Review of 26 cases of classical pyoderma gangrenosum: clinical and therapeutic features, Journal of Dermatological Treatment, Informa Healthcare

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Review of 26 cases of classical pyoderma gangrenosum: clinical and therapeutic features

2004, Vol. 15, No. 3 , Pages 146-152 (doi:10.1080/09546630410031909)

D Vidal, L Puig, M Gilaberte and A Alomar

¹Dermatology Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain

Correspondence: David, Vidal, c/Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 167, Dermatology Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025 Barcelona, Spain, +34 93 291 90 13, +34 93 291 91 36 33053dvs@comb.es

BACKGROUND: Classical pyoderma gangrenosum (CPG) is an uncommon, idiopathic, neutrophilic skin disease, generally associated with other skin conditions and systemic diseases, and with several treatment options.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review was to know the clinical and therapeutic features of our cases of CPG.

METHODS: Twenty‐six cases of CPG were included; 65 episodes of PG and 120 treatment courses were analysed; and the mean follow‐up was 4.6 years.

RESULTS: 21 cases (80%) had lesions on the lower extremities, 16 (61%) had recurrences, 22 (84%) had some disease associated, and 13 (50%) had autoimmune inflammatory conditions. Ciclosporin A (CSA) was used in 22 (84%) patients and 51 (78%) episodes, and prednisone (PDN) was used in 15 (57%) patients and 26 (40%) episodes.

CONCLUSIONS: CSA efficacy was excellent, with an early response and acceptable toxicity, although it did not seem to have any impact on the incidence of PG recurrences.