Pénfigo vulgar y su manejo integral: reporte de dos casos y revisión de literatura / Pemphigus Vulgaris and its Comprehensive Management: Report of Two Cases and Literature Review

Resumen En la cavidad oral se pueden presentar lesiones en gíngiva que no están asociadas a placa bacteriana, las cuales requieren de un adecuado diagnóstico y tratamiento. La gingivitis descamativa está usualmente relacionada con desórdenes mucocutáneos, como el pénfigo vulgar (PV), donde las lesiones orales incluyendo las lesiones gingivales, pueden preceder las lesiones cutáneas. El manejo es multidisciplinario y el tratamiento incluye terapia farmacológica tópica y sistémica, se requiere un adecuado control de la placa bacteriana por parte del paciente y una estricta supervisión en el tiempo por parte del profesional para el mantenimiento y estabilidad de los tejidos gingivales. Se presentan dos casos clínicos de pacientes con diagnóstico de PV los cuales fueron manejados de manera oportuna e integral para controlar y estabilizar el factor sistémico y local.

Abstract In the oral cavity, gingiva lesions may occur that are not associated with bacterial plaque, which require adequate diagnosis and treatment. Desquamative gingivitis is usually related to mucocutaneous disorders, such as pemphigus vulgaris (PV), where oral lesions, including gingival lesions, may precede skin lesions. Management is multidisciplinary and treatment includes topical and systemic pharmacological therapy, require adequate control of dental plaque by the patient and strict supervision over time by the professional for the maintenance and stability of the gingival tissues. Two clinical cases of patients with a diagnosis of PV are presented, which were managed in a timely and integral way to control and stabilize the systemic and local factor.

Experience in the diagnosis and treatment of a drug-induced pemphigus / 华西口腔医学杂志

Drug-induced pemphigus (DIP) is a special type of pemphigus, and its pathogenesis, characteristics of treatment, and prognosis are closely related to the inducing drugs. This article reports the diagnosis and treatment of DIP (pemphigus vulgaris) caused by the administration of rifampin to a patient with tuberculosis. Combined with the literature, we discussed the types, pathogenesis, differential diagnosis, and treatment principles of DIP. We propose that in the oral clinical practice for patients with pemphigus vulgaris, the importance of investigating suspected drugs that induce DIP should be emphasized.

Clinical Analysis of Eight Cases of Pemphigus with High Titers of Anti-desmoglein Antibodies in Remission / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To investigate the clinical manifestations,diagnosis,treatment,and laboratory examination characteristics of 8 pemphigus patients with high titers of anti-desmoglein antibodies in remission. Methods A retrospective study was conducted for the pemphigus patients diagnosed and treated in the department of dermatology from January 2013 to September 2020.The patients should have the serum anti-desmoglein antibodies ≥150 U/ml in remission or the antibody levels dropped less than 20%(calculated based on the maximum detection limit of 150 U/ml)of their initial ones detected before treatment,and the clinical and laboratory data of patients eligible for the inclusion criteria were collected. Results Among the 134 pemphigus patients with available follow-up data during this period,a total of 8 patients met the criteria,with the follow-up period of 21-85 months and the remission duration of 18-70 months.They all received less than or equal to 10 mg/d prednisone and had high titers of anti-desmoglein antibodies.At their first visit,the number of patients with positive anti-desmoglein 1/desmoglein 3 antibodies was 7.Two patients still had high titers of anti-desmoglein 1 antibodies 19 months and 21 months after they achieved remission,and 5 patients had high titers of anti-desmoglein 3 antibodies in 18-70 months.There was one patient showing high titers of both antibodies,especially for anti-desmoglein 1 antibodies.This patient relapsed after 19 months' remission while other patients were still in clinical remission. Conclusions Some pemphigus patients showed persistent high titers of anti-desmoglein antibodies in remission.Anti-desmoglein 3 antibodies were more common to keep positive,while high titer of anti-desmoglein 1 antibodies was less observed.The high titer of anti-desmoglein 1 antibodies had a correlation with recurrence.For the pemphigus patients with long-term clinical remission but high antibody titer,the dosages of corticosteroids should be adjusted carefully according to their actual clinical manifestations and the positive antibody type.For the patients with high titer of anti-desmoglein 1 antibodies,the dosage reduction of corticosteroids should be appropriately slower.

Pénfigo Foliáceo con desafío terapéutico / Pemphigus foliaceus with therapeutic challenge

Resumen El pénfigo foliáceo es una enfermedadversículo ampollar autoinmune poco frecuente,caracterizada histopatológicamente por acantólisis, inducida por la presencia de autoanticuerpos frente a la desmogleína 1. El desprendimiento se localiza en los estratos más superficiales de la epidermis produciendo ampollas frágiles y erosiones. Se clasifica en endémico y no endémico o esporádico. Dentro de este último podemos encontrar una variedad localizada y una generalizada. Presentamos el caso de un paciente, con diagnósticoy confirmación histopatológica de pénfigo foliáceo y realizamos una breve revisión de la literatura.

Summary Foliaceus pemphigus is an infrequent autoimmune blistering verse disease characterized histopathologically by acantholysis, induced by the presence of autoantibodies against desmoglein 1. The detachment is located in the most superficial layers of the epidermis produces fragile blisters and erosions. It is classified as endemic, and not endemic or sporadic. Within the latter we can find a localized and a generalized variety. Presents the case of a patient, diagnosis and histopathological confirmation of a paper and makes a brief review of the literature.

Pemphigus vegetans with isolated involvement of the nose and chest: rare variant of pemphigus vulgaris

Abstract: Pemphigus vulgaris is chronic bullous disease that manifests as bullae and erosions of skin and mucosas, with intraepidermal suprabasal cleft formation seen in the histological examination. It has a rare variant called pemphigus vegetans, where vesicles and bullae are replaced by pustular, verrucous and hyperpigmented lesions, mainly in skin folds. The treatment is similar to that for classic pemphigus vulgaris. The authors present an exuberant case of pemphigus vegetans, covering the nose and chest exclusively, without oral or flexural lesions.

Consensus on the treatment of autoimmune bullous dermatoses: pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus - Brazilian Society of Dermatology

Abstract: Pemphigus are intraepidermal autoimmune bullous dermatoses that occur with lesions on the skin and / or mucous membranes. The most frequent types are pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus (classic and endemic). This consensus aims to present a complete and updated review of the treatment of these two more frequent forms of pemphigus, based on the literature and the personal experience of the authors. In moderate and severe cases of pemphigus vulgaris and foliaceus, systemic corticosteroid therapy (prednisone or prednisolone) is the treatment of choice. Adjuvant drugs, usually immunosuppressive drugs (azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, methotrexate, cyclophosphamide) may be prescribed as corticosteroid sparers in refractory cases or with contraindications to corticosteroids to minimize side effects. In severe and nonresponsive cases, corticosteroids in the form of intravenous pulse therapy, immunoglobulin and plasmapheresis / immunoadsorption can be administered. Immunobiological drugs, particularly rituximab, appear as a promising alternative. For milder cases, smaller doses of oral corticosteroid, dapsone and topical corticosteroids are options. At the end flowcharts are presented as suggestions for a therapeutic approach for patients with pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus.

Manifestación oral del pénfigo vulgar. Reporte de un caso / Oral manifestation of vulgar pemphigus. A case report

RESUMEN El pénfigo es una enfermedad autoinmune potencialmente mortal, que causa ampollas y erosiones en la piel y en la membrana mucosa. Las lesiones epiteliales son el resultado de autoanticuerpos que reaccionan con las glicoproteínas desmosomales y están presentes en la superficie celular del queratinocito. La reacción autoinmune contra estas glicoproteínas causa una pérdida de adhesión celular, resultando en la formación de ampollas intraepiteliales. Del 80 al 90 % de los pacientes con pénfigo vulgar, desarrollan trastornos cutáneos y en el 60 % de los casos alteraciones en la mucosa que es el primer o único signo. El diagnóstico de las lesiones en cavidad bucal es fundamental, ya que pueden prevenir su afectación a la piel. Si se establece el tratamiento en su etapa inicial, la enfermedad es más fácil de controlar y aumenta la posibilidad de una remisión temprana del trastorno y mejor calidad de vida. Este reporte de caso mostró a una paciente de 35 años, la que comenzó a presentar lesiones ulceradas en toda la orofaringe, con sensación de ardor e incapacidad para la ingestión de alimentos. El diagnóstico fue pénfigo vulgar (AU).

ABSTRACT Pemphigus is a potentially deadly autoimmune disease causing blisters and erosions in the skin and the mucous membrane. The epithelial lesions are the result of antibodies reacting to desmosomal glycoproteins, and are present in the keratinocytes cellular surface. The autoimmune reaction to these glycoproteins causes a cellular adhesion loss resulting in the formation of intraepithelial blisters. From 80 to 90 % of the patients with vulgar pemphigus develop skin disorders, and 60 % of the cases show mucosa changes as the first or unique sign. The diagnosis of the lesions in oral cavity is essential because it could prevent the skin damage. If the treatment begins in an initial stage, it is easier to control the disease and the possibility of the disorder's early remission and a better life quality increases. This is the report of the case of a female patient, aged 35 years, who presented ulcerated lesions in the entire oropharyngeal region, with itching sensation and inability for food consumption. The diagnosis was vulgar pemphigus (AU).

Pénfigo vulgar en pediatría a propósito de un caso / Pemphigus vulgaris in pediatrics: a case report

Resumen: Introducción: El pénfigo vulgar es una enfermedad grave y poco frecuente en niños. Su diagnóstico y tratamiento oportuno permite modificar el pronóstico. El objetivo es describir las características clínicas y el abordaje diagnóstico y terapéutico de esta poco frecuente enfermedad vesículo-ampollar autoinmune en niños. Caso clínico: Niño de 2 años, previamente sano. Comenzó con dermato sis generalizada con máximo lesional en región umbilical, miembros y genitales, caracterizada por ampollas, algunas denudadas con sangrado fácil, sin compromiso mucoso ni fiebre. Se diagnosticó impétigo bulloso y se indicó antibioticoterapia tópica y sistémica sin mejoría clínica. Evolucionó con extensión lesional, con compromiso de mucosas oral y anal. El estudio histológico e inmunohistoquí- mico de las lesiones y la piel perilesional confirmó pénfigo vulgar. Se inició tratamiento corticoideo e inmunomodulador con buena respuesta. Conclusiones: Dada la similitud de las manifestaciones del pénfigo vulgar con otras enfermedades infecciosas e inflamatorias de mayor prevalencia, se requiere un alto índice de sospecha para evitar demoras en el diagnóstico y el comienzo del tratamiento. En pacientes con manifestaciones vesículo ampollares de evolución no esperada, es necesaria la intercon sulta por dermatólogo y evaluar la oportunidad de biopsia de la lesión y piel perilesional, para estudio histológico e inmunofluorescencia directa, lo que permitirá la confirmación diagnóstica.

Abstract: Introduction: pemphigus vulgaris is a serious and infrequent disease in children. Its timely diagnosis and treatment allows modifying its prognosis. The objective is to describe its clinical characteristics, and the diagnostic and therapeutic approach of this uncommon autoimmune blistering disease in children. Clinical case: 2-year-old male patient, previously healthy. He initially presented generalized dermatosis with maximum lesion areas at the umbilical region, limbs and genitals; characterized by blisters, some denuded, and of easy bleeding, without mucosal involvement nor fever. Bullous im petigo was diagnosed and topical and systemic antibiotic treatment was started, showing no clinical improvement. He developed extension of the lesions with oral and anal mucosal involvement. The histologic and direct immunofluorescent study of lesions and perilesional skin confirm the diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris. The patient started treatment with corticosteroids and immunomodulatory agents with good clinical response. Conclusions: Due to the similarity with other more prevalent infectious and inflammatory diseases, a high index of suspicion is required in order to avoid delays in the diagnosis and the start of treatment. In patients with blisters with an unexpected clinical evolu tion, it is necessary to conduct a joint evaluation with a dermatologist and to assess the opportunity of performing a biopsy of the lesion and perilesional skin for histological study and direct immunofluo rescence, which will allow diagnostic confirmation.

Oral pemphigus treated with minipulse therapy

Pemphigus is a chronic potentially fatal autoimmune disorder that causes blisters and erosions of the skin and oral mucous membrane. most of the cases present oral manifestations as the first clinical sign along with dermal lesions. only 0.5 to 3.2 of cases are reported each year per 1,000,000 population with oral manifestations without dermal participation, and is at times difficult to diagnose. we report a case of oral pemphigus vulgaris in a 20 year old female patient without dermal manifestations treated with oral mini pulse therapy. pénfigo oral tratado con terapia minipulse. resumen: el pénfigo es un trastorno autoinmune crónico potencialmente fatal que causa ampollas y erosiones de la piel y la membrana mucosa oral. la mayoría de los casos presentan manifestaciones orales como el primer signo clínico junto con lesiones dérmicas. solo se reportan de 0.5 a 3.2 casos cada año por cada 1,000,000 de personas con manifestaciones orales sin afectación de la piel, y algunas veces es difícil de diagnosticar. presentamos un caso de pénfigo vulgar oral en un paciente de 20 años, sin manifestaciones cutáneas tratadas con mini terapia del pulso oral.

Pemphigus foliaceus with pustular presentation in a patient with psoriasis

Abstract Pemphigus foliaceus is a chronic autoimmune disease of the skin, clinically characterized by scaly and crusty cutaneous erosions involving the seborrheic areas. The patient can eventually become erythrodermic. There are reports of atypical cases of pemphigus foliaceus with pustules and neutrophils, and clinical differentiation from generalized pustular psoriasis of von Zumbusch is difficult. We report the case of a 55-year-old man with a history of psoriasis vulgaris that has developed pemphigus foliaceus with pustules, triggered by withdrawal of systemic corticosteroids. This is the first report associating this atypical form of pemphigus with psoriasis, suggesting that an overlap with generalized pustular psoriasis can occur.

Contribuições do cuidado de enfermagem na redução da dor em clientes com dermatoses imunobolhosas: avaliação pela lógica fuzzi / Reduction of pain in clients with autoimmune bullous dermatoses: evaluation by fuzzy logic / Reducción del dolor en clientes con dermatosis inmunoampollosas: evaluación por la lógica difusa

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a intensidade da dor do cliente com dermatoses imunobolhosas, antes e após a aplicação do Protocolo de cuidados de enfermagem ao cliente com dermatoses Imunobolhosas. Método: Os dados foram tratados mediante a aplicação da lógica fuzzy. RESULTADOS: Ao associar a implementação do protocolo com a redução da dor nos 14 sujeitos do estudo, destaca-se em (T0), sete sujeitos apresentavam dor alta, com pertinência 1,0. Em (T1), 24 horas após a intervenção, oito com dor baixa, com pertinências que variaram ente 1,0 e 0,75, e apenas um com dor alta. No momento (T2) apenas um manteve-se com dor alta. DISCUSSÃO: O uso de analgésicos antes do início da aplicação do protocolo demonstra que a mudança na intensidade da dor, não sofreu influência do uso da medicação, mas sim dos cuidados implementados. CONCLUSÃO: Baseando-se nas classificações da lógica fuzzy, constatou-se redução significativa da dor, em especial nas primeiras 24 horas.

AIM: to evaluate the intensity of the client's pain with autoimmune bullous dermatoses, before and after the protocol of nursing care is applied to a client with autoimmune bullous dermatoses. Method: the data were treated using fuzzy logic. RESULTS: when associating the implementation of the protocol with pain reduction in the 14 study subjects the following stand out: in T0, seven subjects presented high levels of pain, with a pertinence of 1.0; in T1, 24 hours after intervention, eight presented a low level of pain, with pertinences ranging from 1.0 and 0.75, and only one with high level of pain; in T2, only one remained with a high level of pain. DISCUSSSION: the use of analgesics prior to application of the protocol demonstrates that change in pain intensity was not influenced by use of medication, but rather by the implemented care. CONCLUSION: based on the classifications of fuzzy logic, there was a significant reduction of pain levels, especially in the first 24 hours.

OBJETIVO: evaluar la intensidad del dolor del cliente con dermatosis inmunoampollosas, antes y después de aplicarle el protocolo de cuidados de enfermería al cliente con dermatosis inmunoampollosas. Método: los datos fueron tratados mediante la aplicación de la lógica difusa. RESULTADOS: al asociar la implementación del protocolo con la reducción del dolor en los 14 individuos del estudio, se destaca: en (T0), siete individuos presentaban dolor alto, con pertinencia 1,0; en (T1), 24 horas después de la intervención, ocho con dolor bajo, con pertinencias que variaron ente 1,0 y 0,75, y solamente uno con dolor alto; en el momento (T2), solamente uno se mantuvo con dolor alto. DISCUSIÓN: el uso de analgésicos antes del inicio de la aplicación del protocolo demuestra que el cambio en la intensidad del dolor, no sufrió influencia del uso del medicamento, pero sí de los cuidados implementados. CONCLUSIÓN: basándose en las clasificaciones de la lógica difusa, se constató reducción significativa del dolor, en especial en las primeras 24 horas.

Eficacia y seguridad de rituximab en combinación con azatioprina o Mofetil micofenolato en pacientes adultos con diagnóstico de pénfigo refractario y con contraindicación a uso de corticoides por eventos adversos serios / Efficacy and safety of rituximab for the treatment of patients younger than 18 years with autoimmune encephalitis refractory to first-line therapy (immunoglobulin, corticoid pulses and plasmapheresis)

INTRODUCCIÓN: Antecedentes: El Instituto de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud e Investigación (IETSI) ha recibido la solicitud de evaluar el uso del medicamento Rituximab (RTX) administrado en asociación a azatioprina o mofetil micofenolato (MMF) en pacientes con pénfigo seborreico refractario y con contraindicaciones para el uso de corticoides por eventos adversos serios, indicación actualmente no contemplada en el petitorio de medicamentos. Aspectos Generales: El pénfigo es un grupo de enfermedades ampulosas autoinmunes raras caracterizado por formación de ampollas y erosiones extensas en la piel y las mucosas. El pénfigo aparece comúnmente en la edad adulta, su distribución es igual entre hombres y mujeres, y ocurre en todas las razas aunque se le ha encontrado asociado a algunos alelos del HLA clase II (Tron 2005), los cuales son moléculas heredadas relacionadas con la respuesta inmune. Fisiopatológicamente, las ampollas se producen debido a la presencia de auto-anticuerpos IgG contra la desmogleina 1 y 3 de los queratinocitos, las cuales son proteínas de adhesión localizadas en la parte superior e inferior de la epidermis respectivamente. Tecnología Sanitaria de Interés: Rituximab: RTX es un anticuerpo citolítico anti CD20. RTX se une al receptor del CD20 induciendo la disminución de células B in vitro. La molécula CD20 se expresa específicamente en la superficie de los linfocitos B durante su diferenciación desde células pre-B a células B maduras. El dominio Fab de RTX se une al antígeno CD20 de los linfocitos B, y el dominio Fc favorece funciones inmunes para mediar la lisis de las células B. Los posibles mecanismos de la lisis celular incluyen la citotoxicidad mediada por el sistema del complemento y mediada por anticuerpos (FDA). METODOLOGÍA: Estrategia de Búsqueda: Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de la evidencia científica con respecto a la eficacia y seguridad de RTX en terapia combinada con azatioprina o MMFen pacientes con diagnóstico de pénfigo eritematoso refractario o con contraindicaciones para el uso de corticoides en las bases de datos MEDLINE, EMBASE y Translating research into practice (TRIPDATABASE), así como dentro de la información generada por grupos que realizan revisiones sistemáticas, evaluación de tecnologías sanitarias y guías de práctica clínica, tales como The Cochrane Library, The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), The National Guideline for Clearinghouse (NGC) and The Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH). Los desenlaces clínicos a evaluar fueron mortalidad, remisión sostenida (definida como control de la enfermedad por más de 6 meses), calidad de vida, reacciones adversas, y disminución de la dosis de medicamentos coadyuvantes. Se hizo una búsqueda adicional en www.clinicaltrials.qov, para poder identificar ensayos clínicos en curso o que no hayan sido publicados. RESULTADOS: Sinopsis de la Evidencia: Se realizó una búsqueda de la literatura con respecto a la eficacia y seguridad de RTX en terapia combinada con azatioprina o MMF en pacientes con diagnóstico de pénfigo foliáceo (incluyendo el eritematoso) refractario o con contraindicaciones para el uso de corticoides. No se encontró ensayos clínicos aleatorizados que evaluaran a RTX como tratamiento de pénfigo foliáceo con o sin comparación con azatioprina o MMF por lo que se ha incluido resultados de estudios observacionales. CONCLUSIONES: Hasta el momento, no se ha identificado evidencia directa para responder si el uso de RTX en terapia combinada con azatioprina o mofetil MMFes mas efectiva y segura que la terapia con azatioprina o mofetil MMFen pacientes con diagnóstico de pénfigo eritematoso refractario y con contraindicaciones para el uso de corticoides por eventos adversos serios. No se ha encontrado en la presente evaluación de tecnología sanitaria evidencia consistente que establezca cual es el beneficio neto atribuible al uso de RTX por sobre otros inmunosupresores en pacientes con pénfigo eritematoso refractario y con contraindicación de uso de CE por eventos adversos severos, considerando que a la fecha se disponen de otros inmunosupresores de tercera línea recomendados en las guías consensuadas del manejo de pénfigo. expuesto El Instituto de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud e Investigación-IETSI no aprueba el uso de RTX como una alternativa de tratamiento para pacientes con diagnóstico de pénfigo eritematoso refractario y con contraindicación a uso de CE por efectos adversos severos.

Pénfigo vulgar oral: reporte de un caso clínico / Oral penphigus vulgaris: report of a clinical case

El pénfigo vulgar es el tipo más común de un grupo padecimientos crónicos autoinmunes identificados por la presencia de lesiones ampulosas situadas en las mucosas y piel. El pénfigo vulgar oral (PVO) se caracteriza por la presencia de ampollas localizadas en las encías, paladar blando, carrillos, pero cualquier sitio de la cavidad oral puede ser afectado. Estas lesiones se presentan primero en la cavidad oral y meses después en la piel, por lo que su diagnóstico temprano y oportuno es vital para el pronóstico. El propósito de este trabajo es presentar esta condición clínica en una persona adulta mayor.

Pemphigus vulgaris is the most common of a group of chronic autoim-mune conditions characterized by the presence of mucosal and dermal blisters. In the case of oral pemphigus vulgaris (OPV), these are typi-cally found on the gums, soft palate, and cheeks, though anywhere in the oral cavity can be affected. These lesions appear first in the oral cavity and then, months later, on the skin. Therefore, early diagnosis is crucial for prognosis. The aim of this paper is to present a case report of this condition in an older adul.

Dapsone in the treatment of pemphigus vulgaris: adverse effects and its importance as a corticosteroid sparing agent

Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune disease characterized by suprabasal blisters with acantholysis, which has a fatal course in a large number of untreated patients. Systemic corticosteroid therapy is considered first-line therapy. Adjuvant treatment with the goal of sparing corticosteroids include, among others, dapsone. This drug is not without side effects and its use requires clinical and laboratory control. We present a patient with PV initially managed with suboptimal dose of prednisone, evolving into drug-induced hepatitis after introduction of dapsone.

Refractory pemphigus vulgaris treated with rituximab and mycophenolate mofetil

The main treatment for pemphigus vulgaris are systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents, but due to adverse reactions and therapeutic failure, new drugs such as rituximab and mycophenolate mofetil have been used. In this case report are described two cases of severe pemphigus vulgaris refractory to various treatments, with resolution after use of rituximab and mycophenolate mofetil, associated with corticosteroids. A higher-than-usual dose of rituximab was employed, without the occurrence of serious adverse reactions. Mycophenolate mofetil was added as adjunctive therapy due to lack of response to azathioprine.

Use of rituximab in pemphigus patients with chronic viral hepatitis: Report of three cases.

Use of rituximab in patients with chronic viral hepatitis can worsen pre-existing hepatitis or reactivate occult infection. There are no reports of use of rituximab in pemphigus patients with co-existing viral hepatitis. Herein, we report three pemphigus patients with co-existing chronic viral hepatitis (hepatitis C (n = 2), hepatitis B (n = 1)), who were treated successfully with rituximab under close supervision and concurrent antiviral drug administration. There was no derangement of the liver function tests or increase in viral load in any of the patients. By incorporating good collaboration with a hepatologist and close follow-up, such patients can be managed successfully with biologic therapies when the conventional treatment modalities have failed.

Intermediate doses of rituximab used as adjuvant therapy in refractory pemphigus.

Background: Rituximab, a monoclonal anti‑CD20 antibody, has been used with encouraging results in pemphigus. We describe herein refractory cases of pemphigus vulgaris (n = 23) and pemphigus foliaceus (n = 1) treated with rituximab in addition to steroids and immunosuppressants. Aims: To assess the response to treatment, the duration of clinical remission, serology of the response and adverse effects of rituximab in pemphigus patients. Methods: We recorded observations of 24 patients with pemphigus having either refractory disease in spite of high dose of steroids and immunosuppressants, corticosteroid‑dependent disease, strong contraindications to corticosteroids, or severe disease. The patients were treated with infusions of one injection per week for three consecutive weeks of 375 mg of rituximab per m2 of body‑surface area. One similar infusion was repeated after 3 months of 3rd dose. We observed the clinical outcome after 6 months of 3rd dose of rituximab and looked for complete healing of cutaneous and mucosal lesions (complete remission). Observations: After follow‑up of 7‑24 months, five patients showed only partial improvement while 19 of 24 patients had a complete remission 3 months after rituximab. Of these 19 patients, 12 patients achieved complete remission and are off all systemic therapy, and the rest are continuing with no or low dose of steroids with immunosuppressants. Two patients relapsed after initial improvement; one was given moderate dose of oral steroids and immunosuppressant and the other was given repeat single dose of rituximab to control relapse. Conclusion: Rituximab is able to induce a prolonged clinical remission in pemphigus after a single course of four infusions. The high cost and limited knowledge of long term adverse effects are limitations to the use of this biologic agent.

Evaluation of cases of pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus from a reference service in Pará state, Brazil

BACKGROUND: Pemphigusis a bullous, rare and chronic autoimmune disease. There are two major forms of pemphigus: vulgaris and foliaceus. Epidemiological data and clinical outcome in patients diagnosed in the Brazilian Amazon states are still rare. OBJECTIVES: To study the occurrence of the disease during the study period and analyze the epidemiological profile of patients, the most common subtype of pemphigus, and the clinical evolution of patients. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of medical records of hospitalized patients with pemphigus foliaceus and pemphigus vulgaris in the period from 2003 to 2010 in Dermatology Service of Hospital Fundação Santa Casa de Misericórdia do Pará, Belém, Northern Brazil. RESULTS: We found a total of 20 cases of pemphigus during the study period, 8 of which were of foliaceus pemphigus and 12 of vulgaris pemphigus. Pemphigus foliaceus had the predominance of male patients (75%), showed satisfactory clinical evolution, and was characterized by absence of pediatric cases. Pemphigus vulgaris affected more women (66.7%), showed mean hospital stay of 1 to 3 months (50%), and there were three cases of death (25%). The prescribed immunosuppressive drugs included prednisone with or without combination of azathioprine and/or dapsone. Sepsis was associated with 100% of the deaths. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of the disease is rare, there are no familiar/endemic outbreaks in the sample. Evolution is usually favorable, but secondary infection is associated with worse prognosis. The choice of best drugs to treat pemphigus remains controversial. .