Biomaterial Database

Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. 1987

M Destro, and I H Wallow, and F S Brightbill

Recessive epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica (REBD), a bullous disorder of the skin and mucous membranes, is frequently associated with ocular complications. A 40-year-old woman presented with lid ulcerations, chronic conjunctivitis, diffuse subepithelial corneal scarring, corneal ulceration, and cataracts. Management with intensive lubricant therapy, soft-bandage contact lenses, and cataract extraction successfully restored her sight. Histologic examination via light and electron microscopy revealed blister formation and scarring beneath the epithelial basement membrane of both the skin and cornea, confirming the diagnosis of REBD. The ultrastructure of the skin and cornea and the ocular complications of the major forms of epidermolysis are described herein. To our knowledge, successful ocular management of a confirmed case of REBD with complete ocular histopathologic features has not been documented.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008854	Microscopy, Electron	Microscopy using an electron beam, instead of light, to visualize the sample, thereby allowing much greater magnification. The interactions of ELECTRONS with specimens are used to provide information about the fine structure of that specimen. In TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPY the reactions of the electrons that are transmitted through the specimen are imaged. In SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY an electron beam falls at a non-normal angle on the specimen and the image is derived from the reactions occurring above the plane of the specimen.	Electron Microscopy
D002386	Cataract	Partial or complete opacity on or in the lens or capsule of one or both eyes, impairing vision or causing blindness. The many kinds of cataract are classified by their morphology (size, shape, location) or etiology (cause and time of occurrence). (Dorland, 27th ed)	Cataract, Membranous,Lens Opacities,Pseudoaphakia,Cataracts,Cataracts, Membranous,Lens Opacity,Membranous Cataract,Membranous Cataracts,Opacities, Lens,Opacity, Lens,Pseudoaphakias
D002387	Cataract Extraction	The removal of a cataractous CRYSTALLINE LENS from the eye.	Enzymatic Zonulolysis,Phakectomy,Cataract Extractions,Enzymatic Zonulolyses,Extraction, Cataract,Extractions, Cataract,Phakectomies,Zonulolyses, Enzymatic,Zonulolysis, Enzymatic
D003315	Cornea	The transparent anterior portion of the fibrous coat of the eye consisting of five layers: stratified squamous CORNEAL EPITHELIUM; BOWMAN MEMBRANE; CORNEAL STROMA; DESCEMET MEMBRANE; and mesenchymal CORNEAL ENDOTHELIUM. It serves as the first refracting medium of the eye. It is structurally continuous with the SCLERA, avascular, receiving its nourishment by permeation through spaces between the lamellae, and is innervated by the ophthalmic division of the TRIGEMINAL NERVE via the ciliary nerves and those of the surrounding conjunctiva which together form plexuses. (Cline et al., Dictionary of Visual Science, 4th ed)	Corneas
D004820	Epidermolysis Bullosa	Group of genetically determined disorders characterized by the blistering of skin and mucosae. There are four major forms: acquired, simple, junctional, and dystrophic. Each of the latter three has several varieties.	Acantholysis Bullosa
D005260	Female		Females
D005808	Genes, Recessive	Genes that influence the PHENOTYPE only in the homozygous state.	Conditions, Recessive Genetic,Genetic Conditions, Recessive,Recessive Genetic Conditions,Condition, Recessive Genetic,Gene, Recessive,Genetic Condition, Recessive,Recessive Gene,Recessive Genes,Recessive Genetic Condition
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000328	Adult	A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available.	Adults
D012867	Skin	The outer covering of the body that protects it from the environment. It is composed of the DERMIS and the EPIDERMIS.