Objectives: The purpose of this study was to characterize the impact of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) in adults and identify the clinical and non-clinical factors associated with quality of life (QoL), using the Revised Wilson and Cleary Model.
Methods: 101 patients diagnosed with CLE were included in this cross-sectional study. QoL was measured with the Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Quality of Life (CLEQoL) scale and disease activity and damage with the Cutaneous Lupus Activity and Severity Index (CLASI). Patient demographics, clinical, and disease characteristics were also collected. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and multiple regression was employed to determine significant (p < 0.05) predictors of overall QoL. Data were analyzed using SPSS v24.
Results: The overall regression QoL model was significantly different from zero, (F = 24.96; df = 14, 76; p = <0.001). Disease activity (β = 0.13), pain (β = 0.13), fatigue (β = 0.24), body image (β = 0.62), and side effects (β = -0.13) were significant predictors of overall QoL while controlling for other predictor variables. Patients who experienced higher levels of disease activity, fatigue severity, pain levels, and greater degree of body dissatisfaction had significantly poorer QoL. Fewer side effects experienced from CLE medications were significantly associated with higher QoL.
Conclusions: Study findings support the considerable burden associated with CLE. Several modifiable variables such as pain, fatigue, body image, and disease activity were associated with QoL. Therefore, interventions that incorporate these variables may reduce negative impacts on QoL life and improve health outcomes in CLE patients. Furthermore, given the chronic and recurring nature of the condition, strategies focused on improving QoL are needed for this vulnerable population.
Keywords: Cutaneous lupus; clinical research; quality of life; skin lupus; subacute lupus erythematosus.