ENVIRONMENTAL-FACTORS INFLUENCING THE BIOLOGIC BEHAVIOR OF PATTERNS OF PEMPHIGUS-VULGARIS - EPIDEMIOLOGIC APPROACH

Background. Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune disorder, in which env ironmental factors seem to play a role, both in the pathogenesis and t he activity of the disease. The purpose of the study was to correlate the biologic activity of pemphigus vulgaris with sun exposure and air temperature. Methods. An epidemiologic study was carried out, analyzin g results of serology, skin involvement, and proportional morbidity ra tes, related to sun exposure and air temperature. The study was based on retrospective and prospective series of patients. All data were eva luated in a yearly seasonal distribution. Results. Strong correlations were shown between climatologic data and pemphigus activity in the po pulations studied. Conclusions. Environmental factors have a significa nt impact on the disease expression. This stresses the necessity of pr eventive measures against exposure to sun and high temperature.