Characteristics of co-existing psoriatic plaques in generalized pustular psoriasis patients with or without IL36RN mutation

Fewer than 5% patients with generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) have clear or almost clear skin between GPP flare and 31 ~ 78% of patients present with co-existing psoriasis plaques. The erythema, thickness and scaling of co-existing psoriasis plaques in patients with GPP were assessed by two independent dermatologists who were unknown of IL36RN mutation status. Twenty IL36RN c.115 + 6T > C mutation positive patients and 20 mutation negative patients were included for paired analysis. We found that compared with IL36RN mutation negative group, more IL36RN mutation positive patients had erythema or thickness subscore ≦ 2 (p = 0.0407, 0.0202). The clinical, therapeutical and pathophysiological implications of the findings remain to be studied.