Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis. Analysis of 63 cases

Dermatoses neutrofílicas: parte II

Neste artigo são abordadas as dermatoses neutrofílicas, complementando o artigo anterior (parte I). São apresentadas e comentadas as seguintes dermatoses: pustulose subcórnea de Sneddon-Wilkinson, dermatite crural pustulosa e atrófica, pustulose exantemática generalizada aguda, acroder matite contínua de Hallopeau, pustulose palmoplantar, acropustulose infantil, bacteride pustular de Andrews e foliculite pustulosa eosinofílica. Uma breve revisão das dermatoses neutrofílicas em pacientes pediátricos também é realizada.

Carbamazepine-Induced Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis: A Case Report

A 15-year-old adolescent was admitted to the hospital for management of a generalized pruritic skin rash, which had appeared 10 days prior to admission. Carbamazepine (CBZ) and insulin were initiated 44 and 23 days prior to the onset of the skin rash (day 44), respectively. Clinical examination showed bluish lesions on the tongue and bilateral keratoconjunctivitis. His skin was very erythematous and pruritic without edema and covered with hundreds of nonfollicular pustules mainly on the trunk and skin folds. Laboratory assessment revealed leukocytosis, hypereosinophilia, and thrombocytopenia. A sample of superficial pus from a pustule on the trunk showed a significant number of leukocytes as well as a significant number of Staphylococcus aureus and Lancefield Group B β-hemolytic streptococci strains. An abdominal skin biopsy revealed acute to subacute folliculocentric spongiotic dermatitis with subcorneal pustules. All of these observations were consistent with a diagnosis of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP). Although we could not exclude with certainty the role of insulin initiated on day 21 and discontinued on day 55 with substitution to oral metformin and repaglinide, no cases of AGEP have ever been published with insulin, and skin lesions were not related to injection sites. This article describes a probable case of CBZ-induced acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis in a 15-year-old adolescent.

Clinicopathologic manifestations of 36 korean patients with acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis: a case series and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a rare and severe subtype of drug eruption, characterized by acute, extensive, non-follicular, sterile pustules on an erythematous background, accompanied by fever and leukocytosis.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to characterize AGEP in Korean patients in terms of clinical, laboratory, and pathologic findings.

METHODS

Thirty-six patients (M:F=17:19) with AGEP were identified from an extensive review of medical records over a 15 year period. All patient cases were confirmed by biopsy and fulfilled the diagnostic criteria.

RESULTS

The patient ages ranged from 4~80 years (37.6+/-19.4). The incubation period was 1~23 days. The duration of disease was 5~14 days. Neutrophilia (36/36), high CRP (14/36), and eosinophilia (30/36) were common laboratory findings. A history of drug administration existed in 23 of 36 patients; herbal medications, lacquers and radiocontrast media were the unique causative drugs. Spongioform subcorneal or intraepidermal pustules in the epidermis was observed in all patients. Thirty-six patients were subdivided into 2 groups: group A (n=23) was strongly associated with known agents; and group B (n=13) had no identified causative agents. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

OUR RESULTS DEMONSTRATE THE CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF AGEP IN KOREAN PATIENTS AS FOLLOWS: lower identification of causative agents; herbal medications, lacquers, and radiocontrast media were the main causative agents; and no significant differences existed between the 2 groups.

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis: a rare clinical entity with use of piperacillin/tazobactam

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a rare disorder characterized by an acute episode and sudden onset of erythematous and edematous eruptions of hundreds of sterile pustules. It is a self-limiting condition accompanied by fever and has a rapid course. It is mostly caused by drugs especially antibiotics. It is diagnosed by skin biopsy, which shows intracorneal pustules and neutrophilic infiltration in dermis and epidermis. We report a case of a patient who developed this rare skin condition with the use of piperacillin/tazobactam (Zosyn). This is only second case of AGEP reported in literature with the use of Zosyn.

Hypersensitivity Reactions to Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: An Update

After beta lactam antibiotics, hypersensitivity reactions to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the second cause of hypersensitivity to drugs. Acute manifestations affect the respiratory tract (aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease), the skin (urticaria and angioedema), or are generalized (anaphylaxis). Correct diagnosis and treatment in order to prevent unnecessary morbidity and the potential risk of death from these severe reactions, and to provide proper medical advice on future drug use frequently requires the participation of allergology specialists familiar with these clinical conditions.

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) induced by cefotaxime

We report a case of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) after cefotaxime use confirmed by a positive patch test. A 30-year-old woman received cefotaxime, fosfomycin and ciprofloxacin for sinusitis. Twelve days after drug initiation, she developed an extending pustular erythema associated with fever. Laboratory investigations showed marked leukocytosis. His blood chemistry was normal. The histological examination showed parakeratosis, spongiosis and nonfollicular intra-epidermal pustules consistent with AGEP. All medications were withdrawn. The symptoms resolved within 11 days after cefotaxime discontinuation. Patch tests were positive to cefotaxime after 48 h, while ciprofloxacin and fosfomycin yielded negative findings. Based on the Naranjo algorithm, it is probable that AGEP reaction was caused by cefotaxime. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of AGEP associated with positive cefotaxime patch testing.

The molecular mechanism of etanercept, an anti-tumour necrosis factor-alpha receptor-fusion protein, in the treatment of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis

INTRODUCTION

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is one of the severe adverse cutaneous drug reactions. In its pathophysiology, releasing of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is very important. Therefore, treatment with an anti-TNF-alpha receptor-fusion protein, such as etanercept, may be effective.

OBJECTIVE

To present a case and evaluate the molecular mechanism of etanercept in the treatment of AGEP.

CASE

A 53-year-old woman with multiple disseminated pustules and a rash on the upper part of her back, which was progressively worsening and spreading to approximately 60-70% of the skin on her back, and fever (38.7 degrees C), was admitted to our department. After etanercept treatment, all the symptoms were rapidly improved and the patient's skin practically cleared within 5 days. Biopsy samples taken from this patient with AGEP before and after etanercept treatment were stained immunohistochemically with p53 and bcl-2 antibodies and also an apoptosis detection kit.

RESULTS

In epidermis, increasing p53 expression-related apoptosis and decreasing bcl-2 expression was detected. However, after etanercept treatment, p53 expression-related apoptosis decreased and bcl-2 expression increased.

CONCLUSION

Because TNF-alpha stimulated inflammation and also p53-related apoptosis occurs in AGEP, a TNF-alpha blocking agent such as etanercept may be effective for quick treatment.

Rapid clearing of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis after administration of ciclosporin

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a rare disorder, usually drug-induced, and is clinically characterized by widespread, non-follicular aseptic pustules. Although spontaneous resolution usually occurs once the causative drug has been withdrawn, more severe cases often require treatment with systemic corticosteroids. We report a 63-year-old woman who developed AGEP after a 30-day course of hydroxychloroquine. Extensive re-exacerbation of AGEP after an 18-day course of methylprednisolone led us to switch the treatment to oral ciclosporin with a prompt and satisfactory improvement. Ciclosporin has many inhibitory effects on the main cell population (T cells) involved in AGEP. In particular, a significant reduction in production of interleukin-8 by T cells is a possible explanation of the rapid remission observed in this case. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of AGEP successfully treated with ciclosporin.

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis induced by bleomycin and confirmed by patch testing

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis is a potentially severe disease caused by drugs in about 90% of cases. To the best of our knowledge, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis following use of bleomycin has not been previously reported. Here we report a case of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis induced by bleomycin, which was confirmed by patch testing.

Severe drug-induced skin reactions: clinical pattern, diagnostics and therapy

The spectrum of severe drug-induced skin reactions includes not only Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) but also generalized bullous fixed drug eruption (GBFDE), acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) and hypersensitivity syndrome (HSS), also called drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). These reactions differ in clinical presentation as well as prognosis, causative agents and therapy. Therefore, the appropriate diagnostic measures should be undertaken rapidly, in order to prove the diagnosis. In addition to a thorough clinical examination, a skin biopsy should be taken and specific laboratory investigations should be done if AGEP or HSS/DRESS is suspected. Since these reactions are drug-induced, the causative agent should be rapidly identified and withdrawn. Besides adequate supportive therapy, systemic immunomodulatory treatments may be considered. Despite intensive care management, the prognosis in SJS and TEN is often poor and influenced by the amount of skin detachment as well as the age of the patients and the pre-existing underlying conditions. Severe sequelae may develop in survivors and affect especially mucosal sites. The prognosis of GBFDE is better but recurrent events may lead to more severe involvement. In HSS/DRESS sequelae have been also described as well as long lasting and recurrent courses, whereas AGEP usually heals without problems.

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis induced by itraconazole: an immunological approach

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is an uncommon disease, which presents as a nonfollicular erythematous sterile pustular eruption. More than 90% of the cases are induced by adverse drug reactions, often triggered by anti-infectious systemic drugs. We report a case of itraconazole-induced AGEP in a 22-year-old man, with an assessment of his cytokine/chemokine production and drug-specific cell reactivity. We found that AGEP, like other T cell-mediated drug eruptions, alters the immunological status of the patient, probably favouring T-cell activation, recruitment and regulation. Few cases of itraconazole-induced AGEP have been described in the literature, and to our knowledge, this is the first report in which the cellular immunological features are assessed.

[Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis associated with recurrent urinary tract infections]

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is characterized by sudden onset of non-follicular aseptic pustules with erythema often accompanied by fever and leukocytosis. While the most frequent cause of AGEP is drug reactions, especially antibiotics. Occasional cases have been described as parainfectious. An 82-year-old female presented with recurrent AGEP along with a chronic urinary infection with Escherichia coli. Her cutaneous findings resolved following antibiotic therapy and prophylaxis. To the bets of our knowledge, this is the first case of AGEP associated with an Escherichia coli urinary tract infection.

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis: report of 12 cases and literature review

BACKGROUND

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis is an acute pustular eruption occurring after infection and/or drug ingestion, with spontaneous cure after a single eruption.

AIM

To communicate a series of cases of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on cases of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, observed between 1993 and 2006 at the Dermatology Department, Hospital General de Occidente, Jalisco, Mexico.

RESULTS

Twelve patients were included, with a predominance of male patients and a mean age of 28 years. The most common cause was drugs, detected in 83% of cases, and most of these were a result of anticonvulsants and antimicobials. The most frequent symptoms were itching, present in all cases, and fever, present in 92% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis is considered to be a distinct clinical and histopathologic entity. Because of its self-resolving character, early recognition can help to avoid unnecessary diagnostic studies and treatments.

A case report of generalized pustulosis with systemic manifestations requiring burn intensive care unit admission

Not infrequently patients are transferred to a burn center with the diagnosis of toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Not all cases of generalized erythema and skin sloughing represent TEN. Acute generalized pustular psoriasis (AGPP) of the von Zumbusch type and acute generalized exanthematic pustulosis (AGEP) are two rare skin diseases that can also present with widespread erythema and skin sloughing. We present the case of a 55 year old morbidly obese woman with a history of severe psoriatic arthritis treated in our burn unit for generalized pustulosis, erythema, and skin sloughing. This was accompanied by respiratory failure, hypotension, acute renal failure, and elevated direct bilirubin. Skin biopsy narrowed the differential diagnosis to AGPP and AGEP. Her skin sloughing was treated as second degree burns with petrolatum gauze and mupirocin ointment. She required intubation, aggressive fluid resuscitation and inotropic support. She recovered with these measures over the course of 1 week. Like TEN, AGPP, and AGEP can involve the skin to an extent requiring burn intensive care admission. Patients can present on rare occasions with multi-system failure. We would like to raise the awareness of burn specialists regarding these rare diseases. They should be distinguished from TEN, as they tend to have better prognosis than TEN and their management can be different.

[Adverse drug reactions and the skin--from trivial to fire signal]

Adverse drug reactions are a common medical problem. Especially hypersensitivity reactions are mostly impressive and unsettling due to their nature of being not dose-dependent and non-predictable. Clinical manifestations of the skin comprise manifold appearances from mild macular exanthems to bullous eruptions, and urticaria, angioedema to anaphylaxis. Systemic hypersensitivity reactions can affect nearly all internal organs and cells. Characteristic clinical danger signs for severe allergic drug reactions, for immediate type as well as for delayed type manifestations, help to recognise the incipient allergic drug reaction, to stop the further administration of the potential elicitor/allergen and to start therapeutic actions. It is essential for the success of a further allergologic work-up of such reactions to describe and document accurately the morphologic characteristics of the skin and other organ manifestations and the exact time course of medication intake and development of the clinical adverse reaction. This facilitates the choice of adequate diagnostic measures and the interpretation of the respective results.

Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosisafter Ingestion of Lacquer Chicken

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is an acute pustular eruption characterized by multiple small, sterile, non-follicular pustules on an erythematous and edematous base, usually accompanied by fever and neutrophilia. It is attributed to systemic drugs in over 90% of cases, mainly β-lactam and macrolide antimicrobials. Viral infections, mercury exposure, Ginkgo biloba, and spider bites may occasionally cause the condition. We report a rare case of AGEP induced by intake of lacquer chicken in a 40-year-old man.

Potential side effect of high-dose corticosteroid relapse treatment: acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP)

Introduction

High-dose glucocorticosteroids (GC) are the treatment of choice for acute relapses in patients with multiple sclerosis as proven by several controlled clinical trials. The common adverse effects of GC are well known

Case Presentation

In this study, we report on the exceptional case of a young female treated with intravenous high-dose prednisolone for optic neuritis who developed acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP). AGEP is a rare cutaneous adverse reaction induced most frequently by antimicrobial or antihypertensive drugs and viral infections. It is characterized by a febrile erythematous and pustular rash and blood granulocytosis.

Conclusion

In our patient, switching to dexamethasone for the next relapse was tolerated well and is an option for treatment. AGEP is a rare adverse effect of carticosteroid treatment.

[Acute hepatitis after cutaneous application of an artisanal topical ointment with mercury]

There is a risk of severe neurological disease, nephropathy and cutaneous complications during mercury poisoning. We report a case of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, associated with histologically confirmed acute cytolytic hepatitis without liver failure, after application of a topical home-made ointment containing mercury. The patient was previously sensitized with mercurothiolate. A high level of mercury was found in the blood (68 microg/L, normal < 5 microg/L). Clinical and biological features disappeared after the ointment was discontinued. Biological acute hepatitis was probably from type IV sensitization, like that seen in acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, with no evidence of direct mercury poisoning and after lithiasis, viral, immune and drug side effects were excluded. Liver injury during acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis is uncommon and usually mild, but should be searched for.

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) due to exposure to sulfuric acid and bromic acid vapor: a case report

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP, toxic pustuloderma, pustular drug eruption) is a not uncommon cutaneous reaction pattern that is usually related to drug administration. The eruption is of sudden onset and appears 7-10 days after the medication is started. A 22-year-old male patient who was a student at a chemical faculty attended our outpatient clinic with a complaint of pustular eruption on his face. According to his history, the eruption started with pruritus and erythema on his chin 3 days ago and spread to his face and chest. He explained that he had performed an experiment with sulfuric acid and bromic acid and was exposed to their vapor. His dermatological examination revealed erythema and pustules on his cheeks, on his chin, above his upper lip, and on his eyebrows. He also had a few pustules on his chest. There were no ocular, mucous membrane, or pulmonary symptoms. Histopathological examination of the skin biopsy specimen revealed superficial orthokeratosis, focal subcorneal pustule formation, and perivascular chronic inflammatory cell infiltration in superficial dermis. After administration of systemic antihistamines and wet dressing topically, we observed rapid healing of the lesions. Because there was no systemic drug intake in his history, we were concerned that exposure to sulfuric acid and bromic acid vapor caused AGEP in this patient. We present this rare case to show that the vapor of chemical materials may cause AGEP or other drug eruptions.

Dermatopathology for the surgical pathologist: a pattern based approach to the diagnosis of inflammatory skin disorders (part I)

The accurate diagnosis of inflammatory conditions in dermatopathology requires integrating the histopathologic findings with the clinical features. This can be difficult when skin biopsies are seen infrequently and the terminology is unfamiliar, as in a general surgical pathology practice. This 2-part review of inflammatory cutaneous conditions presents a pattern-based approach to the diagnosis of dermatologic disorders and reviews the salient clinical and histologic features. Part I will focus on the spongiotic, psoriasiform, interface, and bullous patterns, whereas Part II will review the perivascular, vasculitis, panniculitis, and nodular and diffuse patterns.