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CHERYL KING, MS, CCRN • Section Editor

Epidermolysis Bullosa
A Case Study in Transport, Treatment, and Care
Webra Price-Douglas, PhD, CRNP, IBCLC, Beth Diehl-Svrjcek, MS, CRNP, CCRN, CCM, LNCC

ABSTRACT
There are skin rashes, lesions, and disorders in the neonatal period that require emergent assessment and consultation.
A neonate presented with epidermolysis bullosa and provided an opportunity for learning about this condition and var-
ious dermatologic resources, primarily DermAtlas. The neonate with suspected epidermolysis bullosa that is delivered in
a community setting usually requires transport to a neonatal intensive care unit with pediatric subspecialty care. A case
study involving the transport of a neonate with this condition is reviewed, followed by a discussion of the etiology, inci-
dence, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and nursing care before and during transport and parental considerations. The resources
available in the neonatal community, primarily DermAtlas, for the identification of epidermolysis bullosa and other der-
matological conditions is explored.
KEY WORDS: dermatologic conditions, epidermolysis bullosa, neonatal transport

ermatology is not usually the strong suit of Community Hospital Course

D most neonatal nurses. However, as a profes-


sion, nursing has made great strides with regard
to skin care, especially for the preterm neonate. A neo-
Artificial rupture of membranes was performed by
the obstetrician 15 hours prior to delivery. The neo-
nate was delivered vaginally without assistive instru-
nate presented with epidermolysis bullosa and pro- mentation. Routine care, including treatment with
vided an opportunity for learning about this condition vitamin K and eye prophylaxis, was completed in
and various resources concerning neonatal dermatol- the delivery room. Apgar scores were 8 and 9 at 1 and
ogy, primarily DermAtlas. 5 minutes, respectively. The neonate was cared for in
the mother’s room, fed without difficulty, and was
CASE STUDY normothermic until a temperature of 100.6°F was
noted on the date of birth. Bleeding was observed at
Prenatal Birth History the cord base, gums, and nail beds. The neonate was
Baby Boy C was the term product of a 35-year-old returned to the nursery, and the pediatrician was noti-
African American woman who was a primigravida. fied of these clinical findings. Vesicles were also noted
The mother received appropriate prenatal care. Mater- upon physical examination. Initial management by
nal lab results were negative, with no indication of the pediatrician included obtainment of a complete
sexually transmitted diseases. The maternal history blood count (CBC), blood cultures, surface cultures,
was positive for placenta previa, anemia, and hypothy- and coagulation studies consisting of prothrombin
roidism. No history of alcohol or illicit drug use was time and partial thromboplastin time. A peripheral
noted. A prenatal ultrasound showed no anomalies at intravenous catheter was placed, and intravenous anti-
28 weeks’ gestation. biotics, specifically ampicillin and gentamicin were
started. After these initial measures, a call was placed
by the community pediatrician requesting transfer to
a tertiary care facility for subspecialty care and eval-
Address for correspondence: Webra Price-Douglas, PhD, uation related to a suspected herpes simplex virus
CRNP, IBCLC, Maryland Regional Neonatal Transport infection. The neonate was 18 hours of age.
Program, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, 600 North Wolfe St, When the Maryland Regional Neonatal Transport
Nelson 2-133, Baltimore, MD 21287; wpdougla@jhmi.edu. Team arrived, acyclovir was administered by the
Author Affiliations: Maryland Regional Neonatal Transport transport nurse/nurse practitioner per the recom-
Program, and The Johns Hopkins Hospital Neonatal Intensive mendation of the consulting neonatologist. Vital signs
Care Unit, Baltimore, Maryland. were stable, and D5W was infusing at 80 mL/kg/day.
Copyright 2007 © by the National Association of The infant was on room air with oxygen saturations
Neonatal Nurses. between 96% and 98%. Respirations were unlabored.

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On physical exam, vesicles were noted on the scalp A subsequent visit a month later to pediatric derma-
and buttocks, and the right thumb nail was displaced tology was requested by the mother because of new
by a vesicle. The base of the umbilical cord was mac- blister formation on both of the legs. Treatment with
erated with old blood; the cord had been painted antibiotic ointment, Aquaphor, and petroleum jelly
with Triple Dye. The infant was noted to be mildly was ongoing and combined with a topical moisturizer
hypotonic. The prothrombin time and partial throm- and antibiotics. His weight was 4,250 g. Junctional EB
boplastin time results were pending at the time of was highly suspected. A prescription for Silvadene
transport. He was transported to the Johns Hopkins cream was ordered for open, weeping lesions. A 6- to
Hospital neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) via hel- 8-week return interval was suggested to the mother
icopter related to the geographical distance between pending any concerning change in clinical status.
the 2 hospitals.
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Course
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Course Baby Boy C was admitted to the pediatric intensive
Upon admission to the NICU, Baby Boy C weighed care unit for meningitis and suspected sepsis 5 weeks
3,100 g (50th percentile) and had a head circumfer- after his second pediatric dermatology visit. His mother
ence of 34 cm (50th percentile) and a length of 49 cm had taken him to the local community hospital ER
(50th percentile). A lumbar puncture was done, and with seizure-like movements and accompanying pal-
vancomycin was added to the antibiotic regimen. lor. His blood culture grew Streptococcus pneumonia that
Additional vesicles were noted on the scalp, right and was penicillin-susceptible. The baby had received
left buttocks, and right shoulder. There was an avul- Prevnar 2 weeks prior, but sufficient immunity had
sion of the right thumb nail with a vesicle underneath not yet been achieved given the time interval. Intra-
venous antibiotics were started and head imaging stud-
the nail bed. His tone was decreased. A consultation
ies ordered. Baby Boy C subsequently had an episode
was obtained with pediatric dermatology on the day
of status epileptics necessitating intubation. He was
of admission because of the suspicion of epidermol-
able to achieve extubation but within a few days again
ysis bullosa (EB), and a tissue sample was obtained for
required intubation for stridor and increased work of
analysis. Results of the CBC were unremarkable, and breathing. Hyponatremia and hypovolemia were also
blood cultures were negative. The neonate was treated noted. His blood culture was positive for gram-negative
with a 7-day course of IV antibiotics related to the rods, and the urine culture was positive for Candida
decreased tone, elevated temperature, and presence of albicans. Despite aggressive fluid resuscitation, antibi-
vesicles/lesions. The cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) herpes otics, blood product administration, and vasopressor
simplex virus (HSV) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) therapy, he experienced refractory hypotension, dis-
was negative. The neonate did receive 1 transfusion seminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and adult
of fresh frozen plasma for a prolonged prothrombin respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). After consul-
time of 12.8 seconds (s) (normal, 9.3-11.5 s) and par- tation with the family, a do-not-resuscitate (DNR)
tial thromboplastin time of 47.2 s (normal, 25.4-34.2 decision was made, with no further escalation of care.
s) and a decreased fibrinogen level 131 g/L (normal, Baby Boy C died on day of life 107.
150-450 g/L). There was one subsequent occurrence
of slight bleeding originating from the lower gum. ETIOLOGY
He progressed well with oral feedings and was dis-
charged home to the mother after an 8-day NICU To understand the etiology of EB, it is important to
stay. The results of the tissue biopsy were pending at review normal skin structure. The skin consists of 3
the time of discharge. A follow-up pediatric derma- stratified layers: the epidermis, dermis, and subcuta-
tology appointment was scheduled 9 days after dis- neous layer (Figure 1). The epidermis is the outer layer
charge, with a pediatrician visit arranged for 2 days containing keratin-forming cells and melanocytes.
after discharge. Aquaphor or Vaseline was ordered The connection between the epidermis and the der-
and was to be applied by the mother for open areas mis consists of undulating ridges that project into the
of the skin. Skilled nursing visits were arranged with dermis. This connection provides mechanical support
a home health agency. and a partial barrier against the exchange of cells and
large molecules. The deepest layer of this connection
Follow-up and Readmission is the basement membrane. Immediately beneath the
The first visit to pediatric dermatology indicated a new- basement membrane is the dermis. The dermis con-
born with EB, the exact variant was unclear. A lack of tains connective tissue, sweat glands, sebaceous glands,
scarring was suggestive of a lesion in the basement hair shafts, blood vessels, and nerves. The subcuta-
membrane zone of the epidermis. The mother was neous layer below the dermis consists of adipose tissue,
instructed to continue to use petroleum jelly gauze and providing cushion and insulation.1,2
nonstick gauze dressings. A nutritional consultation By definition, EB is a group of rare, inherited dis-
was obtained. Baby Boy C weighed 3,345 g, reflecting orders characterized by the presence of extremely
a weight gain of 255 g since birth. fragile skin, which results in the formation of blisters

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Epidermolysis Bullosa 291

FIGURE 1.

Normal structure of the skin. From McGrath et al.1 Reprinted with permission.

and open sores in response to minor trauma. Specif- Depending of the type of EB, the condition varies
ically, there are 3 main forms of EB, which are defined in severity from minor blistering of the skin to a more
by the depth of blister location within the skin layers lethal form of the disease. Epidermolysis bullosa can
and the location of the dissolution of the skin.3 Most affect epithelial-lined organs, such as the surface of
specifically, the basement membrane zone is the area the eye, oral cavity, gastrointestinal and genitourinary
in which the epidermis meets the dermis. Epidermol- tracts, or the bone marrow and musculoskeletal system.
ysis bullosa simplex (EBS) is a disorder that occurs The involvement of the basement membrane deter-
above the basement membrane zone. Junctional EB mines the presence of scarring. Epidermolysis bullosa
is an affliction through or within the basement zone. simplex and junctional EB do not usually produce
Dystrophic EB is a problem under the basement mem- scars, whereas dystrophic EB often produces scars.5
brane zone4 (Table 1).
INCIDENCE
An estimated 2 of every 100 000 live births are affected
TABLE 1. Various Forms of with some form of EB. This accounts for approxi-
Epidermolysis Bullosa mately 12 000 people in the United States. The dis-
There are three main forms of EB; they are defined by the order occurs in every racial and ethnic group through-
depth of blister location within the skin layers and the out the world and affects both sexes equally.5
location of the dissolution of the skin.3 Most specifically,
the basement membrane zone is the area in which the PATHOGENESIS
epidermis meets the dermis. The inheritance pattern of
A family history of the disease, especially an affected
EB may be dominant or recessive. If a dominant pattern
parent, is a significant risk factor. Interestingly, the
is present, the offspring can inherit the gene from one
inheritance pattern may be dominant or recessive. If
affected parent. The recessive pattern requires that both
a dominant pattern is present, the offspring can inherit
parents carry the gene with subsequent submission to
the gene from one affected parent. Epidermolysis bul-
the offspring. Most forms of EB are inherited, although
losa simplex is usually inherited as an autosomal dom-
it may in rare instances present as an acquired, auto-
inant disease. The recessive pattern requires that both
immune, bullous disease.6
parents must carry the gene with subsequent submis-
EB simplex (EBS): a disorder that occurs above the base- sion to the offspring. Junctional disease is an autosomal
ment membrane zone and is usually inherited as an auto- recessive inheritance. Dystrophic EB can be domi-
somal dominant disease.4,6 nant or recessive. Unfortunately, the recessive forms
Junctional EB: an affliction through or within the base- tend to be more severe in nature. Very severe forms
ment zone; it has an autosomal recessive inheritance.4,6 of inherited EB have a high mortality rate, as great
as 87%, during the infancy period, as a result of infec-
Dystrophic EB: a problem under the basement membrane
tion or failure to thrive. Most forms of EB are inher-
zone; both dominant and recessive forms exist.4,6
ited, although it may in rare instances present as an
acquired, autoimmune, bullous disease.6

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CLINICAL PRESENTATION/ASSESSMENT
TABLE 2. DermAtlas
Epidermolysis bullosa results in the formation of large DermAtlas is an online dermatology database. Although
fluid-filled blisters that are evident at birth or develop it is not the first such resource in the field, it is the
shortly after birth (Figure 2). Symptoms depend on the largest, with more than 2 100 images (from more than
type of EB. The localized milder form of EB simplex, 300 contributors), 645 diagnoses, and 58 categories, and
Weber-Cockayne, is associated with blisters that rarely it continues to grow rapidly. DermAtlas is the second
extend beyond the hands and feet. Other subtypes of most visited dermatology Web site in the world, behind
EB simplex present with blisters on all body areas. the Web site of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Junctional EB produces large, ulcerated blisters on
This technology provides an essential resource on a 24/7
the face, trunk, and lower extremities. These are eas-
basis to any individual with Internet access.
ily infected and lead to loss of body fluids and subse- Contributions are accepted worldwide, including images
quent dehydration. In addition, rough or thickened from patients and caregivers.
fingernails and toenails, blistering around the mouth,
throat, eyes or nose, and a hoarse cry or cough afflict DermAtlas is available in the public domain and can be
accessed via the Internet at
the neonate with junctional EB. Dental anomalies,
http://dermatlas.med.jhmi.edu/derm. The database is able
such as poorly formed tooth enamel, and alopecia
to cross-reference images by body part and diagnosis,
from scarred areas on the scalp complete the clinical
along with age, race, and gender.
constellation of findings. Junctional EB can be lethal
in infancy.7 For example, a clinician who desires an image of psoriasis
Dystrophic EB has slightly different symptoms, on a boy’s leg can type in search terms regarding body
some of which are shared with EB simplex and junc- site, gender, and age. The system displays multiple close-
tional EB. Interestingly, a condition called pseudosyn- ups, each with a brief patient history, and offers links
dactyly, a fusion of the fingers or toes, can occur with from those images to all other skin diseases of the leg.
the dystrophic type. Squamous cell carcinoma can Because the same malady can look different in patients of
also affect the hands and feet of individuals with the different races, DermAtlas sorts by pigmentation (light,
recessive form of dystrophic EB.5 dark, medium).
For any skin disorder that presents as a lesion, rash,
or vesicle, a systematic approach of assessment is help-
ful and efficient. For the neonate, the search begins
with the maternal medical history and spans the pre- located on the body anatomically? Is there a pattern?
natal, intrapartum, and postpartum periods. A deter- Is there localization or generalization? What size is
mination regarding the onset of the lesion, rash, or the lesion, rash, or vesicle? Are there well-defined bor-
vesicle will ascertain if it was present at birth. This ders? Is there variation in the skin texture? Is the area
determination will also include the clinical evolution raised? Are there variations of pigmentation?8
of the latter. Does it appear there is some new for- By utilizing DermAtlas, which is similar to a der-
mation or healing of previous dermatologic sites? Is matologic textbook, to compare or describe the find-
pruritus present? Where any drugs or immunizations ings, the clinician can perform a preliminary search
administered? A description of the distribution and from the home page with some key words, such as
pattern is helpful. Where is the lesion, rash, or vesicle “blisters on thumb” and then retrieve images. An
advanced search option is available via specific query,
such as patient age, gender, location, texture, and
color or pigmentation. DermAtlas provides an invalu-
FIGURE 2. able resource when attempting to identify or describe
a skin condition. While nurses are not responsible
for assigning a medical diagnosis, the visual tools
provided by DermAtlas offer the nurse assistance
when describing various skin conditions9 (Table 2).
Other references that may be helpful are included
in Table 3.

DIAGNOSIS
An EB diagnosis can be accomplished in the prenatal
or postnatal periods. Prenatal diagnosis by amnio-
centesis or sampling of the chorionic villus can be done
Typical blisters seen in epidermolysis bullosa.
as early as the 10th week of pregnancy. Postnatal diag-
nosis is obtained via a skin biopsy. One diagnostic test

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Epidermolysis Bullosa 293

TABLE 3. Internet Resources/External Links:


National Society of Genetic Counselors: www.nsgc.org
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases www.niams.nih.gov
Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research Foundation www.ebkids.org
National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities www.NICHCY.org

involves microscopically examining the skin tissue on the ability to maintain thermoregulation and min-
via reflected light to determine if proteins needed to imize friction. Careful attention to infection control
form fibrils and filaments in the skin are missing. In practices is imperative with all neonates. Certainly,
addition, magnification of tissue images via electron concern for infection, careful handling, appropriate
microscope can serve as a diagnostic test.5 hydration, and glucose homeostasis are of utmost
importance.
SUPPORTIVE/PREVENTATIVE THERAPY
NURSING CARE
To date, no cure exists for any type of EB, so treatment
is aimed at the prevention of new lesions, control of For the neonate with EB, the primary focus is on the
pain, and maintenance of comfort. In many forms of prevention of infection and maintenance of optimal
EB, blisters will form with the slightest pressure or fric- comfort. In the NICU, the infant can be premed-
tion. To control blister formation, it is best to lift the icated with a mild analgesic before scheduled dress-
neonate by supporting the buttocks and back while ing changes. If the dressings have adhered to the
cradling the infant in a soft material such as a sheep- wounds, soaking the area in warm water may facili-
skin. Maintaining an optimal room temperature is tate less traumatic removal. Depending on the size
helpful because overheating may lead to blister for- of the blister, it may be advantageous to lance the
mation. Judicious use of skin lubricants will reduce blister in the early stage of formation so that the top
friction and maintain skin moistness. Tailored, soft layer of skin is intact and covers the underlying red-
clothing that requires minimal manipulations when dened area. To accomplish this, the blister is lightly
dressing the infant is best. Utilization of sheepskins patted with an alcohol pad before lancing it at the
on car seats or hard surfaces will also lessen the occur- sides with a sterile needle. The fluid from the blister
rence of blisters. Application of mittens or gloves at is drained into sterile gauze. After lancing, an antibi-
bedtime will keep scratching to a minimum.4 otic ointment is applied to the area. The area can
then be bandaged using a gauze strip or left open to
TRANSPORT CONSIDERATIONS air. Bandages embedded with petroleum jelly, glyc-
erin, or moisturizing agents may also be employed
In the transport environment, the diagnosis of EB is to cover open wounds.4
not attainable. However, for any neonate who presents Optimal nutrition and meticulous skin care with
with blister-type lesions, EB must be considered in sterile materials will serve to circumvent some of the
the differential diagnosis. In the case study, the primary infectious complications. However, infection is likely
diagnosis was suspected herpes simplex infection, a to occur at some point, and the nurse should instruct
more common reason for transport. The neonatolo- the parent to monitor for purulent drainage, exces-
gist should be consulted regarding any pertinent trans- sive wound crusting, and foul odor, as well as the
port recommendations given the clinical presentation. occurrence of generalized fever and chills. The par-
Prior to and during initial transport, the blister for- ent should be instructed to notify the physician of
mation may be minimal because the exposure to fric- these symptoms immediately, so antibiotic therapy,
tion has been limited. Minimizing friction is essential; as appropriate, can be initiated.
this can be achieved with special consideration in mov-
ing and securing the infant in the transporter. If sub- PARENTAL SUPPORT/GENETIC GUIDANCE
sequent transports are requested, the indications for
transport should be scrutinized and transport limited Given that EB can be an incredibly painful and difficult
to situations that are life threatening. Interfacility trans- disease to deal with on a daily basis, adults who have
port for elective diagnostic testing or treatment should the knowledge that they carry the gene may choose
be avoided, if possible, to limit skin trauma and addi- not to pass the disease to future generations. Genetic
tional blister formation. Transport carriers, such as counseling can provide a couple with advice on future
isolettes, car beds, or car seats, must be selected based childbearing. Identification of the gene mutation in

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TABLE 4. EB Research Association and Registry


The Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association A National EB registry was created by the National Institutes
DebRA of America, Inc. of Health in September 1986 and functions under the direc-
tion of Jo-David Fine, MD, with support provided by DebRA
5 West 36th Street
of America. Dr. Fine is a DebRA Trustee and Scientific
Suite 404 Advisory Board Member. The Registry collects information
New York, NY 10018 from patients with EB, characterizes the many forms of this
Tel: (212) 868-1573 or (866) DEBRA76 (866-332-7276) disease, establishes the frequency of various manifestations
of EB, and determines the risks of specific clinical outcomes
DebRA (http://www.debra.org)
within EB types. The registry maintains a large electronic
National Epidermolysis Bullosa Registry database that provides for statistical analysis, promotion of
NEBR basic research, and clinical trials. To contact a nurse educa-
c/o Vanderbilt University Medical Center tor, please call 866-DEBRA76 Monday to Friday from 9 am to
5 pm Eastern Time or send an e-mail to nurse@debra.org.
Vanderbilt University
2204 West End Avenue
Nashville, TN 37240

the family and subsequent prenatal testing can deter- References


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The Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research 2. Witt C. Skin assessment. In: Tappero, EP, Honeyfield ME, eds. Physical
Association (DebRA) has an affiliated laboratory Assessment of the Newborn: A Comprehensive Approach to the Art of
that can test for the gene mutation as a portion of the Physical Examination. 3rd ed. Santa Rosa, CA: NICU, Inc.; 2003:41-54.
3. Frieden IJ, Howard R. Vesicles, pustules, bullae, erosions and ulcerations. In
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CONCLUSION 4. Gannon B. Epidermolysis bullosa: pathophysiology and nursing care.
Neonatal Network. 2004;23(6):25-32.
5. National Institutes of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
Care of the neonate with epidermolysis bullosa Bethesda: National Institutes of Health [August 2005; cited September 1,
requires baseline knowledge of the etiology and patho- 2006]. What is epidermolysis bullosa? Fast facts: an easy-to-read series of
publications for the public. [Online.] http://www.niams.nih.gov. Accessed
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[updated February 2006; cited September 1, 2006]. [Online.] http://www.
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and DermAtlas; Tables 2, 3, and 4). 8. Cohen BA. Introduction to pediatric dermatology. In: Cohen, BA, ed. Pediatric
Dermatology. 2nd ed. London, United Kingdom: Mosby International;
Acknowledgments 1999:1-10.
9. Lehmann CU, Cohen BA. DermAtlas: an online collaborative education tool.
The authors thank Bernard Cohen, MD, and Christoph Internet Journal of Dermatology. 2002;1(2). http://www.dermatlas.org/
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