title: Life-threatening course of pemphigus vulgaris complicated by sepsis caused by azathioprine-induced bone marrow suppression, successfully managed with combination therapy.
abstract: Severe forms of pemphigus vulgaris (PV) that are resistant to standard treatment present a life-threatening disease with a mortality of 5-10%. The treatment is usually individualized. The most popular procedures used today include intravenous applications of immunoglobulins and rituximab. Currently the common use of pulse corticosteroids, often in first-line treatment, is being neglected. This particular case documented the severity of the disease and also the need for combined and comprehensive care, in which corticosteroid pulse therapy still plays an important role.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University and University Hospital, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tichy
authors.forename: Jaroslav
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Urbanek
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sternbersky
authors.forename: Dagmar
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ditrichova
authors.forename: Jana
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hercogova
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001706:Biopsy; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007970:Leukopenia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D010392:Pemphigus / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D020551:Pulse Therapy, Drug; D012008:Recurrence; D018805:Sepsis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000935:Antifungal Agents; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D001379:Azathioprine
keywords: own experience; resistant form of pemphigus vulgaris; therapeutic possibilities