Sixteen types of epidermolysis bullosa. On the clinical discrimination, therapy and prenatal diagnosis.

The 16 types of hereditary epidermolysis bullosa and the acquired type have been reviewed elsewhere (25). After a brief summary of the genetic and electron-microscopical diagnosis, this article discusses clinical signs and symptoms that are of help in discriminating between the different epidermolysis bullosa entities. Several distinct entities with identical electron-microscopical findings but very different course and prognosis exist. Despite the great value of an electron-microscopic diagnosis, minute clinical observation is therefore as important as ever. Recent advances in therapy and prenatal diagnosis are discussed.