Langerhans cell histiocytosis in a child presenting as a pustular eruption

European consensus statement on phenotypes of pustular psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis (PP) is a group of inflammatory skin conditions characterized by infiltration of neutrophil granulocytes in the epidermis to such an extent that clinically visible sterile pustules develop. Because of clinical co-incidence, PP is currently grouped with psoriasis vulgaris (PV). However, PP and PV are phenotypically different, respond differently to treatments and seem to be distinct on the genetic level. In contrast to PV, the phenotypes of PP are not well defined. Descriptions of each form of PP are discordant among standard dermatology textbooks [Saurat Dermatologie 2016, Rook's Dermatology 2016, Fitzpatrick's 2012 and Braun-Falco 2012], encumbering the collection of phenotypically well-matched groups of patients as well as clinical trials. The European Rare and Severe Psoriasis Expert Network (ERASPEN) was founded to define consensus criteria for diagnosis, deeply phenotype large groups of PP patients, analyse the genetics and pathophysiology and prepare for prospective clinical trials. This work reviews historical aspects of these conditions, new genetic findings and presents our initial considerations on the phenotypes of PP and a consensus classification of clinical phenotypes that will be used as a baseline for further, prospective studies of PP. Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is defined as primary, sterile, macroscopically visible pustules on non-acral skin (excluding cases where pustulation is restricted to psoriatic plaques). GPP can occur with or without systemic inflammation, with or without PV and can either be a relapsing (>1 episode) or persistent (>3 months) condition. Acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau (ACH) is characterized by primary, persistent (>3 months), sterile, macroscopically visible pustules affecting the nail apparatus. Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) has primary, persistent (>3 months), sterile, macroscopically visible pustules on palms and/or soles and can occur with or without PV.

[Pustular diseases of the newborn]

In the newborn, there exists a wide spectrum of pustular skin diseases. These range from transitory, benign adaptation disorders up to systemic, life threatening illnesses. In 30-60% of newborns pustules are observed in association with the relatively harmless Erythema toxicum, the origin of which is still unknown today. It is necessary to differentiate this from the pustular diseases which may be of infectious or non-infectious nature and which require therapy. Typical pathogens include Malassezia furfur, Staphylococci, Streptococci, Candida spp. and the herpes virus group.

Alternariosis after liver transplantation

Alternaria is a saprophytic fungus that is increasingly recognized as a human pathogen, particularly in immunocompromised hosts, including solid-organ transplant recipients. Although combined surgical and medical treatment seem to be useful in the management of this infection, an optimal antifungal therapy remains to be defined. Only four cases of alternariosis after orthotopic liver transplantation have been reported. We describe an additional case and review the literature on infections due to Alternaria in organ transplant recipients, with special emphasis on treatment.