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Dapsone as first line therapy for bullous pemphigoid
Author(s) -
VENNING V.A.,
MILLARD P.R.,
WOJNAROWSKA F.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1989.tb07769.x
Subject(s) - dapsone , contraindication , medicine , bullous pemphigoid , dermatology , pemphigoid , pharmacotherapy , drug , surgery , pharmacology , immunology , pathology , alternative medicine , antibody
SUMMARY In an open study, a total of 18 patients with proven bullous pemphigoid (16 new patients and two in relapse) were treated with a trial of dapsone (17 patients) or sulphonimide (one patient). Overall, eight patients were controlled on one of these agents as the sole treatment (44%). Six patients had a partial, but inadequate response, while four did not respond. The responses to the sulpha drugs were generally rapid, i.e. within 2 weeks, and the maximum doses used in any patient were 100 mg/day dapsone and 1.5 g/day of sulphapyridine or sulphamethoxypyridazine. Significant side‐effects to dapsone occurred in six of the 17 patients. A trial of a sulphone or sulphonamide drug is warranted in bullous pemphigoid both as an initial treatment or in the treatment of relapse, particularly when there is a contraindication to the use of corticosteroids. Side‐effects are common and therapy needs to be closely monitored.