Vitamin D deficiency in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus

SIR, You would not imagine that the patient illustrated oppositewas vitamin D-deficient. However, she is a 21-yr-old Caucasianwith systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Because of the natureof her condition she has to wear sunblock factor 30 all yearround. Her tanned appearance is not derived from UVB exposurebut from self-tanning agents. She was diagnosed with SLE in 1997. Initially she presentedwith a widespread photosensitive rash. She was found to be positivefor antinuclear antibodies and double-stranded DNA antibodies.A skin biopsy was consistent with cutaneous lupus. Photosensitivity