Rituximab therapy in severe juvenile pemphigus vulgaris

Juvenile pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a rare and often misdiagnosed condition. Although PV frequently is severe in children, a substantial portion of the morbidity and mortality associated with juvenile PV has been attributed to treatment. This report demonstrates the efficacy of rituximab therapy in juvenile PV. We report 2 cases and review the literature. Rituximab treatment was effective in helping to control 2 recalcitrant cases of juvenile PV without inducing the adverse effects associated with other adjuvant therapies. Rituximab should be considered when treating resistant cases of PV in pediatric populations to avoid the long-term side effects of other immunosuppressive treatments.