Resistant oral mucosal lesions in pemphigus vulgaris responsive to double filtration plasmapheresis: First case report from Turkey.

BACKGROUND

Adjuvant therapeutic methods are employed when pemphigus vulgaris (PV) fails to be controlled by conventional corticosteroid treatment.

OBJECTIVE

The efficacy of double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) was investigated in a PV patient with severe, refractory mucosal disease.

METHODS

A total of 3 DFPP cycles, each cycle consisting of 5 double filtration sessions conducted on alternate days was completed.

RESULTS

DFPP provided immediate clinical relief of symptoms as well as a significant decrease in anti-desmoglein antibody levels and allowed for a much lower corticosteroid dose.

CONCLUSION

DFPP was an effective and safe adjuvant therapy in our patient with PV and it offers a valid treatment option in PV patients with recalcitrant disease.