Laboratory findings in discoid Lupus Erythematosus: A study on 51 patients in skin clinic of Shahid Faghihi Hospital, Shiraz, 1998-2000

Background: Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE) is chronic, recurrent and relatively benign skin disorder. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the laboratory tests (ANA, LE-Cell, ESR, CRP, RF, VDRL, WBC, PLT) in patients with DLE. Patients and Methods: In this study, laboratory tests of 51 patients with DLE who referred to the Dermatology clinic of Shahid Faghihi Hospital in Shiraz since Mehr 1377 to Shahrivar 1379, were investigated. Results: Positive ANA was found in 20% of patients (9.46) and 33% of patients (15.45) had ESR>20 mm/hr. Leukopenia, leukocytosis and thrombocytosis was found in 8% (4.51), 2% (1.51), and 2.5% of patients (1.40) respectively and none of the patients (From 45 patients) had thrombocytopenia. One patient from 40 patients (2.5%) showed positive RF test. LE-cell preparation, CRP and VDRL tests were done in 40, 41 and 42 patients respectively and were negative in all of them. Conclusion: Some of the patients with DLE show abnormalities in laboratory tests. ANA positively and high ESR are more common than others.