{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: [Dermatoses and herpes superinfection: A retrospective study of 34 cases].
{Author}: Seta V;Fichel F;Méritet JF;Bouam S;Franck N;Avril MF;Dupin N;
{Journal}: Ann Dermatol Venereol
{Volume}: 144
{Issue}: 3
{Year}: Mar 2017
{Factor}: 0.934
{DOI}: 10.1016/j.annder.2017.01.011
{Abstract}: BACKGROUND: Although varicelliform Kaposi eruption is a well-known complication of dermatoses, it has not been widely investigated.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate features of dermatoses and herpes superinfection in patients hospitalized in a dermatology department.
METHODS: We performed a single-centre, retrospective study between 2008 and 2014 that included cases of Kaposi varicelliform eruptions defined by positive PCR of an unconventional site of herpetic recurrence in a setting of active dermatitis. A record was compiled of each case giving details of the history, clinical and laboratory findings, therapeutic data and outcome.
RESULTS: Thirty-four cases of Kaposi varicelliform eruptions in 30 subjects were studied. Mean age at diagnosis was 63.3±24.2 years. The underlying dermatoses were as follows: 7 pemphigus, 6 bullous pemphigoid, 3 cicatricial pemphigoid, 3 atopic dermatitis, 1 Darier disease, and 14 other dermatoses. Patients presented with skin (94.1 %) or mucous membrane lesions (62 %), mostly erosive (79 %), vesicular (27 %) or bullous (41 %), often painful (56 %) or pruritic (29 %). At diagnosis, 41.2 % were undergoing systemic immunotherapy and 24 % were on topical corticosteroids. PCR was positive for HSV1 in 20 cases and for HSV2 in 4 cases, and indeterminate in 10 cases. Lymphocytopenia was seen in 59 % of cases. The majority of patients received treatment. Nine patients experienced at least one relapse.
CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms the over-representation not only of the expected dermatoses (pemphigus and atopic dermatitis), but also of others such as pemphigoid and acute dermatoses; these results should be investigated in a more systematic prospective study.