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

Pediatr Dermatol. 2005 Sep-Oct;22(5):461-4. doi: 10.1111/j.1525-1470.2005.00118.x.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Antigens, CD20 / immunology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use*
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Pemphigus / diagnosis
  • Pemphigus / drug therapy*
  • Rituximab
  • Treatment Failure
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Antigens, CD20
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Rituximab