Mapping the burden of severe forms of epidermolysis bullosa - Implications for patient management

The pathophysiological processes underlying the phenotypic spectrum of severe forms of epidermolysis bullosa (EB) are complex and poorly understood.

To use burden mapping to explore relationships between primary pathomechanisms and secondary clinical manifestations in severe forms of EB (junctional and dystrophic EB [JEB/DEB]) and highlight strengths and weaknesses in evidence regarding the contribution of different pathways.

Literature searches were performed to identify evidence regarding the pathophysiological and clinical aspects of JEB/DEB. Identified publications and clinical experience were used to construct burden maps to visually communicate plausible connections and their relative importance by subtype.

Our findings suggest that most of the clinical consequences of JEB/DEB may result from an abnormal state and/or faulty skin remodeling driven by a vicious cycle of delayed wound healing, predominantly mediated through inflammation. The quantity and quality of evidence varies by individual manifestations and disease subtype.

The burden maps are provisional hypotheses requiring further validation and are limited by the published evidence base and subjectivity in clinical opinion.

Delayed wound healing appears to be a key driver of the burden of JEB/DEB. Further studies are warranted to understand the role of inflammatory mediators and accelerated wound healing in patient management.