Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP): a literature review

Abstract

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a rare drug-induced pustular cutaneous reaction. The clinical course is characteristic with a sudden onset of multiple sterile pustules on an erythemantous base with fever and neutrophilia, followed by a spontaneous resolution within two weeks. Drug-specific T cells play the main role in the pathogenesis, but the exact cytokine cascade and genetic background are yet to be elucidated. Timely and exact recognition is important in order to prevent confusion with infections and psoriasis and hence institution of unnecessary and wrong treatments. The diagnosis may be confirmed by typical history, identification of a culprit drug, histopathology and patch testing. The purpose of this re- view is to present the current knowledge on AGEP and its association with various drugs in the context of a drug