prognosis

Last reviewed 01/2018

• the disease is self-limiting and usually remits within 5 years
• the mortality rate prior to the use of oral corticosteroids was reported in 1953 to be 24%; the mortality rates today vary between 6% and 41%
• patients with bullous pemphigoid (BP) are generally elderly, often on multiple therapies and at high risk of adverse drug reactions and side-effects. High doses of immunosuppressants may put these patients at risk of life-threatening adverse effects more dangerous than the BP (1)

Reference:

1. Br J Dermatol. 2002 Aug;147(2):214-21.