title: Present status of pyoderma gangrenosum. Review of 21 cases.
abstract: This article summarizes the management of 22 cases of pyoderma gangrenosum over the past four years at the hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Eighteen patients with pyoderma gangrenosum were studied using the most sensitive routine laboratory method for detection of monoclonal immunoglobulins, immunofixation electrophoresis. Four cases of IgA gammopathy were detected, confirming previous reports of the incidence of monoclonal gammopathy in pyoderma gangrenosum. High-dose glucocorticoid therapy (pulse therapy) is an effective treatment for some severe, refractory cases of pyoderma gangrenosum. Eight patients were treated with pulse therapy. Six responded favorably, and none had serious complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Prystowsky
authors.forename: S N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Kahn
authors.forename: G S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Lazarus
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007122:Immunoelectrophoresis; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008998:Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D011711:Pyoderma / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D012883:Skin Ulcer / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D007070:Immunoglobulin A