Management of pemphigus vulgaris with rituximab: A case report and brief review on emerging treatment options

Abstract

Pemphigus vulgaris is the most common autoimmune vesiculobullous disorders. It presents with flaccid bullae on the skin and erosions on the mucosa. Severe cases can be life-threatening and hence prompt treatment can prevent untoward consequences. Earlier, steroids were the mainstay of treatment but it causes further medical problems. Nevertheless, new studies have emerged about the pathogenesis of the diseases and treatment protocols have been updated with newer drugs that had comparatively less adverse effects. We report a case of pemphigus vulgaris with extensive involvement of skin and oral mucosa treated with rituximab and adjuvant immunosuppressants and a brief update on various treatment protocols.

Keywords

• corticosteroids
• pemphigus vulgaris
• rituximab