Impact of immunosuppressive drugs in the therapeutic efficacy of autoimmune skin diseases

Background: Autoimmune skin diseases such as pemphigus vulgaris and psoriasis and systemic sclerosis require long-term treatment. Immunosuppressive drug therapy is a gold standard treatment choice in the management of autoimmune skin disease. Aim and Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of immunosuppressive drugs in the management of chronic skin diseases. Materials and Methods: A total of 120 cases of both genders (75 males and 45 females), above 18 years and newly started with immunosuppressant drugs for psoriasis (methotrexate therapy-weekly once), Pemphigus Vulgaris and Systemic Sclerosis (pulse therapy – monthly once) were recruited. The clinical response of drugs was assessed by psoriasis area severity index score (PASI), modified Rodnan Skin Score (MRSS), and Pemphigus Area and Activity Score (PAAS). Results: The PAAS score, PASI score, and MRSS scores were significantly decreased from the beginning to the end of the 6th month and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.005). Nausea/ vomiting were the common adverse effects in all groups followed by gastritis and weight gain. Conclusion: The usage of immunosuppressant drugs such as methotrexate in the management of psoriasis and dexamethasone-cyclophosphamide therapy in the management of pemphigus vulgaris and systemic sclerosis is effective and did not show any major adverse effects.