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Pénfigo vulgar - Overview

Definición:

Es un trastorno autoinmunitario que consiste en la formación de ampollas y úlceras (erosiones) en la piel y las membranas mucosas.

Causas, incidencia y factores de riesgo:

El pénfigo es un trastorno autoinmunitario. El sistema inmunitario produce anticuerpos contra proteínas específicas en la piel y membranas mucosas. Estos anticuerpos rompen los enlaces entre las células cutáneas, lo cual lleva a la formación de una ampolla. La causa exacta se desconoce.

Algunas veces, el pénfigo es causado por ciertos medicamentos, aunque esto es infrecuente. Los medicamentos que pueden causar esta afección abarcan:

  • Un fármaco llamado penicilamina, el cual elimina ciertos materiales de la sangre (agente quelante)
  • Medicamentos para la presión arterial llamados IECA

El pénfigo es poco común y se presenta casi siempre en personas de mediana edad o de edad avanzada.

  • Reviewed last on: 9/11/2010
  • Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and Roy Colven, MD, Dermatologist, Associate Professor of Medicine, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

Referencias

Habif TP. Vesicular and bullous diseases. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2009:chap 16.

Baroni A, Lanza A, Cirillo N, Brunetti G, Ruocco E, Ruocco V. Vesicular and bullous disorders: pemphigus. Dermatol Clin. 2007;25(4):597-603.

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