M Rihner1, H McGrath. 1. Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University Medical Center, New Orleans 70112.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of fluorescent light toxicity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: SLE patients were polled about their symptomatic responses to sunlight and cool white fluorescent light. Photometry was used to determine the levels of ultraviolet (UV) emissions from fluorescent lamps. RESULTS: Thirteen of 30 photosensitive SLE patients described increases in disease activity following exposure to unshielded fluorescent lamps. Photometry indicated that these lamps emit substantial levels of UV-B (280-320 nm) radiation, which is toxic to patients with SLE. Standard acrylic diffusers absorbed this radiation, and their use was associated with almost no patient-reported problems. CONCLUSION: Fluorescent lamps, emitting UV-B radiation, induce disease activity in photosensitive SLE patients. Standard acrylic diffusers absorb UV-B radiation and appear to be protective against induction of disease activity with the use of fluorescent lamps.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of fluorescent light toxicity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS:SLEpatients were polled about their symptomatic responses to sunlight and cool white fluorescent light. Photometry was used to determine the levels of ultraviolet (UV) emissions from fluorescent lamps. RESULTS: Thirteen of 30 photosensitive SLEpatients described increases in disease activity following exposure to unshielded fluorescent lamps. Photometry indicated that these lamps emit substantial levels of UV-B (280-320 nm) radiation, which is toxic to patients with SLE. Standard acrylic diffusers absorbed this radiation, and their use was associated with almost no patient-reported problems. CONCLUSION: Fluorescent lamps, emitting UV-B radiation, induce disease activity in photosensitive SLEpatients. Standard acrylic diffusers absorb UV-B radiation and appear to be protective against induction of disease activity with the use of fluorescent lamps.
Authors: Ida Alzira Gomes Duarte; Mariana de Figueiredo Silva Hafner; Andrey Augusto Malvestiti Journal: An Bras Dermatol Date: 2015 Jul-Aug Impact factor: 1.896