Abstract: Objective To investigate the prognosis of two subtypes of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE). Methods Forty patients with subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus were followed-up for 3 to 14 years. The clinical and laboratory findings,the response to treatment and the prognosis in these cases were comparatively analyzed. Results During the follow-up period,the patients with annular erythema subtype of SCLE showed recurrent annular skin lesions and mild systemic manifestations. Some patients gradually developed sicca symptoms. On the other hand,most patients with papulosquamous subtype of SCLE developed systemic LE manifestions. 21.7% of the patients in the annular erythema group had mild nephritis which could be controlled by lower dose of corticosteroids and no patients died. However,64.7% of the patients in the papulosquamous group had moderate to severe lupus nephritis,which required higher dose of corticosteroids or immunosuppressive agents to control. Among them,One patient died and 3 patients developed uremia. Conclusion Annular erythema subtype of SCLE is milder and has a better prognosis than that of papulosquamous subtype.

Key words: Lupus erythematosus,subacute cutaneous, Prognosis