Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026
05:05
Technique of Conjunctival Biopsy and Direct Immunofluorescence for Diagnosing Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid
Published on: June 17, 2025
Efficacy and Safety of Rituximab in Pemphigus Foliaceus: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Camille Kieffer1, Vivien Hebert2, Pascal Joly2
1Department of Dermatology, CHU Rouen and INSERM U1234, Normandie University, 1 Rue de Germont, 76031, Rouen, France. camille.kieffer@laposte.net.
Dermatology and Therapy
|July 2, 2026
Summary
Rituximab is effective for pemphigus foliaceus (PF), achieving a 75% complete remission rate. This systematic review supports its use as a first-line treatment for moderate-to-severe PF, with infections being the main safety concern.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) treatment data for rituximab is limited.
- European guidelines suggest rituximab for moderate-to-severe PF.
- This study evaluates rituximab's efficacy and safety in PF.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze rituximab's efficacy in pemphigus foliaceus.
- To assess the safety profile of rituximab in PF patients.
- To provide evidence supporting rituximab's role in PF management.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines.
- Searched six databases for studies with ≥3 PF patients treated with rituximab.
- Extracted data on demographics, treatment, outcomes, and adverse events.
Main Results:
- Analyzed 24 studies with 195 PF patients (mean age 48.8 years).
- Pooled complete remission (CR) rate was 75.0% (median time to CR: 9 months).
- Pooled relapse rate was 38.0%; 65% of 20 severe adverse events were infections.
Conclusions:
- Rituximab demonstrates significant efficacy in achieving complete remission for PF.
- The safety profile is acceptable, with infections as the primary concern.
- Findings support rituximab as a safe and effective first-line therapy for moderate-to-severe PF.
