A retrospective analysis of patients with bullous pemphigoid treated with methotrexate.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate treatment with methotrexate in patients with bullous pemphigoid and to elucidate the reduced adverse effects compared with standard treatment with prednisone.


METHODS
Retrospective study (January 1, 1999-December 31, 2003).


METHODS
The Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Karolinska University Hospital.


METHODS
A total of 138 consecutive patients with bullous pemphigoid were included and were grouped according to the treatment they received: methotrexate, prednisone, a combination of both, or topical glucocorticoids (for mild disease).


RESULTS
Methotrexate was the most effective treatment, with only a few adverse effects and a tendency toward better survival rates in patients with moderate to severe disease.


CONCLUSIONS
Methotrexate is an effective and safe drug and provides an excellent treatment option in patients with bullous pemphigoid.
Kjellman
Petra
P
Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden. petra.kjellman@karolinska.se
Eriksson
Hanna
H
Berg
Peter
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010391:Pemphigoid, Bullous / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011241:Prednisone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012074:Remission Induction; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D011241:Prednisone; D008727:Methotrexate