[Erythrodermic psoriasis: epidemiological clinical and therapeutic features about 60 cases]

ABSTRACT

The erythrodermic psoriasis [EP] is a rare but severe form of psoriasis that may be potentially life-threatening. To study the characteristics of this severe form of psoriasis. We present a retrospective study, including all cases of EP followed in the dermatology department of the La Rabta hospital of Tunis over a 31-year-period from January, 1980 to June, 2010. Sixty patients were included, concerning 46 men and 14 women, with an average age of 53.7. A history of psoriasis was reported in 78% of the cases. A triggering factor was found in 53% of the cases. Systemic treatments were required in 55% of cases. An improvement was noted in 69.4% of the cases. A recurrence of the EP was observed in 15% of the cases. Three cases of sepicemia and one of stroke were noted. Erythrodermic psoriasis is the most common etiology of erythroderma. It represents more than half of severe psoriasis. As shown in our study it affects mainly adults' males. It complicates usually a common psoriasis. Septic and thromboembolic complications ones justify a close follow up