Short summary

A regional cohort of patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is to be established with an associated bio bank. This cohort will form the basis for research collaboration between the Department of Dermatology and the Department of Rheumatology on clinical, paraclinical and epidemiological aspects of CLE. Furthermore risk markers, for the development of systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) and drug-induced CLE are sought identified. 

Rationale

Hypothesis:

Patients who develop drug-induced CLE will have clinical or paraclinical markers which distinguish them from patients with idiopathic CLE.

Patients with CLE who develops SLE will have some risk factors, which may be identified in dermatological auspices, which we hope can affect the monitoring, and treatment.

Background:

CLE is a chronic, autoimmune skin disease which can occur independently or be a skin manifestation of SLE. The incidence of CLE in Denmark is hitherto unknown.

There are very few studies providing a qualified risk estimate of the risk of CLE patients developing SLE. A Swedish national register study revealed that 20% of newly diagnosed patients with CLE got a SLE diagnosis within 3 years and a US registry study from Olmsted County with 156 patients showed that 5% of newly diagnosed patients with CLE were diagnosed with SLE within 5 years and 23% had SLE after 25 years.

Different drugs may induce or aggravate CLE and patients who develop drug-induced CLE seem to be particularly susceptible and may react to several different medications. Drugs can also induce SLE.

Description of the cohort

Adult patients with CLE consulting in the outpatient clinic of the Department of Dermatology and Allergy Centre.  

We expect to include appr. 50 adults patients every year. 

Data and biological material

Clinical data (disease onset and course, histopathology, CLASI and lab-tests) are registered in REDCap as well as 2 x 0,75 ml serum, 2 x 0,75 ml plasma and buffy coat are stored in the biobank.

Collaborating researchers and departments

Department of Reumatology, Odense University Hospital

• Professor Anette Bygum
• Medical student Martine Prütz Petersen
• Consultant Anne Voss