The efficacy and safety of dupilumab combined with methylprednisolone in the treatment of bullous pemphigoid in China

We access the safety and efficacy of methylprednisolone combined with dupilumab in treating the bullous pemphigoid. 27 patients were enrolled, of which 9 received dupilumab in addition to methylprednisolone (dupilumab group, D group), while the other 18 patients were administered methylprednisolone alone (traditional group, T group). The median time to stop the formation of the new blister was 5.5 days (3.5-11.75 days) and 10 days (9-15 days) in the D group and the T group, respectively (p = 0.032). Additionally, the median time of complete healing reached was 21 days (16.25-31 days) and 29 days (25-50 days) in the D group and the T group, separately (p = 0.042). The median amount of cumulative methylprednisolone at the time of disease control was 240 mg (140-580 mg) and 460 mg (400-840 mg) in the D group and the T group, respectively (p = 0.031). The total amount of the methylprednisolone used at the time of complete healing reached was 792 mg (597-1,488.5 mg) in the D group while that was 1,370 mg (1,000-2,570 mg) in the T group (p = 0.028). No adverse event associated with dupilumab was recorded. Methylprednisolone in combination with dupilumab appeared superior to methylprednisolone alone in control of disease progression and the methylprednisolonesparing effect.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of methylprednisolone combined with dupilumab in treating bullous pemphigoid. Among the 27 patients enrolled, 9 received the combination treatment (D group) while the remaining 18 received methylprednisolone alone (T group). The results showed that the D group had a significantly shorter time to stop blister formation and achieve complete healing compared to the T group. Furthermore, the combination treatment resulted in lower cumulative and total doses of methylprednisolone.