Effect of Anti-CD20 Monoclonal Antibody (Rituximab) on Recalcitrant Pemphigus Vulgaris.
- Author:
Mi Ri KIM
1
;
Soo Chan KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. kimsc@yuhs.ac
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody;
Recalcitrant pemphigus vulgaris;
Rituximab
- MeSH:
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived;
Antigens, CD20;
Autoantibodies;
B-Lymphocytes;
Blister;
Body Surface Area;
Desmogleins;
Follow-Up Studies;
Humans;
Immunosuppressive Agents;
Pemphigus;
Retrospective Studies;
Rituximab
- From:Korean Journal of Dermatology
2008;46(3):319-324
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Pemphigus is a severe blistering disorder caused by autoantibodies to desmogleins 1 and 3. Because some patients with pemphigus never enter into remission, new immunosuppressants are warranted. Rituximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody binding to the CD20 antigen on B cells, which proved to be effective in recalcitrant pemphigus. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Rituximab in the treatment of refractory pemphigus vulgaris. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted of six patients with recalcitrant pemphigus vulgaris in Yongdong Severance Hospital. Rituximab was administered intravenously at a dosage of 375 mg/m(2) body surface area. Five patient received 2 cycles of Rituximab treatment with an interval of 7 days. One patient received 5 cycles of treatment. The mean follow-up after treatment was 9.3 months (range, 2 months to 16 months). RESULTS: All the patients presented clinical improvements. The average pemphigus vulgaris severity score decreased from 12.2 to 2.5 after treatment. No adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSION: Rituximab has been proved as an effective and safe treatment for refractory pemphigus vulgaris.
