Rituximab Therapy of Recalcitrant Bullous Dermatoses
- 29 March 2008
- journal article
- Published by Specjalisci Dermatolodzy in Journal of Dermatological Case Reports
- Vol. 2 (1), 04-07-7
- https://doi.org/10.3315/jdcr.2008.1007
Abstract
Background : Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody directed against CD20 cell surface antigen of B-lymphocytes. Recent studies have demonstrated effectivity in recalcitrant bullous pemphigoid. The data available on other types of autoimmune bullous disease is more scant. Main Observation : Here we report on the successful adjuvant use of rituximab in mucous membrane pemphigoid and pemphigus vulgaris in two patients with the most refractory course of disease. Both patients achieved a good clinical response. Conclusions : Rituximab is a third line treatment of patients with pemphigus vulgaris and mucous membrane pemphigoid. In contrast to bullous pemphigoid, other bullous diseases do not always respond to a monotherapy with this monoclonal antibody. Nevertheless, biological therapy seems to work faster than established treatment in such cases. Risks and benefits of the treatment are discussed.Keywords
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