Treatment of pyoderma gangrenosum with granulocyte and monocyte adsorption apheresis

Ther Apher Dial. 2005 Aug;9(4):292-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1744-9987.2005.00284.x.

Abstract

Pyoderma gangrenosum is an intractable skin disorder characterized by the development of erythematous pustules or nodules that rapidly progress to destructive, necrotizing, non-infective ulcers. We assessed the efficacy of granulocyte and monocyte adsorption apheresis (GCAP) therapy in two new patients, a 67-year-old man with ulcerations on his lower leg, and a 44-year-old man with turgid erythematous lesions with burrowing abscesses and sinus formation on his hip, groin, and thighs. Both patients received 10 GCAP treatments at 5-day intervals. Their skin lesions responded well. The 9 cmx6 cm ulcer on the lower right leg of the 67-year-old patient was completely covered by regenerated skin at the completion of therapy. The turgid skin lesions containing pustules and ulcers of the other patient showed amelioration and a marked decrease in the volume of exudate. Our results suggest that GCAP is a useful treatment modality for pyoderma gangrenosum.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adsorption
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Blood Component Removal / methods*
  • Buttocks
  • Granulocytes
  • Humans
  • Leg Ulcer / therapy
  • Male
  • Monocytes
  • Pyoderma Gangrenosum / therapy*