The association between bullous pemphigoid and comorbidities: a case-control study in Moroccan patients
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Comorbidities of bullous pemphigoid (BP) have not been thoroughly described in Morocco. This study investigates clinical features, comorbidities, and medications in a cohort of Moroccan patients with confirmed BP to help decrease morbidity and mortality.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 81 cases of BP diagnosed in 2015-2018 and 162 age- and sex-matched controls with complete follow-up at the Department of Dermatology in a university hospital setting.
RESULTS: Eighty-one individuals were included in the study; the mean age at diagnosis was 71.3 years, and 53% were men. The most common comorbidities were hypertension (58%), type 2 diabetes (43%), and dyslipidemia (31%). Almost a quarter of the cohort (28%) had been diagnosed with at least one neurological disease before the onset of BP. BP was significantly associated with the presence of malignancies (14%; p = 0.017) and stroke (16%; p = 0.009) compared to an age-matched control group. The most common standard medications were beta-blockers, diuretics, and statins. In total, 86% of the patients with type 2 diabetes were taking antidiabetic drugs, especially metformin (82%) and gliptins (51%).
CONCLUSION: This study showed that BP is associated with stroke and the presence of malignancy compared to the age-matched general population. This study also calls for investigation into the specific role of some drugs as inducing factors for BP.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a case-control, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause.
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