1
|
Spałek MM, Bowszyc-Dmochowska M, Dmochowski M. Intravenous Immunoglobulin for Autoimmune Bullous Diseases: A Case Series from a Central European Referral Center. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1265. [PMID: 37512078 PMCID: PMC10385677 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59071265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Autoimmune bullous diseases (AIBDs) may be treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) infusions. This study aimed to evaluate the benefits and safety profiles of high-dose IVIG therapy in AIBD patients, as determined by clinical remission, the glucocorticosteroid-sparing effect, and adverse events at 12 months follow-up in a Central European university dermatology department setting. Materials and Methods: Our case series included 10 patients: five patients with pemphigus vulgaris, one with pemphigus herpetiformis, one with pemphigus foliaceus, one with bullous pemphigoid, two with epidermolysis bullosa acquisita. They underwent 4-12 monthly cycles of IVIG therapy at a dose of 2 g/kg per cycle. Results: The prednisone dosage reduction after 2, 6, and 12 months following the final IVIG course was 65.45%, 70.91%, and 76.37%, respectively. During the 12-month observation period, disease relapse was observed in 20% of patients, while others achieved complete or partial remission without or with minimal therapy. Side effects were seen in 80% of patients; they were transient and did not necessitate discontinuation of IVIG. Conclusions: IVIG demonstrates effectiveness as a treatment with a favorable safety profile. Nevertheless, its high cost remains a significant drawback, particularly in low-income countries. IVIG should be considered, especially in patients opposed to standard therapies or with contraindications to their use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Marek Spałek
- Autoimmune Blistering Dermatoses Section, Department of Dermatology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznan, Poland
| | - Monika Bowszyc-Dmochowska
- Cutaneous Histopathology and Immunopathology Section, Department of Dermatology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznan, Poland
| | - Marian Dmochowski
- Autoimmune Blistering Dermatoses Section, Department of Dermatology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznan, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Iwata H, Vorobyev A, Koga H, Recke A, Zillikens D, Prost-Squarcioni C, Ishii N, Hashimoto T, Ludwig RJ. Meta-analysis of the clinical and immunopathological characteristics and treatment outcomes in epidermolysis bullosa acquisita patients. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2018; 13:153. [PMID: 30180870 PMCID: PMC6122731 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-018-0896-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) is an orphan autoimmune disease. Several clinical phenotypes have been described, but subepidermal blistering is characteristic of all variants. Limited data on clinical and immunopathological characteristics and treatment outcomes in EBA are available. To fill this gap, we collected this information from EBA cases, meeting current diagnostic criteria, published between 1971 and 2016. Results We identified 1159 EBA cases. This number must be, however, interpreted with caution, as it is not possible to check for multiple reporting. The analysis of all cases indicated that EBA affects all age groups (median: 50 years, range: 1 to 94 years) at an equal gender distribution. Non-mechanobullous (non-MB) forms of EBA were observed in 55% of patients, whereas the mechanobullous variant (MB-EBA) or a combination of both variants was described in 38 or 7% of patients, respectively. Type VII collagen (COL7)-specific autoantibodies were primarily of the IgG isotype, but anti-COL7 IgA, IgM and IgE were also documented. Comparison of the 2 clinical EBA types showed a higher frequency of IgA deposits in non-MB EBA as opposed to MB EBA. Mucous membrane involvement was observed in 23% of patients, and 4.4% of cases were associated with other chronic inflammatory diseases. Of note, IgA deposits were more frequently observed in cases with mucous membrane involvement. Our analysis indicated that EBA is difficult to treat and that the choice of treatment varies widely. Chi square was applied to identify medications associated with complete remission (CR). Considering all EBA cases, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG, p = 0.0047) and rituximab (p = 0.0114) were associated with CR. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that no treatment was associated with CR for non-MB EBA, while IVIG (p = 0.003) was associated with CR in MB EBA. Conclusions Within the limitations of the study, we here document the clinical and immunopathological characteristics and treatment outcomes in a large cohort of EBA patients. The observed associations of single drugs with treatment outcome may serve as a guide to develop clinical trials. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13023-018-0896-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Iwata
- Department of Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, D-23538, Lübeck, Germany.,Present address: Department of Dermatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Artem Vorobyev
- Department of Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, D-23538, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Hiroshi Koga
- Department of Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, D-23538, Lübeck, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, Kurume University School of Medicine, and Kurume University Institute of Cutaneous Cell Biology, Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Andreas Recke
- Department of Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, D-23538, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Detlef Zillikens
- Department of Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, D-23538, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Catherine Prost-Squarcioni
- Referral center for auto-immune bullous diseases, Department of Dermatology, APHP, Avicenne Hospital, Bobigny, France
| | - Norito Ishii
- Department of Dermatology, Kurume University School of Medicine, and Kurume University Institute of Cutaneous Cell Biology, Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takashi Hashimoto
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ralf J Ludwig
- Department of Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, D-23538, Lübeck, Germany. .,Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tavakolpour S. The role of intravenous immunoglobulin in treatment of mucous membrane pemphigoid: A review of literature. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN MEDICAL SCIENCES : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF ISFAHAN UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2016; 21:37. [PMID: 27904583 PMCID: PMC5122191 DOI: 10.4103/1735-1995.183992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Revised: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) is considered an autoimmune blistering disease that predominantly affects mucous membranes. Various treatments are available for controlling the diseases, but not all of them may respond. MATERIALS AND METHODS PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for all the associated studies until 2015, using the keywords such as "cicatricial pemphigoid" or "ocular pemphigoid" or "mucous membrane pemphigoid" or "MMP" and "intravenous immunoglobulin" or "IVIg" to find all the relevant studies. The last search update was for September 2, 2015. Among the searched items, only English studies were included in the review. RESULTS After excluding nonrelevant studies, 13 studies with a total number of seventy patients with MMP who were under treatment with IVIg were analyzed. The 65 patients responded completely, one did not respond, two had partially responded, and the remaining two patients stopped IVIg therapy, which resulted in ocular cicatricial pemphigoid progression. Majority of the studies reported mild adverse effects while two of them did not report any unwanted side effect. The most common side effect was headache, followed by nausea. Most of the patients who had a cessation of IVIg therapy before achieving clinical remission experienced the disease progression. CONCLUSION Overall, it can be concluded that IVIg therapy was very helpful in treatment of MMP patients who did not respond to conventional therapy or stopped using them for various side effects. Adverse effects associated with IVIg therapy were considerably lower than conventional therapy that can lead toward treatment with this agent in patients who suffer from severe side effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soheil Tavakolpour
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Skin Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chen M, Kim GH, Prakash L, Woodley DT. Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita: autoimmunity to anchoring fibril collagen. Autoimmunity 2012; 45:91-101. [PMID: 21955050 PMCID: PMC3411315 DOI: 10.3109/08916934.2011.606450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) is a rare and acquired autoimmune subepidermal bullous disease of skin and mucosa. EBA includes various distinct clinical manifestations resembling genetic dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB), Bullous pemphigus, Brunsting-Perry pemphigoid, or cicatricial pemphigoid. These patients have autoantibodies against type VII collagen (C7), an integral component of anchoring fibrils (AFs), which are responsible for attaching the dermis to the epidermis. Destruction or perturbation of the normal functioning AFs clinically results in skin fragility, blisters, erosions, scars, milia, and nail loss, all features reminiscent of genetic dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. These anti-C7 antibodies are "pathogenic" because when injected into a mouse, the mouse develops an EBA-like blistering disease. Currently, treatment is often unsatisfactory; however, some success has been achieved with colchicine, dapsone, photopheresis, plasmapheresis, infliximab, rituximab, and IVIG.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mei Chen
- Department of Dermatology, The Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) is a rare, acquired, chronic subepidermal bullous disease of the skin and mucosa characterized by autoantibodies to type VII collagen (C7) structures, a major component of anchoring fibrils, which attach the epidermis to the dermis. EBA patients have tissue-bound and circulating antitype C7 autoantibodies that attack type C7 and result in a reduction or perturbation of normally functioning anchoring fibrils. Patients with EBA have skin fragility, blisters, erosions, scars, milia, and nail loss, all features reminiscent of genetic dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. These immunoglobulin G antitype C7 antibodies are pathogenic, because when they are injected into mice, the mice develop an EBA-like blistering disease. In addition to the classical mechanobullous presentation, EBA also has several other distinct clinical syndromes similar to bullous pemphigoid, Brunsting-Perry pemphigoid, or cicatricial pemphigoid. Although treatment for EBA is often unsatisfactory, some therapeutic success has been achieved with colchicine, dapsone, plasmapheresis, photopheresis, infliximab, and intravenous immunoglobulin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rishu Gupta
- Department of Dermatology, The Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Czernik A, Toosi S, Bystryn JC, Grando SA. Intravenous immunoglobulin in the treatment of autoimmune bullous dermatoses: an update. Autoimmunity 2011; 45:111-8. [PMID: 21923613 DOI: 10.3109/08916934.2011.606452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
High-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is being increasingly utilized as an off-label therapy for a variety of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions across various specialties. Numerous reports have shown that it is an effective treatment for autoimmune skin blistering disorders. Unlike most therapies for blistering disorders, IVIg is not immunosuppressive and has a favorable side effect profile. This has allowed its use to expand dramatically over the last decade. However, due to the rarity and severity of autoimmune skin blistering diseases, well-designed prospective trials are generally lacking. This work highlights major research developments and the best evidence to date regarding the treatment of autoimmune pemphigus, bullous pemphigoid, mucous membrane pemphigoid, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, pemphigoid gestationis, and linear IgA dermatosis with IVIg, providing an update on its efficacy, proposed mechanisms of action, side effect profile, and indications for use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annette Czernik
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-2400, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ahmed AR, Gürcan HM. Treatment of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita with intravenous immunoglobulin in patients non-responsive to conventional therapy: clinical outcome and post-treatment long-term follow-up. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2011; 26:1074-83. [PMID: 21819451 DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2011.04205.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) is a chronic subepidermal blistering disease that is caused by antibodies binding to type VII collagen within anchoring fibrils. It is rare disease with an incidence of 0.25 cases per 1,000,000 population. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to report the treatment outcomes with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy in 10 patients with severe and widespread EBA non-responsive to conventional therapy. METHODS Patients were treated according to a protocol published in a Consensus Statement to treat autoimmune mucocutaneous blistering diseases, including EBA with IVIg. A dose of 2 g/kg/cycle was used. RESULTS Ten patients: four males and six females, all were North American Caucasian. The age at onset varied from 37 to 75 years (mean 57.4). A satisfactory clinical response was observed in all 10 patients. The patients received 16-31 cycles (mean 23.1) of IVIg over a period of 30-52 months (mean 38.8). Once IVIg was initiated, earlier drugs (prednisone, dapsone and others) were gradually withdrawn over a 5-9 month period (mean 7.2). Thereafter, IVIg was used as monotherapy. No serious side-effects were observed. The follow-up period since discontinuation of IVIg varied from 29 to 123 months (mean 53.9). During this follow-up period, recurrence of disease was not observed. CONCLUSION The data suggest that IVIg can produce a long-term sustained clinical remission in patients with EBA. In the patients, of this study concomitant therapy could be discontinued and IVIg was used as monotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A R Ahmed
- Center for Blistering Diseases, Boston, MA, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Le Roux-Villet C, Prost-Squarcioni C. L’épidermolyse bulleuse acquise : revue de la littérature. Ann Dermatol Venereol 2011; 138:228-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annder.2011.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2011] [Accepted: 01/13/2011] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
|
10
|
Gürcan HM, Ahmed AR. Current concepts in the treatment of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2011; 12:1259-68. [DOI: 10.1517/14656566.2011.549127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
|
11
|
High-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy in autoimmune skin blistering diseases. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2010; 38:186-95. [PMID: 19557317 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-009-8153-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Treatment of autoimmune bullous skin diseases can often be challenging and primarily consists of systemic corticosteroids and a variety of immunosuppressants. Current treatment strategies are effective in most cases but hampered by the side effects of long-term immunosuppressive treatment. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is one potential promising therapy for patients with autoimmune bullous skin diseases, and evidence of its effectiveness and safety is increasing. A number of autoimmune bullous skin diseases have been identified in which IVIG treatment may be beneficial. However, experience with IVIG in patients with autoimmune skin blistering disease is limited, where it is recommended for patients not responding to conventional therapy. The mode of action of IVIG in autoimmune diseases, including bullous diseases is far from being completely understood. We here summarize the clinical evidence supporting the notion, that IVIG is a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of patients with autoimmune bullous skin disease. In addition, we review the proposed modes of action. In the future, randomized controlled trials are necessary to better determine the efficacy and adverse effects of IVIG in the treatment of autoimmune bullous skin diseases. In addition, insights into IVIG's mode of action might enable us to develop novel therapeutics to overcome the current shortage of IVIG.
Collapse
|
12
|
ISHII N, HAMADA T, DAINICHI T, KARASHIMA T, NAKAMA T, YASUMOTO S, ZILLIKENS D, HASHIMOTO T. Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita: What’s new? J Dermatol 2010; 37:220-30. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1346-8138.2009.00799.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
13
|
Lo Russo L, Fedele S, Guiglia R, Ciavarella D, Lo Muzio L, Gallo P, Di Liberto C, Campisi G. Diagnostic Pathways and Clinical Significance of Desquamative Gingivitis. J Periodontol 2008; 79:4-24. [DOI: 10.1902/jop.2008.070231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
14
|
Mydlarski PR, Ho V, Shear NH. Canadian consensus statement on the use of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy in dermatology. J Cutan Med Surg 2007; 10:205-21. [PMID: 17234104 DOI: 10.2310/7750.2006.00048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a safe, well-tolerated, and potentially beneficial therapy, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has been increasingly used by dermatologists to treat immune-mediated skin disease. However, practical and comprehensive guidelines for the use of IVIG have yet to be established. OBJECTIVE To develop the first Canadian consensus statement on the use of IVIG therapy in skin disease. METHODS A group of Canadian dermatologists convened to discuss current issues in IVIG therapy. The participants reviewed and evaluated the literature and shared clinical experience. Using a modified Delphi process, a consensus statement was developed. RESULTS Herein we provide a brief overview of pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus foliaceus, bullous pemphigoid, mucous membrane pemphigoid, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Recommendations for the management of these diseases are detailed, and therapeutic algorithms for the treatment of various autoimmune mucocutaneous blistering diseases are presented. The appropriate use of IVIG therapy is placed in context for each disease. CONCLUSION Although preliminary data suggest that IVIG is a safe and effective therapy for many skin disorders, uncontrolled clinical trials, case series, and anecdotal case reports dominate the literature. Collaborative randomized controlled trials are required to firmly establish the role of IVIG in dermatology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Régine Mydlarski
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Segura S, Iranzo P, Martínez-de Pablo I, Mascaró JM, Alsina M, Herrero J, Herrero C. High-dose intravenous immunoglobulins for the treatment of autoimmune mucocutaneous blistering diseases: evaluation of its use in 19 cases. J Am Acad Dermatol 2007; 56:960-7. [PMID: 17368865 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2006.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2006] [Revised: 05/05/2006] [Accepted: 06/14/2006] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mainstay of therapy of autoimmune mucocutaneous blistering diseases has been prolonged high-dose systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents. Recently, high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) has been employed in selected cases, with excellent results in most of them. OBJECTIVE We sought to evaluate the outcome of the use of IVIg in patients with autoimmune mucocutaneous blistering diseases refractory to conventional therapy or with contraindications for it. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of clinical response to monthly cycles of IVIg in 19 patients affected with autoimmune mucocutaneous blistering diseases: 10 patients with pemphigus vulgaris (PV), 2 with pemphigus foliaceus (PF), 4 with mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP), 2 with epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, and one with linear IgA bullous dermatosis. RESULTS Four (21%) of 19 cases presented a complete response (2 PV, 1 MMP and 1 epidermolysis bullosa acquisita). Five (26%) patients did not respond to the treatment (3 PV, 1 PF, 1 MMP). Ten patients (53%) had a partial response. LIMITATIONS This was a retrospective noncontrolled study with a heterogeneous group of patients. CONCLUSION The effectiveness of IVIg was inferior to that previously reported. This difference could be attributed to the preparations employed, the different severity of the disease, or individual responses in each patient dependent on Fc receptor gamma polymorphisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Segura
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Campos Domínguez M, Suárez Fernández R, Lázaro Ochaita P. Métodos diagnósticos en las enfermedades ampollosas subepidérmicas autoinmunes. ACTAS DERMO-SIFILIOGRAFICAS 2006; 97:485-502. [PMID: 17067526 DOI: 10.1016/s0001-7310(06)73450-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
There is considerable clinical and histological overlap among the subepidermal autoimmune bullous diseases. The knowledge at the molecular level of the dermo-epidermal junction is essential to understand this group of diseases. The immune-based techniques have contributed to increase the knowledge of these entities and have been progressively incorporated into clinical practice. In this review of the diagnostic methods of subepidermal autoimmune bullous diseases we summarize the most recent advances on the molecular biology of the dermo-epidermal junction, focusing on the immune-based diagnostic techniques. We distinguish two main groups of diagnostic methods: those that detect autoimmune deposits in the skin (direct immunofluorescence and its variants including confocal microscopy) and those that detect antibodies in serum or in other fluids (indirect immunofluorescence and its variants, ELISA, immunoblot and immunoprecipitation). We explain the methodology and diagnostic keys of the techniques most widely applied in our milieu.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minia Campos Domínguez
- Unidad de Enfermedades Ampollosas, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, España.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|