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Informative Article | Dentistry | India | Volume 11 Issue 11, November 2022 | Rating: 4.8 / 10

Management of Pemphigus: Current Therapeutic Strategies

Dr. Nisha Khemka | Dr. Puja Bansal ^[9] | Dr. Deepak Bhargava ^[6]

Abstract: Pemphigus is an IgG-mediated autoimmune disease that causes blistering of the skin and affects oral cavity, nose, throat, eyes, and genitals. Blisters and erosions are the characteristics of the disease which affects stratified squamous epithelium, including the skin and oral mucosa. Blisters and erosions are caused due to acantholysis (loss of cell adhesion). The illness typically progresses slowly and reoccurs, with possible adverse impact on the patients' quality of life. It is majorly subclassified into following types: pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus foliaceus, paraneoplastic pemphigus. Desmoglein 1 and 3, which are cell-cell adhesion molecules present in desmosomes, are the usual targets of IgG autoantibodies. The diagnosis is made based on clinical symptoms and histological and immunochemical studies are used to confirm it. Systemic corticosteroids are currently the first-line therapy, along with adjuvant therapies such intravenous immunoglobulin, immunosuppressive drugs, and plasmapheresis. As a first line of therapy, azathioprine and mycophenolatemofetil are effective. It has been found that rituximab, an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody that causes B-cell depletion, improves patient survival. Controlling the condition, preventing relapses, and avoiding side effects linked to the prolonged use of steroids and immunosuppressive agents are the primary goals of managing pemphigus.

Keywords: Pemphigus, Acantholysis, Plasmapheresis, IgG autoantibodies

Edition: Volume 11 Issue 11, November 2022,

Pages: 1196 - 1201