Dupilumab monotherapy in super-elderly patients with bullous pemphigoid: a retrospective study on long-term efficacy and safety in mild to moderate cases.

BACKGROUND

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a common autoimmune subepidermal bullous disease. Dupilumab, an IL-4/IL-13 inhibitor, represents a novel therapeutic approach for BP, but real-world long-term data in super-elderly patients are limited.

METHODS

This retrospective, single-center observational study included super-elderly BP patients (≥80 years) receiving dupilumab monotherapy from September 2022 to September 2024. Disease severity was assessed using BPDAI and NRSP, and BP180 antibody, total IgE, and eosinophil count were monitored over 52 weeks.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients with mild to moderate BP were enrolled. Ten (76.9%) achieved Complete remission (CR) within a mean of 7.4 weeks. BPDAI and NRSP significantly improved, with BPDAI scores decreased from 16.08 ± 9.00 at baseline to 1.23 ± 1.64 at week 16 and 0.23 ± 0.44 at week 52 (both p < 0.001). BP180 and total IgE also showed significant improvement. Two patients experienced relapse after discontinuing treatment. Comorbidities were generally well managed, though three patients passed away due to worsening comorbidities. One patient experienced mild drowsiness and erythema; no other dupilumab-related adverse events were observed.

CONCLUSION

Dupilumab demonstrates significant long-term efficacy and safety in super-elderly BP patients (≥80 years) with mild to moderate disease and multiple comorbidities, offering a promising alternative to traditional therapies.