Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of rituximab in the treatment of pemphigus and to review the literature. Methods: Clinical data of pemphigus patients treated with rituximab and followed up for at least one year were retrospectively analyzed. The domestic and foreign relevant literature was analyzed. Results: A total of six cases of pemphigus were treated with rituximab in our hospital from 2013 to 2019. One case was in the initial treatment while five cases were in the period of relapse. One case was treated with lymphoma regimen and five cases were treated with rheumatoid arthritis regimen. After 2-71 months of follow-up, two cases got complete remission off therapy while three cases got complete remission on therapy and one case died of pulmonary infection after discharge. Rituximab was found to be a first-line treatment for pemphigus in the latest domestic and international guidelines and expert consensuses. Conclusion: Rituximab is effective in the treatment of refractory pemphigus and can make the patients achieve long-term remission. Much attention should be paid to the risk of infection.

Key words: pemphigus, rituximab, effectiveness, safety