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Rituximab useful in treatment of childhood, juvenile pemphigus

Researchers have determined rituximab to be an effective treatment for childhood and juvenile pemphigus, with no long-term complications.

The researchers retrospectively analyzed the clinical records of 10 patients between the ages of 9 and 17 years with pemphigus who were treated with one of two regimens. In one group, patients had received a fixed-dose regimen of rituximab 500 mg administered twice, 15 days apart; in the second group, patients had received a body-weight regimen in which rituximab 375 mg/m² body surface area was administered twice, 15 days apart.

Control of disease activity, partial remission, complete remission and relapse/flare were assessed to determine the patients’ response to treatment. Patients were followed up for a median of 16 months.

The researchers found seven patients achieved complete remission by a mean of 21 weeks without the use of concomitant therapy. One patient had complete remission on immunosuppressant therapy by week 15, one patient had control of disease activity by week 8 and one patient achieved partial remission by week 14.

Six patients relapsed or had a flare by a mean of 13 months, and two received a second round of rituximab infusions with good clinical response, according to the researchers.

The most common adverse event reported was infusion reaction at administration site, and no long-term complications were observed, according to the researchers.

Disclosure: The researchers have no relevant financial disclosures.