| Abstract | The mainstay of treatment of pemphigus vulgaris is systemic corticosteroids. Intravenous immunoglobulins have been reported as an adjuvant corticosteroid-sparing regimen in recalcitrant pemphigus vulgaris. The purpose of the study was to monitor disease activity, serum levels of autoantibodies and doses of oral corticosteroids in 4 patients with recalcitrant pemphigus vulgaris adjuvantly treated with intravenous immunoglobulins (2 g kg(-1) monthly). After initiation of intravenous immunoglobulins, all patients showed clinical improvement and a decrease in autoantibody serum levels, as detected by both indirect immunofluorescence microscopy and ELISA. Corticosteroids and immunosuppressants could be reduced and even discontinued in one patient. In 3 patients, intravenous immunoglobulins were discontinued after 12 cycles. Subsequently, new blisters developed and autoantibody levels rose again. After re-initiation of intravenous immunoglobulins, in 2 patients, the condition quickly improved again, along with a decrease in autoantibody serum levels. It is concluded that the administration of intravenous immunoglobulins was associated with a decrease in circulating autoantibodies and clinical improvement in our patients. |
| Authors | Susanne Herzog, Enno Schmidt, Matthias Goebeler, Eva-B Bröcker, Detlef Zillikens
(Affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.)
|
| Journal | Acta dermato-venereologica
(Acta Derm Venereol)
Vol. 84
Issue 1
Pg. 48-52
( 2004)
ISSN: 0001-5555 Norway |
| PMID | 15040478
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
|
| Chemical References |
- Adrenal Cortex Hormones
- Autoantibodies
- Cadherins
- DSG3 protein, human
- Desmoglein 3
- Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
|
| Topics |
- Administration, Oral
- Adrenal Cortex Hormones
(administration & dosage)
- Adult
- Aged
- Autoantibodies
(blood)
- Cadherins
(immunology)
- Desmoglein 3
- Drug Resistance
- Female
- Humans
- Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
(therapeutic use)
- Middle Aged
- Pemphigus
(immunology, therapy)
|
