Long-term results of systemic chemotherapy for ocular cicatricial pemphigoid

Ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP) is a chronic, progressive, blinding, autoimmune disease that scars mucous membranes. We studied the long-term outcome in 104 consecutive patients (average follow-up: 4 years) to determine whether complete remission could be achieved following a course of treatment with immunosuppressive drugs. We found that prolonged periods of remission off therapy are maintained in about one third of OCP patients. Follow-up must be continued for life as relapse occurs in approximately one third of cases. Those who relapsed regained disease control readily upon reinstitution of therapy and did not deteriorate to more advanced cicatrization. Sex, age, initial degree of inflammation and the incidence of extraocular involvement did not bear a prognostic significance. The mechanism which underlies the differing responses to therapy is not yet known.