| Abstract | BACKGROUND: Although bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a benign self-limited disease, the mainstay of treatment remains systemic steroids, often in combination with immunosuppressive agents. This therapy has considerable potential toxicity, particularly in elderly patients with preexisting problems. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of oral tetracycline as first-choice therapy in patients with BP. METHODS: Every patient newly diagnosed with generalized BP was treated with oral tetracycline and a midpotency topical steroid. RESULTS: In all five patients, blister formation was stopped and reepithelialization completed within 1 to 3 weeks. There was no relapse or toxicity noted; follow-up ranged from 16 to 24 months. CONCLUSION: Oral tetracycline was found to be rapidly efficacious in all patients and devoid of toxicity. |
| Authors | I Thomas, S Khorenian, D M Arbesfeld
(Affiliation: New Jersey Medical School, Newark.)
|
| Journal | Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
(J Am Acad Dermatol)
Vol. 28
Issue 1
Pg. 74-7
(Jan 1993)
ISSN: 0190-9622 UNITED STATES |
| PMID | 8425974
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
|
| Chemical References |
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents
- Glucocorticoids
- Tetracycline
|
| Topics |
- Administration, Oral
- Administration, Topical
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents
(therapeutic use)
- Drug Therapy, Combination
- Fluorescent Antibody Technique
- Follow-Up Studies
- Glucocorticoids
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Pemphigoid, Bullous
(drug therapy, pathology)
- Tetracycline
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
|
