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Drug-Induced Pemphigus

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European Handbook of Dermatological Treatments

Abstract

Pemphigus comprises a group of autoimmune bullous diseases characterized by acantholysis (loss of adhesion between keratinocytes) that results in the formation of intraepithelial blisters in the skin and mucous membranes. Multiple drugs are reported to induce pemphigus, most commonly thiol drugs. The mechanisms include autoantibody formation and direct acantholysis. The diagnosis of drug-induced pemphigus is challenging. Patients are often on multiple medications, and the latency period between exposure and onset of disease can be variable. Withdrawal of an offending drug may lead to remission or reduced disease severity in many patients.

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Abbreviations

HLA:

Human leukocyte antigen

IL-1:

Interleukin-1

TNF-α:

Tumor necrosis factor alpha

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Correspondence to Karen Elizabeth Harman .

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Mahmood, N.F., Al-Haddabi, A., Gnanappiragasam, D., Golberg, O., Harman, K.E. (2023). Drug-Induced Pemphigus. In: Katsambas, A.D., Lotti, T.M., Dessinioti, C., D'Erme, A.M. (eds) European Handbook of Dermatological Treatments. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-15130-9_70

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-15130-9_70

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

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  • Online ISBN: 978-3-031-15130-9

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