Drug-induced cutaneous lupus erythematosus: 88 new cases

An increasing number of drugs have been linked to drug-induced subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (DI-SCLE). The recognition and management of DI-SCLE can be challenging, as the condition may be triggered by different classes of drugs after variable lengths of time.

To determine the proportion of patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) whose drugs are an inducing or aggravating factor.

We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with CLE at a dermatological department over a 21-year period. We registered clinical, serological, and histological data with a focus on drug intake.

Of 775 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of lupus erythematosus (LE) or suspected LE, a diagnosis of CLE could be confirmed in 448 patients. A total of 130 patients had a drug intake that could suggest DI-SCLE. In 88 cases, a drug was evaluated to be definitely, probably, or possibly triggering CLE using the Naranjo probability scale. The most common drugs involved were proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), thiazide diuretics, antifungals, chemotherapeutics, statins, and antiepileptics. The incubation period varied widely with a median of eight weeks. The characteristics of DI-SCLE patients were more widespread rash relative to the other patients, with inflamed skin lesions or atypical variants which could resemble erythema multiforme.

We present 88 patients with DI-SCLE, which is the largest case series reported, to date. DI-SCLE represented 20% of patients with CLE seen at our department. We conclude that DI-SCLE should be considered in every case of SCLE.