Determination of Dermatology Life Quality Index Criteria in Libyan Pemphigus Patients

Introduction: The term "pemphigus" describes a group of uncommon autoimmune dermatoses of the mucocutaneous membranes caused by acantholysis, or the breakdown of cell-to-cell adhesion, which can result in the production of potentially fatal bullae and erosion. Based on their unique clinical characteristics and pathogenesis, several subtypes of pemphigus illness have been discovered. These subtypes include paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP), IgA pemphigus, pemphigus vulgaris (PV), and pemphigus foliaceus (PF).

Aim of the Study: To measure the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) in Libyan pemphigus patients and assess the impact of the disease on their lives.

Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, 25 patients with pemphigus attending Bullous Clinic, dermatology department, Jumhoria Hospital, Benghazi, Libya, over one year from January to December 2021, were enrolled. All patients were registered in the clinic, and the diagnosis of pemphigus was confirmed by histopathology. For every patient, the DLQI score was measured by filling out the questionnaire.

Results: Of the 25 patients with pemphigus included in this study, 5 patients (20%) were male and 20 patients (80%) were female. The age ranged from 30 to 72 years, and the mean age was 43.64 years. The duration of the disease ranged from 1 to 408 months (mean: 83.12 months). Pemphigus folaiceous was encountered in 13 patients (52%). Concerning disease severity, 44% of cases presented with a severe illness. In 15 patients (60%), mucous membranes were not involved. Eight patients (32%) were treated with steroids (Prednisolone) and cytotoxic (Azathioprine) drugs. The mean DLQI scores for pemphigus vulgaris were 12.67 and for pemphigus folaiceous were 10.31. Dermatology Qualify Life Index (DLQI) scores showed a large effect on life quality in 56% of the study cases and a moderate effect in 32% of them.

Conclusion: Pemphigus has a substantial impact on Libyan patients' DLQI scores; individuals receiving systemic combination treatment were shown to have lower scores.