[Clinical analysis of 82 cases of generalized pustular psoriasis]

To analyze clinical features, laboratory tests, treatment and prognosis for patients with generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP).
 Methods: Clinical data of 82 patients with GPP (16 cases of children, 66 cases of adults) from the Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University were retrospectively analyzed.
 Results: Among the GPP patients, the male to female ratio was 1:1.1. Average age of onset in patients without history of psoriasis vulgaris (GPPPSO-) was earlier than that of patients with history of psoriasis vulgaris (GPPPSO+)[(25.5±21.2) years vs (32.7±18.0) years]. The average day of hospitalization in GPPPSO- group was longer than that in GPPPSO+ group [(12.1±6.7) days vs (11.6±10.2) days]. The transformation time from psoriasis vulgaris to GPP was (77.8±71.9) months. Infection (33.3%) and drugs (33.3%) were the main etiological factors in children with GPP. In adults with GPP, 75.0% of GPPPSO+ patients were caused by infection, but 41.7% of GPPPSO- patients were caused by drugs. Acitretin had favorable effect in the treatment of GPP.
 Conclusion: The clinical features of GPP in children and adults are different. Acitretin could be considered as a first-line therapy for GPP in children and adults, but corticosteroid should be used cautiously.