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