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 | Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis |
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AGEP - description
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Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis (AGEP) is a reaction mostly caused by drugs which is characterized by the following features: - acute ocurrence of dozens to hundreds (to thousends) of sterile, non-follicular, pinhead-sized pustules - these arise on an edematous erythema - the lesions are often accentuated in the main folds (although more disseminated patterns with more circinate lesions exist) - other types of lesions may be present: marked edema of the face, purpura lesions (especially on the legs), Stevens-Johnson-syndrome-like "atypical targets", blisters and vesicles described, but not typical for AGEP. Mucous membrane involvement may occur in about 20% of the cases but usually is mild and remains limited to one location (mostly oral). - after resolution of pustules a characteristic collarette-like postpustular desquamation can be seen.
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AGEP - associated symptoms
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Systemic symptoms and laboratory findings most often associated with AGEP are:
- fever - elevated blood neutrophil counts
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AGEP - course of the disease
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AGEP evolves quite rapidly. After withdrawal of the causative drug resolution usually takes place within a few days without specific treatment.
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