Subject(s)
Cytomegalovirus Infections/complications , Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita/diagnosis , Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita/virology , Child, Preschool , Cytomegalovirus Infections/drug therapy , Diagnosis, Differential , Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita/drug therapy , Female , Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use , Humans , Prednisone/therapeutic useABSTRACT
We report 2 patients with documented chronic hepatitis C infection and epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA). Both patients clinically represent classic EBA, exhibiting skin fragility and blistering occurring both spontaneously and secondary to trauma, which heal with milia and scar formation. EBA often is a disease of altered immune status and debility. Further work is necessary to show whether hepatitis C plays a causative role in EBA in these 2 patients and in general.
Subject(s)
Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita/etiology , Hepatitis C, Chronic/complications , Adult , Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita/virology , Humans , MaleABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita is a bullous dermatosis. Its etiology remains unknown and the efficacy of its treatment is low. OBSERVATION: We report the first association between epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, chronic hepatitis C and cryoglobulinemia, healing with interferon alpha and ribavirine. DISCUSSION: We suggest a role for hepatitis C virus in the pathogenesis of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita. We suppose a synthesis of autoimmune antibodies in a dysimmune environment. Interferon alpha and ribavirine might be a new therapeutic avenue but further studies are necessary to confirm it.
