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  4. Bullous pemphigoid after second dose of mRNA- (Pfizer-BioNTech) Covid-19 vaccine: A case report

Bullous pemphigoid after second dose of mRNA- (Pfizer-BioNTech) Covid-19 vaccine: A case report

Annals of Medicine and Surgery, 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amsu.2022.103420 · Published: March 1, 2022

PharmacologyImmunologyDermatology

Simple Explanation

mRNA vaccines are a new type of vaccine used against COVID-19. While generally safe, they can sometimes cause unexpected skin reactions. This report describes a case where an elderly man developed a bullous pemphigoid, a blistering skin condition, shortly after receiving his second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. The patient was treated with corticosteroids and antibiotics and showed improvement, but later passed away due to a pulmonary embolism, potentially linked to his treatment.

Study Duration
Not specified
Participants
One 78-year-old male
Evidence Level
Level 4: Case Report

Key Findings

  • 1
    A 78-year-old man developed bullous pemphigoid after receiving the second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
  • 2
    Skin biopsy results suggested drug-induced bullous pemphigoid, with IgG, IgM, and C3 staining of the basement membrane.
  • 3
    The patient's condition improved with corticosteroids and antibiotics, but he later died from a pulmonary embolism, possibly related to heparin treatment.

Research Summary

This case report presents an instance of bullous pemphigoid developing after the second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in an elderly man. The patient presented with bullae and intense pruritus after vaccination and was diagnosed with bullous pemphigoid based on clinical and biopsy findings. While the patient initially responded to treatment, a subsequent pulmonary embolism led to his death, raising questions about potential complications from the treatment or underlying condition.

Practical Implications

Increased Awareness

Raise awareness among healthcare professionals about the potential dermatological side effects of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, including bullous pemphigoid.

Early Diagnosis and Treatment

Encourage early diagnosis and prompt treatment of bullous pemphigoid following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination to improve patient outcomes.

Further Research

Promote further research to understand the relationship between mRNA vaccines and bullous pemphigoid, including potential risk factors and mechanisms.

Study Limitations

  • 1
    Single case report limits generalizability.
  • 2
    Potential confounding factors related to patient's age and comorbidities.
  • 3
    Uncertainty regarding causality between vaccine and bullous pemphigoid.

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