GM-CSF contributes to prompt healing of ecthyma gangrenosum lesions in kidney transplant recipient.

BACKGROUND: Ecthyma gangrenosum (EG) is an unusual, potentially fatal cutaneous disease, commonly associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa septicemia.

CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 61-year-old man admitted to the Nephrology Department for fever, leukopenia and inguinal and scrotal painful lesions. Physical examination revealed inguinal and scrotal macules, nodules, blisters and ulcers with central necrosis. P. aeruginosa was isolated from an ulcer. EG was diagnosed. Because of the severe leukopenia, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) was administered until the white blood cell count significantly increased. Based on antibiogram, intravenous ceftazidime and teicoplanin were given for 11 days. Cutaneous manifestations were completely healed in about 2 months.

CONCLUSION: We suggest that the combination of GM-CSF with appropriate antibiotics can resolve EG and avoid or minimize the risk of septicemia in immunosuppressed patients.