title: Approach to the patient with autoimmune mucocutaneous blistering diseases.
abstract: Autoimmune mucocutaneous blistering diseases (AMBD) are a rare group of dermatoses that can be potentially fatal. There are many subtypes and their clinical presentation can vary from being localized to general involvement. It is crucial that a diagnosis be made as early as possible and appropriate treatments are implemented. This article will discuss the diagnosis and available treatments of the major AMBDs. There are very few case-controlled studies regarding the treatments of these diseases. Most of the treatments used for these diseases are based on anecdotal reports. Hence, a synopsis of the conventional treatments and some brief recommendations will also be discussed. A brief discussion regarding "rescue" therapies that have been used for those patients with more recalcitrant cases of AMBD will also be presented.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama, 1720 University Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35294, USA. nsblister@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Naveed
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sami
mesh_terms: D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D012872:Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome