Long-term Results of Therapy with Mycophenolate Mofetil in Ocular Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid

Purpose: To assess the long-term efficacy and tolerability of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in the therapy of ocular mucous membrane pemphigoid (OcMMP). Methods: Ten patients (19 eyes) with OcMMP treated with MMF, who had a follow-up of at least 4 years, were retrospectively analyzed. Main outcome measures were inflammatory control, progression of cicatrization, and side effects. Results: Control of inflammation was achieved in 11 eyes (58%) of 6 patients (rate: 0.11/PY). Mild inflammatory activity was observed in 8 eyes (42%) of 4 patients (rate: 0.07/PY). Progression of conjunctival cicatrization was prevented in 47% (9/19) of the eyes. Mild progression of cicatrization was found in 42% (8/19) of the eyes. Conjunctival cicatrization had progressed to stage IV in 1 patient (11%). Treatment-related side effects occurred in 7 patients (rate: 0.12/PY). Conclusion: MMF is an effective agent for treatment of OcMMP. However, the drug cannot always prevent disease progression.