Τίτλος:
Pilot Study of 19 Patients with Severe Pemphigus: Prophylactic Treatment
with Rituximab Does Not Appear to be Beneficial
Γλώσσες Τεκμηρίου:
Αγγλικά
Περίληψη:
Aims: To assess the efficacy and safety of rituximab in refractory
pemphigus and the possible benefit of an additional prophylactic
infusion at 6 months. Methods: Seventeen patients with pemphigus
vulgaris, 1 with pemphigus foliaceus and 1 with pemphigus vegetans were
treated with 4 weekly infusions of rituximab (375 mg/m(2)). Nine
patients received an additional prophylactic infusion after 6 months
while the rest received no maintenance therapy. In case of recurrence,
an additional single infusion was administered. Results: Control of the
disease was obtained after 3-8 weeks. End of the consolidation phase for
all patients was observed after 16 weeks. Patients remained in full
remission for 7-42 months. All immunosuppressive agents, including
prednisone, were discontinued after 2-12 months. The disease relapsed in
5 out of 9 patients who received the additional prophylactic infusion,
and in 3 out of 10 patients among those skipping the prophylactic
additional infusion. Conclusion: One course of rituximab and treatment
of relapses is highly effective and well tolerated in the treatment of
refractory pemphigus. In this pilot study of 19 patients, the
prophylactic infusion does not appear to have provided any additional
benefit to the patients receiving it. (C) 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Συγγραφείς:
Gregoriou, S.
Giatrakou, S.
Theodoropoulos, K.
Katoulis, A.
and Loumou, P.
Toumbis-Ioannou, E.
Papadavid, E.
Avgerinou,
G.
Stavrianeas, N.
Rigopoulos, D.
Περιοδικό:
Dermatology World
Λέξεις-κλειδιά:
Pemphigus; Rituximab; Treatment; Remission; Corticosteroids;
Immunosuppressants
