January Clinical Considerations for NPs, PAs

Joe Gorelick, MSN, FNP-CDear Colleagues,Hope you’re enjoying the new year!This month, we take a look at when to use biologics, advances in pediatric Atopic Dermatitis (AD), and how Trump’s presidency might impact dermatology.What labs do you order for patients prior to starting a biologic medication? How often do you see them in follow up? In this article, Dr. Sobell provides guidance on which tests to order before initiating therapy, and he discusses his protocol for ongoing management of patients treated with biologic agents in his practice.Developments on the pediatric inflammatory skin disease front have been quiet for the past decade but a new product recently approved by the FDA, Crisaborole ointment (Eucrisa, Anacor Pharmaceuticals), may address the itch of AD. Crisaborole 2% ointment has been approved to be used BID for patients two years of age and older with mild-to-moderate eczema.  This article looks at clinical studies that demonstrate crisaborole’s efficacy in objective disease reduction and itch, which is the most bothersome symptom of AD.If doctors can predict one thing about President-elect Trump, it’s that trying to predict him is a fool’s game. That said,dermatology leaders weigh in to try and identify potential trends. Drastic changes in reimbursement for our services are unlikely over the next four years and recent Twitter rumblings suggest that price for pharmaceutical agents may be in flux.Best,Joe Gorelick, MSN, FNP-C, Dermatology Education Foundation Founder and Chairman