A comprehensive review of immunosuppressive drugs in pediatric dermatoses: Part II – methotrexate and mycophenolate mofetil

Abstract

Immunosuppressants are required for an array of pediatric dermatoses. Certain dermatological conditions require long-term use of immunomodulators such as methotrexate and mycophenolate mofetil. All immunosuppressants have varying toxicity profiles and long-term use of these in the pediatric age group may lead to significant adverse effects. This concise review focuses on the immunosuppressants commonly used for dermatoses in children and gives a comprehensive list of the various indications for use in each and associated adverse effects on long-term use. An English language search was done on studies published till date on immunosuppressant use in pediatric dermatoses. A documented review was prepared, analyzed, and presented in a narrative fashion to highlight the important pediatric indications for the use of the respective immunosuppressant, with special emphasis on the adverse effects on prolonged usage.