Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026

The Goeckerman Regimen for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis
Published on: July 11, 2013
Patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus who smoke are less responsive to antimalarial treatment
1Department of Dermatology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, USA.
Background:
Reports suggest that cigarette smoking might interfere with the effectiveness of antimalarial therapy as first-line treatment for cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Patients refractory to this treatment often must be treated with potentially more toxic regimens.
Objective:
Our purpose was to examine the effects of cigarette smoking on the therapeutic response to antimalarial agents in patients with discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) and subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE).
Methods:
A total of 61 patients (47 DLE, 14 SCLE) were selected on the basis of the following criteria: (1) skin biopsy was consistent with cutaneous LE, (2) a smoking history was available, and (3) an adequate trial of antimalarial therapy was completed. Patients were classified as antimalarial responders or nonresponders on the basis of descriptions in their medical records. Two-by-two table analysis was performed comparing response rates in smokers versus nonsmokers.
Results:
A significant difference (P<.0002) in the antimalarial response rate was observed for smokers (40%) versus nonsmokers (90%).
Conclusion:
These results indicate that patients with cutaneous LE who smoke are significantly less likely to respond to antimalarial therapy.
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the progression...
Malaria
Antiprotozoal Agents

