The management of oral mucous membrane pemphigoid with dapsone and topical corticosteroid.
BACKGROUND
Mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) is a chronic autoimmune subepithelial disease that primarily affects the mucous membranes of patients over the age of 50 years, resulting in mucosal ulceration and subsequent scarring.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of dapsone in combination with topical corticosteroids to treat the oral lesions of MMP.


METHODS
Twenty-two patients who had been diagnosed with MMP were selected. The oral features were graded according to severity of disease from 1 to 3. Each patient was assigned to one of four groups according to his or her response to therapy.


RESULTS
Five patients with mild to moderate disease were treated with topical corticosteroids alone for the duration of the study; 15 patients with moderate to severe disease were treated by topical corticosteroid with dapsone therapy. All of 15 patients had significant benefits.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of dapsone in combination with topical corticosteroids is one of the most useful methods for the treatment of MMP.
Arash
Azizi
A
Department of Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Ahwaz University of Medical Sciences, Ahwaz, Iran. drarashazizi@yahoo.com
Shirin
Lawaf
L
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003622:Dapsone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019226:Oral Ulcer / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010391:Pemphigoid, Bullous / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D003622:Dapsone