Early Hydroxychloroquine Slows Cutaneous Lupus Progression Save
A prospective study of patients with limited cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) shows that early introduction of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) may prevent progression to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
A longitudinal study of 286 consecutive patients with isolated CLE included those treated with HCQ (n = 186) or topical corticosteroids/calcineurin inhibitors (TCS/CNI; n =100).
CLE to SLE progression in 36 (12.6%) of patients, but only 4.8% of the HCQ group and 27% of the TCS/TCI group (p<0.001).
Moreover, early initiation of HCQ was associated with an 87% reduction in SLE risk over time (HR: 0.13, 95% CI: 0.06–0.27, p<0.001). HCQ also limited development of severe SLE with organ involvement (risk ratio: 0.16, 95% CI: 0.19–0.86, p=0.003). Overall, only 16 CLE patients developed severe SLE features.
These data support the early use of HCQ treatment as a preferred strategy in managing lupus (CLE or SLE).
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