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Further experience with pemphigus in children
1Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
Insights
Childhood pemphigus, including pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus, appears similar to adult cases. Dexamethasone pulse therapy showed positive results in young patients with pemphigus vulgaris.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pediatric Autoimmune Diseases
Background:
- Pemphigus is a rare autoimmune blistering disease.
- Limited data exists on childhood pemphigus presentation and management.
Observation:
- Seven pediatric patients diagnosed with pemphigus (six pemphigus vulgaris, one pemphigus foliaceus).
- Four children with pemphigus vulgaris received dexamethasone pulse therapy.
Findings:
- Treatment with dexamethasone pulses resulted in disease control.
- No therapy-related complications were observed during 6-12 months of follow-up.
- Pediatric pemphigus shares clinical features, disease course, and therapeutic principles with adult pemphigus.
Implications:
- Dexamethasone pulse therapy may be an effective treatment for childhood pemphigus.
- Findings support similar management strategies for pediatric and adult pemphigus patients.
- Further research into childhood pemphigus is warranted.
Abstract:
Seven children had pemphigus: six had pemphigus vulgaris and one pemphigus foliaceus. Four who had pemphigus vulgaris were administered dexamethasone pulses. Follow-up from six months to one year was uneventful; the disease was under control and there were no complications due to therapy. Our observations suggest that the clinical features, course, and principles of therapy for pemphigus in children are essentially the same as those in adults.