The role of nutrition therapy in pemphigus vulgaris: A case report

Introduction: Pemphigus Vulgaris (PV) is a rare autoimmune disease of the skin and mucous membranes caused by autoantibodies directed against the cell surface of keratinocytes. Adequate macronutrients and micronutrients play an important role in the skin healing process. Case Presentation: A 55-year-old male diagnosed with pemphigus vulgaris and normal nutrition status based on WHO criteria. Physical examination finds multiple skin erosions from head to upper body and oral lesions. On laboratory examination, we found leucocytosis and hypoalbuminemia. The patient is given 2.100 cal/day (35 cal/Kg/day) and protein target 1 of 02 g/day (1,7 g/Kg/day). A diet plan is a regular diet with high protein and oral supplements to support the healing process, such as vitamin A, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, zinc, and Curcuma. Discussion: High calorie and protein nutrition for preventing weight and muscle mass loss. The total calorie requirement can be 20-35 cal/Kg/day and protein requirement 1.5-2 g/Kg/day. Oral supplementation has functions for cell proliferation, reepithelization epidermis, and immune system modulator to help the skin healing process Conclusion: Providing high calorie-protein nutrition and supplementation on PV can prevent protein loss and speed up the skin healing process