Neutrophil granulocyte function in pustulosis palmoplantaris.

The phagocytic bactericidal capacity of circulating neutrophilic granulocytes was estimated in 22 patients with pustulosis palmoplantaris (PPP). The control group comprised 100 healthy individuals. Leukocytes from the patients had a statistically significant reduced capacity to kill Staph. aureus in autologous as well as in AB serum. Leukocyte killing of E. coli was not reduced. Serum levels of total hemolytic complement, C3, C4 and neutrophil myeloperoxidase activity were normal. The findings suggest an intrinsic or cellular defect of circulating neutrophil granulocytes in patients with PPP.