If you're a busy clinician, chances are you didn't get to read every story published on the Skin & Alllergy News Digital Network during our debut year in 2010.
But don't despair. Here is our year-end roundup of the hottest stories on our website.
The top 10 most-viewed stories this year were:
10. Control of Vulvar Disease May Stave Off Cancer, By Kate Johnson
Several experts at a vulvovaginal disease conference presented data showing that approximately 3% to 5% of patients with untreated vulvar lichen sclerosus may develop vulvar carcinoma within the next 10-20 years, and between 5% and 80% of patients with vulvar cancer have a history of lichen sclerosis.
Courtesy flickr user woodleywonderworks (Creative Commons)
9. Favorable 3-Year Safety Update for Ustekinumab in Psoriasis, By Bruce Jancin
In a 3-year safety analysis of the biologic agent ustekinumab, long-term risk for cardiovascular events, malignancies, and serious infections in psoriasis patients were consistent with rates of in the general U.S. population.
8. MelaFind Device Surpassed Dermatologists in Identifying Melanoma, By Michele G. Sullivan
A handheld device called MelaFind demonstrated 98% sensitivity in identifying malignant melanoma. Researchers saw the device as a potentially useful tool in assessing the pigmented lesions that are subject to clinician observation.
7. Dr. Robert Bentley Elected Governor of Alabama, By Jane Anderson
This story was updated on election day to reflect the election of Dr. Robert Bentley, a Republican dermatologist, as governor of Alabama. Dr. Bentley previously served in the Alabama House of Representatives. His platform included opposition to the Affordable Care Act.
6. Under My Skin: I Am Tier 1, By Dr. Alan Rockoff
In this much-viewed "Under My Skin" blog, Dr. Rockoff critiques the nit-pickiness of the Massachusetts Insurance Commission's efforts to rate physicians by efficiency and quality with a personal letter to the commission (to which he has yet to receive a response).
5. Briakinumab Boosts Quality of Life for Psoriasis Patients, By Bruce Jancin
Some good news for psoriasis patients this year: those who received interleukin12/interleukin-23 briakinumab scored significantly better on measures of health-related quality of life, compared with etanercept in a phase III randomized, double-blind trial.
4. Safety of Propranolol for Hemangiomas Is Questioned, By Sherry Boschert
Dr. Lawrence F. Eichenfield presented the latest data on the use of propranolol to treat hemangiomas in infants, and shared tips for safe use and family counseling in the face of several life-threatening events in infants undergoing this treatment.
3. New Evidence Defines Optimal Methotrexate Dosing Regimen in Psoriasis, By Bruce Jancin
Based on data from a year-long randomized clinical trial, a weekly starting dose of 15 mg of methotrexate was well-tolerated and effective in most patients; few needed up-titration. In addition, patients who responded well to 15mg/week at 6-8 weeks were highly likely to have a full PASI 75 response after 1 year.
2. Joint Involvement Predicts Aggressive Systemic Sclerosis, By Bruce Jancin
In a study of more than 7,000 patients in the world's largest systemic sclerosis registry, clinical articular involvement was associated with more severe disease. For example, patients with joint contractures had a 93% increased risk of digital ulceration.
And the most-viewed story on www.skinandallergynews.com in 2010:
1. AAD Releases Updated Isotretinoin Position Statement, By Kerri Wachter
The perpetually hot topic of isotretinoin was the subject of our most-viewed story in 2010, which described the American Academy of Dermatology's support of the physician-monitored use of isotretinoin for severe acne. Data published in the British Medical Journal in November 2010 suggested that the increased suicide risk that has been associated with isotretinoin use is more likely related to the psychological burdens of severe acne than to the medication given to treat it.
Best Wishes for 2011!
--Heidi Splete (@hsplete on twitter)