P26 A life threatening case of Von Zumbusch psoriasis

Abstract

Abstract We report a case of a patient admitted to intensive care with a pustulating skin eruption and haemodynamic compromise with near immediate response to infliximab. A 16-year-old male with a six-month history of mild plaque psoriasis presented to acute dermatology services with widespread annular pustular eruption, which developed days after a throat infection. Histopathology was consistent with pustular psoriasis. After an initial partial response, the pustules spread and persisted despite 2-month treatment with topical steroids and ciclosporin (dosed to 4 mg/kg). With raised inflammatory markers and repeated growth of Staphylococcus aureus, high dose intravenous flucloxacillin was administered. Four hours post infusion the patient became erythrodermic and haemodynamically unstable, requiring management in ICU. Repeat skin biopsy showed features of psoriasis without clear drug reaction features. Switching classes of antimicrobials and administration of intravenous immunoglobulins led to infection resolution but no significant clinical status change. A multi-disciplinary decision was made to trial intravenous infliximab. This resulted in near-immediate 90% improvement of skin and haemodynamic status. His excellent clinical response has been maintained on adalimumab thus far. Genetic screening for possible mutations associated with pustular psoriasis, including IL36RN and CARD14, are in process.