DERMATITIS-HERPETIFORMIS - SKIN MANIFESTATION OF A GENERALIZED DISTURBANCE IN IMMUNITY

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  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • review article
    • Vol. 47  (186) , 221-248
Abstract
Detailed investigations on 42 patients with dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) are presented, emphasis being placed on the presence of other disorders having a prominent immunopathogenic basis. These patients and 42 age and sex matched controls were submitted to an extensive clinical and investigative search for the presence of disorders with an immunological basis including the atopic disorders. Further evidence supporting the association of dermatitis herpetiformis with thyroid disease and pernicious anemia was provided. A statistically increased incidence of Raynaud''s phenomenon and atopy was found in the patients with dermatitis herpetiformis compared to the control group. Of the patients with dermatitis herpetiformis, 2 had rheumatoid arthritis, 2 had ulcerative colitis, 1 had systemic lupus erythematosus and 4 had splenomegaly. The possible basis for these associations is discussed, and it is suggested that dermatitis herpetiformis may be part of a wider spectrum of disease. Genetic linkage and the formation of immune complexes following exposure to a dietary antigen may be responsible for the disorders associated with DH.

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