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Pemphigus vulgaris

Definition

Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune skin disorder characterized by blistering of the skin and mucous membrane.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Pemphigus involves blistering of the outer (epidermal) layer of the skin and mucous membranes. It is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system produces antibodies against specific proteins in the skin and mucous membrane. These antibodies produce a reaction that leads to a separation of epidermal cells. The exact cause of the development of antibodies against the body's own tissues is unknown.

Sometimes pemphigus appears in reaction to medications, although this is rare. Pemphigus may be a side effect of certain blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors) or chelating agents (medications, such as penicillamine, that remove certain materials from the blood).

Pemphigus is uncommon. It occurs almost exclusively in middle-aged or older people of all races and ethnic groups. About one-half of the cases of pemphigus vulgaris begin with blisters in the mouth, followed by skin blisters. The blisters (bullae) are relatively asymptomatic, but the lesions become widespread and complications develop rapidly and may be debilitating or fatal.

Symptoms

• Skin lesions which may be:
  • Recurrent or relapsing
  • Blistering, loose
  • Mouth or skin ulcers
  • Draining, oozing, crusting
  • Located on the mucous membrane of the mouth
  • Located on the scalp, trunk, or other skin areas
  • Spreading to other skin areas
  • Peeling superficially or detaching easily

Signs and tests

• Nikolsky's sign is positive -- when the surface of unaffected skin is rubbed sideways with a cotton swab or finger, the skin separates easily.
• A skin lesion biopsy shows separation of epithelial cells from each other.
• An examination of the biopsy tissue with immunofluorescence confirms pemphigus.

Treatment

Severe cases of pemphigus are treated similarly to severe burns. Treatment may require hospitalization, including care in a burn unit or intensive care unit. Treatment is aimed at reducing symptoms and preventing complications.

Intravenous fluids, electrolytes, and proteins may be required. Mouth ulcers, if severe, may mean intravenous feeding is needed. Anesthetic mouth lozenges may reduce the pain of mild to moderate mouth ulcers. Antibiotics and antifungal medications may be appropriate to control or prevent infections.

Systemic therapy as early as possible is required to control pemphigus, but side effects from systemic therapy are a major complication. Treatment includes corticosteroids, medications containing gold, the anti-inflammatory drug dapsone, or medications that suppress the immune system (such as azathioprine, methotrexate, cyclosporin, cyclophosphamide, or mycophenolate mofetil). Some antibiotics are also effective, particularly minocycline and doxycycline. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is occasionally used.

Plasmapheresis is a process whereby antibody-containing plasma is removed from the blood and replaced with intravenous fluids or donated plasma. Plasmapheresis may be used in addition to the systemic medications to reduce the amount of antibodies in the bloodstream.

Localized treatment of ulcers and blisters may include soothing or drying lotions, wet dressings, or similar measures.

Expectations (prognosis)

If not treated, pemphigus vulgaris is usually fatal. Generalized infection is the most frequent cause of death. Treated, the disorder tends to be chronic in most cases. Side effects of treatment may be severe or disabling.

Complications

• Side effects of systemic medications
• Secondary bacterial, viral, or fungal infection of the skin
• Spread of infection through the bloodstream (sepsis)
• Loss of extensive amounts of body fluids
• Loss of electrolytes, electrolyte disturbances

Calling your health care provider

Any unexplained blisters should always be examined by your physician.

Call your health care provider if you have been treated for pemphigus vulgaris and you develop any of the following symptoms:

• Fever
• General ill feeling
• Chills
• Muscle aches
• Joint aches
• New blisters or ulcers

Review Date:7/27/2006
Reviewed By:Shlomit Halachmi, MD, PhD, Private Practice Specializing in Dermatology, Somerville, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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