ABSTRACT
Background: Patients with pemphigus receiving immunosuppressive therapy are considered at risk of developing severe forms of COVID-19. We aimed to analyze the clinical and evolutionary characteristics of COVID-19 infection in patients with pemphigus receiving general corticosteroid therapy by a retrospective descriptive study of twelve cases. Patients and Methods:We identified pemphigus cases that developed a COVID-19 infection. The data collected included the characteristics and treatment of pemphigus and the features and course of COVID-19 infection.Results: Twelve patients were followed at our department for pemphigus and a developed COVID-19 infection. Nine patients had a severe form of pemphigus, and three were in clinical remission. The infection was severe in three patients. The evolution was good in all patients. Discussion: Our study suggests that systemic corticosteroid therapy in patients with severe forms of pemphigus may be a protective factor against severe forms of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This theory should be evaluated by a larger study. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Our Dermatology Online / Nasza Dermatologia Online is the property of Our Dermatology Online and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)