Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis: Analysis of cases managed in a Tunisian tertiary hospital

Therapie. 2023 Dec 14:S0040-5957(23)00196-8. doi: 10.1016/j.therap.2023.11.011. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTAcute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a severe and life-threatening cutaneous adverse reaction. Drug-induced AGEP is mainly related to antibiotics. More recently, AGEP following spider bites has been increasingly described. Treatment includes withdrawal of the offending drug and supportive care. In Tunisia, data concerning severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) in general and especially AGEP is lacking. Herein, we conducted a retrospective study to investigate the epidemiological, clinical characteristics and etiologies of AGEP referred to the Dermatology department. Our study included 32 cases of AGEP. AGEP cases occurred in overall 8.9% of all SCARs referred to the department during the same period study. The majority were females (24 women and 7 men). The median age of the patients was 33 years. A history of psoriasis was reported in 16.1% of patients. All patients presented with an extensive erythematous rash with pinhead pustules. Neutrophil hyperleukocytosis (greater than 7000/mm3) was noted in 17 patients (63% of cases). It was associated with hypereosinophilia exceeding 500 elements/mm3 in 8 cases (29.6%). Drug-induced AGEP was reported in 53% of cases. Antibiotics were implicated in the majority of cases. Delay in onset ranged from 15hours to 7 days, with an average of 2.8 days. A non-drug-induced etiology was considered if the pharmacologi...
Source: Therapie - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Source Type: research