Drug-induced pemphigoid: a review of the literature

Nivolumab induced localized genital bullous pemphigoid in a 60-year-old male

A 60-year-old male with metastatic renal cell carcinoma presented with a 6-month history of a pruritic, exquisitely painful genital eruption appearing 3 months after initiation of nivolumab. Examination demonstrated a poorly defined, lichenified scrotal plaque studded with erosions, yellow crust and tense vesicles. There was no other lesion on the body or mucosae. Histopathology revealed a subepidermal blister with a mixed lymphocytic, neutrophilic and eosinophilic infiltrate. Direct immunofluorescence of perilesional skin demonstrated subclinical blister and linear/fibrillary patchy IgG and IgA along the dermoepidermal junction. Bullous pemphigoid (BP) serologies revealed normal IgG BP230 antibodies and minimally elevated IgG BP180 antibodies. Indirect immunofluorescence revealed positive IgG at the basement membrane ("epidermal pattern") in human split skin and monkey esophagus substrates; no IgA antibodies were detected. The patient was diagnosed with nivolumab-induced localized genital BP (LGBP). BP is a reported adverse effect of immune checkpoint inhibitors including nivolumab; however, cases are typically generalized.^1,2 LGBP is a rare BP variant typically presenting in children and females; there are few reports of LGBP in adult males.^2,3 We report a novel case of nivolumab-induced LGBP with unique histopathologic and clinical challenges. LGBP should be considered in patients on immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy with bullous genital eruptions. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

A Case of Lansoprazole-Induced Bullous Pemphigoid After Zantac Recall

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the mainstay of treatment for many gastric acid-related diseases with a relatively safe drug profile. One of the rare side effects is PPI-induced bullous pemphigoid. We describe a case of new-onset bullous pemphigoid on initiation of lansoprazole for esophagitis after a nationwide Zantac recall. This condition can improve with the cessation of PPI and the use of corticosteroids. However, it poses a significant challenge to the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease by limiting available pharmacologic options. In addition, this case highlights the negative effects of a drug recall.

Atypical Bullous Pemphigoid After Linagliptin Intake

BACKGROUND Bullous pemphigoid is a common pruritic skin lesion reported in elderly patients. It is caused by an immunologic reaction between autoantibodies and hemidesmosome proteins of epithelial cells. The disease is characterized by a symmetrical blister distribution on the body. Diagnosis should be suspected in elderly patients presenting with a tense blister on normal-appearing skin or on an erythematous base. In the literature, several forms of typical bullous pemphigoid after treatment with linagliptin have been reported. However, this is the first reported case of atypical nonbullous pemphigoid after linagliptin intake. CASE REPORT A 77-year-old woman presented with multiple erythematous papules and nodules on the upper extremities and trunk. The patient was being treated with linagliptin for diabetes. Diagnosis was made with biopsy and histopathological studies, followed by direct immunofluorescence. The histopathological study showed a subepidermal blister with an underlying polymorphous infiltrate, mainly of an eosinophilic profile. Direct immunofluorescence showed linear IgG and C3 antibodies to hemidesmosomes at the lamina lucida of the basement membrane. Thus, the diagnosis of atypical nonbullous pemphigoid was made. CONCLUSIONS This report emphasizes the great variety of bullous pemphigoid presentation and the need for a greater level of awareness of the adverse effects of linagliptin. Thus, atypical nonbullous pemphigoid should be considered among the potential differential diagnoses in patients with multiple erythematous papules and nodules on the upper extremities and trunk.

Lower Extremity Salvage in the Setting of Bullous Pemphigoid Exacerbation: A Case Report

Bullous pemphigoid is an autoimmune blistering disease where patients suffer from painful bullae, often covering large portions of the skin and requiring management with immune-suppression. Our case report of recurring bullous pemphigoid illustrates the importance of considering immunosuppressive perioperative management in patients with a history of autoimmune blistering even when the disease has been quiescent for some time. With multidisciplinary care and immune suppressive therapies in the perioperative period, a free flap complicated by recurrent bullous pemphigoid can be salvaged.

A case of tripterygium glycosides-associated AGEP-like drug reaction combined with bullous pemphigoid

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a severe cutaneous drug reaction. Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an acquired autoimmune disease that might be associated with drugs. There is currently no report of tripterygium glycosides (TG)-induced AGEP-like lesions combined with BP. A 66-year-old male with a 20-year history of psoriasis was prescribed oral TG at 1 mg/kg, three times a day, due to aggravated psoriasis. Seven days later, erythemas, and blisters appeared. After another 3 days, there were two types of blisters: (1) numerous small tension blisters with a lot of neutrophils on the top similar to AGEP combined with BP; (2) a BP. After intravenous injection of methylprednisolone and gamma globulin, the lesions were controlled. This patient developed two types of lesions, including one similar to AGEP combined BP (AGEP-like) and a BP. It is a rare drug reaction induced by TG.

Analysis of the Clinical Characteristics of Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitor-Induced Bullous Pemphigoid

OBJECTIVE

To analyze and discuss the clinical characteristics of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP4i)-induced bullous pemphigoid (BP).

DATA SOURCES

We collected case reports of DPP4i-induced BP by searching databases from 2006 to mid-May 2021, as a retrospective analysis.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION

Relevant case reports and case analyses of DPP4i-induced BP were included.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The median time of symptom onset was 9 months (range 0.5-59 months). BP most often occurred in patients receiving vildagliptin (52.63%) followed by linagliptin (27.19%) and sitagliptin (17.54%). Tense bullae and blisters (85.51%) and erythema (82.61%) on the extremities and trunk were the most common presenting symptoms. In total, 64.06% of BP patients were anti-BP180 autoantibody positive, 58.97% were BP180NC16a autoantibody positive, and 31.25% were anti-BP230 autoantibody positive. Skin biopsy revealed subepidermal bulla eosinophil infiltration in 93.85% of BP patients, lymphocyte infiltration in 56.93%, and neutrophil infiltration in 44.62%. Direct immunofluorescence was positive in 98.94% of BP patients with linear deposition of IgG (97.80%) and/or complement C3 (98.94%) along the basement membrane zone. Indirect immunofluorescence was positive in 87.88% of BP patients. Complete remission of BP was achieved in 83.64% of patients on DPP4i withdrawal and after 4 months (range 0.13-72 months) of follow-up.

RELEVANCE TO PATIENT CARE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE

This review analyzes and discusses the clinical characteristics of DPP4i-induced BP and provides a reference for the safe and reasonable clinical application of DPP4i.

CONCLUSIONS

DPP4i drugs are related to the occurrence of BP in diabetic patients, especially elderly men taking vildagliptin.

Risk Factors for Mucosal Involvement in Bullous Pemphigoid and the Possible Mechanism: A Review

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common type of autoimmune bullous disease and is characterized by the presence of circulating anti-BP180 and/or anti-BP230 autoantibodies. Patients with BP often present with tense blisters and erythema, mainly on the trunk and limbs, but a few patients also have mucosal involvement. In this article, we discuss the fact that BP patients with mucosal involvement tend to have more serious conditions and their disease is more difficult to control. Potential risk factors for mucous involvement include earlier age at onset, drugs such as dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, cancer, and blood/serum biomarkers, including lower eosinophil count, higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate, IgG autoantibodies against both the NH₂- and COOH-termini of BP180, and the absence of anti-BP230 antibodies. IgA and C3 deposition at the dermo-epidermal junction may also be present. Understanding these risk factors may benefit earlier diagnosis of these patients and promote the development of novel treatments. What's more, it's helpful in deeper understanding of BP development and the relationship between BP and mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP).

Chronic Systemic Inflammatory Skin Disease as a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease

Chronic systemic skin disease and cardiovascular disease are multisystem disorders which have been associated with each other for centuries. Recent research has strengthened this association, particularly in systemic inflammatory disease. Here we explore the current literature on psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, lupus erythematosus, acanthosis nigricans, atopic dermatitis, and bullous pemphigoid. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that has been labeled as a risk-modifier for hyperlipidemia and coronary artery disease by the American College of Cardiology ACC lipid guidelines. Cardiovascular disease is also found at a significantly higher rate in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa and lupus erythematosus. Some associations have even been noted between cardiovascular disease and acanthosis nigricans, atopic dermatitis, and bullous pemphigoid. While many of these associations have been attributed to a shared underlying disease process such as chronic systemic inflammation and shared underlying risk factors, these dermatologic manifestations can help to identify patients at higher risk for cardiovascular disease.

Bullous pemphigoid in patients receiving peritoneal dialysis: a case series and a literature survey

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoimmune subepidermal blistering disease. Although several cases of BP in end-stage renal disease patients receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD) or hemodialysis have been reported, the incidence of BP in these patients remains unknown. We recently experienced three PD patients diagnosed with BP. The skin injury was likely to be a trigger of BP in all the three PD patients. Nifedipine and icodextrin exposures were possible factors directly or indirectly affecting the onset of BP, because they were common in the three cases. We also report that the incidence of BP in PD patients was 3/478.3 person-years in a single-center 10-year study. This case series with a literature survey describes that the skin and tissue injuries are potential triggers responsible for the onset of BP in dialysis patients and that the incidence of BP in these patients seems to be much higher than that in the general population.

Cutaneous toxicities occurring during palbociclib (CDK4/6 inhibitor) and endocrine therapy in patients with advanced breast cancer: a single-centre experience

PURPOSE

Treatment with Palbociclib, a cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor, has demonstrated significantly improved progression-free survival in patients with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative, advanced breast cancer, when used in combination with letrozole or fulvestrant endocrine therapies. However, limited information exists on its cutaneous adverse effects (AE). Hence, we conducted a retrospective cohort study to investigate the prevalence and management of cutaneous AE during palbociclib and endocrine therapy.

METHOD

We included 324 adult patients with advanced breast cancer who received palbociclib between March 2016 and August 2020 within a tertiary comprehensive cancer centre. Patient demographics, details of previous and concurrent treatments, as well as treatment-related cutaneous AE were recorded from electronic records.

RESULTS

The incidence of treatment-related cutaneous AE was 14.2% (46 from a total of 324 patients). The most frequent cutaneous reactions included maculopapular rash (41%), asteatosis (37%), pruritus and urticaria (20%), and bullous dermatitis reactions (9%). We identified two patients with treatment-induced subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, one case of bullous pemphigoid, and a single erythema multiforme. Patients received an average of 9 cycles of treatment, completing an average of 6 cycles before developing cutaneous AE, which persisted for a median of 43 days. Only 15% (n = 7) of affected patients required temporary suspension, and 4% (n = 2) required discontinuation. The majority were managed with potent topical steroids, with oral corticosteroids being required in 3 patients, and one patient required hydroxychloroquine.

CONCLUSION

Our study describes both the spectrum of cutaneous AE of palbociclib and endocrine therapy, and approaches to management. Prompt management may limit the negative impact on patients, facilitating beneficial continuation of palbociclib and endocrine therapy.

Subepithelial autoimmune blistering dermatoses: Clinical features and diagnosis

Subepithelial autoimmune blistering dermatoses are a group of rare skin disorders that are characterized by the disruption of the dermal-epidermal junction through the action of autoantibodies. The third article in this continuing medical education series explores the background, epidemiology, clinical features, and diagnostic criteria of each of the major subepithelial autoimmune blistering dermatoses, including bullous pemphigoid, pemphigoid gestationis, lichen planus pemphigoides, mucous membrane pemphigoid, linear IgA bullous dermatosis, and dermatitis herpetiformis.

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor-related bullous pemphigoid: A comparative study of 100 patients with bullous pemphigoid and diabetes mellitus

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP4i)-associated bullous pemphigoid (BP) has been emerging but whether it has genotype or phenotype differences from idiopathic BP (IBP) remains to be determined. We aimed to compare clinical characteristics, genetic susceptibility, laboratory features, disease activity, and outcomes between DPP4i-associated BP (DBP) and IBP occurring among patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM). Medical records of patients diagnosed with BP and T2DM from January 2009 to December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed, and patients were categorized into DBP or IBP groups. Of 100 patients, 23 had DBP and 77 had IBP. There was no difference in the Bullous Pemphigoid Disease Activity Index score between the two groups; however, the score for urticaria and erythema was less in DBP (p < 0.001), indicating a non-inflammatory phenotype. The HLA-DQB1*03:01 allele was more commonly present in the DBP than IBP cases (odds ratio = 5.33 [95% confidence interval, 1.11-28.59], p = 0.016). The absolute eosinophil count was significantly lower in the DBP group (p = 0.002). Likewise, eosinophilic spongiosis was found less frequently in DBP cases (p = 0.005). Patients in the DBP group had a significantly higher percentage of complete remission on therapy compared to the IBP counterpart (p = 0.026) after DPP4i discontinuation. Moreover, the mean maximum dosage of prednisolone administrated per patient was significantly lower in drug-related cases (p = 0.012). In conclusion, our cohort in Thai patients with T2DM confirms the differences between phenotype and genotype characteristics of DBP and IBP. We emphasize the importance of drug discontinuation in all DPP4i-related cases because doing so may lead to a better disease outcome.

Bullous Pemphigoid and Diabetes medications: A disproportionality analysis based on the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System

Background: The world's first Diabetes Medications (Insulin) was marketed in October 1923. Some studies suggested the association of diabetes medications with Bullous Pemphigoid (BP), especially the Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. The study aims to detect an association between diabetes medications (focusing on DPP-4 inhibitors) and bullous pemphigoid based on FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Methods: All spontaneous reports of diabetes medications inhibitors-related BP recorded in the FAERS between March 2004 and August 2020 were included in the present study. Disproportionality analysis was performed to find the signal between diabetes medications and BP. The Chi-Squared with Yates' correction (χ² _Yates), proportional reporting ratio (PRR) and the lower limit of the 95% confidence interval of the Reporting Odds Ratio (ROR₀₂₅) were calculated as a measure. A signal was detected when ROR₀₂₅ > 1, PRR > 2, χ² _Yates > 4 and at least 3 cases. Results: There were 3770 reports for BP in FAERS. The strongest signal for diabetes medications-BP association were DDP-4 inhibitors (ROR₀₂₅: 13.700, PRR: 15.408), followed by Meglitinides (ROR₀₂₅: 12.708, PRR: 16.777), Non-sulfonylureas (ROR₀₂₅: 6.434, PRR: 7.016), Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (ROR₀₂₅: 6.105, PRR: 10.738), Sulfonylureas (ROR₀₂₅:2.655, PRR: 3.200). Conclusions: This study detected a strong signal between BP and DDP-4 inhibitors, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, meglitinides, non-sulfonylureas, and sulfonylureas in FAERS. The signal was significantly higher with alogliptin than with the other DPP-4 inhibitors. The study doesn't suggest the association between the incretin mimetics, insulin, SGLT-2 inhibitors, thiazolidinediones and BP in FAERS.

Bullous Pemphigoid Mimicking Cellulitis

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most prevalent autoimmune blistering skin disease in the Western world affecting mainly the elderly population. The diagnosis is based on clinical assessment along with specific immunopathologic findings on skin biopsy. Risk factors include genetic factors, environmental exposures, and several infections including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, Helicobacter pylori, Toxoplasma gondi, and cytomegalovirus. A variety of drugs have been associated with BP including but not limited to dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, loop diuretics, spironolactone, and neuroleptics. Associated neurologic disorders (dementia, Parkinson's disease, bipolar disorder, previous stroke history, and multiple sclerosis) have also been described. Common clinical presentation consists of extremely pruritic inflammatory plaques that resemble eczematous dermatitis or urticaria, followed by formation of tense bullae with subsequent erosions. Typical distribution involves the trunk and extremities. Mucosa is typically spared affecting only 10% to 30% of patients. Several unusual clinical presentations of BP have been described such as nonbullous forms with erythematous excoriated papules, plaques, and nodules. Other reported findings include urticarial lesions, prurigo-like nodules, multiple small vesicles resembling dermatitis herpetiformis or pompholyx, vegetating and purulent lesions localized in intertriginous areas, and even exfoliative erythroderma. Recognition and management of such cases can present a diagnostic challenge to clinicians. In this article, we describe another variant which to our knowledge is the first case to present with a cellulitis-like presentation in a patient with a known history of BP.

Cutaneous Immune-Related Adverse Events (irAEs) to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Dermatology Perspective on Management

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have proven to be efficacious for a broad spectrum of solid organ malignancies. These monoclonal antibodies lead to cytotoxic T-cell activation and subsequent elimination of cancer cells. However, they can also lead to immune intolerance and immune-related adverse event (irAEs) that are new and specific to these therapies. Cutaneous irAEs are the most common, arising in up to 34% of patients on PD-1 inhibitors and 43% to 45% on CTLA-4 inhibitors. The most common skin manifestations include maculopapular eruption, pruritus, and vitiligo-like lesions. A grading system has been proposed, which guides management of cutaneous manifestations based on the percent body surface area (BSA) involved. Cutaneous irAEs may prompt clinicians to reduce drug doses, add systemic steroids to the regiment, and/or discontinue lifesaving immunotherapy. Thus, the goal is for early identification and concurrent management to minimize treatment interruptions. We emphasize here that the severity of the reaction should not be graded based on BSA involvement alone, but rather on the nature of the primary cutaneous pathology. For instance, maculopapular eruptions rarely affect <30% BSA and can often be managed conservatively with skin-directed therapies, while Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) affecting even 5% BSA should be managed aggressively and the immunotherapy should be discontinued at once. There is limited literature available on the management of the cutaneous irAEs and most studies present anecdotal evidence. We review the management strategies and provide recommendations for psoriatic, immunobullous, maculopapular, lichenoid, acantholytic eruptions, vitiligo, alopecias, vasculitides, SJS/toxic epidermal necrolysis, and other related skin toxicities.

Bullous pemphigoid induced by ustekinumab: a case report

A possible case of bullous pemphigoid (BP) that developed during treatment with ustekinumab is reported. Ustekinumab is a human monoclonal antibody found in pathologies such as psoriasis, which works by inhibiting the activity of interleukin-12 and interleukin-23. We describe the case of a 75-year-old woman who presented with new onset of erythematous and bullous lesions 5 days after receiving a fifth dose of ustekinumab. The patient was treated with corticosteroids and dapsone, whereupon the lesions disappeared. Ustekinumab was withdrawn. Currently the patient remains asymptomatic. In addition, the histopathological and immunofluorescence findings confirmed the diagnosis of BP. Three causality algorithms were applied and revealed a probable causal relationship. There may be a causal relationship between the use of ustekinumab and BP. This association should be taken into account by physicians when prescribing and reviewing drug therapies.

Treatment of Bullous Pemphigoid in People Aged 80 Years and Older: A Systematic Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Bullous pemphigoid commonly affects older adults and has a detrimental effect on both quality of life and longevity. Systemic corticosteroids, the mainstay of therapy, may cause significant adverse effects, especially in older patients. Therefore, safer therapeutic options are being sought.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this article was to systematically review the published evidence on the efficacy and safety of different treatment modalities for bullous pemphigoid in older patients.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review of all publications until May 2020 in PubMed, Google Scholar, and the ongoing trials registry of the US National Institutes of Health databases evaluating the efficacy and safety of bullous pemphigoid treatments in patients aged older than 80 years. The primary outcome was complete response. The secondary outcomes were partial response, complete remission on minimal therapy or during tapering, recurrence, adverse events, and mortality.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight publications were included: 2 randomized controlled trials, 5 prospective cohort studies, 10 retrospective cohort studies, and 11 case series, with a total of 153 older patients. The overall complete response rate was 31%. Topical corticosteroids had the highest complete response rate (55%) with a low side-effect profile. Biologics (omalizumab and rituximab) were effective in achieving complete remission on minimal therapy (29%) without recurrence, although rituximab was associated with a relatively high mortality rate (29%).

CONCLUSIONS

Current data suggest that topical corticosteroids are effective and safe and should remain the first line of treatment for bullous pemphigoid in older adults. However, their application is difficult and requires a high-functioning patient, third-party assistance, or a relatively mild disease. Biological agents are effective but warrant meticulous patient selection owing to the relatively high mortality rate associated with rituximab.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration number CRD42020186686.

Gliptin-Induced Bullous Pemphigoid: Canadian Case Series of 10 Patients

BACKGROUND

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a chronic immune-mediated vesiculobullous disorder. Recently, several reports have described dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, also known as gliptins, as causative agents for drug-induced BP.

OBJECTIVE

To report and describe clinical and histologic characteristics of 10 cases of gliptin-induced BP.

RESULTS

We identified 10 patients with gliptin-induced BP. Nine were secondary to linagliptin, and 1 case was attributed to sitagliptin. All patients showed significant improvement after withdrawal of gliptin medications and proper medical treatment. There has been no evidence of relapse after 4 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

This report supports the proposed association between gliptins and BP. Physicians should be aware of this potential adverse effect, as gliptin-induced BP can be reversible once identified and the responsible medication is stopped. Early withdrawal of the offending drug and proper treatment can lead to rapid improvement and reduced morbidity.

New patterns of cutaneous drug eruptions

Cutaneous adverse drug reactions produce a significant clinical, financial, and psychological burden on our healthcare industry. The importance of considering a drug reaction in the cause of any dermatitis is underscored by the diversity of clinical manifestations and the prolific rate of drug discovery and approval. We present an update on the variety of drug reactions encountered in the inpatient and outpatient setting. Immunomodulatory drugs used in oncology will be reviewed separately as their clinical manifestations cross many reaction patters and morphologies.

Drug-induced Bullous Pemphigoid and Lupus Erythematosus Occurring under Anti-TNF-α and IL-6 Therapy in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis

A 65-year-old Japanese woman, who was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren's syndrome with various autoantibodies including anti-DNA antibody, developed bullous pemphigoid (BP) and hematological abnormalities like lupus erythematosus after adalimumab therapy. The discontinuation of adalimumab resolved those disorders but polyarthritis thereafter relapsed. The introduction of abatacept was not effective, but tocilizumab was found to be effective for polyarthritis, however, thereafter both bullous disease and severe pancytopenia developed. Discontinuation of tocilizumab was effective, but polyarthritis again developed, and baricitinib resolved it. There is an increasing number of reports of drug-induced BP and lupus erythematosus, and biologics might trigger an alteration in the pathophysiological/clinical course of rheumatic disorder.

Bullous Pemphigoid: Trigger and Predisposing Factors

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most frequent autoimmune subepidermal blistering disease provoked by autoantibodies directed against two hemidesmosomal proteins: BP180 and BP230. Its pathogenesis depends on the interaction between predisposing factors, such as human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, comorbidities, aging, and trigger factors. Several trigger factors, such as drugs, thermal or electrical burns, surgical procedures, trauma, ultraviolet irradiation, radiotherapy, chemical preparations, transplants, and infections may induce or exacerbate BP disease. Identification of predisposing and trigger factors can increase the understanding of BP pathogenesis. Furthermore, an accurate anamnesis focused on the recognition of a possible trigger factor can improve prognosis by promptly removing it.

The association between clinical and laboratory findings of bullous pemphigoid and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors in the elderly: a retrospective study

Aim

To evaluate the association between the use of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4I) and clinical and laboratory findings of bullous pemphigoid (BP) in patients treated at the European Reference Network – Skin Reference Centre in Croatia.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled 82 patients treated for BP at the Department of Dermatovenereology, University Hospital Center Zagreb from January 2015 to December 2019. Clinical features of BP, presence of comorbidities, and laboratory findings of anti-BP antibodies and eosinophilia were analyzed in three groups of BP patients: 1) diabetes mellitus (DM) type II patients treated with DPP4I, 2) DM type II patients not treated with DPP4I, and 3) non-DM type II patients.

Results

The average age and anti-BP180 titer were similar in all three groups. DPP4I group had a slightly lower eosinophil level in both peripheral blood (4.89%) and biopsy specimens (87.5%), but the difference was not significant. The prevalence of inflammatory BP in DPP4I group was 76.5%. DPP4I group had significantly higher percentage of patients with chronic renal failure and dementia (52.9% and 11.8%, respectively) compared with non-DPP4I DM (14.3% and 0%, respectively) and non-DM type II patients (15.7% and 0%, respectively).

Conclusion

BP patients treated with DPP4I and those not treated with DPP4Is did not significantly differ in laboratory findings. However, DPP4I treatment was associated with an inflammatory subtype of BP and a higher prevalence of dementia and chronic renal failure. These findings warrant further research into the association of BP and DM with dementia and chronic renal failure.

Psychiatric comorbidity in individuals with bullous pemphigoid and all bullous disorders in the Danish national registers

BACKGROUND

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoimmune blistering skin disease that takes a profound physical and mental toll on those affected. The aim of the study was to investigate the bidirectional association between BP and all bullous disorders (ABD) with a broad array of psychiatric disorders, exploring the influence of prescribed medications.

METHODS

This nationwide, register-based cohort study encompassed 6,470,450 individuals born in Denmark and alive from 1994 to 2016. The hazard ratios (HRs) of a subsequent psychiatric disorder in patients with BP/ABD and the reverse exposure and outcome were evaluated.

RESULTS

Several psychiatric disorders were associated with increased risk of subsequent BP (4.18-fold for intellectual disorders, 2.32-fold for substance use disorders, 2.01-fold for schizophrenia and personality disorders, 1.92-1.85-1.49-fold increased risk for organic disorders, neurotic and mood disorders), independent of psychiatric medications. The association between BP and subsequent psychiatric disorders was not significant after adjusting for BP medications, except for organic disorders (HR 1.27, CI 1.04-1.54). Similar results emerged with ABD.

CONCLUSION

Psychiatric disorders increase the risk of a subsequent diagnosis of BP/ABD independent of medications, whereas medications used for the treatment of BP/ABD appear to account for the subsequent onset of psychiatric disorders. Clinically, an integrated approach attending to both dermatological and psychiatric symptoms is recommended, and dermatologists should remain vigilant for early symptoms of psychiatric disorders to decrease mental health comorbidity.

Adverse Drug Events in the Oral Cavity

Adverse reactions to medications are common and may have a variety of clinical presentations in the oral cavity. Targeted therapies and new biologic agents have revolutionized the treatment of cancers, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory and rheumatologic diseases but have also been associated with adverse events in the oral cavity. This review describes the most common clinical presentations of oral mucosal reactions to medications, namely hyposalivation, lichenoid reactions, ulcers, bullous disorders, pigmentation, fibrovascular hyperplasia, reactive keratosis, dysesthesia, osteonecrosis, infection, angioedema, and malignancy.

Association Between Medication Use and Bullous Pemphigoid: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Importance

The association between the use of medications and the development of bullous pemphigoid (BP) is unclear.

Objective

To assess the associations between previous exposure to certain medications and BP.

Data Sources

For this systematic review and meta-analysis, PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Embase were searched for relevant studies from inception to February 20, 2020.

Study Selection

Case-control or cohort studies and randomized clinical trials that examined the odds or risk of BP in patients with previous medication use were included. No geographic or language limitations were imposed.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

The Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guideline was followed. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the risk of bias of included observational studies; Cochrane Collaboration's tool was used for randomized clinical trials. Aggregate data were used to conduct a random-effects model meta-analysis if the included studies were sufficiently homogenous. Subgroup analyses were performed for use of various medications of the same category.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Odds ratio (OR), hazard ratio, and risk ratio of bullous pemphigoid in association with medication use.

Results

This meta-analysis included 13 case-control studies, 1 cohort study, and 1 randomized clinical trial with a total of 285 884 participants. The meta-analysis of case-control studies showed a significant association of BP with previous use of aldosterone antagonists (pooled OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.28-2.40), dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (pooled OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.55-2.38), anticholinergics (pooled OR, 3.12; 95% CI, 1.54-6.33), and dopaminergic medications (pooled OR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.34-3.05). One cohort study found an increased risk of BP among patients receiving dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (hazard ratio, 2.38; 95% CI, 1.16-4.88; P = .02). One trial found a higher occurrence of BP in patients with diabetes receiving linagliptin (0.2% in diabetes group vs 0% in the placebo group).

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that aldosterone antagonists, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors, anticholinergics, and dopaminergic medications are associated with BP. These medications should be judiciously prescribed, particularly in high-risk patients who are elderly and have disabling neurologic disorders.

Association between inflammatory bowel disease and bullous pemphigoid: a population-based case-control study

The coexistence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and bullous pemphigoid (BP) has been reported. No large-scale study to date has explored the relationship between these diseases. This population-based case-control study examined the association between IBD and BP by using a nationwide database. A total of 5,263 BP patients and 21,052 age- and gender-, hospital visit number-matched controls were identified in the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan (1997-2013). Demographic characteristics and comorbidities including IBD were compared. Logistic regression was conducted to examine the predicting factors for BP. The mean age at diagnosis was 74.88 years and 54.3% of subjects were male. BP patients tended to have more cardiovascular risk factors, autoimmune and neurologic comorbidities, and hematologic cancers than matched controls. There were 20 cases of IBD (0.38%), mostly ulcerative colitis (N = 17, 0.32%) among BP patients, compared to 33 IBD cases (0.16%) among controls (p < 0.001). Ulcerative colitis was found to be significantly associated with BP [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 3.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.91-6.77, p < 0.001] on multivariate analysis. Treatment for IBD was not associated with BP development. Information about diet, lifestyle, alcohol consumption, and smoking habit was not available. We concluded that UC is independently associated with BP.

Fixed drug eruptions, bullous drug eruptions, and lichenoid drug eruptions

Drug reactions are among the most common reasons for inpatient dermatology consultation. These reactions are important to identify because discontinuation of the offending agent may lead to disease remission. With the rising use of immunomodulatory and targeted therapeutics in cancer care and the increased incidence in associated reactions to these drugs, the need for accurate identification and treatment of such eruptions has led to the development of the "oncodermatology" subspecialty of dermatology. Immunobullous drug reactions are a dermatologic urgency, with patients often losing a significant proportion of their epithelial barrier; early diagnosis is critical in these cases to prevent complications and worsening disease. Lichenoid drug reactions have myriad causes and can take several months to occur, often leading to difficulties identifying the offending drug. Fixed drug eruptions can often mimic other systemic eruptions, such as immunobullous disease and Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and must be differentiated from them for effective therapy to be initiated. We review the clinical features, pathogenesis, and treatment of immunobullous, fixed, and lichenoid drug reactions with attention to key clinical features and differential diagnosis.

Eosinophils in Bullous Pemphigoid

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoimmune blistering disorder with substantial morbidity and mortality. BP is regarded as a disorder driven by IgG due to BP180 and BP230 IgG autoantibodies, yet, new advances highlight the function of eosinophils and IgE autoantibodies in BP. Evidence supports that eosinophils are involved in BP pathogenesis, notably, these include the presence of IL-5, eotaxin, and eosinophil-colony stimulating factor in blister fluid, peripheral blood eosinophilia is present in nearly 50% of affected patients, eosinophils are found against the dermo-epidermal junction (DEJ) when BP serum is present, metalloprotease-9 is secreted by eosinophils at blister sites, blister fluid of BP patients contains eosinophil granule proteins which are located along the lamina lucida of the BMZ in patients with BP and correspond with disease clinically, eosinophil extracellular traps (EET) have been linked to DEJ splitting, IL-5 activated eosinophils cause DEJ separation when BP serum is present, and eosinophils are requisite to drive anti-BP180 IgE mediated blistering of the skin. Yet, the mechanism whereby eosinophils contribute to the pathogenesis of BP remains to be explored. In this review, we examine the role of eosinophils in BP while offering a basis to explain the pathomechanisms of eosinophils in BP.

A case of drug-induced bullous pemphigoid associated with teriflunomide: A patient with relapsing multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

There aren't many reported skin changes associated with teriflunomide use in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) mm Only one life-threatening gross skin change has been reported so far; a patient with toxic epidermal necrolysis. There are also a few case reports about cutaneous adverse effects of teriflunomide, such as eczema, rash and palmar pustular psoriasis.

METHODS

We herein report the first case of bullous drug reaction in a patient receiving teriflunomide treatment.

RESULTS

A 55-year-old women with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) was diagnosed teriflunomide induced bullous pemphigoid as it was detected in the first three months following the initiation of therapy. It is fully recovered after withdrawal of teriflunomide, in combination with systemic steroid treatment.

DISCUSSION

We report the first case of bullous drug reaction associated with teriflunomide. Multiple drugs have been implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease so far. It is important to point out some immunosuppressants may trigger autoimmune diseases like bullous pemphigoid.

CONCLUSION

Considering recently reported skin reactions associated with teriflunomide, neurologists and patients should be careful on potential warning symptoms and signs of cutaneous drug reactions of this drug.

Cutaneous adverse reactions to anti-PD-1 treatment-A systematic review

The use of the humanized monoclonal anti-programmed cell death 1 antibodies pembrolizumab and nivolumab as potent anticancer therapies is rapidly increasing. However, since their approval, numerous cases of cutaneous reactions have been reported. Cutaneous adverse reactions to these agents have yet to be fully characterized and range from nonspecific eruptions to recognizable skin manifestations, which may be localized and vary from mild to life threatening. This systematic review article provides an overview of the various adverse cutaneous reactions to pembrolizumab and nivolumab therapy and offers suggestions for their management.

Bullous pemphigoid associated with the use of dipeptidil peptidase-4 inhibitors: analysis from studies based on pharmacovigilance databases

Background Bullous pemphigoid has been associated to dipeptidase-4 inhibitors. Objectives Addressing the potential Bullous pemphigoid-dipeptidase-4 inhibitors association based on pharmacovigilance data currently available in Spain in order to obtain a composite disproportionality estimator from all the data generated by the case-non case studies conducted to this date. Setting The Spanish Pharmacovigilance System for Human Use Drugs database. Method Case-non case study based on the Spanish Pharmacovigilance System for Human Use Drugs notifications submitted between 2007 and 2018 (n = 169,280), using the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities term (Preferred Term) 'pemphigoid' for sitagliptin, vildagliptin, saxagliptin, linagliptin, and alogliptin (n = 1952). As negative control, we used acetaminophen, while furosemide was the positive control. A pooled reported odds ratio analysis in the French, Japanese, and Spanish national pharmacovigilance databases was performed. On The Spanish Pharmacovigilance System for Human Use Drugs, we conducted a bullous pemphigoid-metformin association analysis within the period 1982-2018. Main outcome measure Adverse reaction cases in pharmacovigilance databases and the disproportionality through the reporting odds ratio. Results Within The Spanish Pharmacovigilance System for Human Use Drugs, we found 45 cases of bullous pemphigoid in dipeptidase-4 inhibitors patients. Median age was 77 years (range 72-82). The median latency period was 7 months (range 0.23-86). The Bullous pemphigoid-dipeptidase-4 inhibitors association was established with a reporting odd ratio = 70.0 (95% confidence intervals 49.1-10.1). In the combined analysis of the three aforementioned pharmacovigilance databases, the pooled reporting odd ratio was 81.0 (95% confidence intervals 69.5-94.4). Conclusion The composite estimator for the three national pharmacovigilance databases yields clear evidence of a Bullous pemphigoid-dipeptidase-4 inhibitors association, which was statistically significant for both the pharmacological class as a whole and each of the dipeptidase-4 inhibitors agents under investigation. Metformin's role in the incidence of bullous pemphigoid appeared casual rather than causal. No differences between Caucasian and Asian populations were noted.

The association of dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors and other risk factors with bullous pemphigoid in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoimmune blistering skin disorder with unknown etiology. Evidence revealed that dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors (DPP4i) may increase the associated risk. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship of BP with the administration of DPP4i and other risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

Using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database (NHIRD) from 2009 to 2013, we identified patients with T2DM and the use of DPP4i 12 weeks or greater as a DPP4i cohort and patients with T2DM who never use DPP4i as a control cohort. They were frequency matched on gender and age within 5 years at a ratio of 1:2. The Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and confidence intervals (CIs) for the cohorts.

RESULTS

A total of 14,187 individuals taking DPP4i and 28,374 matched cohorts without taking DPP4i were included. The incidence rate of BP was higher in DPP4i cohort than in control cohort (1.41 vs. 0.59 per 1000 person-years; adjusted HR 2.14, 95% CI = 1.02-4.50). The cumulative event rate of BP in DPP4i cohort was higher than in control cohort (log-rank test, p = .01). Patients with dementia and taking spironolactone had a higher associated risk to develop BP; lower associated risk in patients taking metformin.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with T2DM, subjects taking DPP4i, having dementia, and taking spironolactone were associated with an increased risk for the development of BP.

Depression and Anxiety in Patients with Bullous Pemphigoid: Impact and Management Challenges

Bullous pemphigoid is the most common autoimmune subepidermal blistering disease of the skin and mucous membranes. It is also associated with high mortality and poor prognosis due to advanced age of the patients and coexisting comorbidities. There is a dearth of data in the literature regarding depression and anxiety among those patients. The objective of this brief review is to discuss the intertwining relationship between depression and anxiety with bullous pemphigoid.

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor-associated bullous pemphigoid, likely triggered by scabies, in a hemodialysis patient with human leukocyte antigen-DQB1*03:01

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common autoimmune subepidermal bullous diseases. Autoantibodies against hemidesmosomal adhesion proteins might be involved in the developing process. BP usually affects the elderly with high mortality whereas the drug-induced BP is often improved and rarely relapses after the withdrawal of the suspected drug. An accumulated evidence suggests that dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP-4I), which has been widely used as the antidiabetic drug improves glycemic control with little risk for hypoglycemia, could be an inducer of DPP-4I-associated BP (DPP-4I-BP). While the precise mechanism remains unclear, a unique immunological profile with human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQB1*03:01 could be a biomarker of genetic susceptibility to DPP-4I-BP. Here, we encountered an interesting case of DPP-4I-BP with HLA-DQB1*03:01, which was likely triggered by scabies. A 56-year-old Japanese male with type 2 diabetes on hemodialysis was referred to our hospital due to worsened blisters. Prior to his admission, he had been on linagliptin, a DPP-4I, for 5 months. He then suffered from scabies 2 weeks before his admission while the treatment with ivermectin failed to improve his symptom. Based on his clinical symptom, positive for anti-BP180 autoantibody in serum, and the pathological alterations of skin biopsy specimens, he was diagnosed with DPP-4I-BP. Importantly, he also carried an HLA-DQB1*03:01 allele. Oral prednisolone was subsequently administered after the discontinuation of linagliptin, and his symptom gradually disappeared. Given the fact that the DPP-4I-BP could be a life-threating disease, we should be cautious of prescribing DPP-4I in hemodialysis patients, whose immune system could be impaired.

Increased risk of bullous pemphigoid in dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors: A nationwide, population-based, cohort study in Taiwan

Recent studies revealed the risk of bullous pemphigoid (BP) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) taking dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. To clarify the relationship between taking DPP-4 inhibitors and the risk of BP among patients with DM, we conducted a cohort study by using the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2015. We identified 6340 patients with DM taking DPP-4 inhibitors and 25 360 DM patients who had not taken DPP-4 inhibitors during the 7-year follow-up period. Compared with the non-DPP-4 inhibitor group, patients taking DDP-4 inhibitors had a higher risk of BP (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2.382; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.163-4.883; P = 0.017]. Among the DPP-4 inhibitors available in Taiwan, vildagliptin showed the highest risk of BP (aHR, 2.849; 95% CI, 1.893-4.215; P < 0.001), followed by saxagliptin (aHR, 2.657; 95% CI, 1.770-3.934; P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that the higher risk of BP was observed in patients older than 65 years (aHR, 2.403; 95% CI, 1.590-3.627; P < 0.001). This study revealed that treatment with DPP-4 inhibitors, especially vildagliptin, was significantly associated with an increased risk of BP among DM patients.