Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus induced and exacerbated by proton pump inhibitors

Dermatology. 2013;226(2):119-23. doi: 10.1159/000346694. Epub 2013 Mar 23.

Abstract

Background: Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) can be induced by numerous drugs. We report 3 cases of SCLE induced by proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

Objective: To highlight a rare cutaneous side effect induced by a frequently prescribed drug such as a PPI.

Case reports: Case 1 was a 30-year-old man who developed multiple annular plaques over the trunk and lower limbs 1 month after the initiation of pantoprazole. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) were positive with anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies, and histology confirmed the diagnosis. Clinical improvement was achieved 8 weeks after the discontinuation of pantoprazole and the introduction of a treatment combining topical steroids and hydroxychloroquine. Lesions relapsed when pantoprazole was accidentally rechallenged. The second case was a 31-year-old woman, 28 weeks pregnant, who presented erythematous annular plaques over the trunk 7 weeks after starting esomeprazole. ANA and anti-Ro/SSA antibodies were positive, and the histology was compatible with SCLE. Fetal ultrasound was normal. She was treated with topical and oral steroids and hydroxychloroquine. Clinical improvement was achieved 4 weeks after the discontinuation of esomeprazole. The third case was a 57-year-old woman with systemic erythematosus lupus presenting annular and psoriasiform lesions on the trunk for 15 months. She was treated successively with hydroxychloroquine, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil and methotrexate with prednisone. A review of her drug history revealed the introduction of omeprazole a few weeks before the first appearance of skin lesions and omeprazole was contraindicated.

Conclusion: SCLE should systematically be suspected in case of eruption after the introduction of PPI. The risk of fetal cardiac complications is important in pregnant women.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • 2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles / adverse effects
  • Adult
  • Esomeprazole / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous / chemically induced*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Omeprazole / adverse effects
  • Pantoprazole
  • Proton Pump Inhibitors / adverse effects*

Substances

  • 2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles
  • Proton Pump Inhibitors
  • Pantoprazole
  • Omeprazole
  • Esomeprazole