Intravenous immunoglobulin for treatment of severe acquired bullous epidermolysis refractory to conventional immunosuppressive therapy.

Abstract

Acquired bullous epidermolysis is a chronic and rare bullous subepidermal disease. It usually begins in adulthood and its etiology is unknown although it is associated with antibodies against type VII collagen. There are spontaneous and trauma induced formation of blisters that may cause serious complications. Treatment is disappointing and difficult. Apart from conventional therapy with systemic corticosteroid, new therapeutic modalities such as intravenous immunoglobulin are currently being used. This report highlights the extremely difficult clinical management of this rare disease and the important improvement provided by intravenous immunoglobulin.

• Authors: Carolina Balbi Mosqueira, Laura de Albuquerque Furlani, Augusto Frederico de Paula Xavier, Paulo Rowilson Cunha, Alda Maria Penna Galvão
• Journal: Anais brasileiros de dermatologia (An Bras Dermatol) 2010 Jul-Aug Vol. 85 Issue 4 Pg. 521-4 ISSN: 1806-4841 [Electronic] Spain
• PMID: 20944913 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Complement C3
• Immunoglobulin A
• Immunoglobulin G
• Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
• Immunologic Factors

Topics

• Basement Membrane (pathology)
• Complement C3 (analysis)
• Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita (diagnosis, drug therapy, pathology)
• Female
• Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct
• Humans
• Immunoglobulin A (analysis)
• Immunoglobulin G (analysis)
• Immunoglobulins, Intravenous (therapeutic use)
• Immunologic Factors (therapeutic use)
• Middle Aged
• Severity of Illness Index
• Treatment Outcome