A case of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis following COVID-19 infection and remdesivir.

We report a challenging AGEP case following COVID-19 infection and a history of remdesivir use. Our study highlights the importance of considering history of COVID-19 and remdesivir as possible causative factors when visiting new-onset AGEP patients.

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis in temporal association with COVID-19 vaccine

Introduction: Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis is characterized by small, sterile, non-follicular, and sudden-onset pustular reactions on an erythematous surface. It typically involves intertriginous regions and the trunk and is usually accompanied by itching and a feeling of pain in the lesion areas. Often pharmacological treatments and frequent viral eruptions, including enterovirus, coxsackie, Epstein-Barr virus, and hepatitis B, play a role in the etiology of the disease. Case report: Here, we present the case of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis in a 17-year-old young woman triggered by the 1st dose of COVID19 mRNA BioNTech vaccine. Conclusion(s): We are reporting a rare case of vaccine-related acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, associated with a COVID-19 vaccination.Copyright © 2022 Termedia Publishing House Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Acute exantematic pustulosis generalized by meropenem, differential diagnosis with COVID

Case report We present the case of a 63-year- old man with two consecutive admissions, due to COVID19 infection and subsequent bacterial superinfection. Three days after the second admission (04/28), and 43 days from the beginning of the infection an assessment by dermatology and allergology is then requested. The patient had generalized erythematous maculopapular rash in the trunk, back, groin and limbs. On the left side and back, pustular lesions not focused on follicles were also added, with a fever of 37.7degreeC. There were no oral and genital lesions. No psoriasis. The drugs used during the present and previous admissions were reviewed. Previous admission (04/04-22/ 20): Linezolid, ciprofloxacin, meropenem 04/13-22, piperacillin/tazobactam, hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, ceftriaxone. Upon discharge amoxicillin/acid clavulanic. Present admission (04/25) Cutaneous reaction 04/28. 04/25: meropenem, paracetamol, enoxaparin, insulin, omeprazole, venlafaxine. 04/26: Darbepoetin, furosemide, mycophenolate in single dose. 04/27: Linezolid, macrogol, Clopidogrel, Magnesium, Calcitriol. Medical records: DM type 2, liver transplantation due to HCV cirrhosis, HCV recurrence, uninodular hepatocarcinoma, advanced CKD, secondary hyperparathyroidism, multiple neurological antecedents. We performed a detailed study. We hypothesized with a pharmagological/ drug reaction with several drugs possibly involved and our main suspicion was an allergic reaction to beta-lactams. Biopsy: Subcorneal pustules, basal spongiosis and presence in the superficial dermis of edema and an inflammatory infiltrate with abundant neutrophils. No fungi. Findings compatible with clinical diagnosis of generalized acute exanthematic pustulosis (PEGA). Immunohistochemical study Covid19. (Jimenez Diaz Foundation) Finely granular positivity in endothelium and more coarse in sweaty epithelium. Neutrophilic superficial inflammatory component with presumably spure staining. ACe-2 (positive external control) is not detected. The patient presents a EuroSCAR score of 9, sum of the clinic and the pathological anatomy, and therefore defined diagnosis. Clinical diagnosis: PEGA secondary to meropenem. Conclusion(s): We present the case of a PEGA by meropenem, not very often described in the literature. We highlight the importance of differential diagnosis with viral infections. Skin tests, especially epicutaneous tests, are key to the diagnosis. (Figure Presented).

Palmoplantar inflammation with a broad differential diagnosis made clear upon patch testing

A 51-year-old woman presented to our service with a 2-year history of severely painful, thickened skin of her bilateral hands and feet. She advised of considerable skin pain on mobilizing. She intermittently applied acrylate nails. This was on a background of chronic urticaria, asthma and allergic rhinitis. She described a positive family history of psoriasis. On examination, there was marked hyperkeratosis with welldemarcated erythema on the central palms and entire fingers with deep fissuring and scale. Similar finding were noted on the soles of the feet particularly affecting the heels, arch and also the tips of the toes. The morphology of the lesions favoured psoriasis, but the differential diagnosis included chronic hand dermatitis. She was referred for topical psoralen + ultraviolet A (PUVA) and patch testing to standard battery and acrylates. Treatment with topical PUVA was discontinued and patch testing lists were cancelled as a result of the emergence of COVID-19 in Ireland. Topical therapy of clobetasol propionate was initiated. On follow-up review, the appearances of her feet and hands had deteriorated significantly. She was commenced on acitretin 10 mg once daily, which was escalated to 20 mg 2 months later. Clinical improvement was noted, but appearances deteriorated once again following the application of acrylic nails. Further history revealed the patient had assisted with the application of acrylic nails to clients years prior to her initial review. Patch testing took place 18 months after initial review due to outpatient list cancellations secondary to the COVID-19 pandemic. Upon review 48 h after the application of the (METH) Acrylate Series, the patient was found to have a +2 reaction to 2- hydroxyethyl methacrylate and a further +2 reaction to 2- Hydroxypropyl methacrylate. At her 96-h review, both reaction sites were marked at +1. Following complete avoidance of acrylates, the palmoplantar inflammation entirely resolved. This case highlights the importance of a detailed clinical history where contact dermatitis is considered. In our patient's case, the clinical history and examination of the palmoplantar eruption combined with the first-degree family history of psoriasis were highly suggestive of a diagnosis of psoriasis. The episodic severe flares and its refractory nature to treatment raised suspicion for allergic contact dermatitis. Dermatologists should remain alert for potential contact allergens in cases of severe palmoplantar psoriasis. A further area for consideration is the deleterious effect the COVID-19 pandemic had on the successful diagnosis and treatment of dermatological patients through the cancellation of outpatient services.

Clinico-Epidemiological Profile of Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reactions at Rural Tertiary Care Centre

Background: Cutaneous adverse drug reactions (CADRs), also known as toxidermia, are skin manifestations resulting from systemic drug administration and it constituted 10%-30% among all reported adverse drug reactions (ADRs). These reactions range from mild morbilliform drug rash to much more severe reactions. Material(s) and Method(s): A retrospective observational study was conducted at dermatology outpatient department of rural based tertiary care center for a duration of 03 years from August 2019 to July 2022, a total of 211 patients who had been clinically diagnosed or were suspected to have drug reactions were studied. Result(s): In this observation there was male preponderance (59.72%) and majority of patients were in their 3rd and 4th decade (40.28%) with maculopapular drug rash (33.17%) being most common clinical profile of CADRs, followed by urticaria (23.70%). Less frequently seen CADRs were acneiform eruptions (21), hair Loss (9), photodermatitis (9), generalised pruritus (7), erythroderma (2), pityriasis rosea (2), Stevens Johnson Syndrome-Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (SJS-TEN) (4), lichenoid drug eruptions (3), Vasculitis (1) and pustular drug eruption (1). The most common group of drugs causing CADRs were antibiotics (40.28%), followed by NSAIDs (28.43%). Conclusion(s): Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reactions (CADRs) are price we pay for the benefits of modern drug therapy;knowledge of these reactions is important for treating physician as prompt recognition and treatment can prove lifesaving.Copyright © 2022 Academic Medicine and Pharmacy

A Case Report of Possibly Related Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis with Staphylococcus pettenkoferi.

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), an uncommon severe cutaneous adverse reaction, is believed to be a T cell-mediated hypersensitivity reaction, of which the most common cause is medication. However, infections have also been reported to be associated with AGEP. Here, we present a case of AGEP possibly related with Staphylococcus pettenkoferi.

A case of SAPHO syndrome: a DISH of radiological features to be considered

BackgroundThe acronym SAPHO stands for synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis. It is a rare heterogenous disease with unknown etiology and a chronic relapsing and remitting course1. Its skin and osteoarticular manifestations including palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) and synovitis may be transient which further complicate the diagnosis. So, awareness about all features of the syndrome throughout the time seems mandatory for correct diagnosis and avoidance of unnecessary procedures.Case presentation.A case of SAPHO syndrome being reported in a middle-aged man who presented with bilateral PPP and exacerbation of back pain which developed shortly after covid-19 vaccine injection with a history of more than 20 years of inflammatory thoracic back pain and psoriasis vulgaris who initially had been worked up for metastatic bony lesions based on radiologic studies, irrespective of his skin lesions. The patient had good response to alendronate 70 mg weekly and celecoxib 200 mg BID without aggravation of existing skin lesions or new psoriatic lesions.ConclusionThis case report aims to inform rheumatologists and radiologists about various radiologic and dermatologic manifestations of SAPHO syndrome with emphasizing on taking into consideration of past and present skin lesions in the interpretation of the radiologic signs in order to prevent irrelevant procedures or hazardous imaging and to urge rheumatology societies to set up a SAPHO registry for future randomized controlled trials. Suggestion of PPP responsiveness to NSAIDs as a new potential diagnostic tool for SAPHO diagnosis is another goal. It also aims to point out the possible coexistence of SAPHO and SpA or DISH syndrome.

GRESIF: A Project for the Management of Severe Adverse Drug Reactions (SCARs). The Experience of Lombardy and Piedmont

Introduction: In Lombardy and Piedmont (Northern Italy, about 14 million people) the GRESIF pharmacovigilance network project, aimed to collect, assess, treat and prevent severe systemic drug reactions was activated in 2021, supported by the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA). GRESIF involves regional and hospital pharmacovigilance centers, and several hospital wards: burn, dermatology, allergology, internal medicine, infectivology and intensive care departments. The registry collects in the National Pharmacovigilance Network all reports of suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) concerning Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) and Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis (AGEP). Objective(s): The specific objectives of the study are to early detect severe systemic ADRs, evaluate their incidence, morbidity and mortality rates, focus on new generation drugs such as RNA antivirals and oncological drugs, implement and optimize guidelines, manage long-term sequelae by follow-up and create a consultable web-based database. Method(s): We have drawn up the guidelines [1,2], through a multidisciplinary approach in order to improve the management of very complex patients even in facilities that are not habitually involved in the treatment of these pathologies. This document aims to support professionals in standardizing diagnostic criteria and methods of therapeutic approach. It's useful to inform the general practitioner about responsible drugs and give some information about risk /benefit on the riexposure. Result(s): In 2021, 27 cases of SJS/TEN, 18 cases of DRESS and no cases of AGEP were collected. There is a female prevalence (25 cases out 44);the age range is from 20 to 93 years. The median age of patients in Lombardy and in Piedmont is respectively 55 and 66 for females, 47 and 63 for males. The total mortality for cases of SJS/ TEN is about 19% and for DRESS we have no deaths. More frequent suspected drugs are antibiotics, followed by allopurinol and anticonvulsants. Noteworthy is the presence of 4 cases of severe ADR related to anti Covid19 RNA vaccines. In all cases, according to the guidelines, the timely discontinuation of the responsible drug was fundamental as the general management. Furthermore we started a study for the HLA typing of these patients. We enrolled 18 cases and the results showed that 6 patients who received allopurinol were all positive to HLA <= 58:01. Conclusion(s): Despite being extremely rare but serious reactions, the absolute need to implement shared diagnostic and therapeutic protocols to be applied promptly is highlighted, in order to reduce both patient mortality and long-term sequelae.

Bilateral persistent placoid maculopathy following COVID-19 Vaccines: real or co-incidence?

Purpose : COVID-19 vaccination has been accompanied by reports of inflammatory events. We aim to report the first case of bilateral persistent placoid maculopathy (PPM) following COVID-19 vaccination. Methods : Case report Results : A 58-year-old man presented with bilateral sudden painless decrease in vision approximately two weeks after the second dose of AstraZenaca® COVID-19 vaccine. Visual acuity (VA) at presentation was 1.00 LogMAR in the right eye (RE) and hand movement in the left eye (LE). He had no known medical or ophthalmic history, up until after his first AstraZenaca® COVID-19 vaccine dose, he was diagnosed with palmoplantar pustular psoriasis and was started on 60mg of oral Prednisolone. Fundus examination revealed bilateral well-delineated whitish plaque-like macular lesions involving the fovea, sparing the peripapillary region in the RE (Figure 1a & e). Multimodal imaging including fluorescein angiography, indocyanine-green angiography, fundus autofluorescence and optical coherence tomography were consistent with PPM (Figure 1 & 2). Infective and auto-immune screen were all negative apart from a positive MPO-ANCA, prompting a rheumatology review which subsequently excluded any systemic vasculitis. Patient was monitored closely and his VA improved and stabilised with tapering regime of oral Prednisolone. To prevent relapse of PPM, patient was commenced on Mycophenolate Mofetil as a long-term steroid sparing immunosuppression. Conclusions : Our case demonstrated a likely inflammatory or autoimmune response affecting choriocapillaris driven by the COVID-19 vaccine and there may be a correlation between the two. The patient in our case portrayed features classical of PPM, which is a selective autoimmune vasculitis causing microinfarcts on choriocapillaris, resulting in focal choroidal hypoperfusion after the COVID-19 vaccine. (Figure Presented).

GRESIF: A Project for the Management of Severe Adverse Drug Reactions (SCARs). The Experience of Lombardy and Piedmont: An International Journal of Medical Toxicology and Drug Experience

Introduction: In Lombardy and Piedmont (Northern Italy, about 14 million people) the GRESIF pharmacovigilance network project, aimed to collect, assess, treat and prevent severe systemic drug reactions was activated in 2021, supported by the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA). GRESIF involves regional and hospital pharmacovigilance centers, and several hospital wards: burn, dermatology, allergology, internal medicine, infectivology and intensive care departments. The registry collects in the National Pharmacovigilance Network all reports of suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) concerning Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) and Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis (AGEP). Objective: The specific objectives of the study are to early detect severe systemic ADRs, evaluate their incidence, morbidity and mortality rates, focus on new generation drugs such as RNA antivirals and oncological drugs, implement and optimize guidelines, manage long-term sequelae by follow-up and create a consultable web-based database. Methods: We have drawn up the guidelines [1,2], through a multidisciplinary approach in order to improve the management of very complex patients even in facilities that are not habitually involved in the treatment of these pathologies. This document aims to support professionals in standardizing diagnostic criteria and methods of therapeutic approach. Its useful to inform the general practitioner about responsible drugs and give some information about risk /benefit on the riexposure. Results: In 2021, 27 cases of SJS/TEN, 18 cases of DRESS and no cases of AGEP were collected. There is a female prevalence (25 cases out 44);the age range is from 20 to 93 years. The median age of patients in Lombardy and in Piedmont is respectively 55 and 66 for females, 47 and 63 for males. The total mortality for cases of SJS/ TEN is about 19% and for DRESS we have no deaths. More frequent suspected drugs are antibiotics, followed by allopurinol and anticonvulsants. Noteworthy is the presence of 4 cases of severe ADR related to anti Covid19 RNA vaccines. In all cases, according to the guidelines, the timely discontinuation of the responsible drug was fundamental as the general management. Furthermore we started a study for the HLA typing of these patients. We enrolled 18 cases and the results showed that 6 patients who received allopurinol were all positive to HLA B 58:01. Conclusion: Despite being extremely rare but serious reactions, the absolute need to implement shared diagnostic and therapeutic protocols to be applied promptly is highlighted, in order to reduce both patient mortality and long-term sequelae.

An acute localized reaction following a mosquito bite in a breast cancer treated patient.

Acute localized exanthematous pustulosis (ALEP) is a rare localized variant of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP). We report a case of ALEP localised on the trunk and induced by a mosquito bite in a breast cancer treated female patient.

NEW ONSET OF NAIL PSORIASIS AFTER MRNA COVID-19 VACCINE: A CASE REPORT

Currently in Bulgaria the two messenger RNA vaccines used to vaccinate the population against COVID-19 are Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine (COMIRNATY) and Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine. We present a case of a patient with palmoplantar form of psoriasis (in remission in the last 2 years), who has an attack of psoriasis of the nails, which began two weeks after the second dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. Within the next two months, onychopathy of the nails of the ten fingers developed with the manifestation of almost all known psoriatic changes in the nail bed and nail matrix. The toenails are not affected. Topical therapy with calcipotriol/betamethasone ointment under occlusive dressings was prescribed for two months. The monitoring continues.

Systemic skin delayed reactions after the administration of BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccines

Background: Vaccination has become increasingly relevant to prevent the global pandemic from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Two mRNA-based emergency vaccines have recently been licensed for mass administration: BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine. Delayed vaccines hypersensitivity reactions can be caused by residual proteins, or most frequently by excipients. Both mRNA vaccines contain polyethylene glycol (PEG) 2000 lipid conjugate as excipient. PEG and its derivatives with clinical cross-reactivity (polysorbates, laureth-9) are ubiquitous in many drugs. mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine also contains trometamol, an organic amine used extensively. Method: We collected the patients referred to our Allergy Department with systemic skin delayed reaction after the administration of BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine between January to February 2021. We recorded age, sex, personal history of allergies and previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. We describe cutaneous manifestations, latency time, treatment, and duration. We performed patch test (PT) in the upper back with PEG 400 1% in petrolatum (pet), PEG 3350 10% pet, PEG 3350 in aqueous solution (aq), PEG 4000 10% pet, polysorbate 80 1% pet, polysorbate 80 10% pet, laureth-9/ sodium lauril sulphate 1%, trometamol 0.50% aq (only in mRNA-1273 vaccinated patients), with readings at day 2 and day 4. Results: The study population comprised 11 patients: 6 (54.5%) received BNT162b2 and the rest received mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine. Most patients (10/11, 90.9%) reacted to the first dose. Almost half of them (5/11, 45.4%) had detectable serum specific IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in the last 3 months. The most frequent manifestation was generalized maculopapular exanthema (6/11, 54.5%), 2 flaking palms, 1 acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), 1 micropapular exanthema accompanied by a 7-centimeter blister, and 1 multiple fixed drug eruption (MFDE). PT were negative in the 100% cases. We contraindicate the second dose of the vaccine in patients with severe skin reactions (MFDE, AGEP) after the first dose (2/10, 20%). The remaining patients received the second dose, reappearing systemic skin lesions in 1/8 (12.5%), having a maculopapular exanthema again. Conclusion: In our experience, mild exanthemas should not be a contraindication to receive further doses of mRNA vaccines. However, we recommended an exhaustive allergy workout in all patients with systemic skin delayed reaction.

Single-center survey of biologic use for inflammatory skin diseases during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has affected both daily life and medical care; therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the use of biologics for inflammatory skin diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic in our hospital. The observation period was between 1 January 2020 and 23 February 2021. In this study, we enrolled 227 patients with psoriasis, six patients with palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP), 69 patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), and five patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Bioswitch was performed in 25 patients with psoriasis (11.0%). Biologics were discontinued in 14 patients with psoriasis (6.2%), 10 patients with AD (14.5%), and four patients with HS (80.0%); they were not discontinued in patients with PPP. The introduction of biologics was observed in 27 patients with psoriasis (11.9%), four patients with PPP (66.7%), 33 patients with AD (47.8%), and two patients with HS (40.0%). The use of telephone consultations was observed in four patients with psoriasis and two patients with AD. One patient, who received adalimumab for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis, suffered from COVID-19 and recovered after a mild course. In conclusion, we report our experience regarding the use of biologic drugs for inflammatory skin diseases. The use of biologics seemed safe for use amidst COVID-19 infection during the observation period; however, further observation on a larger number of patients is required to confirm the risks and benefits of biologic use in the COVID-19 era.

Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis After COVID-19 Infection: A Case Report From Saudi Arabia.

There is a dearth of robust evidence regarding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related coetaneous manifestations, complications and adverse treatment events. Upon review of the literature there are only a few cases reported of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) in COVID-19 patients after treatment. Therefore, we are reporting a case of a 34-year-old male not known to have any chronic illness. His severe COVID-19 infection resolved four days prior to presentation to the Emergency Department with pustular rash on erythematous base over his face, neck, upper limbs, anterior and posterior trunk including oral cavity and tounge. The rash started after he took azithromycin, oseltamivir, ribavirin, lopinavir, hydroxychloroquine, prednisolone, ceftriaxone, clindamycin, interferon (IFN) beta, and ceftazidime for COVID-19. Skin punch biopsy was done and he was diagnosed with AGEP but it was still not known if it was related to COVID-19 or a drug-induced condition. Patient was treated with betamethasone valerate 0.1% ointment and lotion, promethazine hydrochloride 25mg tablet, paracetamol 500mg tablet, calcipotriol 50mcg/g and betamethasone 0.5mg/g gel. He discharged the same day to manage at home despite not improving. In the end, we found only a few studies that describe the cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19 infection, which were mainly case reports. We can't be sure that AGEP is a late and severe complication of COVID-19 infection. However, AGEP could be a rare adverse effect of hydroxychloroquine therapy. Improving the knowledge about a wide range of different signs and symptoms of the disease and its severity in addition to all possible adverse treatment events and complications can improve patient safety, survival rate, and quality of life.

Colchicine in Dermatology: Rediscovering an Old Drug with Novel Uses.

Colchicine is an anti-inflammatory agent which has been used for decades in the treatment of gout. The drug has a number of dermatological indications like Psoriasis, Sweet's syndrome, aphthosis, Behcet's disease, erythema nodosum, leukocytoclastic vasculitis and is consistently effective in neutrophilic disorders. Thought it is an affordable with minimal side effects, It has remained underutilized. However, it has novel uses and is being considered in COVID-19 due to its action on IL-1ß and IL-6. This article presents a concise and up-to-date review focusing on its mechanisms of action and indications.