Clinical case of pyodermia ulcerosa serpiginosa(pyoderma gangrenosum)

Abstract

Objective — to highlight the issue of difficulties in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with pyoderma gangrenosum (PG). Materials and methods. A literature review and analysis of the results of the clinical examination of patients with PG was performed. Pyoderma gangrenosum is most commonly observed in young and middle-aged people, more frequently in women. The pathogenesis of PG has not been fully studied. It is believed to be related to genetic mutations, neutrophil dysfunction and impaired immunity/inflammation regulation. Maverakis and others developed diagnostic criteria for PG. First-line treatment is aimed at optimizing the local wound care. For more severe diseases, systemic therapy is required. Oral corticosteroids (0.5—1 mg/kg/day) are the basis of treatment and used for control of PG. Cyclosporine can be used either alone or in combination with corticosteroids. At present, there is an increasing evidence of effectiveness of biological therapy as treatment method for a number of cytokines. Results and discussion. This article presents a clinical case of a patient diagnosed with PG. Based on recent guidelines, systemic corticosteroid therapy (Medrol starting at 48 mg/d), systemic anti-inflammatory and vascular drugs, topical therapy and treatment results were presented. Conclusions. Without treatment, the disease lasts for months and years. Ulcers sometimes grow very fast, reaching huge sizes in a matter of days. After the healing of some ulcers new ones often emerge. Pain syndrome, the addition of a secondary infection and the continuous progression of the pathological process lead to a decrease in the patient’s quality of life, as well as to a deterioration in his social adaptation. Therefore, timely adequate diagnosis, treatment and full compliance of the patient are the key to success.