Saracino A, Kelly R, Liew D, Chong A, et al.
The Australasian journal of dermatology. Date of publication 2011 Aug 1;volume 52(3):218-21.
1. Australas J Dermatol. 2011 Aug;52(3):218-21. doi:
10.1111/j.1440-0960.2011.00750.x. Epub 2011 Jul 20.
Pyoderma gangrenosum requiring inpatient management: a report of 26 cases with
follow up.
Saracino A(1), Kelly R, Liew D, Chong A.
Author information:
(1)Departments of Medicine and Dermatology, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne,
Victoria, Australia. adnama22@yahoo.com
We present a case series of inpatients with pyoderma gangrenosum (PG), an
ulcerative neutrophilic skin condition of unknown aetiology. Twenty-six patients
were admitted with PG, nine men and 17 women. At the time of the chart review,
seven patients (26.9%) had died. Patients had a mean of 2.0 active ulcerative
lesions and 22 patients' ulcers (84.6%) were on the lower limb. Systemic diseases
were coexistent in 15 patients (57.7%), the most common being rheumatoid
arthritis (19.2%). Thirty-eight wound cultures were taken and were positive for
Staphylococcus aureus in 22 cases (57.8%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 20
(52.6%). After prednisolone, cyclosporin was the next most commonly prescribed
systemic therapy (34.6%). Surgical debridement was undertaken in seven cases
(26.9%) and two patients had skin grafts. Upon discharge from hospital, 21
patients' ulcers (80.8%) had improved. At 6 months 50% showed complete ulcer
healing. Our results highlight the potential severity of PG requiring hospital
admission, the need for aggressive therapy and the overall high associated
morbidity and mortality.
© 2011 The Authors. Australasian Journal of Dermatology © 2011 The Australasian
College of Dermatologists.
DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-0960.2011.00750.x
PMID: 21834821 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
