title: Enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium as a steroid-sparing agent in pemphigus treatment: a retrospective study.
abstract: Several immunosuppressive drugs are used as steroid-sparing agents in pemphigus vulgaris (PV) treatment, with the aim of reducing the cumulative dose of steroids and minimizing the side effects of long-term steroid treatment. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS) as a steroid-sparing agent in PV patients. We performed a retrospective study on PV patients who had attended our dermatology department between October 2004 and December 2010 and who had been treated with a combined therapy of systemic corticosteroids and EC-MPS. In the 16 enrolled patients, the introduction of EC-MPS allowed the tapering of systemic corticosteroids, and in 12 of these patients, complete remission was achieved in the time of observation, on average in 4.3 months. Corticosteroid withdrawal was possible in two patients, and EC-MPS was very well tolerated. No serious adverse events were recorded. EC-MPS is a valid therapeutic opportunity as a steroid-sparing agent in PV patients.
authors: Department of Dermatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
authors: Clara
authors: C
authors: De Simone
authors: Giacomo
authors: G
authors: Caldarola
authors: Francesca
authors: F
authors: Perino
authors: Antonio
authors: A
authors: Venier
authors: Giuseppe
authors: G
authors: Guerriero
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010392:Pemphigus / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D012074:Remission Induction; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013608:Tablets, Enteric-Coated; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D013608:Tablets, Enteric-Coated; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid