Objectives: To evaluate treatment with methotrexate in patients with bullous pemphigoid and to elucidate the reduced adverse effects compared with standard treatment with prednisone.
Design: Retrospective study (January 1, 1999-December 31, 2003).
Setting: The Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Karolinska University Hospital.
Patients: A total of 138 consecutive patients with bullous pemphigoid were included and were grouped according to the treatment they received: methotrexate, prednisone, a combination of both, or topical glucocorticoids (for mild disease).
Result: Methotrexate was the most effective treatment, with only a few adverse effects and a tendency toward better survival rates in patients with moderate to severe disease.
Conclusion: Methotrexate is an effective and safe drug and provides an excellent treatment option in patients with bullous pemphigoid.