A clinical and demographic analysis of oral pemphigus vulgaris: A retrospective cross‐sectional study from 2001 to 2021

Abstract

Background and Aims: Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune vesiculobullous mucocutaneous disorder with life-threatening consequences. Early detection and adequate care are crucial for a good prognosis. This study aimed to determine the demographic data, clinical features, and the prognosis of patients with oral pemphigus vulgaris.Materials and Methods: From 2001 to 2021, all diagnosed oral pemphigus vulgaris cases were extracted. Each patient's demographic and clinical data were gathered.Patients were called via phone to assess the prognosis, treatment type, and specialty of the physician who provided the diagnosis and therapy.Results: The majority of the patients had only oral lesions with higher prevalence in female who also expressed severe pain than male. Only 14 of 29 patients responded phone calls. Except for one, all patients were in active disease. More than half of those respondents said pemphigus negatively affects social behavior and food intake. Correct diagnosis and treatment were decided by dermatology, oral medicine, and maxillofacial surgery specialists. Conclusion:Oral pemphigus vulgaris was prevalent in females. Severe pain was common in females and older people. Even with effective therapy, the prognosis was poor. Medical and dental professionals had little knowledge of pemphigus vulgaris.Patients frequently report poor quality of life.

Assessing ST18 gene polymorphisms (rs17315309, rs2304365) in Iraqi patients with Pemphigus vulgaris

“…There was no statistical difference in gender distribution (χ 2 = 0.000 P = 1.000). This finding supports the commonly observed trend of higher susceptibility to PV in female subjects, aligning with studies from Iraq [ 4 ] and Slovakia [ 22 ]. The female prevalence of this autoimmune disease can be explained by hormonal (estrogen, progesterone), immunological, and genetic (specific genes encoded on the X chromosome) factors, which are known to modulate autoimmune responses, particularly during periods of hormonal fluctuation like pregnancy and postpartum.…”

“…These lesions can manifest as shallow, irregular erosions on the inner cheeks (buccal mucosa), palate, tongue, and gums (gingiva). As the lesions heal, they may develop a more defined border and a whitish appearance before disappearing completely [ 4 ].…”

Delayed diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris in rural Nepal due to healthcare inaccessibility and harmful traditional practices: A case report

“…Experienced dermatologists can accurately diagnose PV clinically in the appropriate setting, with characteristic oral blisters and skin lesions present. 20 The risks of delaying treatment outweighed the uncertainty of the provisional clinical diagnosis. The goal of the treatment is to suppress the immune system with corticosteroids, often combined with steroid-sparing agents such as azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, or rituximab.…”

“…While a biopsy confirms the diagnosis, it was unfeasible here due to the patient's refusal. Experienced dermatologists can accurately diagnose PV clinically in the appropriate setting, with characteristic oral blisters and skin lesions present 20 . The risks of delaying treatment outweighed the uncertainty of the provisional clinical diagnosis.…”

Cut-off values for IL-21 and IL-23 as biochemical markers for pemphigus vulgaris

“…Lesions develop a more defined edge as they start to heal and finally have a white appearance before completely disappearing. Ulcers on the dorsum of the tongue can be long-lasting and may lead to loss of papillae [ 4 ].…”