Pemphigus foliaceus (PF)

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

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Specific Conditions
  • Pemphigus erythematosus
  • Pemphigus herpetiformis
  • Endemic pemphigus foliaceus
  • IgA pemphigus foliaceus
  • Paraneoplastic pemphigus foliaceus
  • Drug-induced pemphigus foliaceus
Indication for Ig Use
  • Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) resistant to corticosteroids and immunosuppressant therapy or when these agents are contraindicated
Level of Evidence Evidence of probable benefit – more research needed (Category 2a)
Description and Diagnostic Criteria

Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is a rare autoimmune blistering skin disease characterised by loss of cohesion of cells (acantholysis) in the superficial (subcorneal) layers of the epidermis. The lesions are generally well demarcated and do not coalesce to form large, eroded areas (as seen in pemphigus vulgaris). It is mediated by an autoantibody that targets desmoglein 1, a cell-to-cell protein molecule that binds the desmosomes of neighbouring keratinocytes in the epidermis.

The disease has a long-term course with patients maintaining satisfactory health. Spontaneous remissions occasionally occur.
Justification for Evidence Category

Habif (2004) concluded that intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) was effective as monotherapy for pemphigus foliaceus (PF) and particularly useful in patients who experienced life-threatening complications from immunosuppression. Sami et al (2002) observed that autoantibody titres to desmoglein 1 in a series of 15 PF patients declined persistently following IVIg therapy.

A more recent randomised controlled trial for pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and PF patients (61 patients in total) demonstrated both safety and efficacy of Ig therapy with monthly doses of up to 2 g/kg divided over five days (Amagai et al, 2009).
Diagnosis Requirements

A diagnosis must be made by an Immunologist or a Dermatologist.
Qualifying Criteria for Ig Therapy
  • Severe widespread PF disease involving at least 30 percent body surface confirmed by biopsy with positive direct immunofluorescence (DIF) test 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 2 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. Treatment is stopped when patients are clinically free from disease and have a negative finding on direct immunofluorescence.
 
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. Treatment is stopped when patients are clinically free from disease and have a negative finding on direct immunofluorescence.

Clinical effectiveness of Ig therapy may be assessed by:

On review of the initial authorisation period

  • A reduced percentage of body surface area affected or other clinical improvement compared to the qualifying assessment
  • AND
  • The direct immunofluorescence test remains positive and/or active disease persists

On review of a continuing authorisation period

  • A reduced percentage of body surface area affected compared to previous review
  • AND
  • The direct immunofluorescence test remains positive and/or active disease persists
  • AND
  • A trial of weaning towards cessation of Ig therapy is planned for patients who are clinically stable to identify those in remission or a reason is provided as to why a trial-off is not planned

 
Dose
  • Maintenance Dose (IVIg) - Efficacy can be achieved with dosing of up to 2 g/kg per month.
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.

Habif TP (2004) ‘Vesicular and bullous diseases’, Chapter 16 in: Clinical Dermatology E-Book, pp. 635-668. 

Habif TP (2003) ‘Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy 4th Edition’, Mosby, 4th Edition.

Sami N, Bhol KC & Ahmed AR (2002) ‘Influence of IVIg therapy on autoantibody titres to desmoglein 1 in patients with pemphigus foliaceus’, Clinical Immunology, 105(2):192–8, https://doi.org/10.1006/clim.2002.5278.