HEREDITARY PALMOPLANTAR KERATODERMA, TYPE PAPULOSA, IN CROATIA

Background: Hereditary palmoplantar keratoderma (HPPK), type papulosa, is rare, and epidemiologic data are sporadic and inconsistent. An epi demiologic population study of this disease has not been performed pre viously. Objective: We performed a large population study on prevalenc e of HPPK, type papulosa, in Croatia. Methods: The data were collected from medical records of dermatology departments throughout Croatia; 1 4 patients and their relatives were examined. Histopathologic studies were performed in 11 of these 14 patients. Results: Fifty-five patient s were identified and the prevalence was 1. 1 7 per 100,000 inhabitant s. All 55 patients belonged to 20 different families. An autosomal dom inant mode of inheritance was confirmed in 13 families. All 14 patient s examined by the authors had both palmar and plantar lesions; the vol ar aspects of fingers were also involved. Thickened nails were observe d in four patients, and no significant skin lesions were found elsewhe re. Conclusion: HPPK, type papulosa, is rare, and its prevalence in Cr oatia is about four times lower than HPPK, Unna-Thost type. It should be considered a distinct entity.