Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026
05:05
Technique of Conjunctival Biopsy and Direct Immunofluorescence for Diagnosing Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid
Published on: June 17, 2025
Pemphigus: a treatment update
Sue Jessop1, Nonhlanhla P Khumalo
1Division of Dermatology, Groote Schuur Hospital and University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa. susan.jessop@uct.ac.za
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology
|April 24, 2008
Summary
Current pemphigus treatments, including high-dose corticosteroids, have serious side effects. Evidence suggests moderate corticosteroid doses may be as effective, and newer therapies require more research.
Area of Science:
- Immunodermatology
- Autoimmune Bullous Disorders
Background:
- Pemphigus is a severe autoimmune blistering disease targeting keratinocyte adhesion.
- Current treatments like corticosteroids carry significant risks.
- Evidence for optimal pemphigus treatment strategies is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing controlled trials on pemphigus treatment.
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of different therapeutic approaches.
- To identify gaps in current research and guide future studies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of 11 controlled trials (9 randomized) for pemphigus treatment.
- Analysis of trial data focusing on corticosteroid dosing and adjuvant therapies.
- Assessment of emerging treatments like biologics and immunotherapy.
Main Results:
- High-dose corticosteroids (pulse or daily) are not superior to moderate doses.
- Adjuvant immunosuppressive agents offer limited clinical benefit but may reduce corticosteroid needs.
- Newer therapies (rituximab, calcineurin inhibitors, immunoadsorption, peptide immunotherapy) show promise but lack robust trial data.
Conclusions:
- Optimal pemphigus treatment requires clinical judgment due to insufficient evidence.
- Large, multicenter randomized controlled trials are urgently needed.
- Further research into novel therapies like biologics and immunotherapy is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Peptic Ulcer Disease IV: Management
Medical treatment strategies for peptic ulcers encompass various methods. The primary goal of treatment is to diminish gastric acidity and strengthen mucosal defense mechanisms.
The therapeutic approach involves ensuring adequate rest, implementing drug therapy, promoting smoking cessation, making dietary modifications, and emphasizing long-term follow-up care.
Pharmacological management
The prevailing therapy for peptic ulcers involves a combination of managing the patient's current medication...
The therapeutic approach involves ensuring adequate rest, implementing drug therapy, promoting smoking cessation, making dietary modifications, and emphasizing long-term follow-up care.
Pharmacological management
The prevailing therapy for peptic ulcers involves a combination of managing the patient's current medication...
01:20Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment
Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular transmission disorder characterized by weakness and increased fatigability of skeletal muscles. It is an autoimmune disease affecting approximately one in 2000 people, where antibodies against the α1 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are produced.
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which leads...
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which leads...