Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita treated with ustekinumab: A case report

Abstract

Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita is a rare autoimmune disease involving cutaneous blistering and scarring associated with collagen VII autoantibodies. Similarly, collagen VII autoantibodies are present in the majority of Crohn’s disease patients and approximately a quarter of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita patients have coexisting Crohn’s disease. Treatment options for epidermolysis bullosa acquisita are limited and are largely ineffective. Here, we describe a 36-year-old female with a history of Crohn’s disease presenting with a 7-year history of severe blistering and scarring of acral surfaces. Diagnostic workup revealed subepidermal cleavage on skin biopsy and elevated serum collagen VII autoantibodies, indicative of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita. She was given ustekinumab for her coexisting Crohn’s disease and, afterwards, her epidermolysis bullosa acquisita resolved as evidenced by a lack of new blisters or scarring. Further studies are required to evaluate the effects of ustekinumab on epidermolysis bullosa acquisita.