Cutaneous Lupus Registry
Cutaneous Lupus Registry
Approximately 1.4 million individuals in the United States have systemic lupus erythematosus,
 and about 85% of these individuals develop skin lesions at some point of their disease.
 Cutaneous lupus erythematosus represents the skin manifestations of systemic lupus
 erythematosus, and can appear in people with or without systemic lupus. It is a mentally,
 physically, and emotionally debilitating disease that affects both the quality of life and
 social well-being of those affected.

 The cause of cutaneous lupus is not completely understood, but likely includes multiple
 factors from our genes and the environment. Multiple genetic studies with small numbers of
 cutaneous lupus patients have been performed to determine which genes are associated with
 cutaneous lupus. This study aims to accumulate even larger numbers of patients to confidently
 identify genes and the proteins they encode that could contribute greatly to the formation of
 cutaneous lupus. The discovery of these genes and proteins would help not only uncover how
 cutaneous lupus forms, but also improve our abilities to diagnose this disease and predict
 its course, and stimulate new drug development.
The purpose of this study is to create a national registry of patients with cutaneous lupus
 patients in order to address many unknown questions about this disease. Specifically, we are
 interested in better understanding the causes of cutaneous lupus and improving our methods of
 diagnosis, prognosis, and management of this disease. We plan to use information from all
 patient sources, including medical histories, clinical information, laboratory data, and
 blood and skin samples in order to answer these questions.

 Each study patient will be asked to complete a series of questionnaires, which, for example,
 will ask about cutaneous and/or systemic lupus history, past medical history, family history,
 quality of life, and sun protective habits. Patients will be also asked to donate blood and
 skin samples and undergo digital photography of affected areas. No treatments will be
 administered as part of this study, but all participants will be notified of clinical trials
 being conducted at UT Southwestern. This study is for the purpose of data collection only.
 Patients will be asked to be followed on an annual basis for five years.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Diagnosed with cutaneous lupus erythematosus and/or systemic lupus erythematosus by
 clinical, laboratory, and histopathological findings

 -  Ability to speak and read English or Spanish at a 6th grade reading level (a
 translator will be available with additional consent forms in Spanish)

 -  Ability to give written informed consent

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Less than 18 years of age, since the characteristics of the disease in these subjects
 could be very different

 -  Due to a medication, in which its discontinuation results in the resolution of
 cutaneous lupus, since the characteristics of the disease in these subjects could be
 very different

 -  Medical conditions who do not warrant a skin biopsy

 -  Unable to give written, informed consent or undergo a skin biopsy and/or venipuncture
 for any other reason