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Parisi R, Shah H, Navarini AA, Muehleisen B, Ziv M, Shear NH, Dodiuk-Gad RP. Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis: Clinical Features, Differential Diagnosis, and Management. Am J Clin Dermatol 2023:10.1007/s40257-023-00779-3. [PMID: 37156992 PMCID: PMC10166469 DOI: 10.1007/s40257-023-00779-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a rare, acute, severe cutaneous adverse reaction mainly attributed to drugs, although other triggers, including infections, vaccinations, ingestion of various substances, and spider bites, have also been described. AGEP is characterized by the development of edema and erythema followed by the eruption of multiple punctate, non-follicular, sterile pustules and subsequent desquamation. AGEP typically has a rapid onset and prompt resolution within a few weeks. The differential diagnoses for AGEP are broad and include infectious, inflammatory, and drug-induced etiologies. Diagnosis of AGEP depends on both clinical and histologic criteria, as cases of overlap with other disease processes have been reported. Management includes removal of the offending drug or treatment of the underlying cause, if necessary, and supportive care, as AGEP is a self-limited disease. This review aims to provide an overview and update on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, reported precipitating factors, differentials, diagnosis, and management of AGEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose Parisi
- Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hemali Shah
- Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alexander A Navarini
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Beda Muehleisen
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michael Ziv
- Department of Dermatology, Emek Medical Center, Afula, Israel
| | - Neil H Shear
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Roni P Dodiuk-Gad
- Department of Dermatology, Emek Medical Center, Afula, Israel.
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A1, Canada.
- Department of Dermatology, Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3525433, Israel.
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Cravero K, Chakrala T, Shychuk A. Multisystem organ failure secondary to acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) with atypical presentation resembling septic shock. BMJ Case Rep 2022; 15:15/3/e247040. [PMID: 35232738 PMCID: PMC8889165 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2021-247040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A woman was admitted for sepsis secondary to cellulitis. After clinical improvement of sepsis, non-follicular small pustules were observed on the trunk, limbs and face while vesicles/bullae and skin exfoliation were noted on upper extremities. Larger systemic manifestations included fever, hypertension and tachycardia. Laboratory results revealed neutrophilic leukocytosis, eosinophilia, mild transaminitis and acute renal failure. Despite treatment for potential sepsis and discontinuation of offending agents, her condition worsened leading to haemodynamic instability and renal failure requiring vasopressor support, intubation and continuous veno-venous haemodialysis. Skin biopsy revealed a diagnosis of acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), a rare condition usually caused by antibiotic treatment. The suspected offending drug was clindamycin, with possible combined effects by metronidazole and/or vancomycin. Improvement of skin manifestations were seen within 48 hours of starting systemic steroids. Here, we present an uncharacteristic case of AGEP clinically presenting with atypical skin lesions, severe systemic involvement mimicking septic shock, which culminated in multisystem organ failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Cravero
- University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Teja Chakrala
- University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Andrew Shychuk
- Internal Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA .,University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Vallejo-Yagüe E, Martinez-De la Torre A, Mohamad OS, Sabu S, Burden AM. Drug Triggers and Clinic of Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis (AGEP): A Literature Case Series of 297 Patients. J Clin Med 2022; 11:397. [PMID: 35054090 PMCID: PMC8780223 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11020397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a rare skin reaction, commonly caused by drugs. Available evidence mostly relies on small studies or case reports. We collected published AGEP case reports and, subsequently, described the patient characteristics, suspect and concomitant drugs, time to onset, disease management, and clinical prognosis. This study included 297 AGEP patients (64.3% women) obtained from 250 published case reports or case series with individual patient data. AGEP affected patients of all ages, but the majority of patients (88.2%) were ≥25 years old. The most frequently reported suspect drugs were anti-infectives for systemic use (36.5%), particularly antibacterials for systemic use (31.0%), and especially beta-lactam antibacterials (18.3%) and macrolides (4.3%). Other frequent suspect drugs were antineoplastics (12.2%), and anti-inflammatory/anti-rheumatic products (5.2%) plus hydroxychloroquine (12.8%). Mean time to onset was 9.1 days (standard deviation SD 13.94). Some patients developed fever (64.3%) and systemic involvement (18.9%), and most patients (76.4%) received pharmacological treatment for AGEP. Seven patients died, although five of them were already critically ill prior to AGEP. In conclusion, antibiotics remain the most common suspected cause of AGEP. While case mortality rate may be up to 2.5%, disentangling the role of AGEP on the fatal outcome from the role of the preexisting health conditions remains challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enriqueta Vallejo-Yagüe
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Adrian Martinez-De la Torre
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Omar S Mohamad
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Shweta Sabu
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrea M Burden
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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Abstract
RATIONALE Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a severe pustular cutaneous adverse drug reaction. Sterile, non-follicular pustules overlying the erythematous skin characterize this reaction. PATIENT CONCERNS A 30-year-old Asian women presented with sterile, non-follicular lesions with pus-fluid levels on her back 2 days after taking clindamycin. Skin biopsy revealed a spongiotic change in the epidermis with a focal subcorneal pustule and perivascular eosinophil and lymphocyte infiltration. DIAGNOSIS Clindamycin-induced AGEP. INTERVENTIONS We discontinued clindamycin treatment and prescribed systemic corticosteroids. OUTCOMES The pustule stopped spreading within 1 day and the rash improved within 2 days. LESSONS AGEP is a pustular cutaneous adverse drug reaction that can appear with pus-fluid levels, clinically mimicking Sneddon-Wilkinson disease. The differentiation between both conditions is a history of drug use, characteristic skin lesions and histopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumpol Aiempanakit
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University
| | - Benjawan Apinantriyo
- Hematology Unit, Medical Specialty Center, Bangkok Hospital Hat Yai, Bangkok Dusit Medical Services, Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand
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