Person:

Merola, Joseph

To inform our ongoing efforts to develop defining features to be incorporated into a novel set of classification criteria for discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), we conducted a literature review using the Ovid MEDLINE database. A search was performed to identify studies reporting criteria used to distinguish DLE from other cutaneous lupus erythematosus subtypes. We examined which clinical, histopathologic, and serologic features have data to support their use as effective features in distinguishing DLE from other potential disease mimickers and cutaneous lupus subsets. Through our search, we were also able to identify gaps that exist in the literature which can inform future directions for research endeavors. We found that localization of lesions, characteristic features of damage, and the absence of high titer Ro/SSA antibody seem most effective in differentiating DLE from other cutaneous lupus erythematosus subtypes. Histopathologic features and class of immunoreactant deposition appear to be less helpful.

To inform our ongoing efforts to develop defining features to be incorporated into a novel set of classification criteria for discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), we conducted a literature review using the Ovid MEDLINE database. A search was performed to identify studies reporting criteria used to distinguish DLE from other cutaneous lupus erythematosus subtypes. We examined which clinical, histopathologic, and serologic features have data to support their use as effective features in distinguishing DLE from other potential disease mimickers and cutaneous lupus subsets. Through our search, we were also able to identify gaps that exist in the literature which can inform future directions for research endeavors. We found that localization of lesions, characteristic features of damage, and the absence of high titer Ro/SSA antibody seem most effective in differentiating DLE from other cutaneous lupus erythematosus subtypes. Histopathologic features and class of immunoreactant deposition appear to be less helpful.

Currently, no standardized classification criteria exist for cutaneous lupus erythematosus. With increased interest in studying cutaneous lupus erythematosus, specifically discoid lupus erythematosus, it is our aim to apply previously adopted methods from rheumatology to dermatologic diseases to develop feasible, validated, and standardized classification criteria useful in both academic and community practice. Here we report the progress to date to define discoid lupus erythematosus using clinical, histopathologic, and serologic features by means of a Delphi method—using a series of iterative questionnaires sent to expert stakeholders. We present specific updates from the World Congress of Dermatology 2015 meeting, at which a nominal group of expert stakeholders met to discuss the results of round 1 of the Delphi process to further clarify and harmonize specific classification items for inclusion into round 2.