Mycophenolate Mofetil in the management of Pemphigus Vulgaris

Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune, vesiculobullous, mucocutaneous, potentially life-threatening disease of the oral cavity characterized by the appearance of chronic multiple lesions. It requires prolonged therapy which leads to the development of wide spectrum of corticosteroids related adverse effects. As mortality of patients is due to potential treatment complications, various adjuvant modalities are included to increase the efficacy of corticosteroids while reducing their toxicity. Mycophenolate mofetil, an immunosuppressive drug has been found to possess wide therapeutic index with minimal toxicity. It is shown to reduce the antibody titres to below detectable levels in the diseased patients and is non-mutagenic. A meta-analysis was carried out on the efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil in the management of pemphigus vulgaris and compare this entity with other treatment modalities. This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that mycophenolate mofetil is equally effective in the management of pemphigus vulgaris with complete remission and less adverse effects. So, it can be the potential agent in the management of pemphigus vulgaris.