UnknownNot Applicable

Role of Tzanck Smear in Determining Pemphigus Vulgaris Disease Activity

Turkey (Türkiye)50 participantsStarted 2022-01-01

Plain-language summary

Aim: Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a rare, life-threatening autoimmune bullous disease that can involve the skin and mucous membranes, characterized by intraepidermal bullae and eroded lesions caused by rupture of the bullae. The aim of this study is to research the relationship of the findings obtained with Tzanck smear, which is an inexpensive and easy method, with disease activity and its prognostic importance in the clinical course in PV patients. Material and Methods: Pemphigus patients who visited to Goztepe Prof. Dr. Suleyman Yalcın City Hospital, Dermatology Clinic will be included in our study. Pemphigus disease area index (PDAI), Tzanck smear findings from the lesions and desmoglein levels during routine follow-up of patients with pemphigus vesicle/bulla/erosion will be evaluated. In the evaluation of Tzanck smear preparations, the entire slide will be scanned, acantholytic cell count performed and scored 1 to 4 accordingly (1 point: 1-3 cells, 2 points: 4-10 cells, 3 points:11-20, 4 points: \>21 cells or cell clusters). Anti-desmoglein antibody levels will be analyzed by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Clinical, histopathological and immunological diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris * Must be active bullae or erosion at any stage of the disease Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with uncertain diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris * Eroded lesions due to causes other than pemphigus vulgaris (such as herpes in the oral mucosa, candida infection)

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

The number of acantholytic cells

Timeframe: 1or 2 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05338112

SponsorIstanbul Medeniyet University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2023-03-15

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Pemphigus Vulgaris trials