Study of autoimmune blistering diseases and their severity measures

Prevalence and Clinical Severity of Autoimmune Blistering Diseases

University of Pennsylvania · NCT02753777

This study is testing how well certain measures of disease severity work for people with autoimmune blistering diseases to see how they relate to quality of life.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Pennsylvania (other)
Locations3 sites (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT02753777 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on autoimmune blistering diseases such as pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus foliaceus, and bullous pemphigoid. It aims to validate disease severity measures, specifically the Pemphigus Disease Area Index (PDAI) and the Bullous Pemphigoid Disease Area Index (BPDAI), by comparing them with other established severity measures. Participants will also assess their quality of life and may contribute blood samples for further research. The goal is to enhance the understanding of disease severity and its impact on patients' lives.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 years diagnosed with pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus foliaceus, or bullous pemphigoid.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 years old or those without a diagnosis of pemphigus or pemphigoid diseases will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved assessment tools for disease severity, ultimately enhancing treatment strategies for patients with autoimmune blistering diseases.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in validating disease severity measures in similar autoimmune conditions, indicating a promising approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Gender/Age: Males or females above 18 years old
* Diagnosis: pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus foliaceus, bullous pemphigoid
* Subjects able to give informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who are under age 18 years.
* Patients without pemphigus or pemphigoid diseases
* Penn employees
* Penn students
* Cognitively impaired persons

Where this trial is running

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and 2 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Pemphigus Vulgaris, Pemphigus Foliaceus, Bullous Pemphigoid

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.