Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita: diagnosis by fluorescence overlay antigen mapping and clinical response to high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin.

Abstract

Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) is a chronic, subepidermal blistering disease characterized by the presence of autoantibodies to type VII collagen, located below the lamina densa of the basement membrane zone (BMZ). There is a large clinical and histological overlap between EBA and other subepidermal autoimmune bullous diseases, therefore, complex immunological techniques are required to make an accurate diagnosis. Therapy of EBA is also a difficult issue. Most patients do not respond to several common immunosuppressive agents. We describe a patient who has shown a good response to high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin therapy.

• Authors: M Campos, C Silvente, Manuel Lecona, R Suárez, P Lázaro
• Journal: Clinical and experimental dermatology (Clin Exp Dermatol) Vol. 31 Issue 1 Pg. 71-3 (Jan 2006) ISSN: 0307-6938 [Print] England
• PMID: 16309488 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antibodies
• Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
• Immunologic Factors

Topics

• Antibodies (analysis)
• Basement Membrane (immunology)
• Drug Administration Schedule
• Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita (diagnosis, drug therapy)
• Female
• Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct (methods)
• Humans
• Immunoglobulins, Intravenous (administration & dosage, immunology)
• Immunologic Factors (administration & dosage, immunology)
• Middle Aged
• Treatment Outcome