Quality of life evaluation in patients with pemphigus vulgaris

Background: Pemphigus is a rare autoimmune disease causedby autoantibodies against desmoglein. It clinically presents withpainful blisters and erosions on the skin and mucous membranes.Few studies have been conducted on the quality of life inpemphigus patients which have all indicated the strong impactof the disease on emotional and physical status of the patients.According to evident differences in the culture and quality oflife between our society and western societies, we assessed thequality of life in patients with pemphigus in the Northeast of Iran.Method: This study was conducted on 78 pemphigus vulgarispatients who were visited or hospitalized in the dermatologyclinics of Qaem and Imam Reza Hospitals in Mashhad, Iran.Data collection was done by the Dermatology Life Quality Index(DLQI) questionnaire in patients with pemphigus vulgaris.Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 11.5 software withChi-square, T-test and ANOVA statistical tests.Result: The disease had a significant impact on the quality oflife in the majority of patients (31 (39.7%) patients). Hospitalizedand newly diagnosed cases and those receiving higher doses ofsteroid had lower quality of life. The patient’s age, sex, educationlevel, and therapeutic regimen did not have a significant effecton the quality of life.Conclusion: Pemphigus is not just a physical disease and hasvarious aspects. It is responsible for many changes in healthrelatedquality of life in patients. Therefore, we will be successfulin treating this disease only when psychological and social aspectsof pemphigus are considered in addition to clinical improvementof the patients.