TREATMENT OF PYODERMA-GANGRENOSUM WITH CULTURED KERATINOCYTE AUTOGRAFTS

BACKGROUND. Pyoderma gangrenosum is an uncommon chronic skin disease c haracterized by rapidly enlarging cutaneous ulcers. Immunosuppressive agents, such as corticosteroids, are the mainstay of therapy. OBJECTIV E. We describe a patient with pyoderma gangrenosum treated with cultur ed keratinocyte autografts for a full-thickness ulcer located on the d orsal and lateral aspects of the foot. METHODS. After stabilizing the ulcer with intralesional and systemic corticosteroids, the ulcer was d ebrided and cultured keratinocyte autografts were secured with nylon m esh. An outer dressing of gauze and elastic bandage was used.RESULTS. The patient had > 95% ''take'' of the grafts and the ulcer was fully h ealed in less than 1 month. The grafted area preserved the clinical ph enotype of the palmar skin from which the original biopsy was taken. C ONCLUSION. Cultured keratinocyte autografts can provide permanent woun d coverage for patients on high doses of immunosuppressive medications .