003 Utility of plucked hair direct immunofluorescence as a possible replacement for conventional skin biopsy direct immunofluorescence in immunological activity monitoring and prediction of relapse in pemphigus

Abstract Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a potentially lethal chronically relapsing autoimmune bullous disorder with intraepithelial lesions affecting the skin and mucous membranes. The prediction of clinical relapse has been studied conventional biopsy plucked hair direct immunofluorescence (DIF; Daneshpazhooh M, Naraghi ZS, Ramezani A et al. Direct for evaluation immunologic remission in PV. J Am Acad Dermatol 2011; 65:173–7) which can be use timing treatment withdrawal helping better management. aims our study were to determine association root DIF positivity status at baseline within duration, correlation between DIF. Seventy-eight consecutive patients diagnosed PV on therapy, minimal therapy or off included after obtaining informed consent. Three-monthly follow-up was carried out 12 months. Immunological monitoring done repeated every 3 months 1 year experienced, whichever occurred earlier. Conventional performed baseline, time relapse. In receiving adjuvant during their present episode, discontinuation inclusion, 6 months, occurrence relation point assessed. Of 78 patients, 22 had disease 56 remained complete remission. Clinical duration significantly more frequent who higher mean Autoimmune Bullous Skin Disorder Intensity Score preceding active episode (P = 0.033), pruritus 0.007) early (within inclusion) concomitant 0.007). parameters associated IgG 0.005) C3 0.047) hair, greater intensity (IgG, P 0.002; C3, 0.033) specimens 0.004; 0.0.002), positive 0.017). Plucked reliable technique assess immunological are helps guide according status.