Developing classification criteria for discoid lupus erythematosus: an update from the World Congress of Dermatology 2015 meeting

Abstract

Currently, no standardized classification criteria exist for cutaneous lupus erythematosus. With increased interest in studying cutaneous lupus erythematosus, specifically discoid lupus erythematosus, it is our aim to apply previously adopted methods from rheumatology to dermatologic diseases to develop feasible, validated, and standardized classification criteria useful in both academic and community practice. Here we report the progress to date to define discoid lupus erythematosus using clinical, histopathologic, and serologic features by means of a Delphi method-using a series of iterative questionnaires sent to expert stakeholders. We present specific updates from the World Congress of Dermatology 2015 meeting, at which a nominal group of expert stakeholders met to discuss the results of round 1 of the Delphi process to further clarify and harmonize specific classification items for inclusion into round 2.

Keywords: ARS, Audience response system; CLE, Cutaneous lupus erythematosus; Connective Tissue Diseases; Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus; DLE, Discoid lupus erythematosus; Delphi method; Discoid Lupus Erythematosus; ICCLE, International Conference on Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus; Lupus; SCLE, Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus; SLE, Systemic lupus erythematosus; WCD, World Congress of Dermatology; World Congress of Dermatology; classification criteria.