Vitamin D and cutaneous lupus erythematosus: effect of vitamin D replacement on disease severity.

Background The main vitamin D source is exposure to ultraviolet radiation, which aggravates cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). Objectives The aims of this study were to identify variables associated with lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels in CLE patients and assess the effect of vitamin D restoration on disease severity. Methods Vitamin D status in 60 CLE patients and 117 apparently healthy subjects was compared. We recommended oral vitamin D3 to 27 CLE patients. After one year of treatment, changes in disease severity were assessed and compared to 25 untreated CLE patients. Disease severity was measured by the Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Disease Area and Severity Index (C…