Factors responsible for death in patients with pemphigus

The records of 10 patients who died with pemphigus have been examined for factors affecting and contributing to death. Early initiation of therapy, the age at onset of the disease, and the mode of administration of corticosteroids, conventional or in pulse form, did not affect the survival. The cutaneous involvement was extensive in all 10 patients; it ranged between 30-80%. Septicemia was the commonest event preceding death; in 4 cases, it was due to Staphylococcus aureus.