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Szymański K, Kowalewski C, Pietrzyk E, Woźniak K. Case Report: Biological treatment of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita: report on four cases and literature review. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1214011. [PMID: 37503352 PMCID: PMC10371012 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1214011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) is a chronic, recurrent autoimmune subepidermal bullous disease characterized by the presence of autoantibodies targeting type VII collagen -- basement membrane zone antigen. Standard therapy for EBA includes a combination of systemic corticosteroids and dapsone; however, severe cases may require advanced treatment. The current article reports on four EBA cases in which biologics: infliximab, rituximab (Rtx), and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) were applied. All patients fulfilled the clinical and immunological criteria of EBA: they presented tense blisters healing with atrophic scars on the skin on traumatized areas and in mucous membranes. The diagnosis of EBA was established using numerous techniques: direct and indirect immunofluorescence, salt split skin, ELISA, Fluorescence Overlay Antigen Mapping using Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy. Since all the patients did not achieve long-term remission on standard treatment (prednisone, dapsone) due to ineffectiveness or side effects of drugs, they eventually were treated with biologics leading to extraordinary skin improvement and stopping the disease for 1-3 years. Biologics in all patients were tolerated very well. No side effects were observed during application as well as multi-month follow-up. The presented cases provide a premise that biological drugs can be a valuable component of EBA therapy.
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Cole C, Amber KT. Off-Label Uses of Rituximab in Dermatology. CURRENT DERMATOLOGY REPORTS 2022; 11:209-220. [PMID: 36217351 PMCID: PMC9534735 DOI: 10.1007/s13671-022-00375-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Rituximab has transformed the treatment of B-cell malignancies and rheumatoid arthritis in the past 2 decades. More recently, this anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody has seen increasing usage in the field of dermatology. This review highlights the evidence supporting its use in several important dermatologic conditions. Recent Findings Key recent findings include the 2018 FDA approval of rituximab for the treatment of moderate-to-severe pemphigus. Summary Data from randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the efficacy of rituximab in pemphigus, ANCA-associated vasculitis, and cryoglobulinemic vasculitis. More limited data suggests its use in recalcitrant cases of diseases such as pemphigoid, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, and dermatomyositis. There is scarce evidence and mixed results for rituximab when studied in cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa and cutaneous lupus erythematosus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor Cole
- Division of Dermatology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Kyle T. Amber
- Division of Dermatology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL USA
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Ujiie H, Iwata H, Yamagami J, Nakama T, Aoyama Y, Ikeda S, Ishii N, Iwatsuki K, Kurosawa M, Sawamura D, Tanikawa A, Tsuruta D, Nishie W, Fujimoto W, Amagai M, Shimizu H. Japanese guidelines for the management of pemphigoid (including epidermolysis bullosa acquisita). J Dermatol 2019; 46:1102-1135. [PMID: 31646663 DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.15111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The pemphigoid group is a category of autoimmune subepidermal blistering diseases in which autoantibodies deposit linearly at the epidermal basement membrane zone (BMZ). The main subtypes of pemphigoid mediated by immunoglobulin G autoantibodies are bullous pemphigoid (BP), mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) and epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA). To establish the first guidelines approved by the Japanese Dermatological Association for the management of pemphigoid diseases, the Committee for Guidelines for the Management of Pemphigoid Diseases (Including EBA) was founded as part of the Study Group for Rare Intractable Skin Diseases under the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare Research Project on Overcoming Intractable Diseases. These guidelines aim to provide current information for the management of BP, MMP and EBA in Japan. Based on evidence, the guidelines summarize the clinical and immunological manifestations, pathophysiologies, diagnostic criteria, disease severity determination criteria, treatment algorithms and treatment recommendations. Because of the rarity of these diseases, there are few clinical studies with a high degree of evidence, so several parts of these guidelines were established based on the opinions of the Committee. To further optimize these guidelines, periodic revision in line with the new evidence is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideyuki Ujiie
- Department of Dermatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Iwata
- Department of Dermatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Jun Yamagami
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takekuni Nakama
- Department of Dermatology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Yumi Aoyama
- Department of Dermatology, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Japan
| | - Shigaku Ikeda
- Department of Dermatology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norito Ishii
- Department of Dermatology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Keiji Iwatsuki
- Department of Dermatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Michiko Kurosawa
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Sawamura
- Department of Dermatology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Akiko Tanikawa
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Tsuruta
- Department of Dermatology, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Wataru Nishie
- Department of Dermatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Wataru Fujimoto
- Department of Dermatology, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Japan
| | - Masayuki Amagai
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Shimizu
- Department of Dermatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
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Santi CG, Gripp AC, Roselino AM, Mello DS, Gordilho JO, Marsillac PFD, Porro AM. Consensus on the treatment of autoimmune bullous dermatoses: bullous pemphigoid, mucous membrane pemphigoid and epidermolysis bullosa acquisita - Brazilian Society of Dermatology. An Bras Dermatol 2019; 94:33-47. [PMID: 31166405 PMCID: PMC6544032 DOI: 10.1590/abd1806-4841.2019940207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bullous pemphigoid, mucous membrane pemphigoid and epidermolysis bullosa
acquisita are subepidermal autoimmune blistering diseases whose antigenic target
is located at the basement membrane zone. Mucous membrane pemphigoid and
epidermolysis bullosa acquisita can evolve with cicatricial mucosal involvement,
leading to respiratory, ocular and/or digestive sequelae with important
morbidity. For each of these dermatoses, a literature review covering all
therapeutic options was performed. A flowchart, based on the experience and
joint discussion among the authors of this consensus, was constructed to provide
treatment orientation for these diseases in Brazil. In summary, in the
localized, low-risk or non-severe forms, drugs that have immunomodulatory action
such as dapsone, doxycycline among others may be a therapeutic option. Topical
treatment with corticosteroids or immunomodulators may also be used. Systemic
corticosteroid therapy continues to be the treatment of choice for severe forms,
especially those involving ocular, laryngeal-pharyngeal and/or esophageal
mucosal involvement, as may occur in mucous membrane pemphigoid and
epidermolysis bullosa acquisita. Several immunosuppressants are used as adjuvant
alternatives. In severe and recalcitrant cases, intravenous immunoglobulin is an
alternative that, while expensive, may be used. Immunobiological drugs such as
rituximab are promising drugs in this area. Omalizumab has been used in bullous
pemphigoid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Giuli Santi
- Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Carlos Gripp
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria Roselino
- Department of Medical Clinics, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Danielle Santana Mello
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Paula Figueiredo de Marsillac
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Adriana Maria Porro
- Department of Dermatology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Koga H, Prost-Squarcioni C, Iwata H, Jonkman MF, Ludwig RJ, Bieber K. Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita: The 2019 Update. Front Med (Lausanne) 2019; 5:362. [PMID: 30687710 PMCID: PMC6335340 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2018.00362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) is an orphan autoimmune disease. Patients with EBA suffer from chronic inflammation as well as blistering and scarring of the skin and mucous membranes. Current treatment options rely on non-specific immunosuppression, which in many cases, does not lead to a remission of treatment. Hence, novel treatment options are urgently needed for the care of EBA patients. During the past decade, decisive clinical observations, and frequent use of pre-clinical model systems have tremendously increased our understanding of EBA pathogenesis. Herein, we review all of the aspects of EBA, starting with a detailed description of epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and current treatment options. Of note, pattern analysis via direct immunofluorescence microscopy of a perilesional skin lesion and novel serological test systems have significantly facilitated diagnosis of the disease. Next, a state-of the art review of the current understanding of EBA pathogenesis, emerging treatments and future perspectives is provided. Based on pre-clinical model systems, cytokines and kinases are among the most promising therapeutic targets, whereas high doses of IgG (IVIG) and the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab are among the most promising "established" EBA therapeutics. We also aim to raise awareness of EBA, as well as initiate basic and clinical research in this field, to further improve the already improved but still unsatisfactory conditions for those diagnosed with this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Koga
- Department of Dermatology, Kurume University School of Medicine, and Kurume University Institute of Cutaneous Cell Biology, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Catherine Prost-Squarcioni
- Department of Dermatology, APHP, Avicenne Hospital, Referral Center for Autoimmune Bullous Diseases, Bobigny, France
| | - Hiroaki Iwata
- Department of Dermatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Marcel F Jonkman
- Department of Dermatology, Center for Blistering Diseases, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Ralf J Ludwig
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Katja Bieber
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
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Bevans SL, Sami N. The use of rituximab in treatment of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita: Three new cases and a review of the literature. Dermatol Ther 2018; 31:e12726. [DOI: 10.1111/dth.12726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L. Bevans
- Department of Dermatology; University of Alabama at Birmingham; Birmingham AL
| | - Naveed Sami
- Department of Medicine; Health Sciences Campus at Lake Nona; Orlando FL
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Oktem A, Akay BN, Boyvat A, Kundakci N, Erdem C, Bostancı S, Sanli H, Kocyigit P. Long-term results of rituximab–intravenous immunoglobulin combination therapy in patients with epidermolysis bullosa acquisita resistant to conventional therapy. J DERMATOL TREAT 2016; 28:50-54. [DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2016.1179711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ayse Oktem
- Department of Dermatology, Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bengu Nisa Akay
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ayse Boyvat
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nihal Kundakci
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Cengizhan Erdem
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Seher Bostancı
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hatice Sanli
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Pelin Kocyigit
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
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Witte M, Koga H, Hashimoto T, Ludwig RJ, Bieber K. Discovering potential drug-targets for personalized treatment of autoimmune disorders - what we learn from epidermolysis bullosa acquisita. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2016; 20:985-98. [DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2016.1148686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mareike Witte
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology (LIED), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Hiroshi Koga
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology (LIED), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Takashi Hashimoto
- Institute of Cutaneous Cell Biology, Kurume University, Kurume, Japan
| | - Ralf J. Ludwig
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology (LIED), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Katja Bieber
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology (LIED), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
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Abstract
The advent of biologics in dermatologic treatment armentarium has added refreshing dimensions, for it is a major breakthrough. Several agents are now available for use. It is therefore imperative to succinctly comprehend their pharmacokinetics for their apt use. A concerted endeavor has been made to delve on this subject. The major groups of biologics have been covered and include: Drugs acting against TNF-α, Alefacept, Ustekinumab, Rituximab, IVIG and Omalizumab. The relevant pharmacokinetic characteristics have been detailed. Their respective label (approved) and off-label (unapproved) indications have been defined, highlighting their dosage protocol, availability and mode of administration. The evidence level of each indication has also been discussed to apprise the clinician of their current and prospective uses. Individual anti-TNF drugs are not identical in their actions and often one is superior to the other in a particular disease. Hence, the section on anti-TNF agents mentions the literature on each drug separately, and not as a group. The limitations for their use have also been clearly brought out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virendra N Sehgal
- Dermato-Venereology (Skin/VD) Center, Sehgal Nursing Home, Delhi, India
| | - Deepika Pandhi
- Department of Dermatology and STD, University College of Medical Sciences and Associated Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Delhi, India
| | - Ananta Khurana
- Department of Dermatology and STD, University College of Medical Sciences and Associated Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Delhi, India
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Clinical presentation, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita. ISRN DERMATOLOGY 2013; 2013:812029. [PMID: 23956869 PMCID: PMC3727188 DOI: 10.1155/2013/812029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2013] [Accepted: 06/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) is a chronic mucocutaneous autoimmune skin blistering disease. The pathogenic relevance of autoantibodies targeting type VII collagen (COL7) has been well-documented. Therefore, EBA is a prototypical autoimmune disease with a well-characterized pathogenic relevance of autoantibody binding to the target antigen. EBA is a rare disease with an incidence of 0.2 new cases per million and per year. The current treatment of EBA relies on general immunosuppressive therapy, which does not lead to remission in all cases. Therefore, there is a high, so far unmet medical need for the development of novel therapeutic options. During the last 10 years, several novel in vitro and in vivo models of EBA have been established. These models demonstrated a critical role of the genetic background, T cells, and cytokines for mediating the loss of tolerance towards COL7. Neutrophils, complement activation, Fc gamma receptor engagement, cytokines, several molecules involved in cell signaling, release of reactive oxygen species, and matrix metalloproteinases are crucial for autoantibody-induced tissue injury in EBA. Based on this growing understanding of the diseases' pathogenesis, several potential novel therapeutic targets have emerged. In this review, the clinical presentation, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and current treatment options for EBA are discussed in detail.
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Le Roux-Villet C. Rituximab for Patients With Refractory Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 147:843-9. [DOI: 10.1001/archdermatol.2011.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
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