Discoid Group Research Articles

Lupus erythematosus. A five-year follow-up of 77 cases.

In a previous paper (Marten and Blackburn, 1956) we reported our clinical and hematological findings in 77 cases of lupus erythematosus seen in the Sheffield area between 1948 and 1952. Hematological abnormalities were found in just over half of the 66 chronic discoid cases and in 5 of the 6 patients suffering from generalized discoid lupus erythematosus. The 5 systemic cases (4 subacute and 1 acute) all showed abnormal blood changes. At that time we were uncertain as to the significance of these abnormal findings in the chronic discoid group, but our observations did not suggest that these patients were in any greater danger than those having no such changes. However, we felt that the importance of these abnormalities could only be determined after these patients had been followed up for a prolonged period. The present study reviews the clinical and hematological status of these patients 5 years after our

Treatment of Subacute and Chronic Discoid Lupus Erythematosus with Intensive Calcium Pantothenate Therapy

During the course of experimental work on acquired hypotrichosis and canities, it was noted that in discoid lupus erythematosus of the scalp there was improvement of the inflammatory phase of the disease associated with calcium pantothenate therapy. Following this, a series of patients with subacute and localized and disseminated discoid lupus erythematosus was studied with oral calcium pantothenate. The dosage originally was 200-250 mgs., but at present 400 mgs. are given daily. No additional therapy was used except a bland covering paste. Several of the patients had prior therapy with sodium paramino-benzoate (Na-PAB). In some instances calcium pantothenate therapy was discontinued deliberately for periods of 4 to 6 weeks in order to determine the effect of omission of therapy. In two of the patients calcium lactate was substituted for calcium pantothenate therapy without response. To date, 14 patients have been treated. There were no reactions to the therapy, unlike the newer chemotherapeutic agents, including Na-PAB (hema-topoetic changes), used in the therapy of lupus erythematosus. As might be expected the subacute types showed the most marked response. Three cases of the discoid type required phenol cauterization of the active border. Only one patient of the discoid group developed new lesions under therapy.