Pyoderma gangrenosum. Abnormal monocyte function corrected in vitro with hydrocortisone

Abstract

A 34-year-old man with chronic active hepatitis and pyoderma gangrenosum demonstrated abnormalities in neutrophil and monocyte function. Monocytes from this man had diminished chemotaxis and bacterial phagocytosis. These functions were significantly improved in vitro after one hour of incubation of monocytes with 10(-5) hydrocortisone. Neutrophil function was nornal for bactericidal activity and phagocytosis, but neutrophil chemotaxis was diminished. A plasma inhibitor was not found to explain these phagocyte alterations.

Pyoderma gangrenosum-like skin changes after subcutaneous administration of low molecular weight heparin

“…[8][9][10] Occurrence of skin changes of PG features is considered to be associated with cellular immunity disorders. 11,12 Heparin reveals an immune-modulating and immunotherapeutic activity with regards to cellular and humoral immunity, 13-17 similar as the above-mentioned interferon and this mechanism could have been probably a cause of the PG-like skin changes found in the presented patient. An effective and quick reaction to treatment with cyclosporine additionally supports this mechanism.…”

Idiopathic pyoderma gangrenosum and impaired lymphocyte function: failure of azathioprine and corticosteroid therapy

“…phagocytosis was reduced. Defective phagocytosis in pyoderma gangrenosum has been previously noted by Michaelsson et al (1976), Beurey et al {1977), Brandt et al (1977), Norris et al (1978) and Holt et al (1980). Cutaneous anergy, present in our patient, has been reported by many groups (Delesctuse, De Bast and Achten, 1972;Lazarus et al, 1972;Arala-Chaves, Proen?a & De Sousa, 1974;Stolman et al, 1975;Michaelsson et al, 1976;Clayton, Feiwel & Valdimarsson, 1977).…”

Active chronic hepatitis and pyoderma gangrenosum: report of a case

“…Histology shows a dual infiltrate of lymphocytes and histiocytes in the dermis, and the dermal capillaries show oedema and cuffing with a fibrin-like material. However, to our knowledge, pyoderma gangrenosum had not been described in patients with active chronic hepatitis until recent reports from Byrne, Hewitt & Summerly (1976) and Norris et al (1978)-Pyoderma gangrenosum has been reported in association with several other conditions including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, paraproteinaemia and leukaemia. There is speculation as to the exact pathogenesis of the cutaneous changes, but whatever the direct cause of the lesions there is usually evidence of associated immunological abnormality.…”