Childhood discoid lupus erythematosus: a Tunisian retrospective study of 16 cases

Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is uncommon in children. The clinical features of childhood DLE are similar to those of adult DLE in presentation and chronic course. However, children have a particularly high level of transition to systemic disease. We undertook a retrospective study of 16 children with DLE ranging in age from 2 to 15 years, seen over a 9-year period. Six were less than 10 years old at the onset of the disease. The sex ratio was equal. The frequency of childhood DLE was about 7% of the total number of DLE patients seen in our department. Photosensitivity was defined as a clinical history of induction or exacerbation of discoid lesions following sun exposure, and was present in 81% of patients. There was no progression to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); an average follow-up time was 10.5 months (2-30 months). We would like to emphasize the increased frequency of childhood DLE in our country and the importance of photosensitivity. However, follow-up data regarding transition to SLE is lacking, therefore we are unable to offer a prognosis to our patients.