Comparing Clinical Outcomes of Steroid-Sparing Therapy With Rituximab Versus Rituximab Alone in Pemphigus

March 2024 | Volume 23 | Issue 3 | e97 | Copyright © March 2024


Published online February 14, 2024

Danielle E. Mustin MEnga, Emily F. Cole MD MPHb, Rebecca Leibowitz BSa, Ron J. Feldman MD PhDc

aEmory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA  
bDepartment of Dermatology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 
cDepartment of Dermatology, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that the use of SST with rituximab dosing did not improve clinical outcomes related to time to remission, reduction in prednisone dosing, or relapse.  While the cohort on SST had a longer disease duration, it is not clear whether continuing SST with rituximab dosing confers any additional benefit. These data provide further evidence for not adding and/or discontinuing SST with rituximab therapy in most patients with pemphigus. Limitations include a high proportion of patients with moderate disease, a retrospective analysis, and a single academic center. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm the appropriate rituximab dosing schedule for induction of long-term remission.

DISCLOSURES

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

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AUTHOR CORRESPONDENCE

Ron J. Feldman MD PhD ron.j.feldman@emory.edu