Hydroxychloroquine-Induced Pigmentation in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Case-Control Study

Importance Hydroxychloroquine-induced pigmentation is not a rare adverse effect. Our data support the hypothesis that hydroxychloroquine-induced pigmentation is secondary to ecchymosis or bruising. Objective To describe the clinical features and outcome of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ)-induced pigmentation in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Design, Setting, and Participants In a case-control study conducted at a French referral center for SLE and antiphospholipid syndrome, 24 patients with SLE, with a diagnosis of HCQ-induced pigmentation, were compared with 517 SLE controls treated with HCQ. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was the clinical features of HCQ-induced pigmentation. Skin biopsies were performed on 5 patients, both in healthy skin and in the pigmented lesions. The statistical associations of HCQ-induced pigmentation with several variables were calculated using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results Among the 24 patients, skin pigmentation appeared after a median HCQ treatment duration of 6.1 years (range, 3 months–22 years). Twenty-two patients (92%) reported that the appearance of pigmented lesions was preceded by the occurrence of ecchymotic areas, which gave way to a localized blue-gray or brown pigmentation that persisted. Twenty-three patients (96%) had at least 1 condition predisposing them to easy bruising. Results from skin biopsies performed on 5 patients showed that the median concentration of iron was significantly higher in biopsy specimens of pigmented lesions compared with normal skin (4115 vs 413 nmol/g; P Conclusions and Relevance Hydroxychloroquine-induced pigmentation is not a rare adverse effect of HCQ. Our data support the hypothesis that HCQ-induced pigmentation is secondary to ecchymosis or bruising.