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A simple method to assess severity of polymorphic light eruption.
R A Palmer1, C B van de Pas, E Campalani
1Photobiology Unit, St John's Institute of Dermatology, Division of Skin Sciences, King's College London, South Wing Block 7, St Thomas' Hospital, London SE1 7EH, UK. roypalmer@totalise.co.uk
The British Journal of Dermatology
|September 21, 2004
Summary
A new index (PLESI) effectively measures polymorphic light eruption (PLE) severity. This simple, reproducible tool correlates with disease characteristics and can standardize future PLE research.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Photobiology
- Clinical Assessment
Background:
- Polymorphic light eruption (PLE) severity varies greatly, impacting research findings.
- A standardized method is needed to assess PLE severity accurately.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple, valid, and reproducible method for assessing PLE severity.
Main Methods:
- Developed the Polymorphic Light Eruption Severity Index (PLESI) using a 16-question interview with 80 patients.
- Assessed PLESI internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha=0.77) and repeatability.
- Correlated PLESI with ease of provocation by solar-simulated radiation (EOPSSR score).
Main Results:
- The PLESI demonstrated good internal consistency and repeatability.
- PLESI scores positively correlated with EOPSSR and disease duration.
- No significant association was found between PLESI and eruption persistence, tolerance development, gender, or skin type.
Conclusions:
- The PLESI is a valid and reproducible tool for assessing PLE severity.
- The index can standardize severity assessment in future PLE research globally.
- Ease of provocation by simulated sunlight correlates with PLE severity.