Factors associated with impaired quality of life and support group utilization in autoimmune bullous disease.

To the Editor: Autoimmune bullous diseases (AIBDs) are a group of rare immunodermatoses characterized by painful blisters and erosions, which significantly impair quality of life (QoL). 1 Sebaratnam D.F. Hanna A.M. Chee S.N. et al. Development of a quality-of-life instrument for autoimmune bullous disease: the autoimmune bullous disease quality of life questionnaire. JAMA Dermatol. 2013; 149: 1186-1191 Crossref PubMed Scopus (59) Google Scholar , 2 Tabolli S. Mozzetta A. Antinone V. Alfani S. Cianchini G. Abeni D. The health impact of pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus assessed using the Medical outcomes study 36-item short form health survey questionnaire. Br J Dermatol. 2008; 158: 1029-1034 Crossref PubMed Scopus (62) Google Scholar , 3 Paradisi A. Sampogna F. Di Pietro C. et al. Quality-of-life assessment in patients with pemphigus using a minimum set of evaluation tools. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2009; 60: 261-269 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (77) Google Scholar Given the chronic nature of disease, it is important to understand factors associated with worsened QoL to make informed decisions regarding treatment and referral for psychosocial support. QoL also may benefit from participation in support groups. 4 Butt M. Cotton C. Kirby J.S. Support group utilization and impact for patients with hidradenitis suppurativa. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020; 83: 216-219 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (12) Google Scholar Herein, we examine characteristics associated with QoL and support group utilization in patients with AIBD.