Table 6.

Treatment of Manifestations in Individuals with Epidermolysis Bullosa with Pyloric Atresia

Manifestation/ConcernTreatmentConsiderations/Other
Mucosal involvement (incl tracheal & gastrointestinal) Decisions about tracheostomy should involve family & consider medical condition of infant.Poor prognosis & severe pain warrants discussion w/family & hospital ethics committee to determine type of intervention & comfort care to provide. 1
  • Consult w/dietitian or nutritionist if there is significant mucosal blistering in mouth preventing adequate oral intake.
  • Consider placement of gastrostomy.
  • Evaluate & treat protein-losing enteropathy.
  • Additional nutritional support incl gastrostomy tube feeding when necessary
  • Maintenance of tracheostomy & gastrostomy can be difficult due to fragile skin.
Skin Minimize new blister formation by:
  • Teaching caretakers proper handling of infants & children to protect skin from shearing forces;
  • Wrapping & padding extremities;
  • Use of soft & properly fitted clothing & footwear.
New blisters should be lanced & drained to prevent further spread from fluid pressure. In most cases, dressings for blisters involve three layers: 2
  • A primary nonadherent contact layer that does not strip top layers of epidermis. Tolerance to different primary layers varies. Primary layers include: dressings impregnated w/emollient (e.g., petrolatum, topical antiseptic); nonstick products (e.g., Telfa®, N-Terface®); silicone-based products w/o adhesive (e.g., Mepitel®, Mepilex®); additional topical antibiotic or antiseptic (e.g., bacitracin, mupirocin, silver, honey).
  • A secondary layer that provides stability for primary layer & adds padding to allow more activity, such as rolls of gauze (e.g., Kerlix®, Conform®)
  • A tertiary layer that usually has some elastic properties & ensures integrity of dressing (e.g., Coban® or elasticized tube gauze of varying diameters such as BandNet® or Tubifast®).
  • Treatment of wound infection using antibiotics & antiseptics
  • Appropriate footwear & physical therapy are essential to preserve ambulation in children w/delays or difficulty walking due to blistering &/or hyperkeratosis.
Gastrointestinal
  • Surgical intervention to correct pyloric atresia
  • Gastrostomy if indicated
  • Evaluate & treat protein-losing enteropathy.
Renal & ureteral anomalies
  • Referral to urologist if there are symptoms of difficulty or discomfort w/voiding
  • Referral to nephrologist if renal function studies &/or urinalysis are abnormal
Fluid/electrolyte/
nutritional deficiencies
  • Fluid replacement as needed
  • Calcium & vitamin D supplementation to prevent osteopenia
  • Zinc supplementation for wound healing 3
  • Supplementation of carnitine, selenium, vitamin A as indicated based on laboratory studies
  • Oral or intravenous iron infusions & red blood cell transfusions as needed for chronic anemia
Ocular symptoms Treatment of corneal abrasions per ophthalmologist
Social/Family
  • Psychosocial support, incl social services & psychological counseling 4
  • Palliative care consultation 5

From: Epidermolysis Bullosa with Pyloric Atresia

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