Related Experiment Videos
Recurrence after healing in pyoderma gangrenosum: a prospective registry-based cohort study
Jordan Gillespie1,2, Jaclyn Roland-McGowan1,2, Katelyn Downey1,2
1Oregon Health and Science University, Department of the School of Medicine, Portland, OR, USA.
Eclinicalmedicine
|July 24, 2026
Summary
Pyoderma gangrenosum recurred in 35% of patients, with risk remaining elevated five years post-healing. Peristomal location and diabetes history may increase recurrence risk, suggesting a need for maintenance therapy.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Clinical Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare neutrophilic dermatosis known for potential relapse.
- Real-world recurrence patterns of PG after healing are not well-established.
- Understanding recurrence is crucial for informing clinical practice and future research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate recurrence patterns in patients with pyoderma gangrenosum after initial healing.
- To identify predictors of recurrence and inform clinical management strategies.
- To assess the long-term risk of PG recurrence.
Main Methods:
- A prospective registry of 116 patients with healed pyoderma gangrenosum was analyzed.
- Patients were categorized into healed or recurrent subgroups.
- Descriptive statistics, Kaplan-Meier methods, and Cox proportional hazards modeling were used to analyze recurrence characteristics and predictors.
Main Results:
- 35.3% of patients experienced pyoderma gangrenosum recurrence.
- Cumulative recurrence risk was 27% at 1 year and 41.3% at 5 years.
- History of diabetes mellitus and ever-smoking showed nominal associations with recurrence on univariable analysis.
Conclusions:
- Pyoderma gangrenosum recurrence affects approximately one-third of patients.
- Recurrence risk remains elevated for up to five years post-healing.
- Peristomal PG and history of diabetes may be associated with higher recurrence rates, warranting consideration for maintenance therapy.