Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus induced by nifedipine.
BACKGROUND
Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) has been reported to be associated with the use of several drugs, including thiazides, terbinafine, and, rarely, calcium channel blockers.


OBJECTIVE
A case of SCLE induced by nifedipine is presented.


RESULTS
A 48-year-old white woman developed a papulosquamous and annular eruption in sun-exposed areas during the summer. The patient was taking nifedipine for essential hypertension for four years. Serology showed the presence of antinuclear and anti-Ro/SSA as well as antihistone antibodies. Histopathologic and immunopathologic (granular IgM deposits at the dermoepidermal junction) findings confirmed the diagnosis of SCLE. Nifedipine discontinuation led to rapid improvement with almost complete resolution of skin lesions in one month in the absence of active treatment. Reduction of antinuclear, anti-Ro/SSA, and antihistone antibody levels was documented after six months.


CONCLUSIONS
Nifedipine can cause SCLE after a long period of administration. Antihistone antibodies may be associated with drug-induced SCLE.
Gubinelli
Emanuela
E
Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
Cocuroccia
Barbara
B
Girolomoni
Giampiero
G
D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008178:Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009543:Nifedipine / Q000009:adverse effects*
D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D009543:Nifedipine