Background: Lupus erythematosus (LE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects more women than men. The quality of life (QoL) of patients with lupus erythematosus and skin manifestations is impaired, but little is known about Malagasy patients. Objective: This study aimed to assess the impact of cutaneous lesions on the QoL of patients who present with LE. Methods: A transversal study, during 3 months, was conducted in patients who presented with LE and cutaneous lesions at the University Hospital Antananarivo. QoL was assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scales. Results: The impact of cutaneous lesions on the QoL was assessed in 37 patients with LE, of whom 34 were women. The mean age of patients was 37.32 years. The mean DLQI was 5.43 ± 4.67 (range, 0–21). Of the patients, 2.7% had a very important effect (DLQI >21), 18.9% reported a great effect of skin symptoms of LE in their QoL (DLQI: 11–20), 18.9% had a moderate effect (DLQI: 6–10), 40.4% had a small effect (DLQI: 2–5), and 18.9% had no effect of cutaneous lesions on their QoL. Daily activities, symptoms, and feelings were the most altered dimensions. The alteration in patients’ QOL was influenced by high monthly income, severe medical history, and localization of the cutaneous lesions on the face and neckline. No correlation was found between sex and QoL. Conclusion: This study shows that significant impairment of QoL was found in patients with LE and cutaneous manifestations, which affected their sense of well-being.

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Background: Although atopic dermatitis (AD) is becoming a pressing public health concern in the world, Madagascar is underrepresented in the AD literature.

Rationale: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) represents a risk of malignancy. The mechanism of carcinogenesis is not fully elucidated. Lymphomas are the most reported cancers in lupus. Other hemopathies have been reported, such as leukemia but remain unusual. Patient concerns: We report a 30-year-old woman with SLE diagnosed 20 months ago associated with end-stage renal disease and active hepatitis B. She was treated with hydroxychloroquine and azathioprine, followed by methotrexate. During follow-up, she presented persistent anemia, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. Diagnoses: Following these cytopenias, a bone marrow aspiration was performed. Acute myeloid leukemia associated with SLE was diagnosed. Interventions: She received transfusion support and corticosteroid therapy. Methotrexate was stopped and hydroxychloroquine was continued. The patient was not eligible for chemotherapy because of her comorbidities. Outcomes: Cytopenias were worsening and unfortunately, she died 3 months later Lessons: This observation highlights the importance of regular blood count monitoring during SLE. In case of persistent cytopenia, bone marrow aspiration should be performed to look for an associated hematological malignancy.

The treatment of parotid hemangiomas has posed a challenge. A male infant presented with large hemangioma of the right parotid gland diagnosed at the age of 3 months. Starting at the age of 4 months, he was treated with oral propranolol for 10 months, which led to a marked reduction in tumor size and strawberry hemangioma. Our case shows that propranolol is effective and safe in treating large parotid infantile hemangioma.