ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF AUTOIMMUNE BULLOUS DISORDERS ON QUALITY OF LIFE: A SNAPSHOT SURVEY

Submission: 02 November 2025 | Acceptance: 29 November 2025 | Publication: 29 December 2025

¹Dr Aimen sohrab peerzada, ²Dr Brig. Aisha Akhter, ³Dr Tayyiba Manzoor, ⁴Dr Muhammad Sagheer, ⁵Dr Asma Malik, ⁶Dr Sara Badsash

1PGT dermatology PEMH Rawalpindi

2Prof.of Dermatology PEMH Rawalpindi

3PGT Dermatology, PEMH Rawalpindi

4PGT Dermatology PEMH Rawalpindi

5PGT Dermatology PEMH Rawalpindi

6PGT Dermatology PEMH Rawalpindi

Abstract

Objectives:
To evaluate the quality of life (QoL) in patients with autoimmune bullous disorders (ABDs).

Study design and setting:

A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi,

Methodology:
A total of 190 patients aged 18–70 years with clinically and histologically confirmed ABDs were recruited using consecutive sampling. Demographic and clinical data were obtained through structured interviews and medical records. QoL was assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant for all analyses.

Results:
The mean age of participants was 45.3 ± 13.2 years, with 54% males and 46% females. Pemphigus vulgaris (51%) was the most common diagnosis, followed by bullous pemphigoid (32%) and pemphigus foliaceous (18%). Prednisolone (39%) and azathioprine (33%) were the most frequently prescribed medications. Comorbidities included hypertension (25%), diabetes (21%), and hyperlipidemia (12%). Regression analysis revealed that older age (p = 0.018), longer disease duration (p = 0.002), presence of comorbidities (p = 0.011), and hospitalization history (p = 0.028) were significant predictors of higher DLQI scores. Gender and educational status showed no significant association.

Conclusions:
ABDs substantially impair patients’ QoL, with older age, prolonged disease, comorbidities, and hospitalization contributing significantly. Routine QoL assessments should be integrated into clinical care to ensure holistic, patient-centered management.

Keywords:
Autoimmune bullous diseases; Quality of life; Questionnaires; Skin diseases, blistering