COMPARATIVE STUDY OF EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF DCP VS RITUXIMAB IN PEMPHIGUS GROUP OF DISORDERS

Background: Pemphigus group disorders, presents clinically as flaccid blisters over skin and (or) mucosa and show acantholytic cells on tzanck smear. This condition requires longer duration of treatment, currently systemic steroids, immunosuppressant’s, DCP and biologicals etc are in use. In this study we compare the efficacy and safety of DCP vs rituximab therapy in pemphigus group of disorders. Objectives: To compare the Efficacy and safety of rituximab vs DCP in pemphigus group of disorders. Method: Present study is prospective study included 20 patients of pemphigus group presented to opd of DVL department, clinically presented with flaccid bulla, on tzanck acantholytic cells and Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) proved cases included in study. These patients were divided randomly into two groups. Group A includes 10 patients Receiving DCP pulse, group B includes 10 patients receiving rituximab injection, follow up is done for 24 months. Results: Out of 20 patients, group A with 10 patients receiving rituximab showed better improvement with no recurrence during the follow up period of 24 months, while group B with 10 patients receiving DCP pulse showed recurrence in 2 patients. Conclusion: Rituximab has the advantage of prolonged, immediate response with fewer side effects when compared to DCP pulse therapy.