Modern Treatment Methods in Pemphigus Vulgaris and the Role of Rituximab

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a severe autoimmune bullous dermatosis belonging to a group of diseases that cause the formation of large blisters with fluid or blood in the skin and mucous membranes, significantly affecting quality of life. In this study, the clinical efficacy of rituximab (RTX) therapy in 60 patients diagnosed with PV was compared with conventional corticosteroid and immunosuppressive therapy. The rate of complete remission at 12 months' follow-up was 90% in the rituximab group (n=20) and 35% in the control group (n=40) (p<0.001). The Pemphigus Disease Activity Index (PDAI) decreased by a mean of 28.6±6.2 points in the rituximab group (control group: −11.4±4.8 points, p<0.001). Desmoglein-3 autoantibody titres decreased by 72.6 per cent in the RTX group and by 28.3 per cent in the control group. Serious adverse effects were recorded in 45 per cent of the RTX group and 70 per cent of the control group (p=0.048). The study results confirm the high clinical efficacy and satisfactory safety profile of rituximab in the treatment of PV.