Predictors of severity of sequelae in discoid lupus erythematosus: A longitudinal cohort study

Background The factors predicting the severity of sequelae of discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) have not been studied. Objective To characterise factors predicting the severity of sequelae in DLE. Methods This longitudinal follow-up study (June 2023 to January 2025) included patients with DLE with/without other forms of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). Predictors of sequelae severity were analysed in 58 patients with follow-up of at least 3 months. The primary outcome was the factors associated with increased scar and dyspigmentation severity. Results Disease duration (p=0.001) and baseline cutaneous lupus erythematosus disease area and severity index (CLASI) scale/hypertrophy sub-score (p=0.016) determined scarring severity, while severity of pigmentation was predicted by disease duration (p=0.002) and baseline CLASI erythema sub-score (p<0.001). The mean follow-up was 8.38±5.89 months. Limitations Smoking status and quantitative data on photoprotective measures were not elicited from the participants. Conclusion The severity of sequelae is determined by disease duration and baseline disease activity scores.