Related Experiment Videos
Dapsone as first line therapy for bullous pemphigoid.
V A Venning1, P R Millard, F Wojnarowska
1Department of Dermatology, Slade Hospital, Oxford, U.K.
The British Journal of Dermatology
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Dapsone and sulphonamide drugs show potential for treating bullous pemphigoid, controlling symptoms in 44% of patients. Close monitoring is essential due to common side effects, especially with dapsone.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Bullous pemphigoid is an autoimmune blistering skin disease.
- Corticosteroids are a common treatment but have contraindications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of dapsone and sulphonamide drugs in treating bullous pemphigoid.
- To assess these drugs as an alternative or adjunctive therapy.
Main Methods:
- An open study involving 18 patients with bullous pemphigoid.
- Treatment with dapsone (17 patients) or sulphonamide (1 patient).
- Assessed patient response, speed of response, and side effects.
Main Results:
- Eight patients (44%) achieved complete disease control with dapsone or sulphonamide.
- Six patients had partial responses, and four had no response.
- Responses were rapid (within 2 weeks); significant side effects occurred in 6/17 dapsone patients.
Conclusions:
- Dapsone and sulphonamide drugs are a viable treatment option for bullous pemphigoid, especially when corticosteroids are contraindicated.
- Therapy requires close monitoring due to the potential for significant side effects.