[Neutrophilic dermatosis and neutrophil disorders. A study of 31 clinical cases]

Neutrophilic diseases are a group of disorders--mainly dermatoses--in which polymorphonuclear neutrophils accumulate in the absence of an identified pathogen. Such neutrophil infiltration can lead to a variety of clinical manifestations, including inflammatory disorders of the digestive tract, and hematological and rheumatological disorders; monoclonal or polyclonal circulating IgA levels are elevated, and the disorders are sensitive to drugs acting on neutrophils. Other disorders associated with neutrophil accumulation do not share these criteria. Non neutrophilic manifestations may also be present, and determine the prognosis. Neutrophilic dermatoses are often chronic and relapsing-remitting. Spontaneous regression occurs in some cases. It is unclear whether these pleomorphic disorders should be grouped together under a single heading In addition, the causes of the neutrophil accumulation are unknown. During the past five years, we have managed 31 patients with neutrophilic dermatoses. Here we describe our findings and review previous reports.