Rituximab treatment of pemphigus in women of childbearing age: experience with two patients

J Dermatolog Treat. 2017 Dec;28(8):751-752. doi: 10.1080/09546634.2016.1255302. Epub 2016 Nov 20.

Abstract

Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune blistering disorder treated with systemic steroids and immunosuppressive agents. Treatment of this disorder in young women of childbearing age must take into consideration the patient's desire for pregnancy and effects of the treatment on both mother and child. We report two young women with pemphigus, initially treated with standard immunosuppressive medications, who expressed their wishes for pregnancy. The immunosuppressive agents were tapered and both patients were treated with Rituximab and IVIG, permitting discontinuation of other medications, conception and pregnancy without any oral steroids or immunosuppressive agents. Both patients maintained normal pregnancies and delivered healthy babies, supporting the use of this treatment early in the disease course of this population.

Keywords: Rituximab; pemphigus; pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / therapeutic use
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Pemphigus / diagnosis
  • Pemphigus / drug therapy*
  • Pemphigus / psychology
  • Pregnancy
  • Rituximab / therapeutic use*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Rituximab