Malignancy-associated generalised exfoliative dermatitis: A retrospective study in a single-centre Asian cohort

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Oncology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Erythroderma is a severe inflammatory skin condition affecting over 90% of body surface area.
• Malignancy-associated erythroderma (MAE) is a critical concern requiring prompt diagnosis.
• This study investigates MAE prevalence in a cohort with systematic screening efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of malignancy in adult erythroderma patients.
• To assess the effectiveness of systematic malignancy screening in this population.
• To compare MAE occurrence with existing literature.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of adult erythroderma patients (July 2019 - December 2021).
• Data collection included demographics, clinical findings, investigations, and mortality.
• Focus on patients aged 65 and above offered systematic malignancy screening.

Main Results:

• 74 patients analyzed; median age 73 years.
• Underlying dermatoses (eczema, psoriasis) were the most common causes (63 patients).
• Four patients (5.4%) had associated malignancies; prevalence was 7.8% in patients over 65.

Conclusions:

• Our cohort shows a higher MAE occurrence than previously reported.
• Delayed malignancy evaluation can lead to adverse outcomes.
• Systematic malignancy screening is crucial for high-risk groups like elderly erythroderma patients.