Bye-Bye, Neutrophils; Bye-Bye, Psoriasis

Adsorptive granulocyte and monocyte apheresis was a safe and effective therapy, suggesting a major role for granulocytes/monocytes in the immunopathogenesis of generalized pustular psoriasis.

Neutrophils form microabscesses in psoriasis vulgaris and frank pustules in pustular psoriasis. Would therapeutic depletion of neutrophils in blood improve the skin of patients with pustular psoriasis?

The authors studied 15 patients with moderate to severe pustular psoriasis resistant to conventional therapies. Leukocytes of myeloid lineage (notably neutrophils and monocytes) were depleted from the blood by circulating the blood extracorporeally through a “filter” of uncoated cellulose acetate beads (apheresis). Each patient was treated once weekly for 5 consecutive weeks.

Fourteen patients completed the 5-week treatment course. Three patients had adverse effects including headache, dizziness, and light-headedness, none serious. Twelve subje…

Reviewing Author

Mark V. Dahl, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Ulthera, Inc.; AuBio LifeSciences, LLC; Paris Therapeutics

Equity Elorac, Inc.; Makucell, Inc.; Paris Therapeutics

Editorial boards UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societiesNational Rosacea Society (Chairman, Medical Board)

Mark V. Dahl, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Ulthera, Inc.; AuBio LifeSciences, LLC; Paris Therapeutics

Equity Elorac, Inc.; Makucell, Inc.; Paris Therapeutics

Editorial boards UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societiesNational Rosacea Society (Chairman, Medical Board)