[Therapy of pemphigus]

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Immunology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Pemphigus encompasses severe autoimmune bullous disorders requiring rapid and effective treatments.
• Current therapeutic strategies aim to manage these life-threatening conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current pemphigus treatment guidelines.
• To discuss emerging therapeutic approaches for pemphigus management.

Main Methods:

• A literature search was conducted using PubMed.
• The review synthesizes available data on pemphigus therapies.

Main Results:

• Standard treatment involves glucocorticosteroids with immunosuppressants like azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil.
• Rituximab demonstrates significant efficacy, reducing the need for long-term glucocorticosteroids.
• Immunoadsorption and high-dose intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) are options for severe or refractory cases.

Conclusions:

• Rituximab has substantially improved pemphigus therapy, decreasing adverse events and mortality associated with glucocorticosteroids.
• The approval and expected licensing of rituximab mark a significant advancement in pemphigus treatment.