Three new cases of transient bullous dermolysis of the newborn

Abstract

We present 3 new patients with transient bullous dermolysis of the newborn (TBDN), which is a form of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. TBDN may be diagnosed by electron microscopy showing a sublamina densa cleavage; immunofluorescence antigenic mapping demonstrating bullous pemphigoid antigen, laminin-1, and type IV collagen along the epidermal roof of subepidermal clefts; and indirect immunofluorescence with monoclonal antibodies revealing intraepidermal type VII collagen. Although intraepidermal type VII collagen has been reported in other forms of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, we believe that the presence of type VII collagen in a striking intraepidermal granular array is a finding unique to TBDN. Our cases demonstrate the importance of immunodermatologic studies in the diagnosis of bullous disorders that are seen at birth because accurate diagnosis carries prognostic implications. This variant of epidermolysis bullosa, in contrast to other forms of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, is a benign, self-limited disease. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1999;40:471-6.)