Biologic treatments demonstrate better outcomes of generalized pustular psoriasis: Study

Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a dreadful skin condition, also referred to as 'psoriasis'. It is an abnormal and uncontrolled inflammatory condition, which instead of benefiting the body damages the body's vital tissues and organs. These patients suffer from repeated and regular episodes of GPP, wherein large areas of their skin become red, inflamed, and develop small pus-filled blisters called 'pustules'. Additionally, the patient may also get a fever, feel tired (fatigue), have muscle weakness, or their WBCs may increase. However, generalized pustular psoriasis is quite rare, so there are very limited studies reporting treatments and outcomes for large numbers of patients.

A study was conducted by Miyachi H et. al to report treatments and outcomes within a large cohort of patients suffering from generalized pustular psoriasis and admitted to the hospital.

The researchers utilized a Japanese national inpatient care records, and selected a total of 1516 patients with generalized pustular psoriasis with a mean age of 66 years, who were admitted to a hospital between July 2010 and March 2019. Out of which Fifty patients (3.3%) were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), 125 (8.2%) required blood pressure support, and 63 (4.2%) had died. To investigate their characteristics, treatments, and outcomes, they further categorized the patients into three medication groups: