World Workshop on Oral Medicine VI: A systematic review of the treatment of mucous membrane pemphigoid

Objective To determine the efficacy and safety of interventions for mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP). Study Design We conducted a systematic review from 2003 to 2013 according to the Cochrane Collaboration methodology. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or controlled clinical trials and observational studies were included, with diagnosis confirmed by clinical, histopathologic, and immunofluorescence criteria. The primary outcome was lesion remission or healing; several relevant secondary outcomes were also included. Results In the final analysis, 1 RCT and 32 observational studies were included. The one included RCT with a high risk of bias in multiple domains found limited evidence that pentoxifylline, combined with corticosteroid and cyclophosphamide, was more effective than standard therapy (corticosteroid + cyclophosphamide alone) for ocular MMP. We summarize here the outcomes from 32 observational studies examining 242 patients across 19 unique treatments. Interventions that show promise include rituximab and intravenous immunoglobulin. Conclusions This systematic review is the most recent since 2003-2009. There is still lack of high-quality research providing evidence-based MMP treatments.