Generalized pustular psoriasis following allogeneic stem cell transplantation

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Dermatology
• Immunology

Background:

• Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) can lead to various complications.
• Psoriasis development post-SCT is exceptionally rare, with limited prior reports.
• Distinguishing new-onset psoriasis from psoriasiform graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is clinically important.

Observation:

• A 9-year-old boy developed generalized pustular psoriasis two months after SCT.
• The SCT was from an HLA-identical sibling donor with no personal history of psoriasis.
• Clinical presentation and skin biopsies confirmed psoriasis and excluded GvHD.

Findings:

• The patient's psoriasis responded favorably to acitretin treatment.
• Histopathology is crucial for differentiating post-SCT psoriasis from GvHD.
• This case expands the understanding of rare SCT complications.

Implications:

• Psoriasis should be included in the differential diagnosis for skin rashes occurring after SCT.
• Early and accurate diagnosis can guide appropriate therapeutic strategies.
• Further research may elucidate the mechanisms underlying psoriasis development post-SCT.