{Reference Type}: Comparative Study
{Title}: Assessment of the adjuvant effect of tacrolimus in the management of pemphigus vulgaris: A randomized controlled trial.
{Author}: Dastgheib L;Sadati MS;Baghernejhad M;
{Journal}: J Dermatolog Treat
{Volume}: 26
{Issue}: 1
{Year}: Feb 2015
{Factor}: 3.23
{DOI}: 10.3109/09546634.2013.873763
{Abstract}: Introduction: To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of tacrolimus compared with azathioprine in the treatment of pemphigus vulgaris.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>About 23 patients received prednisolone and azathioprine, and 23 patients prednisolone and tacrolimus for 6 months. Pemphigus activity scores, the time that new bulla formation stopped, the time corticosteroid was tapered, cumulative steroid dosage and medication side effects were analyzed.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>In the control group, the new bulla formation was ceased after a mean ± SD of 11.8 ± 4.7 days, and steroid tapering was done after a mean ± SD of 28.3 ± 5.45 days. Of the 23 patients receiving prednisolone and tacrolimus, the new bulla formation was ceased after a mean ± SD of 12.9 ± 5.26 days, and steroid tapering was done after a mean ± SD of 28.2 ± 5.39 days. About 8.6% of patients did not reach remission in each group. In patients receiving azathioprine, life-threatening side effects were seen in 1 (4.7%), moderate side effects in 2 (9.5%) and mild side effects in 1 (4.7%). In patients receiving tacrolimus, moderate side effect was seen in 1 (5%) and mild in 1 (5%).<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Tacrolimus effects are comparable to azathioprine as pemphigus vulgaris adjuvant treatment, also it has less severe side effects. Trial registration No. IRCT2012073010450N1 available at www.IRCT.ir.