Work

Rituximab-Based Management of Autoimmune Blistering Diseases: A Case Series Highlighting Ocular and Systemic Presentations

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP), bullous pemphigoid (BP), and pemphigus vulgaris (PV) are rare autoimmune blistering disorders of the skin and mucous membranes that often result in delayed diagnosis and substantial morbidity. MMP is characterized by progressive conjunctival scarring, while BP typically presents with tense cutaneous blisters and PV with intraepidermal acantholysis driven by desmoglein autoantibodies. We present two women, aged 68 and 89 years, with ocular MMP, and one woman with PV, aged 48 years, highlighting the importance of early ophthalmic evaluation and prompt immunosuppressive therapy. Histopathology and immunofluorescence confirmed disease-specific patterns, with MMP demonstrating conjunctival fibrosis and subepithelial blistering, and PV showing vesiculobullous eruptions and antibody-mediated activity. All three patients responded favorably to rituximab, achieving steroid-sparing remission and stable disease control, underscoring its role as a key therapeutic option, particularly in vision-threatening ocular MMP. These findings emphasize the need for timely biopsy, comprehensive antibody testing, and early intervention, while supporting further research to standardize rituximab regimens and optimize long-term outcomes.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.96433

Authors: Sebastián J Vázquez-Folch, Gabriel A Jiménez-Berríos, Victor J Vazquez, Natalio Izquierdo

Institutions: Central University of the Caribbean, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus

Language: English

Topic: Autoimmune Bullous Skin Diseases

Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4416055701