Pemphigus vulgaris (PV)

Version: 3.1
Published: 12 November 2025
Condition for which Ig has an emerging therapeutic role.

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Specific Conditions
  • Pemphigus vulgaris
Indication for Ig Use
  • Moderate to severe PV as an adjuvant to prolonged corticosteroid and immunosuppressant treatment, or when these agents are contraindicated
Level of Evidence Evidence of probable benefit – more research needed (Category 2a)
Description and Diagnostic Criteria

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a rare but potentially fatal condition accounting for approximately 70 percent of pemphigus cases. While the cause is unknown, an immunogenetic predisposition is well established. PV may also be drug induced. Drugs reported to be most significantly associated with PV include penicillamine, captopril and other thiol-containing compounds. Rifampicin and emotional stress have recently been reported as triggers for PV.

The oral cavity is almost always affected and erosions can be scattered and extensive, with subsequent dysphagia. Blistering and erosions secondary to the rupture of blisters may be painful and limit the patient’s daily activities.

Pemphigus may occur in patients with other autoimmune diseases, particularly myasthenia gravis and thymoma.

Prognosis
The severity and natural history of PV are variable. Before the advent of steroids, most patients with PV died. Treatment with systemic steroids has reduced the mortality rate to 5-15 percent. Most deaths occur during the first few years of disease and, if the patient survives 5 years, the prognosis is good. Early disease is easier to control than widespread disease, and mortality may be higher if therapy is delayed. Morbidity and mortality are related to the extent of disease, the maximum dose of corticosteroid required to induce remission, and the presence of other diseases.
Justification for Evidence Category

In a retrospective cohort study, 15 corticosteroid-dependent patients with moderate to severe pemphigus vulgaris (PV) were treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and followed over a mean period of 6.2 years. All 15 patients had a satisfactory clinical response to IVIg therapy. IVIg had a demonstrable corticosteroid sparing effect and was considered a safe and effective alternative treatment in patients who were dependent on systemic corticosteroids or who developed significant adverse effects as a result of their use (Biotext, 2004).

A 2009 (Amagai et al) small randomised controlled trial for PV and pemphigus foliaceus patients (61 patients in total) demonstrated both Ig safety and efficacy when used at 0.4 g/kg for five days monthly.

 
Diagnosis Requirements

A diagnosis must be made by an Immunologist or a Dermatologist.
Qualifying Criteria for Ig Therapy
  • Moderate to severe PV disease, including widespread oral lesions, laryngeal involvement and/or erosions in skinfolds (vegetans) confirmed by biopsy or demonstration of autoantibodies
AND
  • Persistent disease despite corticosteroid and rituximab therapy for at least 6 months
  • OR
  • Corticosteroids and/or rituximab are contraindicated, but at least two other immunosuppressant agents have been trialled (unless these are also contraindicated)
Review is required every 6 months by a dermatologist or immunologist and improvement must be demonstrated for continuation of supply.
 
Dosing should be reduced progressively and consideration should be given to a trial off immunoglobulin therapy once the patient has achieved clinical remission.
Review Criteria for Assessing the Effectiveness of Ig Use
Review is required every 6 months by a dermatologist or immunologist and improvement must be demonstrated for continuation of supply.
 
Dosing should be reduced progressively and consideration should be given to a trial off immunoglobulin (Ig) therapy once the patient has achieved clinical remission.
 
Clinical effectiveness of Ig therapy may be demonstrated by:

On review of the initial authorisation period

  • A reduction in the number and severity of lesions compared to the qualifying assessment

On review of a continuing authorisation period

  • A reduction in the number and severity of lesions compared to previous review, but active disease persists
  • AND
  • A trial of weaning/cessation of Ig therapy is planned for patients who are clinically stable or a reason is provided as to why a trial-off is not planned
Dose
  • Maintenance Dose (IVIg) - 2 g/kg every 4 weeks.
Dosing should be reduced progressively and consideration should be given to a trial-off immunoglobulin therapy once the patient has achieved clinical remission.
 
The aim should be to use the lowest dose possible that achieves the appropriate clinical outcome for each patient.
 
Refer to the current product information sheet for further information on dose, administration and contraindications.
 Dose Calculator
Bibliography

Amagai M, Ikeda S, Shimizu H et al (2009) ‘A randomized double-blind trial of intravenous immunoglobulin for pemphigus’, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 60(4):595–603, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2008.09.052. 

Biotext (2004) ‘Summary data on conditions and papers’, A systematic literature review and report on the efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy and its risks, commissioned by the National Blood Authority on behalf of all Australian Governments, pp. 240–1. Available from: https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/3808068. 

Bystryn JC, Jiao D & Natow S (2002) ‘Treatment of pemphigus with intravenous immunoglobulin’, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 47(3):358–63, https://doi.org/10.1067/mjd.2002.122735. 

Sami N, Qureshi A, Ruocco E et al (2002) ‘Corticosteroid-sparing effect of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy in patients with pemphigus vulgaris’, Archives of Dermatology, 138(9):1158–62, https://doi.org/10.1001/archderm.138.9.1158.