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The challenges of living with and managing epidermolysis bullosa: insights from patients and caregivers.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Little information is available regarding the burden of living with and managing epidermolysis bullosa, including the distinct challenges faced by patients with different disease types/subtypes. METHODS:A 90-question/item survey was developed to collect demographics, diagnostic data, management practices, and burden of illness information for patients with epidermolysis bullosa living in the United States. Recruitment was conducted via email and social media in partnership with epidermolysis bullosa patient advocacy organizations in the United States, and the survey was conducted via telephone interview by a third-party health research firm. Respondents aged ??18 years with a confirmed diagnosis of epidermolysis bullosa or caring for a patient with a confirmed diagnosis of epidermolysis bullosa were eligible to participate in the survey. RESULTS:In total, 156 responses were received from patients (n?=?63) and caregivers (n?=?93) representing the epidermolysis bullosa types of simplex, junctional, and dystrophic (subtypes: dominant and recessive). A large proportion of patients (21%) and caregivers (32%) reported that the condition was severe or very severe, and 19% of patients and 26% of caregivers reported a visit to an emergency department in the 12?months prior to the survey. Among the types/subtypes represented, recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa results in the greatest wound burden, with approximately 60% of patients and caregivers reporting wounds covering >?30% of total body area. Wound care is time consuming and commonly requires significant caregiver assistance. Therapeutic options are urgently needed and reducing the number and severity of wounds was generally ranked as the most important treatment factor. CONCLUSIONS:Survey responses demonstrate that epidermolysis bullosa places a considerable burden on patients, their caregivers, and their families. The limitations caused by epidermolysis bullosa mean that both patients and caregivers must make difficult choices and compromises regarding education, career, and home life. Finally, survey results indicate that epidermolysis bullosa negatively impacts quality of life and causes financial burden to patients and their families.

SUBMITTER: Bruckner AL

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6942340 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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The challenges of living with and managing epidermolysis bullosa: insights from patients and caregivers.

Bruckner Anna L AL Losow Michael M Wisk Jayson J Patel Nita N Reha Allen A Lagast Hjalmar H Gault Jamie J Gershkowitz Jayne J Kopelan Brett B Hund Michael M Murrell Dedee F DF

Orphanet journal of rare diseases 20200103 1

<h4>Background</h4>Little information is available regarding the burden of living with and managing epidermolysis bullosa, including the distinct challenges faced by patients with different disease types/subtypes.<h4>Methods</h4>A 90-question/item survey was developed to collect demographics, diagnostic data, management practices, and burden of illness information for patients with epidermolysis bullosa living in the United States. Recruitment was conducted via email and social media in partners ...[more]

PMID: 31900176

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Project description:Abstract Background Nail changes in patients with congenital epidermolysis bullosa (EB) are caused by abnormalities of the nail matrix and bed secondary to pathogenic alterations of the dermoepidermal junction. Even though ungual alterations are extremely frequent in these patients, there are scarce studies about their frequency and/or association with subtypes or clinical course of EB. Objectives To systematically review nail abnormalities in patients with EB reported in the literature. Methods We searched all published articles in electronic databases until June 2020 reporting patients with EB with detailed descriptions of malformed/diseased nails using specific terms and inclusion/exclusion criteria. Clinical data were extracted by two independent authors. Descriptive statistics were used. Results We included 36 articles reporting 74 individual patients with a mean age of 28.23 years: 29 (39.2%) had dominant dystrophic EB, 27 (36.4%) had junctional EB, 8 (10.8%) had EB simplex, 6 (8.1%) had Kindler syndrome and 4 (5.4%) had recessive dystrophic EB. The most common abnormalities were dystrophic nails (48.6%), anonychia (43.2%) and pachyonychia (40.5%). Anonychia was considered the most severe abnormality and was reported more frequently in patients with junctional (62.9%) and recessive dystrophic EB (50%). Multiple organ involvement was present in 52.7% of patients. Patients with severe junctional epidermolysis bullosa and recessive dominant epidermolysis bullosa presented anonychia since birth. Conclusions In this summary of nail abnormalities in patients with EB, anonychia was more frequent in patients with severe EB subtypes and multiple organ involvement. Further prospective studies are required to understand the associations between nail abnormalities in specific EB subtypes and/or patient outcomes. Nail changes in patient with congenital epidermolysis bullosa (EB) are a result of abnormalities of the nail matrix and bed secondary to pathogenic alterations of the dermoepidermal junction. They are extremely frequent, but there are scarce studies about their frequency and/or association with subtypes or clinical course. This systematic review of the literature found that all patients with EB have nail abnormalities, regardless of subtype. The most common ungual alterations were dystrophic nails (48.6%), anonychia (43.2%) and pachyonychia (40.5%). Anonychia was more frequent in patients with multiple organ involvement, and loss of multiple nails since birth or early life was reported in patients with severe subtypes.

Project description:BackgroundInherited epidermolysis bullosa (EB) comprises a group of rare disorders that have multi-system effects and patients present with a number of both acute and chronic pain care needs. Effects on quality of life are substantial. Pain and itching are burdensome daily problems. Experience with, and knowledge of, the best pain and itch care for these patients is minimal. Evidence-based best care practice guidelines are needed to establish a base of knowledge and practice for practitioners of many disciplines to improve the quality of life for both adult and pediatric patients with EB.MethodsThe process was begun at the request of Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association International (DEBRA International), an organization dedicated to improvement of care, research and dissemination of knowledge for EB patients worldwide. An international panel of experts in pain and palliative care who have extensive experience caring for patients with EB was assembled. Literature was reviewed and systematically evaluated. For areas of care without direct evidence, clinically relevant literature was assessed, and rounds of consensus building were conducted. The process involved a face-to-face consensus meeting that involved a family representative and methodologist, as well as the panel of clinical experts. During development, EB family input was obtained and the document was reviewed by a wide variety of experts representing several disciplines related to the care of patients with EB.ResultsThe first evidence-based care guidelines for the care of pain in EB were produced. The guidelines are clinically relevant for care of patients of all subtypes and ages, and apply to practitioners of all disciplines involved in the care of patients with EB. When the evidence suggests that the diagnosis or treatment of painful conditions differs between adults and children, it will be so noted.ConclusionsEvidence-based care guidelines are a means of standardizing optimal care for EB patients, whose disease is often times horrific in its effects on quality of life, and whose care is resource-intensive and difficult. The guideline development process also highlighted areas for research in order to improve further the evidence base for future care.

Dataset Information

The challenges of living with and managing epidermolysis bullosa: insights from patients and caregivers.

Publications

The challenges of living with and managing epidermolysis bullosa: insights from patients and caregivers.

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