Comparison of Serum Level of Antiphospholipid Antibodies and Homocysteine in Patients with Pemphigus Vulgaris and Healthy Subjects: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Introduction: Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune blistering disease of the skin and mucous membrane. Antiphospholipid antibodies are a group of autoantibodies found in patients with autoimmune diseases. Due to the risk for thrombotic events in autoimmune diseases, we decided to evaluate the correlation between pemphigus vulgaris and predictive elements of atherothrombosis including antiphospholipid antibodies and homocysteine. Methods: IgG and IgM anticardiolipin antibodies, IgG anticardiolipinbeta 2 glycoprotein I, lupus anticoagulant and total homocysteine were evaluated in the serum of 39 new cases of pemphigus vulgaris and healthy matched controls. Results: The prevalence of antiphospholipid antibodies, lupus anticoagulant and total homocysteine in pemphigus vulgaris patients showed no significant difference with healthy controls. Conclusion: Pemphigus vulgaris seems not to be similar to some other organ specific autoimmune diseases in which there is an increase in atherothrombotic factors including antiphospholipid antibodies and homocysteine.