Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40586485›Full record

SynthesisThe Australasian journal of dermatology2025

Management Strategies for Generalised Granuloma Annulare: A Systematic Review of Current and Emerging Therapies.

Luca Bettolini, Vincenzo Maione, Andrea Carugno, Giorgio Stabile, Antonio Podo Brunetti, Zeno Fratton, Enzo Errichetti, Nicola Zerbinati, Franco Rongioletti, Piergiacomo Calzavara-Pinton and 2 more

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in The Australasian journal of dermatology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

12 authors.

Luca BettoliniDermatology Department, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4374-802X
Vincenzo MaioneDermatology Department, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0420-5009
Andrea CarugnoDepartment of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8231-2205
Giorgio StabileDepartment of Clinical Dermatology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6935-8145
Antonio Podo BrunettiDepartment of Clinical Dermatology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
Zeno FrattonDepartment of Medicine, Institute of Dermatology, University of Udine, Udine, Italy.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7454-1999
Enzo ErrichettiDepartment of Medicine, Institute of Dermatology, University of Udine, Udine, Italy.
Nicola ZerbinatiDepartment of Medicine and Technology, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.
Franco RongiolettiDepartment of Clinical Dermatology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
Piergiacomo Calzavara-PintonDermatology Department, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0935-7204
Mariateresa RossiDermatology Department, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5101-159X
Stefano BighettiDermatology Department, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0006-2781-6909

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Generalised Granuloma Annulare (GGA) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder with no standard treatment. Since the last review in 2013, new treatments and varied responses have highlighted the need for an updated synthesis to guide clinical decisions. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the epidemiology, comorbidities and treatment outcomes in patients with GGA, synthesising evidence from published studies to provide insights into both conventional and emerging therapeutic strategies. A systematic literature search was conducted in CENTRAL, Embase and PubMed, following PRISMA guidelines. Studies published in English, French or Spanish up to January 15, 2024, were included. Data extraction focused on patient demographics, comorbidities, treatment regimens and therapeutic outcomes. A total of 689 patients were included. The mean age of patients was 52.8 years, with a female predominance (72.6%). Based on this systematic review, we propose a stepwise approach: first-line treatment includes hydroxychloroquine and phototherapy (PUVA > UVA1 > nb-UVB). Oral corticosteroids along with high-potency topical steroids or calcineurin inhibitors may be used in extensive or rapidly progressive disease or as bridging therapy pending slower-acting agents. Sulfones are second-line, with oral retinoids (e.g., isotretinoin) as alternatives if contraindicated. For refractory cases, off-label anti-TNF-α agents or JAK inhibitors are recommended, with methotrexate or cyclosporine as valid alternatives. This largest systematic review of GGA treatments offers an evidence-based clinical framework. While steroids and phototherapy remain standard, emerging options like JAK inhibitors and biologics show promise for refractory cases. Tailored, multimodal strategies may improve outcomes, though further trials are needed to standardise guidelines.

Indexed as

Dermatologic AgentsGranuloma AnnulareAdrenal Cortex HormonesCalcineurin InhibitorsGlucocorticoidsHumansHydroxychloroquineImmunosuppressive AgentsJanus Kinase InhibitorsPUVA TherapyRetinoidsAdrenal Cortex HormonesCalcineurin InhibitorsDermatologic AgentsGlucocorticoidsHydroxychloroquineImmunosuppressive AgentsJanus Kinase InhibitorsRetinoidsdisseminated granuloma annularegeneralised granuloma annularegranuloma annularesystematic reviewtherapy

Identifiers

PMID40586485
PMCPMC12418146

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.