Successful treatment of refractory childhood pemphgus vulgaris with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (rituximab).

Journal Article (Journal Article)

Pemphigus vulgaris is an uncommon autoimmune blistering skin disorder that is particularly rare in children. Immunosuppressive treatment can be challenging. Rituximab (anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody) has been used to treat autoimmune disorders by depletion of CD20 B cells. Successful rituximab therapy has been reported in adults with refractory pemphigus vulgaris. We present a girl with childhood pemphigus vulgaris unresponsive to treatment with azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, plasmapheresis, and intravenous immunoglobulin with systemic prednisone who responded to treatment with rituximab. She had a corresponding decline in circulating antibodies against desmoglein 1 and 3 and a decline in diphtheria and tetanus-specific antibody titers.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Kong, HH; Prose, NS; Ware, RE; Hall, RP

Published Date

  • 2005

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 22 / 5

Start / End Page

  • 461 - 464

PubMed ID

  • 16191003

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0736-8046

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1111/j.1525-1470.2005.00118.x

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States