Blistering mucocutaneous disease of oral cavity Pemphigus vulgaris – 8 year study in Nalgonda population

Background: Autoimmune disorders are conditions in which autoantibodies are directed against a single organ or tissue resulting in localized tissue damage. Pemphigus includes a group of autoimmune blistering diseases of skin and mucous membranes characterized by intra dermal blisters and immunologically by finding of circulating immunoglobulin G antibody directed against the cell surface of keratinocytes. Objectives: To analyze age distribution of Pemphigus vulgaris, prevalence among males and females, predominant oral site and clinical presentation. Materials and methods: A retrospective study of 31 cases of Pemphigus vulgaris obtained over a period of 8 years from January 2008 to September 2015 in the Department of Oral Pathology, Kamineni Institute of Dental Sciences was designed. Clinical details of age, sex, intraoral distribution and oral presentation were noted. Results: Age distribution of Pemphigus vulgaris was 30 – 70 years with a mean age of 49.12 years. Mean age of presentation in males was 45.5 years and in females 46.76 years. Females are more commonly affected than males with a ratio of 2:1. Most commonly affected sites were buccal mucosa, lips and palate, tongue, floor of mouth and skin. Erosions and encrustations were the most common clinical presentation. Conclusion: Pemphigus vulgaris is a fatal disease if left untreated. The skin and the mucosa are majorly involved and oral mucosa is often affected first. The study elucidates the characterization of Pemphigus vulgaris so that early diagnosis can be made. As oral lesions precede, oral health care professionals can play a major role in early diagnosis and managing oral lesions.