Oral pemphigus vulgaris occurring during pregnancy

There have been few reports describing the occurrence of pemphigus vulgaris (PV) during pregnancy. The patient described in this case report is interesting because the PV that developed during her pregnancy was confined to her mouth. It has been suggested that prompt treatment with systemic steroids prevents development of PV in cutaneous tissues. In this case, early control of the condition is believed to have eliminated the need for high dose steroids throughout the remainder of the pregnancy. In addition, this therapeutic approach could have contributed to the birth of a baby free of PV. Resolution of the presenting oral symptoms allowed the mother to resume a normal diet, allaying her anxiety about the possible effects of poor nutritional intake on foetal development. Aspects of clinical management considered in this report include the choice of immunosuppressive therapy and the multidisciplinary care involving both dental and obstetric specialists.