A RECENT retrospective study sheds light on the epidemiology of isolated Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE) within the multiethnic population of Reunion Island, France. Conducted across public hospitals and private dermatology clinics, the study reveals CLE prevalence and incidence rates significantly higher than those reported in predominantly light-skinned populations, highlighting the unique clinical characteristics and risks in this diverse group.
The standardised prevalence of CLE was found to be 43 per 100,000 people, with an annual incidence rate of 3.1 per 100,000 person-years. Using capture-recapture analysis, these figures were adjusted to an estimated prevalence of 99 per 100,000 people and an annual incidence of 5.7 per 100,000 person-years, underscoring the disease’s notable presence in the region. The study reviewed 268 cases, of which 218 were newly diagnosed between 2008 and 2021. The average age of diagnosis was 41.7 years, with women comprising the majority of cases at a female-to-male ratio of 4:1.
Notably, dark-skinned individuals exhibited a higher prevalence of discoid CLE and were more likely to be prescribed immunosuppressants. Generalised discoid CLE, panniculitis, and overlapping subtypes emerged as predictive markers for progression to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), necessitating heightened vigilance and tailored follow-up for these patients.
The findings emphasise the need for dermatologists and rheumatologists to recognise the distinct patterns of CLE in multiethnic populations. The identification of risk factors such as generalised discoid CLE and overlapping subtypes is pivotal for early intervention, potentially mitigating progression to more severe forms like SLE.
This study underscores the importance of understanding the interplay between ethnicity, skin type, and autoimmune diseases, advocating for region-specific strategies to manage CLE effectively.
Reference
Maille M et al. Epidemiology of isolated Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus in the multiethnic population of Reunion Island (France): a retrospective multicentric study. J Rheumatol. 2024;DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.2024-0661.
