[Rituximab induced remission of pemphigus vulgaris: 2 cases].
BACKGROUND
Pemphigus vulgaris frequently requires corticoids and immuno-suppressive drugs. The disease and the side effects of the drugs severely affect the quality of life, and sometime the vital prognosis of the patients. Other treatments than corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs are needed.


METHODS
We report 2 additional cases of pemphigus vulgaris uncontrolled by corticoids and immuno-suppressive drugs that responded spectacularly to rituximab. One patient had a recently onset disease, that was active despite 1,5 mg/kg/day prednisone and 1,5 g/day mycophenolate. She had a complete remission during 15 months after rituximab treatment. At relapse, another rituximab cycle led to a prompt remission. The other patient had longstanding pemphigus vulgaris complicated by cutaneous infections on prednisone (20 mg/d), immunosuppressive drugs and intravenous immune globulins. She had a prompt and complete remission after rituximab.


CONCLUSIONS
Rituximab seems to be a promising drug for refractory pemphigus vulgaris. The benefit to risk ratio of this drug in this new indication must be precisely documented.
Borel
C
C
Service de médecine interne, CHU de Purpan, pavillon Dieulafoy, Salle-Le-Tallec, place du Docteur-Baylac, 31059 Toulouse cedex, France.
Launay
F
F
Garrouste
C
C
Astudillo
L
L
Bazex
J
J
Arlet
P
P
Paul
C
C
Viraben
R
R
Sailler
L
L
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010392:Pemphigus / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012074:Remission Induction; D000069283:Rituximab
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D000069283:Rituximab