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Autoimmune Blistering Disorders in the Geriatric Population

  • Dermatology and Wound Care (C Sayed and D Culton, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Geriatrics Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

In this review, we seek to discuss the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, treatments, and latest research developments for autoimmune blistering disorders including pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and bullous pemphigoid (BP). We also offer our clinical observations and personal experiences with these conditions as they relate to geriatric patients.

Recent Findings

Recent studies have uncovered important disease associations and new information regarding the pathophysiology of disease. Novel treatments aimed at disease-specific targets hold therapeutic promise.

Summary

Autoimmune blistering disorders are common in the geriatric population and can have a significant impact on overall health and quality of life. Early and accurate diagnosis is critical. Treatment can be challenging given the frequent number of comorbidities in this patient population, but is necessary to reduce morbidity and mortality.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 410 Market Street, Suite 400, Chapel Hill, NC, 27516, USA

    Matthew Overton & Donna Culton

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  1. Matthew Overton
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  2. Donna Culton
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Correspondence to Matthew Overton.

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Conflict of Interest

Donna Culton is the primary investigator on a clinical trial for pemphigus, which is not mentioned in the manuscript, and reports receiving personal fees for serving on the board for Genetech, which makes rituximab. Matthew Overton declares no conflict of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Dermatology and Wound Care

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Overton, M., Culton, D. Autoimmune Blistering Disorders in the Geriatric Population. Curr Geri Rep 7, 243–249 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13670-018-0265-x

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