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- Title
Plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin.
- Authors
Meurer, Michael; Messer, Gerald
- Abstract
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.
- Subjects
AUTOIMMUNE diseases; PLASMAPHERESIS; IMMUNOGLOBULINS
- Publication
Dermatologic Therapy, 2002, Vol 15, Issue 4, p333
- ISSN
1396-0296
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1046/j.1529-8019.2002.01542.x