Evaluation of the Quality of Life and the Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Patients With Pemphigus With Oral Mucosal İnvolvement: A Multicenter Observational Study

Abstract

Introduction: Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune disease that mostly affects the oral mucosa. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the demographic, clinical and treatment characteristics as well as the quality of life of patients with PV and oral mucosal involvement. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study among 106 patients with PV and oral mucosal involvement. Demographic data, clinical and treatment characteristics, and quality of life questionnaires were recorded. Results: Of the 106 patients, 51.89% were males. Mucocutaneous subtype was found in 78.38% of the patients. The initial localization of 41.51% of the patients was only the oral mucosa. Involvement of the bilateral buccal mucosa was observed most frequently in the patients and burning was the most common symptom (85.85%). Oral mucosal examination revealed erosions in 85.85% of the patients. The most frequently used treatment agent in the patients was a systemic steroid, and rituximab used in 16.98% patients. A positive and significant correlation was found between pemphigus severity and OHIP14-TR, DLQI, and DYQS scores (p < 0.05). The quality of life was more significantly adversely affected in those with superficial ulcers, loose bullae, lesion diameter of 1 cm and above, and the number of lesions above 10 in the oral mucosa. Complet response was observed in all patients using rituximab. Conclusions: The most common area of involvement was bilateral buccal mucosa, and the quality of life was affected in correlation with the severity of the disease.