National clinical reaudit on managing adults with bullous pemphigoid 2024 highlighting shifting clinical practices.

BACKGROUND

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a chronic, autoimmune, blistering disorder that predominantly affects older adults and is associated with significant morbidity and treatment challenges. The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) clinical guideline for managing people with BP was published in 2012; a national clinical audit was undertaken in 2018. This 2024 reaudit evaluates changes in clinical practice, including diagnostic methods, treatment strategies and documentation standards.

OBJECTIVES

To reassess compliance with BAD audit standards, compare findings with the 2018 audit and identify trends in BP management.

METHODS

Over 9 weeks in 2024, BAD members submitted data for 450 cases of BP from 77 centres across the UK. Audit standards included documentation of comorbidities, osteoporosis risk management, patient satisfaction and systemic treatment monitoring.

RESULTS

The reaudit identified a shift in diagnostic practices, an increased proportion of severe baseline disease and continued gaps in -osteoporosis risk documentation. The use of doxycycline as a primary treatment has increased significantly since 2018.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings highlight both progress and persistent challenges in BP management. Improved documentation and greater adherence to osteoporosis management guidelines remain priorities for future practice.