Early-Onset Generalized Pustular Psoriasis of Pregnancy Following Hydroxychloroquine Use

Abstract

Generalized pustular psoriasis of pregnancy (GPPP), characterized by widespread sterile pustules and erythematous patches with systemic symptoms such as fever, is a rare form of pustular psoriasis. GPPP typically occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy and can be triggered by various factors such as infections, hypocalcemia, and drugs including N-butyl-scopolammonium bromide. We report a rare case of new-onset GPPP in a 33-year-old multigravida female at 17 weeks’ gestation, which occurred earlier than usual, after taking hydroxychloroquine for 3 weeks to treat systemic lupus erythematosus. She stopped her medications and was treated with systemic corticosteroid, but without improvement. Her medication was changed to systemic cyclosporine; her skin lesions improved, which completely resolved after delivery. This is the first case of GPPP developed following hydroxychloroquine use for systemic lupus erythematosus, which occurred earlier than usual and completely resolved after delivery. This case demonstrates that hydroxychloroquine can induce GPPP before the third trimester of pregnancy.