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Chow KW, Sweis JJG, Alawneh D, Jetanalin P, Ascoli C, Kuschel S, Hoyer S, Braniecki M, Sweiss N. Bullous Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Successfully Treated With Intravenous Immunoglobulin and Mycophenolate Mofetil. Cureus 2023; 15:e45800. [PMID: 37876389 PMCID: PMC10590829 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.45800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Bullous systemic lupus erythematosus (BSLE) is a rare autoimmune blistering disorder of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) that typically manifests as an acute vesiculobullous eruption in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Also, it can rarely present as the initial clinical manifestation of SLE. There is no established US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) therapy for BSLE. We report a case of a 71-year-old Hispanic woman with SLE and lupus nephritis classes III and V who presented to the hospital with a worsening rash with painful, ruptured blisters involving the upper arms, chest, and back. Our patient did not respond to topical or systemic steroids but improved rapidly to combination therapy with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin W Chow
- Internal Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | | | - Diala Alawneh
- Rheumatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Pim Jetanalin
- Rheumatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Christian Ascoli
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | | | - Sheryl Hoyer
- Dermatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | | | - Nadera Sweiss
- Rheumatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, USA
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Sprow G, Afarideh M, Dan J, Hedberg ML, Werth VP. Bullous systemic lupus erythematosus in females. Int J Womens Dermatol 2022; 8:e034. [PMID: 35923586 PMCID: PMC9324630 DOI: 10.1097/jw9.0000000000000034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Bullous systemic lupus erythematosus (BSLE) is a rare blistering presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus, typically affecting women with the highest incidence in those of African descent. The key pathogenic insult includes the formation of autoantibodies against type VII collagen, which weaken the basement membrane zone and lead to the formation of subepidermal blisters. The acute vesiculobullous eruptions in BSLE generally tend to affect photo-distributed areas, although they can arise unrelated to sun exposure (eg, mucous membranes, axillae). The bullae can arise from erythematous macules, inflammatory plaques, or previously normal skin. Their appearance can range from small, grouped vesicles reminiscent of lesions in dermatitis herpetiformis to large, tense blisters, similar to bullous pemphigoid. Internal organ involvement occurs in up to 90% of those affected. This mostly includes lupus nephritis (classes III–V, lifetime prevalence of up to 90%), arthralgias/arthritis, and cytopenias, while serositis and neuropsychiatric involvement are rare. First-line management with dapsone should be considered in mild disease with stable underlying systemic lupus erythematosus. As discussed in this review, the off-label use of rituximab (an anti-CD20 B-cell depleting agent) has been shown to be safe and effective in several refractory cases of BSLE unresponsive to dapsone, glucocorticoids, or steroid-sparing immunosuppressants.
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Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita. An Bras Dermatol 2022; 97:409-423. [PMID: 35701269 PMCID: PMC9263658 DOI: 10.1016/j.abd.2021.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita is a rare autoimmune disease, characterized by the synthesis of anti-collagen VII autoantibodies, the main component of hemidesmosome anchoring fibrils. The antigen-antibody binding elicits a complex inflammatory response, which culminates in the loss of dermo-epidermal adhesion of the skin and/or mucous membranes. Skin fragility with bullae, erosions, and milia in areas of trauma characterizes the mechanobullous form of the disease. In the inflammatory form of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, urticarial inflammatory plaques with tense bullae, similar to bullous pemphigoid, or mucosal lesions can determine permanent scars and loss of functionality in the ocular, oral, esophageal, and urogenital regions. Due to the similarity of the clinical findings of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita with other diseases of the pemphigoid group and with porphyria cutanea tarda, the diagnosis is currently confirmed mainly based on the clinical correlation with histopathological findings (pauci-inflammatory subepidermal cleavage or with a neutrophilic infiltrate) and the demonstration of the presence of anti-collagen VII IgG in situ by direct immunofluorescence, or circulating anti-collagen VII IgG through indirect immunofluorescence and/or ELISA. There is no specific therapy for epidermolysis bullosa acquisita and the response to treatment is variable, usually with complete remission in children and a worse prognosis in adults with mucosal involvement. Systemic corticosteroids and immunomodulators (colchicine and dapsone) are alternatives for the treatment of mild forms of the disease, while severe forms require the use of corticosteroid therapy associated with immunosuppressants, intravenous immunoglobulin, and rituximab.
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Brückner C, Lehmann C, Dudziak D, Nimmerjahn F. Sweet SIGNs: IgG glycosylation leads the way in IVIG-mediated resolution of inflammation. Int Immunol 2019; 29:499-509. [PMID: 29300958 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxx053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
A hallmark of many chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases is that there is an impaired resolution of inflammation and return to the steady state. The infusion of high doses of pooled serum IgG preparations from thousands of donors [intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy] has been shown to induce resolution of inflammation in a variety of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, suggesting that IgG molecules can instruct the immune system to stop inflammatory processes and initiate the return to the steady state. The aim of this review is to discuss how insights into the mechanism of IVIG activity may help to understand the molecular and cellular pathways underlying resolution of inflammation. We will put a special emphasis on pathways dependent on the IgG FC domain and IgG sialylation, as several recent studies have provided new insights into how this glycosylation-dependent pathway modulates innate and adaptive immune responses through different sets of C-type or I-type lectins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christin Brückner
- Chair of Genetics, Department of Biology, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen Nürnberg (FAU), Germany
| | - Christian Lehmann
- Department of Dermatology, Laboratory of Dendritic Cell Biology, University Hospital Erlangen, Germany
| | - Diana Dudziak
- Department of Dermatology, Laboratory of Dendritic Cell Biology, University Hospital Erlangen, Germany.,Medical Immunology Campus Erlangen, Germany
| | - Falk Nimmerjahn
- Chair of Genetics, Department of Biology, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen Nürnberg (FAU), Germany.,Medical Immunology Campus Erlangen, Germany
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Koga H, Prost-Squarcioni C, Iwata H, Jonkman MF, Ludwig RJ, Bieber K. Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita: The 2019 Update. Front Med (Lausanne) 2019; 5:362. [PMID: 30687710 PMCID: PMC6335340 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2018.00362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) is an orphan autoimmune disease. Patients with EBA suffer from chronic inflammation as well as blistering and scarring of the skin and mucous membranes. Current treatment options rely on non-specific immunosuppression, which in many cases, does not lead to a remission of treatment. Hence, novel treatment options are urgently needed for the care of EBA patients. During the past decade, decisive clinical observations, and frequent use of pre-clinical model systems have tremendously increased our understanding of EBA pathogenesis. Herein, we review all of the aspects of EBA, starting with a detailed description of epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and current treatment options. Of note, pattern analysis via direct immunofluorescence microscopy of a perilesional skin lesion and novel serological test systems have significantly facilitated diagnosis of the disease. Next, a state-of the art review of the current understanding of EBA pathogenesis, emerging treatments and future perspectives is provided. Based on pre-clinical model systems, cytokines and kinases are among the most promising therapeutic targets, whereas high doses of IgG (IVIG) and the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab are among the most promising "established" EBA therapeutics. We also aim to raise awareness of EBA, as well as initiate basic and clinical research in this field, to further improve the already improved but still unsatisfactory conditions for those diagnosed with this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Koga
- Department of Dermatology, Kurume University School of Medicine, and Kurume University Institute of Cutaneous Cell Biology, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Catherine Prost-Squarcioni
- Department of Dermatology, APHP, Avicenne Hospital, Referral Center for Autoimmune Bullous Diseases, Bobigny, France
| | - Hiroaki Iwata
- Department of Dermatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Marcel F Jonkman
- Department of Dermatology, Center for Blistering Diseases, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Ralf J Ludwig
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Katja Bieber
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
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Abstracts Presented at the 20th Joint Meeting of the International Society of Dermatopathology, March 1–2, 2017, Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista in the Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA. Am J Dermatopathol 2017. [DOI: 10.1097/dad.0000000000000911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Although diagnosis may be challenging, bullous systemic lupus erythematosus can be effectively managed with the limited therapies available. DRUGS & THERAPY PERSPECTIVES 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s40267-015-0194-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Bullous systemic lupus erythematosus: a review and update to diagnosis and treatment. Am J Clin Dermatol 2014; 15:517-24. [PMID: 25358414 DOI: 10.1007/s40257-014-0098-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Bullous systemic lupus erythematosus (BSLE) is a rare cutaneous complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is a heterogeneous disease that is caused by autoantibodies to the dermoepidermal junction, mainly type VII collagen. Similarities in histology and immunopathology exist between BSLE and other primary bullous dermatoses, namely dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) and epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA), respectively. EBA and BSLE commonly share the same autoantibody to type VII collagen and heterogeneous clinical presentations, creating a diagnostic challenge. However, clinical presentation combined with histology, immunological testing, and concomitant diagnosis of SLE distinguish this entity from other similar dermatoses. Diagnosis of this disease is important given its coexistence with SLE and its many complications. New developments in IgG subtyping have shown subtle variations in IgG subtypes between EBA and BSLE. In addition, rituximab was recently found to be efficacious in recalcitrant cases of BSLE that do not respond to dapsone and immunosuppressants. We review the topic of BSLE with emphasis on clinical, histologic, and immunopathologic features, as well as new methods of diagnosis and treatment.
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