Transplacental transmission of pemphigus
N. Wasserstrum and R. K. Laros Jr
In a pregnancy complicated by maternal pemphigus vulgaris (PV), pemphigus
IgG was found both in the fetal circulation and fixed to fetal epidermis in
the characteristic intercellular distribution. Light microscopic
examination of fetal skin was diagnostic of PV. These findings indicated
transplacental transmission of PV. They also strongly support the
pathogenic role of PV antibodies and the concept of PV as a tissue-specific
autoimmune disease. The occurrence of intrauterine death despite careful
antepartum surveillance underscores the management problems encountered
when pemphigus coexists with pregnancy.
