[Infantile bullous pemphigoid developing after hexavalent, meningococcal and pneumococcal vaccinations]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dermatology
• Autoimmune Disorders
• Vaccinology

Background:

• Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an acquired autoimmune blistering disease.
• It is characterized by IgG antibodies targeting the epidermal basement membrane zone.
• BP is exceptionally rare in pediatric populations.

Observation:

• A 3-month-old infant presented with blistering on palms/soles and urticarial plaques.
• The eruption appeared 3 weeks post-vaccination (hepatitis B, DTaP, IPV, Hib, MenC, PCV).
• Symptoms exacerbated following subsequent vaccinations at 4 and 6 months.

Findings:

• The infant was treated with oral deflazacort (1 mg/kg/day).
• Lesion control was achieved within 3 months of continuous therapy.
• The patient remained in remission for 8 months post-treatment.

Implications:

• This case suggests a potential link between vaccinations and bullous pemphigoid onset in infants.
• While the exact mechanism remains unclear, temporal association warrants further investigation.
• Prompt diagnosis and corticosteroid therapy are crucial for managing pediatric bullous pemphigoid.