Managing the challenging cases of pemphigus vulgaris with modified pulse therapy: case series

<p class="abstract">In pemphigus vulgaris, pulse therapy is a promising modality to achieve better therapeutic response and to minimize the side effects of daily steroids. Here we report 5 different challenging situations where we successfully managed with modification of pulse therapy. Our first case had multiple comorbidities with persistent skin infections managed with dexamethasone and cyclophosphamide pulse (DCP) and interval pulse. The second case was unmarried hypertensive male with poor DLQI managed with Azathioprine pulse therapy. The third case was uncontrolled diabetic patient with pulmonary tuberculosis managed with rituximab. The fourth case was diabetic and hypertensive was managed with one day dexamethasone cyclophosphamide pulse therapy (DCP). The fifth case was not completed family with cushingoid features managed with dexamethasone azathioprine pulse therapy (DAP). Pulse therapy is effective in controlling disease activity in pemphigus. But it can be modified in some situations according to the patient needs.</p>