BACKGROUND: the erythrodermic psoriasis (EP) is a rare but severe form of psoriasis that may be potentially life-threatening. AIM: To study the characteristics of this severe form of psoriasis. METHODS: We present a retrospective study, including all cases of EP followed in the dermatology department of the La Rabta hospital of Tunis over a 31-year-period from January, 1980 to June, 2010. RESULTS: sixty patients were included, concerning 46 men and 14 women, with an average age of 53.7. A history of psoriasis was reported in 78 % of the cases. A triggering factor was found in 53 % of the cases. Systemic treatments were required in 55 % of cases. An improvement was noted in 69.4 % of the cases. A recurrence of the EP was observed in 15% of the cases. Three cases of sepicemia and one of stroke were noted. CONCLUSION: Erythrodermic psoriasis is the most common etiology of erythroderma. It represents more than half of severe psoriasis. As shown in our study it affects mainly adults' males. It complicates usually a common psoriasis. Septic and thromboembolic complications ones justify a close follow up.
BACKGROUND: the erythrodermic psoriasis (EP) is a rare but severe form of psoriasis that may be potentially life-threatening. AIM: To study the characteristics of this severe form of psoriasis. METHODS: We present a retrospective study, including all cases of EP followed in the dermatology department of the La Rabta hospital of Tunis over a 31-year-period from January, 1980 to June, 2010. RESULTS: sixty patients were included, concerning 46 men and 14 women, with an average age of 53.7. A history of psoriasis was reported in 78 % of the cases. A triggering factor was found in 53 % of the cases. Systemic treatments were required in 55 % of cases. An improvement was noted in 69.4 % of the cases. A recurrence of the EP was observed in 15% of the cases. Three cases of sepicemia and one of stroke were noted. CONCLUSION:Erythrodermic psoriasis is the most common etiology of erythroderma. It represents more than half of severe psoriasis. As shown in our study it affects mainly adults' males. It complicates usually a common psoriasis. Septic and thromboembolic complications ones justify a close follow up.