Characterization of clinical photosensitivity in cutaneous lupus erythematosus

Photosensitivity (PS) in lupus erythematosus (LE) is frequently determined by patient report.

We sought to characterize self-reported PS in cutaneous LE (CLE).

The PS survey was used to classify subject responses into 5 phenotypes: direct sun-induced CLE flare (directCLE); general exacerbation of CLE (genCLE); polymorphic light eruption-like reactions (genSkin); general pruritus/paresthesias (genRxn); and sun-induced systemic symptoms (genSys). In all, 91 subjects with CLE alone or with CLE and systemic LE were interviewed.

In all, 81% ascribed to 1 or more PS phenotypes. CLE-specific reactions (direct sun-induced CLE flare or general exacerbation of CLE) were reported by 86% of photosensitive subjects. Higher CLE disease activity (measured by CLE Disease Area and Severity Index activity scores) was suggestive of direct sun-induced CLE flare reactions (P = .09). In all, 60% of photosensitive subjects described CLE-nonspecific reactions: polymorphic light eruption-like rash and general pruritus/paresthesias. These phenotypes often co-occurred with CLE-specific reactions and were predicted by more systemic disease activity as measured by Physicians Global Assessment (PGA) scores in regression analyses (genSkin, P = .02) and (genRxn, P = .05). In all, 36% of subjects reported systemic reactions and higher PGA scores were predictive of the sun-induced systemic symptoms phenotype (P = .02); a diagnosis of systemic LE was not (P = .14).

PS was inferred from patient report and not directly observed.

Characterization of self-reported PS in LE reveals that patients experience combinations of CLE-specific, CLE-nonspecific, and systemic reactions to sunlight. Sun-induced CLE flares are associated with more active CLE disease. Polymorphic light eruption-like, generalized pruritus/paresthesias, and systemic reactions are associated with more active systemic disease. Recognition of PS phenotypes will permit improved definitions of clinical PS and allow for more precise investigation into its pathophysiology.