Search

Abstract Background Renal transplant recipients (RTRs) experience cutaneous symptoms, some due to immunosuppressive medications, which can affect their quality of life (QOL). Previous studies noted a higher impact on QOL of younger female recipients. Objectives We sought to examine current trends in dermatology QOL in Irish RTRs. Methods Dermatology life quality index (DLQI) and dermatology conditions, past and present, were analysed in a cohort of RTRs in a single centre in the West of Ireland. Medical records were cross referenced. Results Sixty‐six RTRs participated, 70% male with a mean age 55 years ± SD13.6. Most participants (80%) described the presence of a skin condition. Despite this, many (71%) reported ‘no effect’ on their quality of life. Skin cancer, experienced by 26%, was associated with a small but significant effect on QOL. Biopsy proven actinic keratoses, on the other hand, was not. Cutaneous infections (bacterial and fungal) of the lower limb had the largest effect on QOL. Although not significant, male RTRs were more likely to report skin issues when asked and less likely to have seen dermatology for them. Unlike previous studies age or gender did not significant effect on QOL. Conclusions The findings of our study demonstrate a shift in trends of cutaneous complications of RTRs and highlights a need to consider foot care in this patient population. We illustrate a difference in health seeking behaviour of RTRs of different genders and a need for a focussed proactive skin cancer surveillance programme that targets not only early detection but also prevention in male organ recipients.

Abstract Background Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, relapsing, inflammatory skin condition which is physically, psychologically and socially disabling and often affects a patient's quality of life (QOL). There are numerous QOL tools used in dermatology. However, assessment of QOL in patients with HS is difficult due to the inability of generic QOL tools to specifically capture QOL in patients with HS. Numerous HS‐specific QOL tools have been developed in recent years. It is important to identify evidence on full psychometric evaluation of these tools. Objectives There has been a gradual increase in the use of generic and disease‐specific QOL tools in the last few decades. The aim of this scoping review (SR) is to evaluate the most widely used generic QOL tools and HS‐specific QOL tools to identify the psychometric evaluation of such tools. Methods Design: An SR guided by Joanna Briggs Institute manual and Arskey O’Malley framework guidelines. Data extraction included the studies available on full psychometric evaluation of the most widely used dermatology generic QOL tools in HS and HS‐specific QOL tools. Results Ten papers were included in the review, eight papers demonstrated HS‐specific QOL assessment tools. The psychometric properties of these tools were underpinned by reliability, validity and sensitivity measurement. Six disease‐specific tools were identified in this SR. However, they all lack full psychometric evaluation. Conclusion This review indicates that an extensive research in the field of QOL tools for HS is much needed. It is crucial to develop user‐friendly and validate disease‐specific tools to measure the real impact of disease on patients QOL. QOL instruments can evaluate the impact on life of an HS patient, thus helping improve intervention and management of disease. There is a necessity for more research into existing HS‐specific QOL tools and they should be widely tested and fully validated.