CUTANEOUS MANIFESTATIONS OF SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS: STUDY FROM LAHORE, PAKISTAN

Background. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder in which cutaneous lesions occur in 85% of patients. This study from Lahore, Pakistan, was conducted to determine the pattern and incidence of such lesions in SLE. Methods. Forty patients with SLE fulfilling the clinical and laboratory criteria of the American Rheumatism Association (ARA) (1982) were examined between October 1992 and September 1993 for the presence of cutaneous manifestations. Results. Skin changes noted were: noncicatricial diffuse alopecia (82.5%), malar rash (60%), mucosal lesions (60%), discoid eruption (57.5%), photosensitivity (60%), nail involvement (55%), vascular lesions (50%), pruritus (45%), and pigmentary changes (37.5%). Peripheral gangrene, chronic ulcers, Raynaud's phenomenon, urticaria, chilblains, thrombophlebitis, palmar erythema, and erythema multiforme were rare. Antinuclear antibody reaction was positive in 80% and anti-dsDNA antibodies in 70%. Conclusion. A different clinical pattern was noted in our patients than reported previously.