal values was 0.99; indices root mean square error of approximation and root mean square residual were 0.04 and 0.05, respectively, and Tucker Lewis index was >1 indicating overfit. The mean time taken to complete the questionnaire was 6.1 min (range, 6-8 min). QoLEB-Hin correlated significantly (P < 0.001) with BEBs (ρ = 0.79), iscorEB (ρ= 0.63) and EBDASI (ρ = 0.77). Three multiple linear regression models were used to ascertain the strength of relationship between QoL-Hin, and BEBs, iSCOREB and EBDASI, respectively, after adjusting for age, gender and disease subtype. The EBDASI clinical score accounted for approximately 74% (R2 = 0.736, P < 0.001) of the variability in QOL-Hin, as compared to 73% and 55% by BEBs (R2 = 0.731, P < 0.001) and iscorEB (R2 = 0.545, P < 0.001), respectively.

LIMITATIONS

Parents filled out the questionnaires for many patients and probably led to an overall moderate degree of affliction of QoL. Comparison with Dermatology Life Quality Index and other QoL scores were not done in this study. Furthermore, the scoring was done at one point in time, and test-retest measurements could not be performed.

CONCLUSION

This study validated QoLEB-Hin in an Indian population finding an overall moderate reduction in QoL due to EB. Maximally affected QoL was seen in patients with RDEB. Furthermore, QoLEB-Hin had a variable positive correlation and association with all clinical severity assessment scores.

The severity of malnutrition in children with epidermolysis bullosa correlates with disease severity

WHO defines malnutrition as severe if the z-scores are less than - 3 Standard deviation (SD), moderate if between - 2 and - 3 SD and mild if between - 2 SD to - 1 SD. This study was aimed to assess nutritional aspects of Indian children suffering from EB and to evaluate the effect of severity of EB on the severity of malnutrition. In this study, pediatric EB patients were evaluated prospectively for baseline nutritional status using anthropometric parameters and WHO growth charts, and its correlation with disease severity using instrument for Scoring Clinical Outcomes for Research of Epidermolysis Bullosa-iscorEB. In second phase, an individualized diet chart was given to meet the energy, protein and micronutrients needs and its effects were observed after 6 months. The median age of participants was 3 years (IQR-9). Of 57 patients, malnutrition was seen in 40.35% patients (22.81%-moderate and 17.54%-severe), and significantly correlated with iscorEB (r = 0.45, p < 0.0001). On bivariate regression analysis, iscorEB was independently associated with moderate-to-severe malnutrition (p = 0.047; OR 1.038, CI 1.011-1.066). iscorEB enabled the identification of patients with moderate-to-severe malnutrition with an Area Under Receiver Operating Curve (AUROC) of 0.72 (95%CI 0.58-0.85; p < 0.005). In phase 2, there was significant improvement in nutritional status in children with recessive dystrophic EB (RDEB) and dominant dystrophic EB (DDEB) subtype (p < 0.0001). The severity of malnutrition in EB children significantly correlates with disease severity, and is an independent predictor of moderate-to-severe malnutrition.

A systematic literature review of the disease burden in patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a genetic collagen disorder characterized by skin fragility leading to blistering, wounds, and scarring. There are currently no approved curative therapies. The objective of this manuscript is to provide a comprehensive literature review of the disease burden caused by RDEB.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was conducted in MEDLINE and Embase in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Observational and interventional studies on the economic, clinical, or humanistic burden of RDEB were included.

RESULTS

Sixty-five studies were included in the review. Patients had considerable wound burden, with 60% reporting wounds covering more than 30% of their body. Increases in pain and itch were seen with larger wound size. Chronic wounds were larger and more painful than recurrent wounds. Commonly reported symptoms and complications included lesions and blistering, anemia, nail dystrophy and loss, milia, infections, musculoskeletal contractures, strictures or stenoses, constipation, malnutrition/nutritional problems, pseudosyndactyly, ocular manifestations, and dental caries. Many patients underwent esophageal dilation (29-74%; median dilations, 2-6) and gastrostomy tube placement (8-58%). In the severely affected population, risk of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was 76% and mortality from SCC reached 84% by age 40. Patients with RDEB experienced worsened quality of life (QOL), decreased functioning and social activities, and increased pain and itch when compared to other EB subtypes, other skin diseases, and the general population. Families of patients reported experiencing high rates of burden including financial burden (50-54%) and negative impact on private life (79%). Direct medical costs were high, though reported in few studies; annual payer-borne total medical costs in Ireland were $84,534 and annual patient-borne medical costs in Korea were $7392. Estimated annual US costs for wound dressings ranged from $4000 to $245,000. Patients spent considerable time changing dressings: often daily (13-54% of patients) with up to three hours per change (15-40%).

CONCLUSION

Patients with RDEB and their families/caregivers experience significant economic, humanistic, and clinical burden. Further research is needed to better understand the costs of disease, how the burden of disease changes over the patient lifetime and to better characterize QOL impact, and how RDEB compares with other chronic, debilitating disorders.

A comparison study of outcome measures for epidermolysis bullosa: Epidermolysis Bullosa Disease Activity and Scarring Index (EBDASI) and the Instrument for Scoring Clinical Outcomes of Research for Epidermolysis Bullosa (iscorEB)

Background

The success of clinical trials in Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is dependent upon the availability of a valid and reliable scoring tool that can accurately assess and monitor disease severity. The Epidermolysis Bullosa Disease Activity and Scarring Index (EBDASI) and Instrument for Scoring Clinical Outcomes of Research for Epidermolysis Bullosa (iscorEB) were independently developed and validated against the Birmingham Epidermolysis Bullosa Severity Score but have never been directly compared.

Objective

To compare the reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity of the EBDASI and iscorEB scoring tools.

Methods

An observational cohort study was conducted in 15 patients with EB. Each patient was evaluated using the EBDASI and iscorEB-clinician scoring tools by 6 dermatologists with expertise in EB. Quality of life was assessed using the iscorEB-patient and Quality of Life in EB measures.

Results

The intraclass correlation coefficients for interrater reliability were 0.942 for the EBDASI and 0.852 for the iscorEB-clinician. The intraclass correlation coefficients for intrarater reliability was 0.99 for both scores. The two tools demonstrated strong convergent validity with each other.

Conclusion

Both scoring tools demonstrate excellent reliability. The EBDASI appears to better discriminate between EB types and disease severities.

Participatory co-design of patient-reported outcome indicators and N-of-1 evaluation of a dressing glove for Epidermolysis bullosa

OBJECTIVE

In autosomal recessive dystrophic Epidermolysis bullosa, repeat blistering results in finger webbing and severe contractures of the hands. The aim of this study was to codesign patient-reported outcome indicators for hand therapy with patients, carers and clinicians, and use these to proof-of-concept test a novel dressing glove for recessive dystrophic Epidermolysis bullosa, with cost analysis.

METHOD

Qualitative interviews and focus groups with patients and carers generated content for the indicators. Validity and reliability were established through expert review, piloting and consensus between patients, carers and clinicians. The indicators were self-reported by patients before and while wearing the dressing glove in an N-of-1 study. Time for dressing changes and use of conventional products were also self-reported.

RESULTS

A total of 11 indicators were initially generated from the thematic analysis. Expert review, piloting and consensus involved six patients, five carers and eight clinicians (total n=19). Participants agreed 14 indicators, covering hand skin condition (n=4), webbing between the digits (n=4), experiences of wearing and changing dressings (n=2), hand function (n=2), wrist function (n=1) and hand pain (n=1). In Phase 3, 12 patients scored indicators before wearing the gloves and four patients completed scoring while wearing the gloves. Statistically significant improvements between pre-glove and with-glove periods were found for most participants' experience scores. Skin appearance also improved for most participants.

CONCLUSIONS

The indicators generated useful data, differentiation between scores and participants demonstrating proof-of-concept for patients with recessive dystrophic Epidermolysis bullosa who could wear the dressing gloves. The indicators are being used in routine practice, supporting clinical follow up, commercialisation and regulatory governance of the dressing glove.

Profiling trial burden and patients' attitudes to improve clinical research in epidermolysis bullosa

Background

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) comprises inherited mechanobullous dermatoses with considerable morbidity and mortality. While current treatments are symptomatic, a growing number of innovative therapeutic compounds are evaluated in clinical trials. Clinical research in rare diseases like EB, however, faces many challenges, including sample size requirements and recruitment failures. The objective of this study was to determine attitudes of EB patients towards clinical research and trial participation as well as the assessment of contextual motivating and discouraging factors in an effort to support patient-centered RD trial designing.

Methods

A 53-items questionnaire was handed over to EB patients (of all types and ages) in contact with the EB House Austria, a designated national center of expertise for EB care. Main categories included level of interest in and personal knowledge about clinical studies, pros/cons for participation and extent of individual expenses considered acceptable for participation in a clinical study. Descriptive subgroup analysis was calculated with SPSS 20.0 and Microsoft Excel.

Results

Thirty-six individuals (mean age 25.7 years), diagnosed for recessive dystrophic EB (36.1%), EB simplex (33.4%), junctional EB (8.3%), dominant dystrophic EB (2.8%) and acral peeling syndrome (2.8%) participated. Motivation for participation in and the desire to increase personal knowledge about clinical trials were (outmost) high in 57.2 and 66.7%, respectively. Altruism was the major motivating factor, followed by hope that alleviation of the own symptoms can be achieved. The greatest hurdle was travel distance, followed by concerns about possible adverse reactions. Patients diagnosed for severe subgroups (RDEB, JEB) were more impaired by the extent of scheduled invasive investigations and possible adverse reactions of the study medication. Patients with generally milder EB forms and older patients were accepting more frequent outpatient study visits, blood takes, skin biopsies and inpatient admissions in association with trial participation.

Conclusions

This study provides additional indications to better determine and address attitudes towards clinical research among EB patients as well as guidance to improve clinical trial protocols for patient centricity.

Assessment of the Timing of Milestone Clinical Events in Patients With Epidermolysis Bullosa From North America

Importance

Children with epidermolysis bullosa (EB) comprise a rare population with high morbidity and mortality. An improved understanding of the clinical trajectory of patients with EB, including age at time of clinical diagnosis and major clinical events, is needed to refine best practices and improve quality of life and clinical outcomes for patients with EB.

Objectives

To describe demographics, clinical characteristics, milestone diagnostic and clinical events (such as initial esophageal dilation), and outcomes in patients with EB using the Epidermolysis Bullosa Clinical Characterization and Outcomes Database and to determine what characteristics may be associated with overall EB severity and/or disease progression.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study included data on patients with EB who were enrolled in the Epidermolysis Bullosa Clinical Characterization and Outcomes Database from January 1, 2011, to June 30, 2017; 17 participating EB centers in the United States and Canada contributed data to this study.

Exposures

Type of EB, including recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB), dominant dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DDEB), and epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Demographic information, clinical characteristics (including age at onset of signs of EB and subsequent clinical diagnosis), types of diagnostic testing performed, and milestone clinical events for patients with RDEB.

Results

Of 644 enrolled patients from 17 sites included in this study, 323 were male (50.2%), with a mean (SD) age of 14.4 (11.7) years; 283 (43.9%) had RDEB, 194 (30.1%) had EBS, 104 (16.2%) had DDEB, and 63 (9.8%) had JEB. Signs of disease were present at birth in 202 patients with RDEB (71.4%), 39 with JEB (61.9%), 60 with DDEB (57.7%), and 74 with EBS (38.1%). For those with signs of disease at birth, a clinical diagnosis was made at the time of birth in 135 patients with RDEB (67.0%), 31 with DDEB (52.6%), 35 with EBS, (47.3%) and 18 with JEB (46.2%). Patients with JEB had the highest rate of any confirmatory testing (51 of 63 [81.0%]), followed by RDEB (218 of 283 [77.0%]), DDEB (71 of 104 [68.3%]), and EBS (100 of 194 [51.5%]). For all types of EB, both electron microscopy and immunofluorescence microscopy were performed at younger ages than genetic analysis. Among 283 patients with RDEB, 157 (55.5%) had esophageal dilation, 104 (36.7%) had gastrostomy tube placement, 62 (21.9%) had hand surgery, 18 (6.4%) developed squamous cell carcinoma, and 19 (6.7%) died.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings suggest that diagnostic testing for EB is more common for patients with severe phenotypes. Earlier diagnostic testing may enable improved characterizations of patients so that appropriate counseling and clinical care may be offered, especially pertaining to milestone events for those with RDEB.

Bone marrow transplant with post-transplant cyclophosphamide for recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa expands the related donor pool and permits tolerance of nonhaematopoietic cellular grafts

BACKGROUND

Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a severe systemic genodermatosis lacking therapies beyond supportive care for its extensive, life-limiting manifestations.

OBJECTIVES

To report the safety and preliminary responses of 10 patients with RDEB to bone marrow transplant (BMT) with post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy BMT) after reduced-intensity conditioning with infusions of immunomodulatory donor-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (median follow-up 16 months).

METHODS

BMT toxicities, donor blood and skin engraftment, skin biopsies, photographic and dynamic assessments of RDEB disease activity were obtained at intervals from pre-BMT to 1 year post-BMT.

RESULTS

Related donors varied from haploidentical (n = 6) to human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-matched (n = 3), with one HLA-matched unrelated donor. Transplant complications included graft failure (n = 3; two pursued a second PTCy BMT), veno-occlusive disease (n = 2), posterior reversible encephalopathy (n = 1) and chronic graft-versus-host disease (n = 1; this patient died). In the nine ultimately engrafted patients, median donor chimerism at 180 days after transplant was 100% in peripheral blood and 27% in skin. Skin biopsies showed stable (n = 7) to improved (n = 2) type VII collagen protein expression by immunofluorescence and gain of anchoring fibril components (n = 3) by transmission electron microscopy. Early signs of clinical response include trends toward reduced body surface area of blisters/erosions from a median of 49·5% to 27·5% at 100 days after BMT (P = 0·05), with parental measures indicating stable quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

PTCy BMT in RDEB provides a means of attaining immunotolerance for future donor-derived cellular grafts (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02582775). What's already known about this topic? Severe, generalized recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is marked by great morbidity and early death. No cure currently exists for RDEB. Bone marrow transplant (BMT) is the only described systemic therapy for RDEB. What does this study add? The first description of post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) BMT for RDEB. PTCy was well tolerated and provided excellent graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis, replacing long courses of calcineurin inhibitors in patients receiving human leucocyte antigen-matched sibling BMT. What is the translational message? The PTCy BMT platform permits identification of a suitable related donor for most patients and for subsequent adoptive transfer of donor nonhaematopoietic cells after establishment of immunological tolerance.

Oleogel-S10 Phase 3 study "EASE" for epidermolysis bullosa: study design and rationale

Background

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of rare, genetic diseases that affect the integrity of epithelial tissues, most notably the skin. Patients experience recurrent skin wounding, with severity depending on type, sub-type, and mutation. Oleogel-S10, a formulation of birch bark extract, has demonstrated efficacy in a Phase 2 trial assessing re-epithelialization of wounds in EB. EASE (NCT03068780, EudraCT 2016–002066-32) is a randomized, Phase 3, placebo-controlled study designed to determine the efficacy of Oleogel-S10 versus placebo in patients with EB.

Methods

EASE is a Phase 3, two-phase study comprising a 90-day, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phase, followed by 24 months of open-label, single-arm follow-up. Patients with junctional EB, dystrophic EB, or Kindler syndrome and target wounds (10 - 50cm²) present for > 21 days and < 9 months, are randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive wound dressings according to local standard of care with or without Oleogel-S10. Placebo is based on the Oleogel-S10 vehicle, which is sunflower oil formulated to have a consistency indistinguishable from that of the active product. The primary endpoint of the trial, directed by the US health authority according to the required study endpoints for chronic cutaneous ulcer and burn wounds, is to compare the efficacy of Oleogel-S10 versus placebo according to the proportion of patients with complete closure of the target wound within 45 ± 7 days of treatment. Additional EB-focused endpoints include wound burden, patient-reported outcomes, and safety.

Results

Results of the primary endpoint are anticipated to be available by H2 2019.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03068780. EudraCT, 2016–002066-32. Registered on 3 March 2017.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-019-3362-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Occupational therapy for epidermolysis bullosa: clinical practice guidelines

The purpose of this article is to summarize the Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association (DEBRA) International evidence-based Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) for the provision of occupational therapy (OT) for children and adults living with inherited epidermolysis bullosa (EB). This is a rare genetic disorder characterized by skin fragility leading to blister formation occurring spontaneously or following minor trauma. Current OT practice for persons with EB is based on anecdotal care, clinical expertise and trial and error with collaboration between caregiver and patient. Intervention based on research is needed to establish a foundation of knowledge to guide international practitioners to create and improve standards of care and to be able to work effectively with those living with the rare diagnosis of this condition.

This CPG was created by an international panel with expertise working with persons with EB. The panel was made up of 11 members including OT’s, a physiotherapist, a medical doctor, social worker, person with EB and a carer of a person with EB. It describes the development of recommendations for 5 outcomes determined by survey of persons with EB, caregivers, and experienced healthcare professionals. The outcomes include independence in activities of daily living (ADL), independence in instrumental ADL, maximization of hand function (non-surgical), fine motor development and retention, and oral feeding skills. The recommendations are supplemented with additional files that include photos and specific examples to further guide occupational therapists or, in situations where an OT is not available, other members of the healthcare team.

As the disorder of EB is rare, evidence-based CPGs are needed to provide a base of knowledge and practice for OTs throughout the world with the goal of providing quality care to patients, while improving their functional independence and quality of life. In addition, this information is valuable as a basis for further research.

Recent advances in understanding and managing epidermolysis bullosa

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous skin fragility disorder characterized by trauma-induced skin dissociation and the development of painful wounds. So far, mutations in 20 genes have been described as being associated with more than 30 clinical EB subtypes. The era of whole-exome sequencing has revolutionized EB diagnostics with gene panels being developed in several EB centers and allowing quicker diagnosis and prognostication. With the advances of gene editing, more focus has been placed on gene editing-based therapies for targeted treatment. However, their implementation in daily care will still take time. Thus, a significant focus is currently being placed on achieving a better understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms of each subtype and using this knowledge for the design of symptom-relief therapies, i.e. treatment options aimed at ameliorating and not curing the disease.

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.

Reliability and validity of the instrument for scoring clinical outcomes of research for epidermolysis bullosa (iscorEB)

BACKGROUND

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of rare and currently incurable genetic blistering disorders. As more pathogenic-driven therapies are being developed, there is an important need for EB-specific validated outcomes measures designed for use in clinical trials.

OBJECTIVES

To test the reliability and construct validity of an instrument for scoring clinical outcomes of research for EB (iscorEB), a new combined clinician- and patient-reported outcomes tool.

METHODS

We conducted an observational study consisting of independent 1-day assessments (six assessors) at two academic hospitals. The assessments consisted of iscorEB clinician (iscorEB-c), Birmingham Epidermolysis Bullosa Severity (BEBS) and global severity assessment for physicians; and iscorEB patient (iscorEB-p), Quality of Life evaluation in Epidermolysis Bullosa and Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index for patients. Construct validity and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for interobserver, intraobserver and test-retest reliability were calculated.

RESULTS

Overall, 31 patients with a mean age of 19·5 years (1·8-45·2) were included. Disease severity was mild in 42% of cases, moderate in 29% and severe in 29%. The interobserver ICC was 0·96 for both the clinician-reported section of iscorEB-c and BEBS. The ICC for intraobserver reliability was 0·91 and 0·70 for the skin and mucosal domains of iscorEB-c, respectively. Cronbach's alpha for iscorEB-c was 0·89. The test-retest reliability of iscorEB-p was 0·97 and Cronbach's alpha was 0·84. The clinical score differentiated between subjects with mild, moderate and severe disease, and both clinical and patient subscores discriminated between recessive dystrophic EB and other EB subtypes.

CONCLUSIONS

iscorEB has robust reliability and construct validity, including strong ability to distinguish EB types and severities. Further studies are planned to test its responsiveness to change.

Regeneration of the entire human epidermis using transgenic stem cells

Junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB) is a severe and often lethal genetic disease caused by mutations in genes encoding the basement membrane component laminin-332. Surviving patients with JEB develop chronic wounds to the skin and mucosa, which impair their quality of life and lead to skin cancer. Here we show that autologous transgenic keratinocyte cultures regenerated an entire, fully functional epidermis on a seven-year-old child suffering from a devastating, life-threatening form of JEB. The proviral integration pattern was maintained in vivo and epidermal renewal did not cause any clonal selection. Clonal tracing showed that the human epidermis is sustained not by equipotent progenitors, but by a limited number of long-lived stem cells, detected as holoclones, that can extensively self-renew in vitro and in vivo and produce progenitors that replenish terminally differentiated keratinocytes. This study provides a blueprint that can be applied to other stem cell-mediated combined ex vivo cell and gene therapies.

The Epidermolysis Bullosa Disease Activity and Scarring Index (EBDASI): grading disease severity and assessing responsiveness to clinical change in epidermolysis bullosa

BACKGROUND

The lack of validated outcome measures for epidermolysis bullosa (EB) presents major barriers to evaluating disease severity and comparing the efficacy of therapies. The Epidermolysis Bullosa Disease Activity and Scarring Index (EBDASI) was recently introduced as a valid and reliable instrument for EB; however, its interpretation for use in clinical practice and clinical trials is yet to be defined.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the interpretability of the EBDASI in classifying patients according to disease severity and clinical response.

METHODS

A total of 53 outpatients with EB at two interstate institutions were prospectively evaluated. At each visit, the principal dermatologist completed the EBDASI and global assessments of disease severity and change. Classifications for mild, moderate and severe disease using the EBDASI were determined using receiver operating characteristic curves. Minimal clinically important differences for the EBDASI activity subscale were calculated and compared with the standard error of measurement.

RESULTS

Total EBDASI score ranges of 0-42, 43-106 and 107-506 corresponded to mild, moderate and severe disease respectively. Reduction in EBDASI activity scores of greater than 9 indicated clinically significant improvement. An increase of 3 in the activity score indicated deterioration.

CONCLUSION

The EBDASI is a responsive tool and may be useful in characterizing disease severity and response. The cut-offs proposed in this study provide the first practical guide for interpreting the EBDASI, further supporting its use for longitudinal patient assessment and in clinical trials.

Molecular pathology of the basement membrane zone in heritable blistering diseases:: The paradigm of epidermolysis bullosa

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a phenotypically heterogeneous group of skin fragility disorders, is characterized by blistering and erosions with considerable morbidity and mortality. Mutations in as many as 18 distinct genes expressed at the cutaneous basement membrane zone have been shown to be associated with the blistering phenotype, attesting to the role of the corresponding proteins in providing stable association of the epidermis to the dermis through adhesion at the dermo-epidermal basement membrane zone. Thus, different forms of EB have been highly instructive in providing information on the physiological functions of these proteins as integral components of the supramolecular adhesion complexes. In addition, precise information of the underlying genes and distinct mutations in families with EB has been helpful in subclassification of the disease with prognostic implications, as well as for prenatal testing and preimplantation genetic diagnosis. Furthermore, knowledge of the types of mutations is a prerequisite for application of allele-specific treatment approaches that have been recently developed, including read-through of premature termination codon mutations and chaperone-facilitated intracellular transport of conformationally altered proteins to proper physiologic subcellular location. Collectively, EB serves as a paradigm of heritable skin diseases in which significant progress has been made in identifying the underlying genetic bases and associated aberrant pathways leading from mutations to the phenotype, thus allowing application of precision medicine for this, currently intractable group of diseases.