Cardiac Function in Pemphigus Vulgaris Patients Before and After Steroid Pulse Therapy Publisher Pubmed



Shahididadras M¹ ; Pishgahi M² ; Tabary M³ ; Kheradmand Z¹ ; Araghi F¹ ; Dadkhahfar S¹ ; Robati RM^{1, 4}
Source: Journal of Dermatological Treatment Published:2021

Abstract

Background: Pemphigus vulgaris which is an autoimmune dermatological disorder characterized by vesiculobullous lesions over the skin and mucosae may also give rise to cardiac disease. Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) measurement may help to predict cardiac dysfunction in these patients. Method: In this prospective study, the GLS was measured before and after steroid pulse therapy in pemphigus vulgaris patients using 2 D speckle-tracking echocardiography. Moreover, blood pressure, pulse rate, and corrected QT (cQT) interval were recorded before and after steroid pulse therapy. Results: We included 23 pemphigus patients. The mean age of patients was 34.5(±6.4). Mean GLS decreased significantly after the administration of steroid pulse therapy. The mean GLS decreased regardless of age, however, the patients with the age range of 40–50 years showed the highest change in GLS. There was no interaction between gender and GLS change. Mean cQT increased significantly after pulse therapy (p=.007). Heart rate increased significantly from 88.5 ± 10.8 to 97.0 ± 13.4 (p<.001). Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure did not show any significant change. Conclusions: The steroid pulse therapy may associate with the progression of cardiac dysfunction in pemphigus patients. GLS, as a predictor, may be a valuable marker of cardiac subclinical dysfunction in this condition. © 2020 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.