Analysis of Diagnostic Techniques Used in Patients with Pemphigus over the Past 20 Years at a Single Institution
- Author:
Yeon Seon CHOE
1
;
Su Min LEE
;
Sook Jung YUN
;
Jee-Bum LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Dermatology, Chonnam National University Hospital, Kwangju, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Korean Journal of Dermatology
2024;62(6):336-342
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:Pemphigus is an autoimmune blistering disease characterized by the production of autoantibodies against desmosomal proteins. Owing to its high mortality rate, prompt and accurate diagnosis of pemphigus is crucial.
Objective:To determine the positivity rates of immunoblotting in patients diagnosed with pemphigus using clinical, histopathological, direct immunofluorescence (DIF), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Methods:We retrospectively evaluated 84 patients diagnosed with pemphigus between 2001 and 2021 at the Chonnam National University Hospital in Gwangju, Korea.
Results:Among the 55 patients with pemphigus vulgaris included in the immunoblotting study, 46 (83.6%) exhibited positive findings for the 130 kDa band. Of the 29 patients with pemphigus foliaceus, 17 (58.6%) showed positive findings for the 160 kDa band. In cases where autoantibodies were difficult to detect with negative DIF and ELISA results, immunoblotting aided in the diagnosis of 18.2% of pemphigus vulgaris cases and 6.9% of pemphigus foliaceus cases.
Conclusion:Immunoblotting can serve as an alternative diagnostic method for patients with mild-to-moderate disease or those who have undergone treatment, especially when DIF or ELISA tests yield negative or atypical results.
