The value of anti-desmoglein enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the immunological follow-up of pemphigus.

BACKGROUND

The value of anti-desmoglein 1 and 3 (Dsg1, Dsg3) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is controversial in the follow-up of pemphigus.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate anti-desmoglein ELISA (Dsg ELISA) in the follow-up of pemphigus and compare ELISA with direct and indirect immunofluorescence in complete remission (CR).

METHODS

We performed a retrospective monocenter study of patients with pemphigus and consecutive sera samples collected at baseline (M0), 12 months (M12) and 24 or 36 months after M0 (M24/36). Tests were compared in CR and in active disease. Direct immunofluorescence and circulating autoantibodies were compared for patients with stable CR.

RESULTS

We included 36 patients. At M12, ELISA values did not differ between CR and active disease. At M24/36, Dsg3 but not Dsg1 ELISA values were lower in CR (p = 0.07). For 5/8 patients with stable CR, direct immunofluorescence and ELISA findings remained positive.

CONCLUSION

In routine practice, Dsg ELISA seems to be of little interest for immunological follow-up of pemphigus.