The use of plasmapheresis and immunosuppression in the treatment of pemphigus vulgaris.

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
• Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (J Am Acad Dermatol) Vol. 43 Issue 6 Pg. 1058-64 (Dec 2000) ISSN: 0190-9622 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11100023 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Immunosuppressive Agents

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