The value of anti-desmoglein enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the immunological follow-up of pemphigus.

Background: The value of anti-desmoglein 1 and 3 (Dsg1, Dsg3) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is controversial in the follow-up of pemphigus.
Objective: To evaluate anti-desmoglein ELISA (Dsg ELISA) in the follow-up of pemphigus and compare ELISA with direct and indirect immunofluorescence in complete remission (CR).
Methods: We performed a retrospective monocenter study of patients with pemphigus and consecutive sera samples collected at baseline (M0), 12 months (M12) and 24 or 36 months after M0 (M24/36). Tests were compared in CR and in active disease. Direct immunofluorescence and circulating autoantibodies were compared for patients with stable CR.
Results: We included 36 patients. At M12, ELISA values did not differ between CR and active disease. At M24/36, Dsg3 but not Dsg1 ELISA values were lower in CR (p = 0.07). For 5/8 patients with stable CR, direct immunofluorescence and ELISA findings remained positive.
Conclusion: In routine practice, Dsg ELISA seems to be of little interest for immunological follow-up of pemphigus.