Treatment of generalized bullous pemphigoid with oral tetracycline.
BACKGROUND
Although bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a benign self-limited disease, the mainstay of treatment remains systemic steroids, often in combination with immunosuppressive agents. This therapy has considerable potential toxicity, particularly in elderly patients with preexisting problems.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of oral tetracycline as first-choice therapy in patients with BP.


METHODS
Every patient newly diagnosed with generalized BP was treated with oral tetracycline and a midpotency topical steroid.


RESULTS
In all five patients, blister formation was stopped and reepithelialization completed within 1 to 3 weeks. There was no relapse or toxicity noted; follow-up ranged from 16 to 24 months.


CONCLUSIONS
Oral tetracycline was found to be rapidly efficacious in all patients and devoid of toxicity.
Thomas
I
I
New Jersey Medical School, Newark.
Khorenian
S
S
Arbesfeld
D M
DM
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010391:Pemphigoid, Bullous / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D013752:Tetracycline / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D013752:Tetracycline