title: Mycophenolate mofetil as an adjuvant therapy for classic and endemic pemphigus foliaceus.
abstract: Pemphigus foliaceus is an autoimmune cutaneous disease with subcorneal acantholysis and pathogenic IgG4 autoantibodies directed against desmoglein 1. We present our experience with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in the treatment of one case of endemic pemphigus foliaceus (fogo selvagem) and two cases of the classic form. All patients had severe, refractory disease and developed marked adverse effects due to long-term corticosteroid therapy. MMF proved to be an effective corticosteroid-sparing agent at doses varying from 35 to 45 mg/kg/d. It was well tolerated, and we found no significant adverse effects from this drug.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology of University of Sao Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Milka Yuri
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Kawashita
authors.forename: Katia
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tsai
authors.forename: Valéria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Aoki
authors.forename: Claudia Giuli
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Santi
authors.forename: Celina Wakisaka
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Maruta
authors.forename: Evandro
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rivitti
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010392:Pemphigus / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid