title: Fluorescent light photosensitivity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the prevalence of fluorescent light toxicity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
  
  
  METHODS
  SLE patients were polled about their symptomatic responses to sunlight and cool white fluorescent light. Photometry was used to determine the levels of ultraviolet (UV) emissions from fluorescent lamps.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirteen of 30 photosensitive SLE patients described increases in disease activity following exposure to unshielded fluorescent lamps. Photometry indicated that these lamps emit substantial levels of UV-B (280-320 nm) radiation, which is toxic to patients with SLE. Standard acrylic diffusers absorbed this radiation, and their use was associated with almost no patient-reported problems.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fluorescent lamps, emitting UV-B radiation, induce disease activity in photosensitive SLE patients. Standard acrylic diffusers absorb UV-B radiation and appear to be protective against induction of disease activity with the use of fluorescent lamps.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University Medical Center, New Orleans 70112.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rihner
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: McGrath
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005453:Fluorescence; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010783:Photometry; D010787:Photosensitivity Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays