Von Zumbusch (acute) generalized pustular psoriasis (acute GPP) is the most severe form of generalized pustular psoriasis, and can be associated with life-threatening complications.[1]
Signs and symptoms
Patients with acute GPP experience the eruption of multiple isolated sterile pustules generalized over the body, recurrent fevers, fatigue, and laboratory abnormalities (elevated ESR, elevated CRP, combined with leukocytosis).[2]
Diagnosis
Kogoj's spongiform pustules can be observed via histopathology to confirm acute GPP.[2]
Treatment
Acute GPP typically requires inpatient management including both topical and systemic therapy, and supportive measures.[3] Systemic glucocorticoid withdrawal is a common causative agent.[4] Withdrawal or administration of certain drugs in the patient's previous medication regimen may be required. Oral retinoids are the most effective treatment, and are considered first line.[2] Cyclosporine or infliximab may be required for particularly acute cases.[5][6]
History
The disorder has been named after Leo Ritter von Zombusch, who first described two cases of a brother and a sister in 1910.[7] The patients experienced patterns of redness and pustule formation over several years, often associated with use of topical medications.[2] Unfortunately one of the two siblings died from complications of the disease.
^ abcdGriffiths, C; Barker, Jonathan; Bleiker, Tanya; Chalmers, Robert; Creamer, Daniel (2016). Rook's textbook of dermatology. John Wiley & Sons Inc. ISBN9781118441190. OCLC949329582.
^Varman, Katherine M.; Namias, Nicholas; Schulman, Carl I.; Pizano, Louis R. (2014-06-01). "Acute generalized pustular psoriasis, von Zumbusch type, treated in the burn unit. A review of clinical features and new therapeutics". Burns: Journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries. 40 (4): e35–39. doi:10.1016/j.burns.2014.01.003. ISSN1879-1409. PMID24491419.
^Choon, Siew Eng; Lai, Nai Ming; Mohammad, Norshaleyna A.; Nanu, Nalini M.; Tey, Kwee Eng; Chew, Shang Fern (2014-06-01). "Clinical profile, morbidity, and outcome of adult-onset generalized pustular psoriasis: analysis of 102 cases seen in a tertiary hospital in Johor, Malaysia". International Journal of Dermatology. 53 (6): 676–684. doi:10.1111/ijd.12070. ISSN1365-4632. PMID23967807. S2CID44470715.
^Robinson, Amanda; Van Voorhees, Abby S.; Hsu, Sylvia; Korman, Neil J.; Lebwohl, Mark G.; Bebo, Bruce F.; Kalb, Robert E. (2012-08-01). "Treatment of pustular psoriasis: from the Medical Board of the National Psoriasis Foundation". Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 67 (2): 279–288. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2011.01.032. ISSN1097-6787. PMID22609220.
