Treatment of refractory pemphigus vulgaris with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (rituximab): five cases.

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.