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

Abstract

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.

• Ciclosporin A
• Prednisone
• Pyoderma gangrenosum
• Review
• Treatment