Quality of life evaluation in patients with pemphigus vulgaris

Background: Pemphigus is a rare autoimmune disease caused by autoantibodies against desmoglein. It clinically presents with painful blisters and erosions on the skin and mucous membranes. Few studies have been conducted on the quality of life in pemphigus patients which have all indicated the strong impact of the disease on emotional and physical status of the patients. According to evident differences in the culture and quality of life between our society and western societies, we assessed the quality of life in patients with pemphigus in the Northeast of Iran. Method: This study was conducted on 78 pemphigus vulgaris patients who were visited or hospitalized in the dermatology clinics of Qaem and Imam Reza Hospitals in Mashhad, Iran. Data collection was done by the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire in patients with pemphigus vulgaris. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 11.5 software with Chi-square, T-test and ANOVA statistical tests. Result: The disease had a significant impact on the quality of life in the majority of patients (31 (39.7%) patients). Hospitalized and newly diagnosed cases and those receiving higher doses of steroid had lower quality of life. The patient’s age, sex, education level, and therapeutic regimen did not have a significant effect on the quality of life. Conclusion: Pemphigus is not just a physical disease and has various aspects. It is responsible for many changes in healthrelated quality of life in patients. Therefore, we will be successful in treating this disease only when psychological and social aspects of pemphigus are considered in addition to clinical improvement of the patients.