By Allison Sit
The European Academy of Dermatology and Venerology (EADV) has released a statement on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, calling for solidarity with those affected by the conflict. “The EADV stands together to our fellow dermatologists-venereologists affected by this conflict and extends its heartfelt support to healthcare professionals, patients and civilians widely,” the statement reads in part. “We remain committed in supporting our colleagues and those in need at this difficult time.” The EADV also called on international organizations to protect those affected and urged EADV members to consider supporting humanitarian relief efforts.
Congress recently passed the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act, which aims to reduce the stigma of seeking mental health assistance among health care professionals. The legislation is named for Dr. Lorna Breen, a New York City emergency room physician who died by suicide in 2020 after treating COVID-19 patients. More than 70 organizations, including the American Medical Association, backed the first-of-its-kind bill. According to the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation, grants would address training health profession students, residents or health care professionals in evidence-informed strategies to reduce and prevent suicide, burnout, mental health conditions and substance use disorders.
“We owe these healers not only a debt of gratitude, but more robust support,” says Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.), the bill’s lead sponsor. “This legislation will take steps to provide them with greater resources to cope with the mental health challenges they face.”
A study in the International Journal of Dermatology found that the Merlin Test may be able to reduce the need for sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), and the potential complications associated with SLNB. The Merlin Test can identify melanoma patients with a low risk of metastasis at diagnosis and, therefore, can safely forgo SLNB surgery. Data from the study found that SLNB-related complications are relatively common as more than 17% of study participants developed at least one complication. The most common complications were seroma (9.3%), infection/cellulitis (4.8%) and lymphedema (4.3%).
“Using the Merlin test to omit SLNB in low-risk patients is expected to decrease postoperative morbidity without sacrificing oncologic safety,” wrote Tina J. Hieken, MD, and co-authors. The National Cancer Institute and Melanoma Research Alliance funded the study. The Merlin Test is a product of SkylineDx.
