title: Idiopathic pyoderma gangrenosum and impaired lymphocyte function: failure of azathioprine and corticosteroid therapy.
abstract: A 58-year-old man with chronic "idiopathic' pyoderma gangrenosum, recurrent secondary staphylococcal infection, nail candidiasis, markedly impaired lymphocyte function and a serum blocking factor is described. Despite an initially favourable response to immunosuppressive therapy, the patient later relapsed whilst on high dose systemic corticosteroids and azathioprine. Immune function remains abnormal 3 years cessation of azathioprine. Attempted immunostimulation with Corynebacterium parvum proved unsuccessful. A striking but transient increase in lymphocyte function followed parenteral iron therapy for an unexplained iron-deficiency anaemia. Gradual reduction in prednisone dosage to 5 mg daily has coincided with a period of clinical resolution and modest improvement in lymphocyte reactivity. Prolonged immunosuppressive therapy may be inadvisable in chronic idiopathic pyoderma gangrenosum associated with defective cellular immunity.
mesh_terms: D001379:Azathioprine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011711:Pyoderma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D012883:Skin Ulcer / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D001379:Azathioprine; D011241:Prednisone