TREATMENT OF PEMPHIGUS AT OUT-PATIENT DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL HOSPITAL OF DERMATOLOGY AND VENEREOLOGY FROM 2015 TO 2021

Abstract

Background: Pemphigus is an autoimmune bullous skin disease caused by autoantibodies against desmoglein. It is characterized by bullae and painful erosions of the skin and mucous membranes. Pemphigus cannot be cured, but there has been several treatment methods to control this disease.

Objectives: To investigate treatment methods of pemphigus at out-patient department at National Hospital of Dermatology and Venereology from 2015 to 2021.

Method: We analyzed retrospectively 279 medical records of patients with Pemphigus at out-patient department at National Hospital of  Dermatology and Venereology from 2015 to 2021.

Results: Most patients were treated with corticosteroids alone: 65.1% of all pemphigus patients and 62.8% to 100% of pemphigus subtypes. 22.9% of all pemphigus patients were treated with systemic corticosteroid combined with other immunosuppressive agents, in which azathioprine was used the most. There are some patients still using traditional medicine although this method was not recommended. The treatments have proved efective for control of pemphigus severity at mild and moderate levels with rates ranging from 75% to 90%.

Conclusion: At the Out-patient Department at National Hospital of Dermatology and Venereology, most of pemphigus patients are treated with corticosteroid alone, followed by corticosteroid combined with other immunosuppressive drugs which are mainly combined with azathioprine. The treatments have proved to be very effective in controlling disease  severity at mild and moderate levels.