Resolution of a case of pediatric pemphigus vulgaris treated with rituximab

Abstract

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an infrequent autoimmune bullous disease involving the skin and mucous membranes, which is rare in pediatrics. Although the main therapy for childhood PV are steroids, immunosuppressive drugs are often needed to control the disease. We report the case of an 11-year-old Caucasian boy who presented with a 10 months history of PV unresponsive to steroids and to intravenous immunoglobulin. The therapeutic use of rituximab allowed a long-lasting and complete remission. According to a good safe profile and to our case report, as well as the literature, rituximab may be considered an safe and efficacious treatment for PV.