[Plasmapheresis in the treatment of pemphigus]

The results of small-volume plasmapheresis were favorable in cases of severe pemphigus vulgaris and foliaceus if applied simultaneously together with corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide, both on lowered doses. The patients went into long-lasting remission. A special indication for this therapy are cases that do not allow the application of large doses of prednison because of severe side-effects of steroids. The effect of plasmapheresis does not appear to depend on the removal large quantity of antibodies. Small-volume plasmapheresis as a supplementary therapy of the combined treatment with steroids and immuno-suppressors showed better effects than large-volume plasmapheresis.