Cutaneous spectrum of lupus erythematosus: A cohort of patients from a referral-center in Colombia

Introduction

To date, few epidemiological studies compare the incidence and prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and isolated cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). The information is even more scarce in Latin America. The aim of this study is to describe the phenotype of CLE in a reference center in Colombia.

Materials and methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out. SLE was confirmed according to EULAR/ACR 2019 classification criteria and patients were simultaneously evaluated in the rheumatology and dermatology clinics. A descriptive and bivariate analysis was carried out. The institutional committee approved the study.

Results

Thirty participants were diagnosed with SLE and CLE. Most patients were female (83.3%), with a mean age of 37 ± 13 years. Chronic CLE was the most prevalent subtype (46.7%), followed by acute (30%) and subacute (16.7%) CLE. There were statistically significant differences when comparing acute CLE and reduced C4 (p = .032); in subacute CLE and interstitial lung disease (p = .010); and in lymphopenia (p = .012) and thrombocytopenia (p = .046). Finally, there was a difference in patients with chronic CLE and the use of topical corticosteroid (p = .026), methotrexate (p = .036), and SLEDAI > 3 points (p = .025).

Conclusion

This study provides valuable insights into the phenotypic characteristics and associations of CLE with systemic manifestations in the Colombian population, contributing to the understanding and managing of this complex autoimmune disease.