A Clinico-pathological Study of Cases of Pemphigus

In pemphigus, autoantibodies form against desmoglein. Desmoglein forms the glue that attaches adjacent epidermal cells via attachment points called desmosomes. When autoantibodies attack desmogleins, the cells become separated from each other and the epidermis becomes unglued, a phenomenon called acantholysis. This causes blisters that slough off and turn into sores. In some cases, these blisters can cover a significant area of the skin. Histopathological evaluation of biopsies received from the department of Dermatology. Results A total number of 400 skin biopsies were received, out of which 32 cases were of the pemphigus group of diseases. Pemphigus vulgaris accounted for 81 % (26) of cases and pemphigus vegetans accounted for 6 % ( 3) of cases. The less common types were pemphigus erythematosus and IgA pemphigus constituting 6 % ( 3) of the cases. Pemphigus vulgaris formed the most common variant.