Objective To explore the diagnostic value of direct immunofluorescence (DIF) for autoimmune bullous dermatoses (AIBD).
Methods The DIF features were reviewed in 155 AIBD patients who were admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2009 to December 2011. The diagnostic sensitivity of DIF was compared with that of histopathologic examination.
Results Various types of AIBD showed different DIF features. The diagnostic sensitivity of DIF was 92.9%, which showed no significant difference with that of histopathologic findings (85.2%) (χ2=2.063, P=0.058).
Conclusion DIF plays a significant role in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of AIBD.