Positive Direct Immunofluorescence Is of Better Value than ELISA-BP180 and ELISA-BP230 Values for the Prediction of Relapse after Treatment Cessation in Bullous Pemphigoid: A Retrospective Study of 97 Patients.

BACKGROUND

ELISA-BP180 values and direct immunofluorescence (DIF) are prognostic factors for relapse after treatment cessation in bullous pemphigoid (BP).

OBJECTIVE

To determine the relevance of ELISA-BP230 antibodies for predicting relapse 6 months after treatment cessation.

METHODS

We retrospectively selected patients with BP and available data from ELISA-BP180 and -BP230 and DIF performed at treatment cessation. The rate of relapse was calculated at 6 months. We compared ELISA-BP180 and -BP230 values and DIF in patients with relapse and remission.

RESULTS

We included 97 patients. At 6 months, 25.6% of patients showed relapse. The proportion of patients with an ELISA-BP230 value ≥27 UA/ml was higher, but not significantly, for those with relapse than for those with remission (p = 0.11). The frequency of positive DIF findings was significantly higher for patients with relapse (p = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

DIF is of better value than ELISA-BP180 and -230 tests to predict relapse after treatment cessation in BP.