Analytical study on systemic lupus erythematosus and its association with cutaneous manifestations.

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multisystem autoimmune illness with cutaneous involvement being the most frequent of its clinical presentations. Therefore, it is of interest to determine the prevalence and patterns of cutaneous manifestations among SLE patients and their relationship with disease activity. Data comparison of 120 SLE patients was done based on demographic profile, nature of the cutaneous lesions and association with disease activity indices like the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI). It was found that 75% of the patients presented with cutaneous involvement, of which malar rash was the most frequent manifestation, followed by discoid lesions and photosensitivity. Higher SLEDAI scores were significantly associated with more severe cutaneous symptoms (p < 0.01). The findings underscore the importance of early recognition and treatment of skin lesions for optimal disease outcome in SLE patients.