Comparison of Sensitivity Patterns of Direct Immunofluorescence on Perilesional Skin and Plucked Hair in Pemphigus Vulgaris

June 2017 in “ Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology ”

direct immunofluorescence perilesional skin plucked hair pemphigus vulgaris IgG autoantibodies keratinocyte surfaces outer root sheath C3 autoantibodies IgA autoantibodies IgM autoantibodies DIF ORS

TLDR Plucked hair can help diagnose pemphigus vulgaris early.

The study aimed to compare the sensitivity of direct immunofluorescence (DIF) on perilesional skin and plucked hair in diagnosing pemphigus vulgaris. Conducted at Mayo Hospital, Lahore, it involved 20 patients aged 12-65 years. DIF revealed IgG autoantibodies against keratinocyte surfaces in all patients and in the outer root sheath (ORS) of hair. Additionally, 50% showed C3 autoantibodies, and 30% had IgA and IgM autoantibodies on both keratinocytes and ORS. The study concluded that plucked hair can be used for early diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris, aiding in timely treatment and improved prognosis.

View this study on jaad.org →