Validation of clinical and image skin scoring systems for a single chronic discoid lupus erythematosus lesion

Objective: The purpose of this study was to achieve a validated clinical and image scoring system for a single chronic discoid lupus erythematosus (CDLE) lesion. Methods: Fifteen patients with a CDLE lesion were scored twice by four observers and clinical photographs were taken. These pictures were assessed by the same four observers at two time points. Patients were scored using the DLE-Skin Score (DLE-SS). In addition, the DLE-Photo Score (DLE-PS) was calculated. Statistical analysis was carried out by measuring inter- and intra-observer agreement for both methods and by measuring the correlation between the DLE-SS and DLE-PS. Results: Both the DLE-SS and DLE-PS proved reliable methods in the assessment of CDLE. The inter-observer variability of the DLE-SS and DLE-SS was low. The intra-observer variability was estimated to be 0 in both methods. The correlation coefficient between the DLE-SS and DLE-PS was high (0.81). Conclusion: Both the DLE-SS and the DLE-PS are reliable and easy-to-use methods to score disease activity in CDLE patients, and can be used in monitoring single target lesions in clinical trials.