Abstract | March 2, 2021
Pemphigus Vulgaris: More Than Just a Skin Disease
Learning Objectives
- Overview of the condition, Pemphigus Vulgaris;
- Implications of extensive skin involvement;
- Treatment options;
- Complication of treatment.
Introduction: This disease can be very debilitating and difficult to treat especially if large surface areas are involved. Pemphigus Vulgaris represents the form of the disease that affects both mucosal and cutaneous membranes. [1-2] Because autoimmune bullous disorders result from immune dysregulation, the principle of treatment is immune modulation. The introduction of systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents has greatly improved the prognosis of pemphigus, however, the morbidity and mortality, is still significant due to complications of therapy.
Methods: Single case study report
Results: We present a complex case of Pemphigus Vulgaris in a 24 year old male who developed partial thickness skin lesions distributed throughout the entire body with a total body surface (TBSA) of 80 % shortly after an episode of strep throat treated with Amoxicillin. A complicated hospital course in which the standard treatment of the disease led to immunosuppression, multiple infections and poor wound healing, required a multidisciplinary approach for the successful care of this patient.
Conclusion: Pemphigus Vulgaris is a complex disease in which treatment needs to be tailored to the patient’s specific needs. The standard treatment can lead to multiple adverse events that require extensive interventions and can include multiple complications.
References and Resources
- Payne AS, and Stanley JR: Pemphigus. In Goldsmith LA, Katz SI, and Gilchrest BA (eds): Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2012. pp. 586-599
- Masayuki Amagai: Pemphigus. In Bolognia JL, Schffer JV, Cerroni L. Dermatology. Elsevier, 2018. pp. 29, 494-509
- Diya F. Mutasim: Bullous Diseases. In Kellerman RD, Rakel D: Conn’s Current Therapy. Elsevier, 2020. pp. 978-982
