Improved protocol for treatment of pemphigus vulgaris with protein A immunoadsorption

Abstract

Background: Pemphigus vulgaris is a life-threatening autoimmune blistering skin disease, usually treated with high-dose corticosteroids in combination with other immunosuppressants. However, this regimen may prove inadequate in severe cases and can cause dangerous side-effects. We have recently reported protein A immunoadsorption (PAIA) to be an effective adjuvant treatment for induction of remission in severe pemphigus. However, in a significant number of cases, the disease rapidly recurred once PAIA and immunosuppressive medication were tapered.

Aims: The aim of the present study was to develop a PAIA-based therapeutic regimen that would result in a more prolonged remission of pemphigus.

Methods: Nine patients with pemphigus vulgaris were treated with a modified protocol characterized by a combination of PAIA with a higher initial dose of systemic methylprednisolone (2 mg/kg). In addition, azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil was administered as a steroid-sparing agent.

Results: In all nine patients treated with this regimen, we observed a sharp decline of circulating autoantibody levels and dramatic improvement of cutaneous and mucosal lesions within 4 weeks of therapy. The patients remained free of clinical disease for up to 26 months after PAIA treatment was discontinued.

Conclusion: The improved treatment protocol appears to combine highly effective induction of clinical remission in severe or treatment-resistant pemphigus with a prolonged subsequent symptom-free interval.