Multidrug Therapy in Pemphigus Vulgaris

Abstract

Twenty four patients having pemphigus vulgaris were treated with combined drug therapy consisting of oral prednisolone 1 mg per Kg body weight, cyclophosphamide 2.5 mg per Kg body weight and methotrexate 2.5 mg biweekly. The drugs were gradually tapered off to achieve a minimum maintainence dose of 10-15 mg prednisolone on alternate days at the end of 2 years of observation. The age groups of patients varied from 15 to 78 years. Maximum cases were between 31 to 50 years. There were 15 males and 9 females. T he duration of disease varied from 4 months to over 36 months at the time of reporting. Number of episodes recorded at the time of first presentation were one episodes in 6( 25%) and mutiple episodes in 18 (75%). The period of observation varied from 6 months to 27 months. Two patients relapsed at the time of observation. There has been remarkable response to treatment in the form of quick recovery from lesions without any significant side effects.