The successful use of extracorporeal photopheresis in a 12-year-old patient with refractory epidermolysis bullosa acquisita

Abstract

Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita is a rare autoimmune bullous disease of the mucosa and skin characterized by the presence of anti-collagen VII antibodies at the dermoepidermal junction. Most patients respond to immunosuppressive or antiinflammatory agents, although patients whose condition is refractory to these therapies will require more aggressive treatment. We present a 12-year-old girl with refractory epidermolysis bullosa acquisita who responded to extracorporeal photopheresis.