| Abstract | BACKGROUND: Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune disease characterized by blisters and widespread erosions, involving skin and mucous membranes, caused by autoantibodies to desmoglein 1 and 3. This pathology is associated with increased morbidity and mortality if untreated. The treatment of pemphigus vulgaris requires multiple immunosuppressive agents, but often it is particularly resistant. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of rituximab therapy in refractory pemphigus vulgaris. METHODS: Five patients diagnosed as having pemphigus vulgaris were treated with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (rituximab). Each patient was treated with rituximab intravenously at a dosage of 375 mg per square metre of body surface area once weekly for 4 weeks. RESULTS: All the patients presented clinical resolution. No adverse effects were observed. It is important to observe the clinical evolution in the future, but our experience is still limited to a short lifetime and follow-up. CONCLUSION: In our experience rituximab has been an effective and safe treatment for refractory pemphigus vulgaris. |
| Authors | Angela Antonucci, Massimino Negosanti, Michela Tabanelli, Claudio Varotti
(Affiliation: Department of Specialistic and Experimental Clinical Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy. av_antonucci at yahoo.it)
|
| Journal | The Journal of dermatological treatment
(J Dermatolog Treat)
Vol. 18
Issue 3
Pg. 178-83
( 2007)
ISSN: 0954-6634 England |
| PMID | 17538808
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
|
| Chemical References |
- Antibodies, Monoclonal
- Antigens, CD20
- rituximab
|
| Topics |
- Adult
- Antibodies, Monoclonal
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Antigens, CD20
- Drug Administration Schedule
- Female
- Humans
- Infusions, Intravenous
- Male
- Pemphigus
(drug therapy, pathology)
- Recurrence
- Severity of Illness Index
|
