A case of pemphigus vulgaris developed during pregnancy

Abstract

Pemphigus vulgaris is an uncommon, autoimmune disease characterized by acantholysis and blister formation in the skin and mucosa. Pemphigus vulgaris during pregnancy is exceedingly rare. The disease may be associated with adverse neonatal outcome, including prematurity and fetal death. The clinical features of this patient were similar to those of pemphigoid gestationis. Circulating antibodies directed at desmosomal proteins may cross the placenta and place children at risk for neonatal pemphigus. Transient skin lesions may occasionally appear in the neonate. We report a case of pemphigus vulgaris in a 32-yearold pregnant woman who showed erythematous bullae, erosions and crusts on the whole body. She was diagnosed by clinical and histopathological fi ndings, direct immunofl uorescent test. This patient was treated with high dose of corticosteroids to control the disease.