Pustular psoriasis – Clinical study in a tertiary care center

Abstract

Background: Pustular psoriasis is an uncommon form of psoriasis consisting of sheets of pustules on erythematous background. Treatment depends on the extent of involvement, severity, and underlying risk factors. Objectives: To study the clinical profile of pustular psoriasis, to identify triggering factors, and to study the response to treatment. Materials and Methods: A prospective clinical and therapeutic study of patients with pustular psoriasis attending DVL department over a period of 2 years. Diagnosis was made based on clinical and histopathological findings. Fourteen patients were admitted, investigated, and treated appropriately. Results: Nine were females and five were males. The mean age of the patients was 30 years. The duration of disease was 1–3 weeks. Among 14 cases of generalized pustular psoriasis, 10 were of acute type, 3 were pregnancy-related, and 1 childhood onset. In pregnancy group, all the patients were managed with systemic steroids till delivery followed by methotrexate (Mtx) and cyclosporine (CsA) during postpartum period in two patients, respectively. Eight patients were managed with short course of steroids and Mtx followed by Mtx alone. One patient with tuberculosis spine was managed with CsA and antituberculous therapy. Highly active retroviral therapy and acitretin (50 mg) were given in a retroviral-positive patient. One patient with recurrent episodes improved with antibiotics only. In our study, steroids were followed by maintenance therapy with Mtx/CsA and acitretin accordingly. CsA was given during crisis followed by maintenance with acitretin. Two patients on Mtx and one on CsA therapy with frequent flares were shifted to acitretin. Acitretin showed good response in patients who had frequent flares while on Mtx and CsA. In our study, response with acitretin, Mtx, and CsA was 100%, 57.1%, and 50%, respectively. Limitations: Only small number of patients. Conclusion: All patients were generalized type and showed good remission except one who succumbed to death due to septicemia.