Epidemiological and clinical aspects of pemphigus in Senegal

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to specify the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of pemphigus in the Department of Dermatology of the University Hospital of Dakar. Patients and Methodology: All medical records of patients seen for pemphigus in our department over a 11-year period were analyzed retrospectively. Results: We collected 105 cases of pemphigus, corresponding to a frequency of 10 cases/year and a hospital prevalence of 2.7%. Thus, pemphigus held the second rank of blistering autoimmune bullous diseases after bullous pemphigoid. The mean age of patients was 47.62 years and the age group [40-59 years] was predominantly affected (28 cases; 45 %). There were 41 femeles and 21 men (F/M ratio: 2). We did not find an endemic focus in our country. Clinical forms were dominated by pemphigus foliaceus (30 cases; 48.5 %), followed by pemphigus vulguaris (19 cases; 30.6 %) and finally by pemphigus erythematosus (13 cases; 21%). In 16 cases (25 %), the pemphigus had begun after the consumption of a traditional medicinal plant (8 cases). An associated toxidermia was found in12 cases. Pruritus was present in 43 patients (69.35%). Discussion: In Senegal, pemphigus are common diseases, but without however an endemic focuc. They occur in young women, with a predominance of superficial forms, especially pemphigus foliaceus. The presence of pruritus and associated toxidermia to traditional medicinal plants are common.

Red gums as primary manifestations of skin diseases

“…The mean age of the presenting patient was 43.3 ± 6 years and females were mainly affected. This finding agrees with a previous report [15]. Also, the present study showed that LP was the second disease responsible for red gums, affecting two (20%) female patients, although LP is a common problem in the Iraqi population [16,17].…”