Abstract
Introduction: Pemphigus vulgaris is a rare, autoimmune disorder
characterized by blistering skin and mucous membrane lesions, often
presenting with oral lesions in 50-70% of cases. It has a global
incidence of 0.5-3.2 per 100,000 people, with variations across regions,
and in Iran, the rate is about 1 per 100,000 annually. The disease
typically manifests in the 6th decade of life, though the age of onset
varies internationally, being younger in India and Western countries.
Method: In this cross-sectional study, information of 63 patients,
diagnosed with pemphigus vulgaris was confirmed by biopsy of the
lesions, was collected during a telephone call. This project was
approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Iran University of Medical
Sciences. SPSS version 22 software was used for the statistical analysis
of the data. Results: In a study of 63 pemphigus vulgaris patients, 56%
were female and 44% male, with an average age of 50.17 years. Most
patients initially presented with mucosal symptoms (70%), and the
average time to diagnosis was about 17 months. Common misdiagnoses
included aphthous ulcers, lichen planus, and allergic reactions.
Post-diagnosis, most patients (82%) received multiple medications.
Specific treatments included prednisolone (12%), methylprednisolone
(1.7%), and methotrexate (1.7%). Also Those who initially managed
their illness well tended to have more frequent and intense flare-ups
later. Patients diagnosed early generally had fewer relapses, while
those who first showed mucosal symptoms experienced longer periods
without relapses. Also, being diagnosed late can affect how well
treatments work and how the disease is managed. Discussion: Pemphigus
vulgaris predominantly affects middle-aged women, typically emerging in
their fifth decade, with mucosal symptoms often preceding skin
manifestations. Delayed diagnosis, particularly in cases presenting with
skin symptoms, may impact prognosis. Treatment choice and adjuvant
therapy post-diagnosis may influence relapse rates, warranting further
investigation.