Background/Purpose Ultraviolet radiations act by modifying DNA in sun-exposed skin of lupus patients. We develop a study to analyze the association between climatological conditions and cutaneous manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods Patients data from Spanish Rheumatology Society Lupus Registry (RELESSER) cohort were retrospectively analyzed for presence of cutaneous lesions (alopecia, photosensitivity, malar rash, discoid lesions, oral ulcers and subacute lesions). We included patients who were assessed in rheumatology services from January 2011 to December 2012. Data of climatological conditions throughout the Spanish geography were provided by the Spanish Meteorological Agency.

Results A total of 2919 patients were included, 87.3% female. Others biological and clinical data are showed in table 1. In the multivariable model, positive associations were observed between coastal regions OR 1.470 (95% CI:1.080–2.001 p=0,014), anti-DNA OR 1.806 (95% CI:1.276–2.556, p=0.001), antiphospholipids antibodies OR 1.428 (95% CI:1.093–1.864 p=0.009), serositis OR 1.557 (95% CI:1.181–2.053 p=0.002) and arthritis OR 1.804 (95% CI:1.258–2.587 p=0,001). Negative associations were observed between females OR 0.412 (95% CI:0.284–0.599, p=0.000) and antimalarial drugs OR 0.469 (95% CI:0.327–0.671, p=0.000).

Conclusion Although the influence of global and ultraviolet radiations on the development of cutaneous lesions in SLE have been suggested, the results of our study does not support an association between the diverse climatological conditions and cutaneous manifestations in SLE. However we observed an independent association with living in coastal areas.