Pyoderma gangrenosum and impact on quality of life: A narrative review

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an autoinflammatory disorder typically characterized by progressive ulcers with dense neutrophilic infiltrates in the absence of infectious causes. The chronic nature of this disease significantly impacts the patients' quality of life (QoL). Yet there is currently a dearth of information in the literature regarding standardised treatment guidelines and the impact of PG on patients' QoL. We conducted a literature search on PubMed using the terms "pyoderma gangrenosum" AND "quality of life." We identified nine relevant articles that provide insight into which domains are affected and what treatment can improve QoL. The most common domains involved are physical, emotional, and psychological. Patients tend to feel depressed/anxious, isolated, and embarrassed secondary to PG manifestations. Comorbidities such as Crohn's disease, monoclonal gammopathy of dermatologic significance, and ulcerative colitis can worsen the impact on these patients' QoL. Pain is also a significant contributor to decreasing patients' QoL. Treatments such as topical steroids, adalimumab, and canakinumab may help improve QoL scores. We believe this information can help clinicians guide the care of patients with PG and highlight the need for more studies and clinical trials focusing on PG treatments' impact on QoL.