title: Ocular cicatricial pemphigoid: pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment.
abstract: Understanding of ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP) has changed dramatically over the last three decades. Progress in basic science research in mucous membrane pemphigoid has been instrumental in outlining the key immune processes that participate in the autoimmune response. Immunomodulatory therapy has provided an avenue for preserving vision and preventing potentially fatal consequences of systemic pemphigoid. In this chapter we focus attention on the immunologic basis for disease and treatment strategies. We propose an algorithmic approach to diagnosis and management of OCP.
authors.affiliation: Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114-3069, USA.
authors.forename: Muna
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ahmed
authors.forename: Ghassan
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Zein
authors.forename: Faizullah
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Khawaja
authors.forename: C Stephen
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Foster
mesh_terms: D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D003231:Conjunctivitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D010390:Pemphigoid, Benign Mucous Membrane / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy