Childhood bullous pemphigoid treated by i.v. immunoglobulin

J Dermatol. 2007 Sep;34(9):650-3. doi: 10.1111/j.1346-8138.2007.00348.x.

Abstract

Bullous pemphigoid is an acquired autoimmune subepidermal blistering disorder mostly seen in the elderly. Childhood bullous pemphigoid is very rare. For the first time we report a case of childhood bullous pemphigoid associated with infantile eczema. Two weeks after a routine vaccination, a 3.5-month-old boy with infantile eczema developed a generalized blistering disorder. Histopathology revealed a subepidermal blister. Direct immunofluorescence showed linear depositions of C3 along the basement membrane zone. Indirect immunofluorescence studies demonstrated the presence of circulating immunoglobulin G antibodies directed against the epidermal side of salt-split skin. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay demonstrated serum level of anti-BP180 antibody elevated. The patient was successfully treated by high-dose i.v. immunoglobulin.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Autoantibodies / blood
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / complications
  • Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis Vaccine / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / therapeutic use*
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use*
  • Immunologic Tests
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Pemphigoid, Bullous / complications
  • Pemphigoid, Bullous / pathology
  • Pemphigoid, Bullous / therapy*
  • Skin / immunology
  • Skin / pathology*

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis Vaccine
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
  • Immunologic Factors