Clinical features of systemic lupus erythematosus in men. Characteristics of the cutaneous manifestations.

BACKGROUND

Cutaneous manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in men have not been precisely investigated.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to define the clinical features of SLE in men, focusing on skin lesions.

METHODS

The clinical and laboratory manifestations of 28 male and 111 female patients were compared.

RESULTS

Widespread discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) and papular and nodular mucinosis (PNM) were significantly more common in men than in women. Serum sex hormone levels were within the normal range in all make patients examined.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that gender differences exist in SLE and that male patients tend to present with atypical cutaneous manifestations.