Article Text
PDF
Abstract
Objective To understand the differences in rheumatologists’ and dermatologists’ practice patterns and treatment approaches to Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE), particularly considering the subtypes of Acute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (ACLE), Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (SCLE), and Chronic Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CCLE).
Methods An independent market analytics firm collaborated with 50 US rheumatologists and 50 US dermatologists to conduct an analysis of the CLE market. Data were collected via an online survey fielded in March 2023.
Results Study results reveal differences in rheumatologists’ and dermatologists’ perceptions of the unmet need and challenges to the management of different subtypes of CLE, with rheumatologists reporting more overall comfort with ACLE and SCLE and dermatologists more comfort with treating CCLE (inclusive of discoid lupus) [figure 1]. Each specialty has different baseline knowledge of and experience with certain therapies used to manage and treat CLE. Rheumatologists have more experience with drugs commonly used in SLE such as antimalarials, systemic steroids, DMARDs, and biologics like belimumab, anifrolumab, and rituximab [figure 2]. Meanwhile, dermatologists are more comfortable with topical and intralesional therapies and have more experience using a host of drugs commonly used in dermatologic conditions including topical corticosteroids and topical CNIs [figure 3]. Of note, 53% of rheumatologists indicate that the presence of a discoid rash is an extremely common trigger for referral to a dermatologist. Dermatologists refer to rheumatology to manage systemic symptoms like joint pain, and to prescribe advanced therapeutics to address SLE manifestations [figure 4]. Interestingly, 71% and 48% of rheumatologists and dermatologists, respectively, feel that ‘co-management of CLE patients could be vastly improved,’ agreeing there is opportunity for better patient management and care. Further, both specialists agree there is need to be better educated about the management of CLE.
Conclusions Results reveal clear differences in rheumatologists’ and dermatologists’ practice patterns and treatment approaches to CLE. The availability of an approved agent for CLE could clarify the treatment algorithm, while improved physician education could close the knowledge gap between specialists, allowing them to better address patient issues either directly or as a coordinated care team.
This is an open access article distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited, appropriate credit is given, any changes made indicated, and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ .