Factors Influencing the Clinical Course of Bullous Pemphigoid among Geriatric Patients: A Pilot Study
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background and Objectives: Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common autoimmune blistering disease affecting mainly elderly patients. Still, little is known about the pathogenesis of pruritus in BP or the factors that affect the clinical course of the disease. This study aimed to evaluate the factors influencing the clinical course of BP among older patients. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of medical records of 55 patients with BP hospitalized in the dermatology department in 2015–2021 was conducted. The study focused on preliminary diagnosis, medical history, clinical examination (characteristics and location of cutaneous changes), laboratory investigation, and direct and indirect immunofluorescence. Results: Analysis of laboratory results in combination with the clinical course of BP showed that red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit values were negatively associated with a risk of erosions and erythema, while MCHC values were positively correlated with a risk of associated pruritus. A correlation was found between neurological diseases and an increased risk of erosions. Conclusions: We have shown that age and neurological conditions, including stroke, affect the clinical course of BP. Further studies on a larger group of patients should be conducted to investigate the different factors affecting the clinical aspect of BP and to understand the relationship between them.
Source: Medicina
Institution: Medical University of Lodz
Language: English
Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,046
Funder: Uniwersytet Medyczny w Lodzi
Award: G5704231180
OpenAlex ID: W4403457773