Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2025

Recognition of Epidermal Transglutaminase by IgA and Tissue Transglutaminase 2 Antibodies in a Rare Case of Rhesus Dermatitis
Published on: December 15, 2011
Neonatal Linear Immunoglobulin A Bullous Dermatosis: A Critical Case Recovering after Prompt Recognition, Intensive
Dimitra Papasavva1, Leila Dosso2, Marie-Anne Morren3
1Department Mother-Woman-Child, Clinic of Neonatology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland, dpapasavva1@gmail.com.
Introduction:
Neonatal linear immunoglobulin A (IgA) bullous dermatosis (NLABD) is a rare, life-threatening, mucocutaneous bullous disorder. The pathogenesis and optimal treatment remain poorly defined and raise critical clinical challenges.
Case Presentation:
We present a case of a full-term female infant with severe cutaneous and respiratory symptoms due to NLABD. Diagnosis was confirmed by immunofluorescence on the infant's skin biopsy, while IgAs directed against the basement membrane of the skin and mucosa were identified in the mother's milk. The infant fully recovered after nearly 8 weeks of intensive multidisciplinary care, including non-invasive ventilation, nutritional support, wound care, systemic corticoid treatment, and breastfeeding discontinuation.
Conclusion:
This case underscores the importance of timely adequate diagnosis and management of this rare and serious condition. Moreover, it adds novel evidence documenting the presence of pathogenic IgAs in breastmilk.
Introduction:
Neonatal linear immunoglobulin A (IgA) bullous dermatosis (NLABD) is a rare, life-threatening, mucocutaneous bullous disorder. The pathogenesis and optimal treatment remain poorly defined and raise critical clinical challenges.
Case Presentation:
We present a case of a full-term female infant with severe cutaneous and respiratory symptoms due to NLABD. Diagnosis was confirmed by immunofluorescence on the infant's skin biopsy, while IgAs directed against the basement membrane of the skin and mucosa were identified in the mother's milk. The infant fully recovered after nearly 8 weeks of intensive multidisciplinary care, including non-invasive ventilation, nutritional support, wound care, systemic corticoid treatment, and breastfeeding discontinuation.
Conclusion:
This case underscores the importance of timely adequate diagnosis and management of this rare and serious condition. Moreover, it adds novel evidence documenting the presence of pathogenic IgAs in breastmilk.
Related Concept Videos
Development of Immunocompetence
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
Transcytosis of IgG
IgG molecules from a mother undergo transcytosis starting around 13 weeks of gestation. The amount of IgG transferred and entering the fetal blood circulation increases with...

