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Plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin
Author(s) -
Meurer Michael,
Messer Gerald
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
dermatologic therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.595
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1529-8019
pISSN - 1396-0296
DOI - 10.1046/j.1529-8019.2002.01542.x
Subject(s) - medicine , plasmapheresis , autoantibody , immunology , antibody , apheresis , intravenous immunoglobulins , adjuvant , mechanism (biology) , immunotherapy , immune system , intensive care medicine , platelet , philosophy , epistemology
Knowledge of the pathophysiology of bullous autoimmune diseases has greatly increased in the past decade. Defined immunologic mechanisms and the epitopes of multiple target molecules have been described. The therapeutic management of autoimmune diseases has taken advantage of these scientific advances, leading to treatments that can directly interfere with autoantibody synthesis or functions involved in the immunopathologic mechanism of acquired bullous diseases. This article reviews therapeutic alternatives that might reduce the need for steroids, which remain the mainstay of treatment for these diseases. Continuing research on adjuvant therapies, including small‐ and large‐volume plasma exchange, immune apheresis, and high‐dose intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIgs), is still needed to protect patients from the known side effects and complications that can occur with high doses and prolonged administration of glucocorticosteroids.