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Inpatient Management of Autoimmune Blistering Diseases: an Update, Review, and Practical Guide

  • Hospital- based Dermatology (L Guggina and A Zhou, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Review the evaluation, management, and treatment of hospitalized autoimmune blistering diseases (AIBD) patients based on the current literature and expert opinion.

Recent Findings

The cost and prevalence of hospitalization for AIBD patients are increasing in the USA. Many factors associated with hospitalization of AIBD patients are related to patient access to dermatology care. Infections are a major cause for hospital admission among AIBD patients. The use of rituximab, especially early in the disease course, has transformed the outcomes among patients with pemphigus.

Summary

After reading this review, dermatologists should be more familiar with the inpatient AIBD clinical evaluation, including the medical history, physical examination, and laboratory work-up; the management of complications of AIBD and therapy; and the treatment ladder for selecting a steroid-sparing therapy for AIBD patients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, Duke University Medical Center, 234 Crooked Creek Parkway Suite 300, Durham, NC, 27713, USA

    Anne L. Marano

  2. Department of Dermatology, Duke University Medical Center, 40 Duke Medicine Circle Clinic 3K, Durham, NC, 27710, USA

    Adela R. Cardones & Russell P. Hall III

  3. Durham VA Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Section of Dermatology, Durham, NC, USA

    Adela R. Cardones

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  1. Anne L. Marano
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  3. Russell P. Hall III
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Correspondence to Anne L. Marano.

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Conflict of Interest

Dr. Russell Hall III was on the Data Safety Monitoring Board for Roche-Genentech. He also received grants and was a consultant for the following entities: Principia, Syntimmune, Cabelletta Inc., and the National Institutes of Health.

Anne Marano performed an industry sponsored clinical trial at Viela Bio for cutaneous lupus.

Adela Cardones declares no conflicts of interest.

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Marano, A.L., Cardones, A.R. & Hall, R.P. Inpatient Management of Autoimmune Blistering Diseases: an Update, Review, and Practical Guide. Curr Derm Rep 8, 208–218 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13671-019-00272-3

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