Oral Involvement In Pemphigus Vulgaris : An Epidemiological Profile.

ABSTRACT

Abstract Background and Objectives: Pemphigus vulgaris is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by the formation of intraepithelial blisters in skin and mucosa. In majority of the patients the initial manifestations of pemphigus vulgaris appears in the oral mucosa followed at a later date by cutaneous lesions. Detection of the oral lesions can result in an earlier diagnosis and early treatment thereby decreasing the hospital stay of the patients. Objective: We review the clinical and epidemiological aspects of oral pemphigus vulgaris in patients attending tertiary care centre. Methodology: All patients diagnosed as having Pemphigus in the department of skin during last 6 years were included in the study and data analysed. Results: Out of 91 patients diagnosed as having pemphigus during the period of 6 years, pemphigus vulgaris was the most common type ( 91.2 % ) . The mean age of onset was 45 years . Male to female ratio in the patients with pemphigus vulgaris was 11.5 . Oral lesions were found in 84 % of patients and it was the first manifestation in 66% of cases. Results & Conclusion: Pemphigus vulgaris was the most common condition seen, oral cavity being the initial site of disease presentation.