Life-threatening course of pemphigus vulgaris complicated by sepsis caused by azathioprine-induced bone marrow suppression, successfully managed with combination therapy
2014
Abstract
Severe forms of pemphigus vulgaris (PV) that are resistant to standard treatment present a life-threatening disease with a mortality of 5-10%. The treatment is usually individualized.
The most popular procedures used today include intravenous applications of immunoglobulins and rituximab. Currently the common use of pulse corticosteroids, often in first-line treatment, is being neglected.
This particular case documented the severity of the disease and also the need for combined and comprehensive care, in which corticosteroid pulse therapy still plays an important role.