Rapid clearing of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis after administration of ciclosporin

Severe cutaneous adverse reactions

Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), which include Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (also known as drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome), acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, and generalized bullous fixed drug eruption, are life-threatening conditions. The pathogenesis of SCARs involves T cell receptors recognizing drug antigens presented by human leukocyte antigens, triggering the activation of distinct T cell subsets. These cells interact with keratinocytes and various immune cells, orchestrating cutaneous lesions and systemic manifestations. Genetic predisposition, impaired drug metabolism, viral reactivation or infections, and heterologous immunity influence SCAR development and clinical presentation. Specific genetic associations with distinct SCAR phenotypes have been identified, leading to the implementation of genetic screening before prescription in various countries to prevent SCARs. Whilst systemic corticosteroids and conventional immunomodulators have been the primary therapeutic agents, evolving strategies, including biologics and small molecules targeting tumour necrosis factor, different cytokines, or Janus kinase signalling pathways, signify a shift towards a precision management paradigm that considers individual clinical presentations.

Clinical features of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis caused by hydroxychloroquine in rheumatology patients and exploration of CARD14 gene mutations

Introduction

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a rare condition characterized by superficial pustules following drug ingestion or infection. Currently, there is no clear link between rheumatism and AGEP. It has been described that hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is a rare cause of acute generalized epidermal necrolysis (AGEP). Presently, there are limited studies on HCQ-induced AGEP. We aimed to explore the clinical features and associated gene expression of AGEP induced after HCQ treatment exposure in rheumatology patients.

Methods

We assessed patients with HCQ-induced AGEP diagnosed at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Chinese Medicine between January 1, 2017, and May 1, 2022. We also reviewed similar cases reported in specific databases.

Results

The study included five females (mean age, 40.2 years), and the mean time from initiation of HCQ treatment to symptom onset was 12.2 d. All patients received steroids and allergy medications after HCQ discontinuation, and the rash completely resolved within an average of 25.2 d. We performed whole exome sequencing and Sanger validation in our patient sample. CARD14 gene mutations were detected in three patients. Additionally, seven mutation sites were detected.

Discussion

HCQ-induced AGEP may have a longer latency period and regression time than AGEP induced by other drugs. Our patients all experienced CARD14 gene mutations. AGEP often resolves with topical therapy and drug discontinuation, although some cases require systemic steroid therapy. In the future, patients with rheumatism should pay attention to the effectiveness of HCQ during treatment and be aware of the associated skin toxicity.

Drug Triggers and Clinic of Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis (AGEP): A Literature Case Series of 297 Patients

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a rare skin reaction, commonly caused by drugs. Available evidence mostly relies on small studies or case reports. We collected published AGEP case reports and, subsequently, described the patient characteristics, suspect and concomitant drugs, time to onset, disease management, and clinical prognosis. This study included 297 AGEP patients (64.3% women) obtained from 250 published case reports or case series with individual patient data. AGEP affected patients of all ages, but the majority of patients (88.2%) were ≥25 years old. The most frequently reported suspect drugs were anti-infectives for systemic use (36.5%), particularly antibacterials for systemic use (31.0%), and especially beta-lactam antibacterials (18.3%) and macrolides (4.3%). Other frequent suspect drugs were antineoplastics (12.2%), and anti-inflammatory/anti-rheumatic products (5.2%) plus hydroxychloroquine (12.8%). Mean time to onset was 9.1 days (standard deviation SD 13.94). Some patients developed fever (64.3%) and systemic involvement (18.9%), and most patients (76.4%) received pharmacological treatment for AGEP. Seven patients died, although five of them were already critically ill prior to AGEP. In conclusion, antibiotics remain the most common suspected cause of AGEP. While case mortality rate may be up to 2.5%, disentangling the role of AGEP on the fatal outcome from the role of the preexisting health conditions remains challenging.

Hydroxychloroquine-induced acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis: a series of seven patients and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ)-induced acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is poorly described in the literature. The aim of our study was to characterize the clinical, laboratory, allergological, and genetic features of HCQ-induced AGEP.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of patients with HCQ-induced AGEP diagnosed between 2011 and 2019. We performed molecular analysis to identify variations in the IL36RN gene. We also reviewed similar cases reported between 1991 and March 2020.

RESULTS

Seven female patients were included. The mean age was 47 years old, and the average time from HCQ start to onset of symptoms was 40 days. All patients received topical steroids with a full resolution of the rash within an average of 39 days after HCQ withdrawal. Patch tests were performed for three patients with positive results in one case. Genetic analyses were performed for three patients, and no mutation in the IL36RN gene was identified.

CONCLUSION

The latent period and the duration for resolution of HCQ-induced AGEP may be longer than with other drugs due to the metabolic characteristics of HCQ. Mutations in the IL36RN gene were not identified in our patients.

The necessity of patch testing in determining the causative drug of AGEP

BACKGROUND

Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis (AGEP)is a rare, severe skin reactionmainly caused by medications such as antibiotics, anti fungals, Calcium channel blockers and Anti malarias. Although it resolves spontaneously in most patients, systemic corticosteroids are neededin severe cases.

AIMS

In order to determine the drug that is causing this condition, patch testing must be performed. Hydroxychloroquine is a medication that is used for the treatment of rheumatic and dermatologic conditions. And although it has been rarely seen to cause this reaction, we report a case of Hydroxychloroquine-induced (HCQ) AGEP which was confirmed by Patch testing.

PATIENTS

A woman 49 years of age with an18 month history of mild, untreated Rheumatoid Arthritis experienced an acute episode of arthritis in her right elbow. Upon going to a rheumatologist, Prednisolone 5 mg BID and HCQ 200 mg daily were administered for a 30-day period. But after only 17 days of this treatment, the patient developed generalized erythema and painful pustular eruptions. Prednisolone dosage was changedto 7.5 mg per day andHCQ was discontinued one day afterthe appearance of eruptions. The diffuse erythema started improving a week after the patient's hospitalization.Considering the factthat our patient was receiving multiple potentially causative medications, patch testing was necessary to distinguish the drug responsible for this reaction.

RESULTS

After the patch testing was done, HCQ-induced AGEP was confirmed.

CONCLUSIONS

Patch testing is the gold standard of determining the responsible drug for an AGEP reaction. It should also be kept in mind that HCQ, although rarely, can cause this condition.

Cytokines/Chemokines: Novel Biomarkers Associated with Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions

Although the incidence of severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) is very low, if it is not diagnosed and treated in time, it can not only cause skin and mucous membrane involvement, but can also cause multiple organ failure and even death. The diagnostic criteria and treatment guidelines for severe drug eruptions have not been unified. Many medical centers have used human leukocyte antigen alleles to diagnose SCARs. Some prospective studies have shown that susceptibility gene testing can prevent SCARs as early as possible, but the widespread implementation of its technology is limited by being ethnically specific. With the unique advantages of cytokine detection technology, cytokines are increasingly important for the diagnosis and treatment of SCARs. Related cytokines/chemokines involved in the pathogenesis, adjuvant diagnosis, and treatment of SCARs are discussed.

A case of recalcitrant acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis with Sjogren's syndrome: Successfully treated with low-dose cyclosporine

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a reaction attributed mainly to drugs. Hydroxychloroquine is a rare cause of AGEP especially used in rheumatology and dermatology. Systemic corticosteroids are the first-line treatment agents in AGEP. But cyclosporine can be a good choice for patients resistant to systemic corticosteroid treatment in AGEP.

A case of prolonged generalized exanthematous pustulosis caused by hydroxychloroquine-Literature review

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a self-limited drug reaction. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is an uncommon cause of AGEP with a prolonged recovery course; Thus, the physicians should take the possibility of this rare but severe event in their minds and try to diagnose correctly and better management.

Successful Treatment of Hydroxychloroquine-Induced Recalcitrant Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis with Cyclosporine: Case Report and Literature Review

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a cutaneous reaction principally induced by drugs. Spontaneous resolution is observed in most patients. However, severe cases required systemic corticosteroid administration. Hydroxychloroquine, which is used to treat some dermatologic and rheumatologic diseases because of its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects, is an uncommon cause of AGEP. A 67-year-old female patient presented with severe AGEP due to hydroxychloroquine treatment. She was recalcitrant to supportive care and systemic corticosteroid treatment butwas successfully treated with cyclosporine. Hydroxychloroquine-induced AGEP occurs in women with underlying rheumatologic diseases, has a longer latent period, and has a severe course usually requiring systemic treatment.

Fluconazole-induced acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a severe cutaneous adverse reaction and is usually caused by drugs. It is characterized by fever and acute, extensive occurrence of disseminated sterile pustules, accompanied by fever, malaise and peripheral blood leucocytosis. There have been several reports to date of AGEP following exposure to antifungals. In particular, terbinafine is included in the list of the agents conferring the highest risk of AGEP. The authors report the case of a 70-year-old male patient who developed AGEP shortly after commencing treatment with fluconazole, which has been reported in association with AGEP in a single case report. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of AGEP associated with positive fluconazole patch test.

Skin manifestations of drug allergy

Cutaneous adverse drug reactions range from mild to severe and from those localized only to skin to those associated with systemic disease. It is important to distinguish features of cutaneous drug reactions which help classify the underlying mechanism and likely prognosis as both of these influence management decisions, some of which necessarily have to be taken rapidly. Severe cutaneous reactions are generally T cell-mediated, yet this immunological process is frequently poorly understood and principles for identification of the culprit drug are different to those of IgE mediated allergic reactions. Furthermore, intervention in severe skin manifestations of drug allergy is frequently necessary. However, a substantial literature reports on success or otherwise of glucocorticoids, cyclophsphamide, ciclosporin, intravenous immunoglobulin and anti-tumour necrosis factor therapy for the treatment of toxic epidermal necrolysis without clear consensus. As well as reviewing the recommended supportive measures and evidence base for interventions, this review aims to provide a mechanistic overview relating to a proposed clinical classification to assist the assessment and management of these complex patients.

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.