Abstract Eosinophilic spongiosis is a histological feature shared by some distinct inflammatory disorders, and is characterized by the presence of intraepidermal eosinophils associated with spongiosis. Most often, isolated eosinophilic spongiosis indicates the early stages of a subjacent autoimmune bullous dermatosis, such as the pemphigus group and bullous pemphigoid. Herein, the main causes of eosinophilic spongiosis are discussed, as well as the supplementary investigation needed to elucidate its etiology.

Abstract: Bullous pemphigoid is the most frequent autoimmune bullous disease and mainly affects elderly individuals. Increase in incidence rates in the past decades has been attributed to population aging, drug-induced cases and improvement in the diagnosis of the nonbullous presentations of the disease. A dysregulated T cell immune response and synthesis of IgG and IgE autoantibodies against hemidesmosomal proteins (BP180 and BP230) lead to neutrophil chemotaxis and degradation of the basement membrane zone. Bullous pemphigoid classically manifests with tense blisters over urticarial plaques on the trunk and extremities accompanied by intense pruritus. Mucosal involvement is rarely reported. Diagnosis relies on (1) the histopathological evaluation demonstrating eosinophilic spongiosis or a subepidermal detachment with eosinophils; (2) the detection of IgG and/or C3 deposition at the basement membrane zone using direct or indirect immunofluorescence assays; and (3) quantification of circulating autoantibodies against BP180 and/or BP230 using ELISA. Bullous pemphigoid is often associated with multiple comorbidities in elderly individuals, especially neurological disorders and increased thrombotic risk, reaching a 1-year mortality rate of 23%. Treatment has to be tailored according to the patient's clinical conditions and disease severity. High potency topical steroids and systemic steroids are the current mainstay of therapy. Recent randomized controlled studies have demonstrated the benefit and safety of adjuvant treatment with doxycycline, dapsone and immunosuppressants aiming a reduction in the cumulative steroid dose and mortality.

Abstract: Fogo selvagem or endemic pemphigus foliaceus is an autoimmune acantholytic anti-cadherin bullous disease that primarily affects seborrheic areas, which might disseminate. Brazil has the world's largest number of patients, mainly in the Central-West region, but the disease has also been reported in other South American countries. It affects young people and adults who have been exposed to rural areas, with occurrence of familial cases. Anti-desmoglein-1 autoantibodies are directed against desmosomal structures, with loss of adhesion of the upper layers of the epidermis, causing superficial blisters. The etiology is multifactorial and includes genetic, immune, and environmental factors, highlighting hematophagous insect bites; drug-related factors are occasionally involved. Flaccid blisters readily rupture to yield erosive-crusty lesions that sometimes resemble seborrheic dermatitis, actinic keratosis, and chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus. The clinical presentation varies from localized to disseminated lesions. Clinical suspicion should be confirmed with histopathological and immunofluorescence tests, among others. The progression is usually chronic, and therapy varies according to clinical presentation, but generally requires systemic corticosteroid therapy associated with adjuvant immunosuppressive treatment to decrease the adverse effects of corticosteroids. Once the disease is under control, many patients remain stable on low-dose medication, and a significant proportion achieve remission.

Abstract: Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a complex pathogenesis, where changes in skin barrier and imbalance of the immune system are relevant factors. The skin forms a mechanic and immune barrier, regulating water loss from the internal to the external environment, and protecting the individual from external aggressions, such as microorganisms, ultraviolet radiation and physical trauma. Main components of the skin barrier are located in the outer layers of the epidermis (such as filaggrin), the proteins that form the tight junction (TJ) and components of the innate immune system. Recent data involving skin barrier reveal new information regarding its structure and its role in the mechanic-immunological defense; atopic dermatitis (AD) is an example of a disease related to dysfunctions associated with this complex.

BACKGROUND: Immunofluorescence testing is an important tool for diagnosing blistering diseases. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the immunofluorescence findings in patients diagnosed with autoimmune blistering skin diseases. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed immunofluorescence results encompassing a 10-year period. RESULTS: 421 patients were included and divided into 2 groups: group 1- intraepidermal blistering diseases (n=277) and 2- subepidermal blistering diseases (n=144). For group 1, positive DIF findings demonstrated: predominance of IgG intercellular staining (ICS) and C3 for pemphigus foliaceus-PF (94% and 73% respectively), pemphigus vulgaris-PV (91.5%-79.5%) and paraneoplastic pemphigus-PNP (66%-33%); ICS IgA in 100% of IgA pemphigus cases, and IgG deposits in the basement membrane zone (BMZ) along with ICS in one Hailey-Hailey patient. The IIF findings revealed mean titers of 1:2.560 for PV and 1:1.280 for PF. For paraneoplastic pemphigus, IIF was positive in 2 out of 3 cases with rat bladder substrate. In group 2, positive DIF findings included multiple deposits at basement membrane zone for epidermolysis bullosa acquisita-EBA (C3-89%,IgG-79%,IgA-47%,IgM-21%) mucous membrane pemphigoid-MMP (C3,IgG,IgA,IgM-80%) and bullous pemphigoid-BP (C3-91%,IgG-39%,IgA-11%,IgM-6%), and IgA at basement membrane zone for IgA linear disease (99%) and dermatitis herpetiformis-DH (dermal papillae in 84.6%). For lichen planus pemphigoides, there was C3 (100%) and IgG (50%) deposition at basement membrane zone. indirect immunofluorescence positive findings revealed basement membrane zone IgG deposits in 46% of BP patients, 50% for EBA, 15% for IgA linear dermatosis and 50% for LPP. Indirect immunofluorescence positive results were higher for BP and EBA with Salt-Split skin substrate. CONCLUSION: Our results confirmed the importance of immunofluorescence assays in diagnosing autoimmune blistering diseases, and higher sensitivity for indirect immunofluorescence when Salt-split skin technique is performed.

A dermatose por imunoglobulina A (IgA) linear é doença bolhosa autoimune rara, porém a mais comum das dermatoses bolhosas autoimunes da infância. Relatamos caso típico e exuberante de dermatose por IgA linear em uma criança de 10 meses, que apresentou boa evolução com o tratamento com corticóide e dapsona.

Linear immunoglobulin A dermatosis is a rare autoimmune bullous disease, but the most common autoimmune bullous dermatosis in children. We report a typical exuberant case of linear IgA dermatosis in a ten-month old child, who showed good response to treatment with corticosteroids and dapsone.

OBJETIVO: Dermatite atópica (DA) é uma doenc¸a inflamatória crônica com prurido intenso e características clínicas típicas. Há poucos estudos epidemiológicos a respeito da DA em adultos, bem como pouca informação disponível sobre o seu prognóstico. O objetivo do presente estudo é avaliar as características clínicas e o curso epidemiológico dos adultos com DA. MÉTODOS: Foramselecionados 80 pacientes com idade acima de 18 anos (média de idade = 29 anos, 30 homens e 50 mulheres), que foram entrevistados sobre: internações, uso de corticóide sistêmico, idade de início da DA, história pessoal e/ou familiar de atopia. A gravidade da doença foi avaliada de acordo com o SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD). A avaliação laboratorial incluiu dosagem sérica de IgE e contagem sanguínea de eosinófilos. RESULTADOS: 71 dos 80 pacientes referiram associação com sintomas respiratórios (18: asma, 17: rinite alérgica e 36: ambas as condições); nove dos 80 indivíduos negaram qualquer sintoma respiratório. Os pacientes com DA foram divididos em DA leve (n = 25), moderada (n = 30) e grave (n = 25); destes, 56% tiveram uma ou mais internações por conta da doença. Verificou-se uma associação entre níveis séricos de IgE, contagem sanguínea de eosinófilos e gravidade da doença. CONCLUSÃO: A DA do adulto representa um desafio clínico que necessita ser melhor caracterizado, uma vez que pode ser erroneamente diagnosticada, e interfere diretamente na vida social e pessoal dos pacientes. A associação entre manifestação respiratória e cutânea é frequente, e parâmetros laboratoriais como níveis de IgE circulante e contagem sanguínea de eosinófilos podem ser úteis para acompanhar a gravidade e evolução da doença.

OBJECTIVE: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory disease causing intense pruritus, and with typical clinical features. There are few epidemiological studies concerning AD in adults, as well as little information about its prognostic. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and epidemiological course of adults with AD. METHODS: 80 patients aged above 18 years (mean age = 29 years) were selected (30 males and 50 females) and interviewed about hospitalization, systemic corticoid usage, age of AD onset, and personal and/or familial history of atopy. Disease severity was evaluated through the Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) tool. Laboratory examination included IgE serum levels and eosinophil blood count. RESULTS: 71 out of 80 patients referred association with respiratory symptoms (18 had asthma, 17 had rhinitis, and 36 had both conditions); nine out of 80 patients denied any respiratory disease. AD patients were divided in mild (n = 25), moderate (n = 30), and severe (n = 25); 56% had one or more hospitalizations due to AD. A positive association was found between IgE serum levels, eosinophil blood count, and disease severity. CONCLUSION: Adult AD represents a clinical challenge that needs to be better characterized, since it can be misdiagnosed and interferes with the patient's social and personal life. The association of skin and respiratory atopic disease is frequent, and laboratory parameters such as circulating IgE levels and eosinophil blood count may be helpful to assess disease severity.

O penfigoide bolhoso é uma dermatose bolhosa autoimune subepidérmica, mais comumente observada na população idosa (acima dos 70 anos). Autoanticorpos são formados contra antígenos específicos da zona de membrana basal: BP180 e BP230 (proteínas do hemidesmossomo). Apresentamos três casos de penfigoide bolhoso, em adultos com menos de 50 anos de idade, destacan do as peculiaridades clínicas na faixa etária mais jovem.

Bullous pemphigoid is an autoimmune subepidermal bullous dermatosis more commonly observed in the elderly (over 70 years old). Autoantibodies are produced for specific antigens of the epidermal basement membrane zone: BP 180 and BP 230 (hemidesmosome proteins). We report three cases of bullous pemphigoid in adults younger than 50 years old, discussing the clinical characteristics of the disease in younger patients.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the reactivity of indirect immunofluorescence using rat bladder epithelium as a substrate in patients with pemphigus foliaceus and pemphigus vulgaris from the Department of Dermatology, University of São Paulo Medical School, Brazil. METHODS: Thirty-two patients (8 male and 24 female) from the Department of Dermatology, University of São Paulo Medical School, were selected. Three had mucosal pemphigus vulgaris, 20 had mucocutaneous pemphigus vulgaris, and 9 had pemphigus foliaceus. Patients’ sera were tested by indirect immunofluorescence performed on human foreskin and rat bladder epithelium and by ELISA assays utilizing baculovirus-expressed recombinant desmoglein 3 and desmoglein 1. RESULTS: No patients with mucosal pemphigus vulgaris, 5 of 20 patients with mucocutaneous pemphigus vulgaris (25%) and 4 of 9 patients with pemphigus foliaceus (44%) had positive indirect immunofluorescence using rat bladder epithelium as a substrate. CONCLUSION: Indirect immunofluorescence using rat bladder epithelium as a substrate is recommended whenever a diagnosis of paraneoplastic pemphigus is considered. The identification of a subset of pemphigus foliaceus and pemphigus vulgaris patients that recognizes desmoplakins by this laboratory tool is critical to avoid the misdiagnosis of paraneoplastic pemphigus.

O imunomapeamento, uma técnica de imunofluorescência, é o método atual mais utilizado para o diagnóstico laboratorial e a diferenciação dos principais tipos de epidermólise bolhosa hereditária, uma vez que determina o plano de clivagem na junção dermo-epidérmica das doenças mecano-bolhosas.

Immunological mapping, an immunofluorescence technique, is currently the method most used to diagnose and differentiate the principal types of hereditary epidermolysis bullosa, since this technique is capable of determining the level of cleavage of this mechanobullous disease.

FUNDAMENTO: Apesar de a porfiria cutânea tardia ser a mais frequente das porfirias, há poucos estudos que abordam sua fisiopatologia cutânea. OBJETIVO: Avaliar as alterações cutâneas na porfiria cutânea tardia utilizando a microscopia ótica e a imunofluorescência direta, antes e depois do tratamento com cloroquina. Realizar o imunomapeamento antigênico da bolha para estudo do seu nível de clivagem. MÉTODOS: Relata-se a microscopia ótica e imunofluorescência direta de 28 pacientes em três fases diferentes: 23 pacientes com porfiria ativa antes do tratamento (Fase A), sete pacientes com remissão clínica durante o tratamento (Fase B) e oito pacientes com remissão bioquímica (Fase C). O imunomapeamento foi realizado em sete pacientes. RESULTADOS: Na porfiria ativa, a imunofluorescência direta demonstrou fluorescência homogênea e intensa no interior e na parede dos vasos e na junção dermoepidérmica. Na remissão clínica (Fase B) e na remissão bioquímica (Fase C), o depósito de imunoglobulinas se manteve, mas o depósito de complemento apresentou diminuição na maioria. O imunomapeamento não demonstrou plano de clivagem fixo. CONCLUSÃO: Não houve correlação entre a resposta clínica e os depósitos de imunoglobulinas. A diminuição do complemento favorece a hipótese de que a ativação da cascata do complemento representa uma via adicional que leva à lesão endotelial.

BACKGROUND: Even though porphyria cutanea tarda is the most frequent type of porphyria, there are few studies about its cutaneous physiopathology. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate skin changes in porphyria cutanea tarda using light microscopy and direct immunofluorescence before and after treatment with chloroquine. To perform antigen immunomapping of bullae to study their level of cleavage. METHODS: Light microscopy and direct immunofluorescence of 28 patients are reported in three different phases: 23 patients with active porphyria before treatment (Phase A), 7 patients with clinical remission during treatment (Phase B), and 8 patients with biochemical remission (Phase C). Immunomapping was performed on 7 patients. RESULTS: In active porphyria, direct immunofluorescence showed homogenous and intense fluorescence on the inside and on the walls of blood vessels as well as in the dermal-epidermal junction. In clinical remission (Phase B) and biochemical remission (Phase C), the deposit of immunoglobulins was maintained, but the deposit of complement was reduced in most cases. Immunomapping revealed no standard cleavage plane. CONCLUSION: No correlation was observed between clinical response and immunoglobulin deposits. The reduction of complement favors the hypothesis that activation of the complement cascade represents an additional pathway that leads to endothelial damage.

A imunofluorescência é um valioso instrumento auxiliar no diagnóstico das dermatoses bolhosas autoimunes e desordens inflamatórias, uma vez que seus achados clínicos e histopatológicos podem não ser determinantes. Consiste em um método laboratorial factível, que requer profissionais técnicos experientes, e detecta imunocomplexos in situ e/ou circulantes, que podem estar envolvidos na patogênese de tais enfermidades cutâneas.

Immunofluorescence is a valuable auxiliary diagnostic tool for autoimmune bullous diseases and inflammatory disorders, since their clinical and histopathologic findings may be inconclusive. It is a feasible laboratory method that requires experienced technicians and detects in situ and circulating immune deposits that may be involved in the pathogenesis of such skin diseases.

INTRODUCTION: Pemphigoid gestationis, also known as herpes gestationis, is a rare autoimmune blistering disease associated with pregnancy. It usually occurs during the second or third trimester, but it may be present at any stage of pregnancy or the puerperium. The clinical, histologic, and immunopathological features of pemphigoid gestationis are similar to those of the pemphigoid group of disorders. METHODS: We hereby report seven patients who were diagnosed with pemphigoid gestationis and followed at the Autoimmune Blistering Disease Clinic in the Department of Dermatology of the University of Sao Paulo Medical School between 1996 and 2008. DISCUSSION: Demographic and clinical findings, such as median age, sites of involvement, and gestational age of onset of our patients, coincide with those described in previous reports. The majority of patients (85%) exhibited complement C3 or C3 and immunoglobulin G (IgG) deposition along the basement membrane zone (BMZ) on immunofluorescence. Herpes gestationis factor (HG) factor was postitive in four out of six patients (67%), and three out of five patients recognized the bullous pemphigoid recombinant antigen (BP180) by ELISA. CONCLUSION: This study revealed a good outcome of the newborns from pemphigoid gestationis affected mothers, based on the absence of pemphigoid gestationis cutaneous lesions, mean birth weight, and normal Apgar scores and gestational age at birth.

Apresenta-se caso de epidermólise bolhosa adquirida inflamatória. Paciente do sexo masculino, 53 anos, há seis meses com erupção vesicobolhosa pruriginosa sobre base eritematosa no tronco, axilas e membros. O exame anatomopatológico mostrou bolha subepidérmica com neutrófilos. A imunofluorescência direta revelou depósitos lineares de IgG, IgA, IgM e C3 na zona da membrana basal, sendo a imunofluorescência indireta e o Salt Split Skin indireto negativos. Anticorpos antinucleares não reagentes. Houve melhora do quadro com prednisona e cicatrização de algumas lesões com formação de milia. Trata-se de apresentação rara de epidermólise bolhosa adquirida, com lesões iniciais predominantemente inflamatórias.

We report a case of an inflammatory variant of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita in a 53-year-old male, with itching blistering eruption on the trunk, armpits and limbs for six months. The skin biopsy specimen showed subepidermal blister with neutrophils. Direct immunofluorescence revealed linear depositions of IgG, IgA, IgM and C3 at the basement membrane; indirect immunofluorescence and salt Split Skin were negative. Antinuclear antibodies were also negative. Improvement of the blisters followed treatment with systemic corticotherapy and some lesions healed with milia. This is a rare presentation of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, with inflammatory lesions at first.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia do propionato de clobetasol a 0,05% administrada com moldeiras em 22 pacientes com gengivite descamativa por meio de estudo duplo-cego, cruzado, placebo-controlado. Pacientes receberam bisnaga número 1 e foram instruídos a aplicar a pomada 3 vezes ao dia por um período de 2 semanas, e reduzir a aplicação para 1 vez ao dia na terceira semana. Os pacientes foram instruídos a suspender o tratamento por 2 semanas, e então receberam a bisnaga 2, usando-a da mesma maneira que o container 1. Com relação aos sinais, 17 pacientes apresentaram alguma melhora, enquanto 5 apresentaram piora com o propionato de clobetasol. Com o uso do placebo, 14 pacientes apresentaram alguma melhora, e 8 pacientes apresentaram piora do seu quadro clínico. Com relação aos sintomas, houve completa melhora em 2 pacientes, melhora parcial em 12, ausência de resposta em 7, e piora em 1 pacientes durante o uso do propionato de clobetasol. Com o uso do placebo, houve melhora parcial em 8 pacientes, ausência de resposta em 12 e piora dos sintomas em 2 pacientes. Não foi verificada diferença estatisticamente significante em nenhum dos parâmetros entre o uso do clobetasol e placebo; p>0,05. Baseado no protocolo utilizado neste grupo de pacientes, o propionato de clobetasol não demonstrou efetividade significante quando comparado ao placebo.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a 0.05% clobetasol propionate ointment administered in trays to 22 patients with desquamative gingivitis in a double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled trial. Patients received container number 1 and were instructed to apply the ointment 3 times a day for 2 weeks, and to reduce the application to once a day in the third week. Next, the patients were then instructed to discontinue the treatment for 2 weeks, and were then given container 2, used in the same way and for the same length of time as container 1. Regarding signs, 17 patients presented some improvement, while 5 experienced worsening with clobetasol propionate. With the placebo, 14 patients presented some improvement, and 8 patients presented worsening. For symptoms, there was complete improvement in 2 patients, partial improvement in 12, no response in 7, and worsening in 1 with clobetasol propionate. With the placebo, there was partial improvement in 8 patients, no response in 12 and worsening in 2. No statistically significant difference was found between clobetasol and placebo (p>0.05). Within the period designed to treat the gingival lesions of the patients, clobetasol propionate did not significantly outperform the placebo.