IMMUNODERMATOLOGY IN RARE AUTOIMMUNE SKIN DISORDERS

Abstract

With a combination of immunological, histological, and molecular methods, immunodermatology seems to be an exciting new direction in diagnosis and management of rare autoimmune skin diseases.  This study has a mixed-methods experimental design, whereas 120 patients with pemphigus vulgaris, dermatomyositis, and other rare autoimmune skin disorders are aimed to be examined.  The quantitative analysis using multivariate regression modeling, qRT-PCR gene expression, ELISA-based antibody detection and cytokine profiling (IL-6, TNF-alpha) were all utilized.  Key findings indicated that although low anti-desmoglein titres were predictors of better outcomes of treatment, the high level of cytokines was a strong predictor of worse illness severity scores.  Moreover, the gene expression analysis identified specific fingerprints that aided in subdivision of variations of illnesses.  The major similarities identified in both qualitative interviews with the patients and physicians were associated with the treatment compliance, emotional distress and flare management.  The interactions between categories of cytokines and treatment mode with clinical outcomes were also found to be significant using a two-way ANOVA.  The comprehensive methodological process (Fig. 1) provided a dynamic system of patient stratification and decision-making retracing.  The paper advocates a shift toward inclusion of immunodermatology in the routine clinical care of patients with autoimmune diseases of the skin and how this area is revolutionary to precision medicine.