Cross-sectional analysis of a collaborative Web-based database for lupus erythematosus-associated skin lesions: prospective enrollment of 114 patients.
OBJECTIVE
To assess disease severity in subsets of patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) by using outcome and quality-of-life measures, and to determine treatment responsiveness by establishing a Web-based database of patients with skin manifestations of lupus.


METHODS
Prospective, cross-sectional study.


METHODS
University hospital cutaneous autoimmunity outpatient clinic.


METHODS
One hundred fourteen patients who presented from January 15, 2007, to November 8, 2007, and met the criteria for having CLE or lupus-nonspecific skin disease.


METHODS
Scores on the CLE Disease Activity and Severity Index and the modified Skindex-29 (a quality-of-life measure) completed at each visit.


RESULTS
Seven patients (6.1%) presented with acute CLE, 21 (18.4%) with subacute CLE, 77 (67.5%) with chronic CLE, 7 (6.1%) with systemic lupus erythematosus and LE-nonspecific skin lesions, and 1 (0.9%) with LE-nonspecific skin disease only. The mean baseline CLE Disease Activity and Severity Index activity/damage scores in patients with acute, subacute, and chronic CLE were 6.4/5.1, 11.1/1.6, and 7.5/10.2, respectively. The mean baseline modified Skindex-29 scores were 76.3, 79.4, and 82.7, respectively (P = .80). The disease in 11 of the patients (9.6%) was considered refractory to conventional therapies. Significantly more patients in the refractory group than the nonrefractory group were current smokers (P = .006).


CONCLUSIONS
This Web-based database should allow collection of data related to disease activity, quality of life, and response to therapy at multiple centers.
Moghadam-Kia
Siamak
S
Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4283, USA.
Chilek
Katherine
K
Gaines
Elizabeth
E
Costner
Melissa
M
Rose
Mathew E
ME
Okawa
Joyce
J
Werth
Victoria P
VP
D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D016208:Databases, Factual; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008178:Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012744:Sex Ratio