Lupus Erythematosus Tumidus

Abstract

To determine the efficacy of antimalarial drug use in patients with lupus erythematosus tumidus.

Update on pathogenesis and treatment of CLE

“…Additionally, this study found that CLE patients that smoke and require an immunomodulator in addition to antimalarial treatment are more refractory to this combination of treatment. In contrast to prior work [10–12], the study found that current smokers, when they did respond to antimalarials, had a better response to monotherapy with antimalarials than never and past smokers, indicating the need to further investigate the dose-dependence between cigarette smoking and CLE disease severity and response to antimalarials. Additionally, building upon prior studies suggesting that smoking is associated with CLE in general [13], here, individuals in the CLE-only group had a higher percentage of current smokers than did the SLE with skin involvement group, suggesting that smoking may be more closely associated with CLE than SLE.…”

Lupus erythematosus tumidus: A case and discussion of a rare entity in black patients

“…Up to 78% to 80% of patients with LET are smokers, which is significantly higher than age-matched controls, in which approximately 25% to 36% of the population are smokers 10, 11. Smokers with cutaneous lupus erythematosus do not respond as well to antimalarial therapy as do nonsmokers 10 . Although no studies have looked at the effect of smoking cessation on LET clearance, Kreuter et al 10 noted that 13 patients who quit or reduced smoking within the period of their study had complete clearance of their skin lesions.…”

“…The role of smoking has been explored in several case series. Up to 78% to 80% of patients with LET are smokers, which is significantly higher than age-matched controls, in which approximately 25% to 36% of the population are smokers 10, 11. Smokers with cutaneous lupus erythematosus do not respond as well to antimalarial therapy as do nonsmokers 10 .…”

“…Smokers with cutaneous lupus erythematosus do not respond as well to antimalarial therapy as do nonsmokers 10 . Although no studies have looked at the effect of smoking cessation on LET clearance, Kreuter et al 10 noted that 13 patients who quit or reduced smoking within the period of their study had complete clearance of their skin lesions. Our patient was a smoker; however, the smoking status of the other reviewed cases was not reported.…”

“…Most case series found that progression to SLE does not occur in patients with LET, although a few reports indicate concurrence of disease in up to 11% of patients 1, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12. Patients typically respond well to topical corticosteroids, systemic antimalarial drugs, and photoprotection.…”