Using clinical and diagnostic indices to assess the severity of pemphigus (a comparative analysis)

Abstract

The article discusses clinical indices suggested for the assessment of the severity of the course of autoimmune bullous dermatosis - pemphigus. These indices make it possible to assess the severity of the disease in view of the localization and prevalence of blisters and/or erosions and patient’s subjective sensations as well as efficacy of the therapy, and to compare the study results. In spite of the great number of indices suggested for the assessment of the severity of pemphigus, none of them are generally recognized. The following indices are currently considered as the best known and most convenient for application in clinical practice: Pemphigus Disease Area Index (PDAI), Autoimmune Bullous Skin Disorder Intensity Score (ABSIS) and Pemphigus Vulgaris Activity Score (PVAS). A number of studies demonstrated mutual correlation among ABSIS, PDAI and PVAS. However, the group of patients under examination mainly comprised people suffering from light to moderate forms of pemphigus, which makes it difficult to interpret the results of comparative studies. It is expedient for leading dermatovenerologists to carry out clinical studies based on a large group of patients with pemphigus of different severity to elaborate a common tool to assess the severity of pemphigus in the Russian Federation to be recommended by the Russian Society of Dermatovenerologists.