Pemphigus in children

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Autoimmune Diseases
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Pemphigus is a group of rare autoimmune blistering diseases.
• Pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus are the most common subtypes.
• Pediatric autoimmune blistering diseases are uncommon, with limited case reports.

Observation:

• This report details seven male pediatric patients diagnosed with pemphigus.
• The youngest patient presented with disease onset at age seven.
• Six boys had pemphigus vulgaris, and one boy had pemphigus foliaceus.

Findings:

• Three patients with pemphigus vulgaris received intravenous dexamethasone pulse therapy.
• The remaining four patients were treated with oral corticosteroid therapy.
• All seven pediatric patients achieved an excellent prognosis, indicating successful disease management.

Implications:

• Corticosteroid therapy, both intravenous and oral, appears effective in managing pediatric pemphigus.
• Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes in pediatric autoimmune blistering diseases.
• Further research into long-term outcomes and potential side effects of corticosteroid treatment in children is warranted.