Publication:

Cutaneous manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus

Background SLE is a systemic autoimmune disorder associated with polyclonal activation and interplay of genetic, environmental and hormonal events. The aim of the study was to study the incidence of mucocutaneous spectrum, precipitating factors, HPE, immunofluorescence and lab data.

Methods Prospective cohort study. 100 SLE patients attending MMC from August 2007 to September 2009 are included in study. Detailed history, investigations and 2 years follow up were done.

Results ACLE lesions were seen in 50% patients. Sunlight was the most common precipitating factors [55%]. Mucocutaneous lesions are seen in 45%. Fever is the most common systemic symptom in 45.45%. Photosensitivity is seen in 98% of patients. DLE lesions are seen in 83.66% of patients.98.5% of histopathology correlates with classical SLE.

Conclusions Most of the results correlate with previous studies with few rare observations. Incidence of SLE is less compared to the Western part of world which may be due to the genetic and environmental factors. Photosensitivity being the most common symptom and sunlight being the most common exaggerating factor in our study may be due to the unprotected environmental exposure. Age, sex, ethnic factor with genetic predisposition are the main modifying factors of the various presentation of the disorder.