Korean J Dermatol.  2008 Mar;46(3):319-324.

Effect of Anti-CD20 Monoclonal Antibody (Rituximab) on Recalcitrant Pemphigus Vulgaris

• Kim MR
• Kim SC

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.

Keyword

Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody; Recalcitrant pemphigus vulgaris; Rituximab

MeSH Terms

Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
Antigens, CD20
Autoantibodies
B-Lymphocytes
Blister
Body Surface Area
Desmogleins
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Immunosuppressive Agents
Pemphigus
Retrospective Studies
Rituximab
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
Antigens, CD20
Autoantibodies
Desmogleins
Immunosuppressive Agents