Linear IgA bullous dermatosis: 32 years of experience


Atci T., Pehlivan Ulutas G., Güreler Sirkeci E., Küçükoğlu R.

Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia, vol.100, no.2, pp.277-282, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 100 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.abd.2024.03.015
  • Journal Name: Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CAB Abstracts, EMBASE, Veterinary Science Database, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Page Numbers: pp.277-282
  • Keywords: Autoimmune diseases, Linear IgA bullous dermatosis, Skin diseases, Vesiculobullous
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Background: Linear IgA bullous dermatosis (LABD) is an uncommon disease with only a few reported studies in large series with long follow-up periods. Objectives: To evaluate the clinical presentation, immunopathological features, management, and disease course in LABD patients. Methods: Data including demographics, clinical features, histopathological and immunofluorescence findings of LABD patients, in addition to the preferred treatments and responses to treatments were evaluated. Results: Among 26 patients diagnosed with LABD, 17 (65.4%) were female. The mean age was 40.3 ± 22.4 (6‒80) years of whom 21 were adults. The most common mucosal involvement was oral (n = 9, 34.6%). Continuous linear IgA deposition was present on the basement membrane zone of all patients in addition to C3 (n = 13), IgG (n = 9), IgM (n = 4), and fibrinogen (n = 4). Three patients were lost to follow-up without any treatment. Dapsone was the treatment of choice in most (n = 21, 91.3%) patients in addition to systemic corticosteroids (n = 17), azathioprine (n = 3), tetracycline and nicotinamide (n = 2). Complete and partial remissions were achieved in 11 (47.8%) and 12 (52.2%) patients, respectively, in a mean follow-up period of 45.9 ± 43.9 (3‒158) months. Furthermore, 17 patients were still under treatment at the end of the follow-up period. Study limitations: Retrospective study conducted in a single center. Conclusions: LABD may occur at two separate peaks, one in the second and the other in the sixth decade of life with a female predominance. Other immunoglobulins may be associated with dominant IgA antibody deposition and the most commonly used therapeutic option for LABD patients was oral dapsone.