Crescendo response to rituximab in oral pemphigus vulgaris: a case with 7-year follow-up

Clin Exp Dermatol. 2016 Jul;41(5):529-32. doi: 10.1111/ced.12842. Epub 2016 Apr 8.

Abstract

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune blistering disease affecting the skin and mucous membranes. Rituximab, a CD20 chimeric monoclonal antibody, has efficacy in PV management. We report a case of severe oral PV that showed a progressive response to repeated courses of rituximab, culminating in a rapid response within 4 weeks following severe relapse 4 years after initial therapy. It demonstrates the progressively shorter time to achieve partial or complete remission following rituximab infusions, combined with minimal adjuvant therapy over a 7-year follow-up period.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / administration & dosage
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use*
  • Middle Aged
  • Mouth Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Pemphigus / drug therapy*
  • Rituximab / administration & dosage
  • Rituximab / therapeutic use*
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Immunologic Factors
  • Rituximab