The Value of Anti-Desmoglein Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay in the Immunological Follow-Up of Pemphigus

Background: The value of anti-desmoglein 1 and 3 (Dsg1, Dsg3) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is controversial in the follow-up of pemphigus. Objective: To evaluate anti-desmoglein ELISA (Dsg ELISA) in the follow-up of pemphigus and compare ELISA with direct and indirect immunofluorescence in complete remission (CR). Methods: We performed a retrospective monocenter study of patients with pemphigus and consecutive sera samples collected at baseline (MO), 12 months (M12) and 24 or 36 months after MO (M24/36). Tests were compared in CR and in active disease. Direct immunofluorescence and circulating autoantibodies were compared for patients with stable CR. Results: We included 36 patients. At M12, ELISA values did not differ between CR and active disease. At M24/36, Dsg3 but not Dsg1 ELISA values were lower in CR (p = 0.07). For 5/8 patients with stable CR, direct immunofluorescence and ELISA findings remained positive. Conclusion: In routine practice, Dsg ELISA seems to be of little interest for immunological follow-up of pemphigus. (C) 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel