Mucous membrane pemphigoid: an update

Abstract

Further advances have been achieved in the field of mucous membrane pemphigoid.

Cicatrising conjunctivitis due to paraneoplastic pemphigoid

“…The differential diagnosis for cicatrising conjunctivitis is broad and includes OCP, Stevens Johnsons syndrome, chemical burns, radiation, toxic conjunctivitis, post-infectious conjunctivitis, graft versus host disease, atopic keratoconjunctivitis and conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma 1. Paraneoplastic pemphigoid should also be considered in the differential diagnosis, and this case illustrates the importance of obtaining a pertinent history and review of systems.…”

“…It is characterised by linear deposition of immunoglobulins and complement along epithelial basement membranes 1. In this report, we describe a cicatrising conjunctivitis that was clinically and pathologically similar to ocular cicatricial pemphigoid but occurred concurrently with systemic malignancy.…”

“…Ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP) is a putative autoimmune, chronic, inflammatory, subepithelial blistering disease affecting mucous membranes 1. It is characterised by linear deposition of immunoglobulins and complement along epithelial basement membranes 1.…”

Profile of Local Interleukin Expression in a Cohort of Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid Patients

“…10,11 Additionally, the complex interplay between the immune system and conjunctival cells contributes to production of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and chemical factors. [12][13][14] Studies on the natural history of this entity have shown a marked degree of clinical and immunologic variability, ranging between mild cases that progress slowly and more severe clinical forms with a progressing-relapsing course even under treatment. 15,16 The chronic, and sometimes unpredictable course of the disease makes it difficult to determine whether the favorable effects of short-term treatment will be sustained.…”

Successful Treatment of Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid With Infliximab

“…The most commonly affected area is the oral cavity (90%), with the eyes (65%), nose, nasopharynx, anogenitals, skin (20%-30%), larynx, and esophagus involved less often. 3 Oral disease is characterized by erythematous patches, blisters, erosions, and ulcerations. 4 The primary feature of ocular MMP is progressive, conjunctival fibrosis.…”