The role of cyclosporine A in the treatment of pemphigus erythematosus

Int J Dermatol. 1991 Dec;30(12):890-2. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-4362.1991.tb04361.x.

Abstract

Steroids are effective in the autoimmune bullous disease pemphigus; however, treatment may be difficult to sustain because of severe side effects. Cyclosporine A acts mainly on helper/inducer T lymphocytes and has few side effects at low doses. We report three patients with pemphigus erythematosus who had a relapse while receiving the maintenance dose of steroid therapy. All patients who were treated with both cyclosporine A (5 mg/kg/d) and prednisone (1 mg/kg/d) responded remarkably well to combined therapy. After clearing, prednisone was discontinued and cyclosporine A was reduced to 2 to 3 mg/kg/d. With this treatment, all patients have been virtually free of symptoms, have remained well, and have had normal laboratory values.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cyclosporine / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pemphigus / drug therapy*
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use
  • Recurrence

Substances

  • Cyclosporine
  • Prednisone