| Abstract | BACKGROUND: Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune blistering disease for which the mainstay of treatment is systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. This therapy had reduced the mortality of pemphigus; however, it is associated with significant morbidity. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the group's experience with plasmapheresis in the treatment of pemphigus vulgaris and report on its utility. METHODS: Seven patients with severe or resistant pemphigus vulgaris underwent a series of 5 plasma exchanges over an average of 8 days. Immunosuppressive drugs were administered immediately after plasmapheresis to prevent the "rebound" flare of disease that can occur after plasmapheresis. RESULTS: Remission was induced in 4 patients, partial remission was induced in 2 patients, and 1 patient continues to have active disease. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that plasmapheresis is a useful intervention in patients with pemphigus vulgaris who are not responding to standard therapy or who require unacceptably high doses of steroids or immunosuppressants. |
| Authors | M S Turner, D Sutton, D N Sauder
(Affiliation: Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA.)
|
| Journal | Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
(J Am Acad Dermatol)
Vol. 43
Issue 6
Pg. 1058-64
(Dec 2000)
ISSN: 0190-9622 UNITED STATES |
| PMID | 11100023
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
|
| Chemical References |
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| Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Humans
- Immunosuppressive Agents
(administration & dosage)
- Immunotherapy
(methods)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Pemphigus
(diagnosis, therapy)
- Plasmapheresis
(methods)
- Severity of Illness Index
- Treatment Outcome
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