Colchicine in the management of mucous membrane pemphigoid

Mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) usually runs a chronic and potentially devastating course. Its management requires long-term oral corticosteroids. Safe and effective adjuvant or steroid-sparing agents are needed. In this retrospective observational study with a follow-up extending to 16 years (mean: 4 years), 60% (9/15) of all patients with MMP were lesion-free under oral steroid therapy combined with a second immunosuppressant agent. Colchicine was the most effective, clearing from at least one individual mucosal site lesions in 67% (8/12) of patients. Colchicine may be suggested as a first-line corticosteroid-sparing regimen in the management of MMP.