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Classical systemic treatment

An analysis of the dermatological uses of mycophenolate mofetil in a tertiary hospital

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Pages 63-66 | Received 04 Sep 2013, Accepted 09 Oct 2013, Published online: 29 Nov 2013
 

Abstract

Background: Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is increasingly being used by dermatologists to treat various skin conditions, but limited evidence exists regarding its efficacy.

Objective: To evaluate safety and efficacy of MMF in the treatment of dermatological conditions.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of all the dermatology patients treated with MMF between October 1999 and July 2008 at a university-based teaching hospital in Australia.

Results: Sixty-nine patients included 43 females (62%) and 26 males. Nineteen patients (27%) achieved complete remission (CR) and 14 (20%) had no response to therapy. The average duration of treatment was 18.4 months and the mean daily dose was 2 g. Thirty-two patients (47%) experienced side effects, though most were mild. Factors influencing response to MMF were studied, and older age (p = 0.005), diagnosis (p = 0.008) and duration of treatment (p = 0.02) were found significant. In a multivariate analysis, only the diagnosis remained statistically significant. There was a differential response to MMF between the various dermatological disorders studied. Complete response was achieved in 56%, 53% and 46% of the patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), immunobullous disorders and neutrophilic dermatoses, respectively, while none of the patients with psoriasis achieved CR.

Conclusion: Our study shows that MMF is more effective in AD and immunobullous disorders than in psoriasis and pyoderma gangrenosum.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

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