Treatment of severe autoimmune blistering skin diseases with combination of protein A immunoadsorption and rituximab: a protocol without initial high dose or pulse steroid medication

Abstract

Combined treatment with PAIA and rituximab showed rapid and long-lasting response, thereby allowing substantial reduction of dosage of concomitant immunosuppressive medication. We hereby confirm data from other investigators that PAIA/rituximab treatment is a promising therapeutical modality for pemphigus, pemphigoids and EBA, characterized by a favourable ratio of beneficial efficacy and minimized long-term adverse effects.