Pemphigus Vulgaris and Bullous Pemphigoid: Update on Diagnosis and Treatment

Acute myeloid leukemia with paraneoplastic pemphigus successfully treated with a personalized antileukemic and immunosuppressive strategy

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a rare blistering disease often considered a primary sign of a paraneoplastic syndrome. Retrospective studies have established its link with hematological malignancies, particularly lymphoproliferative disorders. Here, we present what we believe to be the inaugural case of successful simultaneous management of BP and de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in a 28-year-old male patient. Given the rarity and severity of both conditions, our treatment strategy aimed to maximize efficacy by combining immunosuppressive therapy (initially plasmapheresis with high-dose corticosteroids, followed by anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody and intravenous immunoglobulins 2 g/m2) with lymphodepleting antileukemic chemotherapy utilizing Fludarabine (FLAG-IDA induction regimen). Following diagnosis, considering the patient's youth and the concurrent presence of two rare and potentially life-threatening diseases, we opted for an aggressive treatment. Upon achieving complete morphological remission of AML with measurable residual disease (MRD) negativity, despite incomplete resolution of BP, we proceeded with high-dose cytarabine consolidation followed by peripheral stem cell harvest and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Our conditioning regimen for ASCT involved Bu-Cy with the addition of anti-thymocyte globulins. At day + 100 post-ASCT, bone marrow evaluation confirmed morphological remission and MRD negativity. Meanwhile, BP had completely resolved with normalization of BP180 antibody levels.

Clinical management of bullous pemphigoid-The importance of cytology in diagnosis

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a common immune-mediated blistering disorder with predominant skin involvement and occasionally oral manifestations. Vesiculobullous lesions of the oral mucosa present with similar clinical features, and hence arriving at a clinical diagnosis is aided by a valuable chairside investigation, exfoliative cytology. Cytology done in the present case ruled out pemphigus because of the absence of Tzanck cells in the smear. Biopsy and direct immunofluorescence further confirmed the diagnosis of BP. Treatment initiated with systemic steroids and immunomodulators, along with oral topical application of triamcinolone acetonide resulted in complete remission in 2 months. This case report highlights the role of cytology in the diagnosis of vesiculobullous lesions and management protocol for BP patients presenting with simultaneous skin and oral lesions.

Fiberoptic endoscopic assessment of dysphagia in a patient with cutaneous and oropharyngeal blisters

Dysphagia resulting from bulbous pemphigoid is a rare but significant manifestation. A 77-year-old with bullous pemphigoid with no neurological history presented with severe oropharyngeal dysphagia, attributable to underlying blistering and edema, as documented on a fiberoptic endoscopic swallow examination.

Beyond the Surface: A Clinical Insight Into a 60-Year-Old Male With Pemphigus vulgaris

Pemphigus vulgaris, a rare and life-threatening autoimmune disorder, presents with painful skin and mucosal lesions, leading to blistering sores attributed to acantholysis. This study delves into the clinical manifestations, risk factors, and diagnostic intricacies associated with pemphigus vulgaris, with a focus on a representative case highlighting the challenges in its recognition and management. We explore the case of a 60-year-old male with pemphigus vulgaris, whose initial presentation involved yellow-crusting lesions on the scalp progressing to non-pruritic lesions on the chest, neck, and inguinal areas. A multidisciplinary medical workup was conducted, encompassing serological tests, imaging, and consultations with infectious disease and dermatology specialists. The definitive diagnosis was established through histopathological examination of three 4-mm punch biopsies. The case underscores the polymorphic nature of pemphigus vulgaris, with diverse clinical presentations and diagnostic challenges. The positive Nikolsky sign on the chest and neck lesions, coupled with oral mucosal involvement observed during a routine dental procedure, exemplifies the complexity of its manifestations. Diagnostic intricacies involved negative results for infectious diseases, declined kidney function, and elevated inflammatory markers, necessitating a collaborative approach for accurate diagnosis. Pemphigus vulgaris demands a comprehensive understanding of its varied presentations and collaboration among medical specialties for accurate diagnosis and tailored management. Treatment involves systemic glucocorticoids and immunomodulators. The presented case underscores the need for continued research to enhance diagnostic accuracy and refine therapeutic interventions for this rare autoimmune disorder.

Clinical characterization, treatment, and outcome of nivolumab-induced bullous pemphigoid

BACKGROUND

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a serious and rare complication of nivolumab. This study aimed to explore the clinical characteristics of nivolumab-induced BP and provide a reference for prevention and treatment of BP.

METHODS

Literature on nivolumab-induced BP was collected for retrospective analysis by searching both Chinese and English databases as of July 31, 2023.

RESULTS

Sixty patients were included, with a median age of 71 years (range 30 to 85 years), and they were predominantly male (78.3%). The median time to onset of BP was 31 weeks (range 2.4, 216) after nivolumab administration. Tense bullae (93.3%), pruritus (55.0%), and urticarial plaques (31.7%) were the most common manifestations. Lesions were found on the limbs (50.0%), trunk (38.3%), palms and soles (15.0%). Skin biopsies mainly showed subepidermal bullous/blister (50.0%) and eosinophilic infiltration (46.7%). Direct immunofluorescence showed mainly linear deposition of C3 and IgG (46.7%) at the dermal-epidermal junction. The patients stopped taking nivolumab and received systemic steroids (73.3%), topical steroids (63.3%), monoclonal antibodies (21.7%), doxycycline/minocycline (30.0%) and other treatments. Symptoms improved or were relieved in 88.4% of patients but did not improve in 8.3% of patients.

CONCLUSION

Clinicians should closely monitor symptoms of BP in those receiving and discontinuing nivolumab, especially in older men. Early diagnosis and timely initiation of treatment may improve patient outcomes.

Rare Cutaneous Side Effects of Imiquimod: A Review on Its Mechanisms, Diagnosis, and Management

As an immune-response modifier, imiquimod can bind to Toll-like receptors on immune cells and enhance innate and adaptive immune responses, exerting potential antitumor and antiviral effects, which led to its approval by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of actinic keratosis, superficial basal cell carcinomas, and anogenital warts, and to its off-label use in treating many other benign and malignant dermatoses. Although topical administration of imiquimod has been considered well tolerated, an increasing number of cutaneous and noncutaneous side effects are being reported as its clinical applications expand. This review primarily focuses on rare cutaneous side effects. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first article to summarize the mechanism, diagnosis, and management of rare cutaneous side effects of imiquimod, which may help to heighten awareness among physicians, especially dermatologists, about potential imiquimod-induced cutaneous side effects.

Angina Bullosa Hemorrhagica - A Case Series

Angina bullosa hemorrhagica (ABH) is an oral subepithelial blood blister with poorly understood etiopathogenesis, which is not attributable to blood dyscrasias or vesiculobullous disorders. These hemorrhagic bullae spontaneously rupture within minutes to hours, resulting in ragged, often painless, superficial erosions that heal spontaneously within 1 week without scarring. The lesions are usually solitary, and sometimes cause extreme anxiety in patients. Treatment is generally symptomatic. We report a series of four such patients. No treatment was given, except for reassurance and anxiolytics.

Dermatopathological Correlation of Clinically Challenging Cutaneous Lesions: a Single Center Experience of 2184 Cases

INTRODUCTION

Although a trained eye can easily identify typical skin lesions, histopathological examination and clinicopathological correlation are critical in challenging cases.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective is to organize the final diagnoses reached following clinicopathological consensus in clinically challenging cutaneous lesions, identifying the most common diagnostic scenarios encountered by dermatopathologists and discussing their diverse differentials submitted by clinicians. The secondary objective is to investigate how the case profile and clinician decision-making processes evolved during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

Skin and mucosa samples collected by the dermatology department between 2016 and 2020 were classified based on pathology reports. For frequent diagnoses, preliminary diagnoses stated by clinicians on pathology requisition forms were reviewed. The years preceding and following the first nationally reported COVID-19 case were compared to investigate the pandemic's impact on the distribution of dermatology and dermatopathology cases.

RESULTS

One thousand nine hundred and eighty-nine reports were classified into 4 major categories: inflammatory (49.8%), neoplastic (30.1%), other diseases (7.1%), and non-diagnostic (12.8%). We further classified inflammatory diseases based on major tissue reaction patterns and neoplasms based on cell origin. We analyzed the leading diagnoses in each category, discussed their differential diagnoses, and provided clinicians with clues to reduce errors in practice. Following the pandemic, the overall number of pathology reports and patient admissions dropped dramatically, with significant changes in case profiles.

CONCLUSIONS

We presented and discussed the frequently encountered confounding cases to sketch the diagnostic landscape. In the authors' experience, clinicopathological correlation can increase the rate of reaching the diagnosis by up to 75.3%.

Desquamative Gingivitis in the Context of Autoimmune Bullous Dermatoses and Lichen Planus-Challenges in the Diagnosis and Treatment

Desquamative gingivitis (DG) is a clinical term that describes erythema, desquamation and erosions of the gingiva, of various etiologies. Although the clinical aspect is not specific for a certain disease, an accurate diagnosis of the underlying disorder is necessary because the disease course, prognosis and treatment vary according to the cause. DG may inflict significant oral discomfort, which is why patients typically present to the dentist for a first consultation, rendering it important for these specialists to be informed about this condition. Our paper aims to review the ethiopatogenesis and diagnostic approach of DG, focusing on the most common underlying disorders (autoimmune bullous dermatoses and lichen planus) and on the management of these patients. Potential etiological agents leading to an inflammatory immune response in the oral mucosa and DG appearance include genetic predisposition, metabolic, neuropsychiatric, infectious factors, medication, dental materials, graft-versus-host reaction and autoimmunity. A thorough anamnesis, a careful clinical examination, paraclinical explorations including histopathological exam and direct immunofluorescence are necessary to formulate an appropriate diagnosis. Proper and prompt management of these patients lead to a better prognosis and improved quality of life, and must include management in the dental office with sanitizing the oral cavity, instructing the patient for rigorous oral hygiene, periodic follow-up for bacterial plaque detection and removal, as well as topical and systemic therapy depending on the underlying disorder, based on treatment algorithms. A multidisciplinary approach for the diagnosis and follow-up of DG in the context of pemphigus vulgaris, bullous pemphigoid, cicatricial pemhigoid or lichen planus is necessary, including consultations with dermatologists, oral medicine specialists and dentists.

Skin Conditions and Movement Disorders: Hiding in Plain Sight

Skin manifestations are well-recognized non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) and other hypokinetic and hyperkinetic movement disorders. Skin conditions are usually well visible during routine clinical examination and their recognition may play a major role in diagnostic work-up. In this educational review we: (1) briefly outline skin conditions related to Parkinson's disease, including therapy-related skin complications and their management; (2) discuss the role of skin biopsies in early diagnosis of PD and differential diagnosis of parkinsonian syndromes; and focus more on areas which have not been reviewed in the literature before, including (3) skin conditions related to atypical parkinsonism, and (4) skin conditions related to hyperkinetic movement disorders. In case of rare hyperkinetic movement disorders, specific dermatological manifestations, like presence of angiokeratomas, telangiectasias, Mongolian spots, lipomas, ichthyosis, progeroid skin changes and others may point to a very specific group of disorders and help guide further investigations.

Current and Innovated Managements for Autoimmune Bullous Skin Disorders: An Overview

Autoimmune bullous skin disorders are a group of disorders characterized by the formation of numerous blisters and erosions on the skin and/or the mucosal membrane, arising from autoantibodies against the intercellular adhesion molecules and the structural proteins. They can be classified into intraepithelial or subepithelial autoimmune bullous dermatoses based on the location of the targeted antigens. These dermatoses are extremely debilitating and fatal in certain cases, depending on the degree of cutaneous and mucosal involvement. Effective treatments should be implemented promptly. Glucocorticoids serve as the first-line approach due to their rapid onset of therapeutic effects and remission of the acute phase. Nonetheless, long-term applications may lead to major adverse effects that outweigh the benefits. Hence, other adjuvant therapies are mandatory to minimize the potential harm and ameliorate the quality of life. Herein, we summarize the current therapeutic strategies and introduce promising therapies for intractable autoimmune bullous diseases.

Bullous Pemphigoid: A Spontaneous Presentation in a Patient With Chronic Kidney Disease

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoimmune subepidermal blistering pathology characterized by the development of pruritic, tense bullae and blisters on the lower extremities, axilla, and trunk. Its dermatopathology entails autoantibodies that target hemidesmosomes located in the basement membrane. The disease typically manifests in individuals over 50 years old with a higher prevalence in patients with concurrent neurological or dermatological autoimmune diseases. In this report, we discuss a case of a 67-year-old male who presented with a one-month history of itchy blisters occurring bilaterally in the lower extremities. The manifestation of BP, its pathophysiology, and treatment modalities are explored, We also engage in a review of the relevant literature.

A rare new presentation of pemphigus vulgaris

We report a new presentation for pemphigus vulgaris in a 51-year-old female patient that was complaining only from non-healing foot ulcer, but unfortunately pemphigus was not confirmed and the patient lost multiple nails. This new variation is reported to increase health workers' awareness especially in races pemphigus seems to be common.

A Review of the Immunologic Pathways Involved in Bullous Pemphigoid and Novel Therapeutic Targets

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a rare, chronic antibody-mediated autoimmune blistering disease primarily affecting the elderly, with an age of onset over 60. Current treatment options are limited and involve the use of corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, but their long-term use is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In Japan, human intravenous immunoglobin is approved for the treatment of corticosteroid-refractory BP. However, no treatment option is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the management of BP. Therefore, developing effective therapies free of debilitating side effects is imperative. In this review, we summarize the main immunologic pathways involved in the pathogenesis of BP, with an emphasis on the role of eosinophils, immunoglobulins, cytokines such as the interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5, and complements. We further discuss the latest advances with novel therapeutic targets tested for the management of BP. Ongoing efforts are needed to run well-designed controlled trials and test the efficacy and safety of investigational drugs while providing much-needed access to these medications for refractory patients who will not otherwise be able to afford them as off-label prescriptions.

Rituximab - Progress but Still Not a Final Resolution for Pemphigus Patients: Clinical Report From a Single Center Study

Pemphigus is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by the production of pathogenic autoantibodies against desmosomal adhesion proteins, desmoglein 1 and 3. The pathophysiological process leads to the development of blisters and erosions on mucosal and/or skin surfaces as the main clinical manifestation of the disease. Rituximab emerged as the first-line therapeutic option for pemphigus due to its ability to induce remission by depleting peripheral B lymphocytes. Our aim was to assess the efficacy of rituximab in the treatment of patients in Croatia. A single-center, retrospective study was conducted on 19 patients treated with rituximab following a rheumatoid arthritis dosing protocol between October 2015 and March 2021, with a mean follow-up of 24.1 months. After the first rituximab cycle, two patients achieved complete remission off therapy (10.5%), and six patients achieved complete remission on minimal therapy (31.6%). Partial remission was observed among ten patients (52.6%). Eight patients (44.4%) relapsed after the first rituximab cycle. The mean relapse time was 21 months. Seven patients received two rituximab cycles, and three patients received three cycles. Overall, 13 out of 19 patients experienced complete remission at some point during the study, while there were no non-responders after the rituximab treatment. No statistically significant associations were observed between age, sex, type of disease involvement and clinical remission, either on or off therapy. A steady decrease in anti-desmoglein 1 and anti-desmoglein 3 levels was measured among all patients following rituximab treatment. One patient experienced a treatment-related adverse event of infectious etiology (cellulitis). One patient died following the first rituximab cycle, with the cause of death likely not to be associated with the treatment. Rituximab is an effective disease-modifying agent in the treatment of pemphigus with the main benefit of reducing corticosteroid exposure and steroid-related side effects among pemphigus patients. However, a feature of rituximab therapy is high relapse rates and the need for repeated treatment cycles to achieve complete remission. Developing an optimal protocol for rituximab treatment and finding suitable markers for predicting relapse will improve the management of pemphigus patients.

A Case of Bullous Pemphigoid Associated With Nivolumab Therapy

This is a case report of new-onset bullous pemphigoid after the initiation of nivolumab for melanoma. Bullous pemphigoid is a rare immune-mediated adverse effect of nivolumab, with fewer than a hundred cases described. The patient initially developed a rash, which later progressed to respiratory symptoms, prompting the discontinuation of nivolumab. He was started on oral steroids, which improved his symptoms. However, while being tapered off the steroids, his rash reoccurred with the development of bullous pemphigoid. The diagnosis was confirmed by increased eosinophils and sub-epidermal vesicle formation compatible with bullous pemphigoid on skin biopsy. The patient was treated with steroids, mycophenolate, doxycycline, and niacinamide with significant improvement in his symptoms.

Prognostic factors for mortality in bullous pemphigoid: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

To systematically evaluate the prognostic factors for mortality in bullous pemphigoid.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biology Medicine disc and Wanfang Database were searched to collect literature on the prognostic factors for mortality in bullous pemphigoid. The quality of studies was assessed by Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Two researchers extracted relevant data and scored study quality independently. The hazard ratio (HR) was calculated using the random effects model. Study heterogeneity was assessed using both Cochran’s Q test and I² statistics. The causes of heterogeneity were assessed by subgroup analysis and/ or sensitivity analysis when heterogeneity was significant. When ten or more studies were included as outcome indicators, publication bias was evaluated by funnel plot and Egger’s test.

Results

Out of a total of 1,546 articles retrieved, 15 studies involving 2,435 patients were included. The meta-analysis showed that the mortality of patients with bullous pemphigoid increased with positive bullous pemphigoid 180 antibody (HR = 1.85, 95%CI: 1.25~2.75, P = 0.002); concomitant dementia (HR = 2.26, 95%CI: 1.43~3.59, P<0.001); stroke (HR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.23–3.55, P = 0.007); heart disease (HR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.41–2.73, P<0.001) and diabetes mellitus (HR = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.55–3.69, P<0.001). Sex, positive indirect immunofluorescence and hypertension were not associated with prognosis.

Conclusion

Positive bullous pemphigoid 180 antibody, dementia, stroke, heart disease and diabetes mellitus were the prognostic factors for mortality in bullous pemphigoid.

Comorbidities in Patients with Autoimmune Bullous Disorders: Hospital-Based Registry Study

The incidence of autoimmune bullous disorders has increased over the years, especially in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities, which has stimulated research into their association with other diseases. We performed a retrospective observational study used the Minimum Basic Data Set of hospital discharges to review records of patients admitted to Spanish public hospitals between 2016 and 2019 with a diagnosis of any autoimmune bullous disorder. The objectives were to describe the comorbidity profile and the clinical-epidemiological characteristics of patients with pemphigus and pemphigoid, and analyze the evolution of the incidence of these diseases. The study included 1950 patients with pemphigus and 5424 patients with pemphigoid. Incidence increased from 2016 to 2019. The main comorbidities were hypertension (40.19%) and diabetes mellitus (28.57%). Compared to patients with pemphigoid, those with pemphigus had a higher prevalence of neoplasms, osteoporosis, solid metastases and malignant lymphoma, while the prevalence of hypertension, kidney disease, diabetes, heart failure, dementia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and Parkinson’s disease was higher in the pemphigoid group (p < 0.05). Therefore, since autoimmune bullous disorders are associated with diverse comorbidities and their incidence has risen in recent years, the establishment of strategies to prevent the main comorbidities in these patients is justified.

Relationship between the age and sex of the patient with the results of the indirect immunofluorescence test in patients with bullous dermatoses

Background/Aim: Autoimmune bullous diseases are characterised by the production of autoantibodies to epidermal or subepidermal adhesive proteins. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between age and sex of patients with the results of indirect immunofluorescence test in patients with newly diagnosed bullous dermatoses. Methods: The investigation presents a retrospective study of newly diagnosed patients with autoimmune bullous diseases at the Clinic for Skin and Venereal Diseases of the University Clinical Centre in Banja Luka in the period 2016-2021. In addition to demographic data, the results of an indirect immunofluorescence test in two titres (≥ 1:10 and ≥ 1:100) were analysed. Results: In this study, almost the same number of patients with pemphigus (45.2 %) and pemphigoid (54.8 %) was found. There were more women than men in the total sample (p = 0.049). The average age of subjects with pemphigoid was higher than that of patients with pemphigus (p = 0.001). 48.2 % of patients with pemphigus and 51.8 % of patients with pemphigoid had a positive indirect immunofluorescence test. A positive test for epidermal intercellular substance in both sexes at a titre ≥ 1:100 is higher than a titre ≥ 1:10 (p = 0.029). Patients with autoantibody titres ≥ 1:100 to desmoglein-1 were statistically significantly older than patients with titres ≥ 1:10 (p = 0.047). Conclusion: Number of patients with pemphigus and pemphigoid were similar, with no difference in sex distribution between the two groups of patients, but patients with pemphigoid were older than patients with pemphigus. The difference between high and low autoantibody titres in both sexes was found only in the group of pemphigus on epidermal intercellular substance and desmoglein-1.

An Updated Review of Pemphigus Diseases

Clinicians may encounter a variety of skin conditions that present with vesiculobullous lesions in their everyday practice. Pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus foliaceus, IgA pemphigus, and paraneoplastic pemphigus represent the spectrum of autoimmune bullous dermatoses of the pemphigus family. The pemphigus family of diseases is characterized by significant morbidity and mortality. Considering the risks associated with a delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis and the potential for overlap in clinical features and treatment, evaluation for suspected pemphigus disease often requires thorough clinical assessment and laboratory testing. Diagnosis is focused on individual biopsies for histopathology and direct immunofluorescence. Additional laboratory methods used for diagnosis include indirect immunofluorescence and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Recent advancements, including anti-CD20 therapy, have improved the efficacy and reduced the morbidity of pemphigus treatment. This contribution presents updates on the pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnostic work-up, and medical management of pemphigus. Improved strategies for diagnosis and clinical assessment are reviewed, and newer treatment options are discussed.

State-of-the-art review of human autoimmune blistering diseases (AIBD)

Autoimmune blistering diseases (AIBDs) are a heterogenous group of skin conditions, broadly classified into two categories depending on the location of blister formation: intraepidermal blistering in the pemphigus group and subepidermal blistering in the pemphigoid group. Although AIBDs occur in both humans and animals, the arsenal of data for human AIBDs far exceeds those of their animal counterpart. Therefore, the main purpose of this review is to highlight existing knowledge, and recent advances in the diagnosis and management of AIBDs in humans - to serve as a road map for veterinary dermatologists. AREAS COVERED: Recent findings include complement-independent pathways in the pathogenesis of bullous pemphigoid, as well as the role of desmoglein and desmocollin autoantibodies in inducing acantholysis. Systemic glucocorticoids are the mainstay of treatment for AIBDs in humans, yet their long-term use is associated with severe adverse effects and complications, thereby limiting their use. Therefore, researchers have been exploring new and safer alternative therapeutic options for human AIBDs such as anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies (Rituximab), Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKi) and neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) blockers. EXPERT OPINION: Randomised controlled trial (RCT) level evidence show that Rituximab and short-course GC regimes are more effective and safer than traditional GC treatment for human AIBDs. FcRn blockers such as SYNT001 have shown positive results in preliminary phase 2 clinical trials for treatment of human pemphigus; further trials are required. Rilzabrutinib (PRN1008), an orally administered BTKi, has recently completed phase 2 trials in pemphigus and is in a phase 3 RCT in humans.

ELISA detection of anti-desmoglein 1 and anti-desmoglein 3 and indirect immunofluorescence in oral pemphigus: A retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of autoantibodies to desmoglein 1 and desmoglein 3 detected by ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence in the diagnosis of oral pemphigus and to correlate the antibody titres with the severity of the disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We report a retrospective cohort study of 22 patients with oral pemphigus and 64 controls from a single tertiary centre. Data about histopathological examination, direct immunofluorescence, indirect immunofluorescence and ELISA were analysed. Global validation of ELISA and IIF both alone and combined was established by calculating sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and both positive predictive value and negative predictive value. The relationship between Oral Disease Severity Score values and ELISA titres was analysed using Pearson's coefficient.

RESULTS

The best diagnostic performance was observed for anti-desmoglein 3 ELISA. The sensitivity was 75% and specificity 100% and positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 92.5% and accuracy 93.9%. The level of agreement with histopathology + direct immunofluorescence was substantial (k = .758). Anti-desmoglein 3 titres showed a significant correlation with Oral Disease Severity Score (p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Serological tests are commonly employed during clinical practice as adjunctive tools. Anti-desmoglein 3 ELISA should be considered as a first-instance diagnostic test for oral pemphigus early detection.

Antimonium crudum in pediatric skin conditions: A classical homeopathic case series

Homeopathic Antimonium crudum may be useful in many pediatric skin conditions if prescribed on symptom similarity. It may especially be helpful in reducing the use of antibiotics and steroids in this age-group if proven to be effective through larger scientific studies.

Analysis of the autoimmune response against BP180 in patients with Alzheimer's disease

Background

Current epidemiological studies suggest a significant correlation between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and bullous pemphigoid (BP). However, the autoimmune response against BP180 in patients with AD has not been fully understood. investigated.

Methods

We randomly enrolled 48 patients with AD and 50 sex- and age-matched healthy controls. We detected the presence/absence and the level of anti-BP180/BP230 immunoglobulin G (IgG) autoantibodies in the patients' serum to determine whether said antibodies possess reactivity against the BP180 protein in the human brain and skin.

Results

The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) results revealed that the positive rate of anti-BP180 autoantibodies in patients with AD (23/48, 47.9%) was significantly higher than that in controls (4/50, 8.0%; P<0.0001). These ELISA-positive patients were further examined through immunoblotting. Sera from nine patients with AD (9/23, 39.1%) and one control (1/4, 25.0%) reacted with human cutaneous recombinant full-length BP180 and BP180-noncollagenous 16A (NC16A). Sera from 11 (11/23, 47.8%) patients with AD reacted with a 180-kDa protein from the human brain extract, but none of the controls' sera recognized the corresponding protein band. The majority of the patients in the anti-BP180-positive AD group were men (14/23, 60.9%) who were older (74.0 years) compared with those in the control group (6/25, 24.0%; P<0.05) (72.2 years; P<0.01).

Conclusions

Anti-BP180 autoantibodies are present in AD and recognize human recombinant full-length BP180 and a 180-kDa protein from the human brain extract, suggesting that BP180 is a shared autoantigen in AD and BP and may help clarify the mechanism to explain why a high risk of BP exists in AD. Elderly male patients with AD are significantly more likely to develop BP180 serum autoreactivity compared with other patients with AD.

A retrospective cohort study reporting rituximab treatment for 33 patients with immunobullous disease

BACKGROUND

Autoimmune bullous disorders, encompassing pemphigus and pemphigoid diseases, are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This is in part due to high cumulative doses of corticosteroids in combination with immunosuppressant agents used in traditional treatment regimes. Rituximab is an antiCD20 monoclonal antibody which can induce complete remission, but it is currently unlicensed in the UK and approved only after other treatments have failed.

METHODS

We report a retrospective cohort study of 33 patients with pemphigus and pemphigoid diseases treated with rituximab from a single tertiary centre from 2013 to 2019.

RESULTS

"Complete remission off therapy" was achieved by 27.3% (n = 9), and a further 27.3% (n = 9) had complete remission on minimal therapy. Twenty-one per cent (n = 7) had "partial remission on minimal therapy"; 9.1% (n = 3) patients were in the "consolidation phase," and 12.1% (n = 4) had a "relapse/flare." A steady reduction in prednisolone doses was observed post-Rituximab infusion. Pre-Rituximab the median dose of prednisolone was 20mg (range 10-35, IQR 25), 15mg (range 9.5-22.5, IQR 13) at 1 month, 9mg (range 5-10, IQR 5) at 6 months, 4mg (range 0-5mg, IQR 5) at 12 months and 0 (0-4.35, IQR 4.25) at 18 months. Twelve per cent (n = 4) of patients had documented infusion reaction symptoms. Twelve per cent (n = 4) had later infective complications.

CONCLUSION

This real clinic data adds to the evidence that Rituximab is a safe and effective treatment for both pemphigus and pemphigoid autoimmune blistering conditions. Significantly, we were able to demonstrate a substantial reduction in corticosteroid dosage in our cohort of patients following rituximab treatment.