Specific antinuclear antibodies are associated with clinical features in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

To study associations between antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and signs/symptoms in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS:

A consecutive cohort of 289 patients with SLE was included; 235 fulfilled ACR criteria for SLE and were further analysed. ANA profiles were determined by line immunoassay and by indirect immunofluorescence on Crithidia luciliae. An extensive list of signs/symptoms was evaluated.

RESULTS:

Five clusters of antibodies were defined by cluster analysis: 1-antibodies to SmB, SmD, RNP-A, RNP-C, and RNP-70k; 2-antibodies to Ro52, Ro60, and SSB; 3, 4, and 5-antibodies to ribosomal P, histones and dsDNA, respectively. Significant associations (p< or =0.01) were found between anti-RNP-70k, anti-RNP-A, anti-RNP-C and Raynaud's phenomenon, between anti-RNP-A, anti-RNP-70k and leucopenia, and between anti-RNP-A, anti-RNP-C and a lower prevalence of urine cellular casts. Anti-SSA, anti-SSB were associated with xerostomia, and anti-SSB with pericarditis. Antibodies to ribosomal P were associated with haemolytic anaemia, leucopenia, and alopecia. Patients with anti-dsDNA antibodies had a higher risk for cellular casts and a lower risk for photosensitivity. Antihistone antibodies were associated with arthritis.

CONCLUSIONS:

In a large and consecutive cohort of patients with SLE, clusters of antibodies were identified. Previously reported associations of antibodies with symptoms were confirmed and new associations found.

• Authors: I E A Hoffman, I Peene, L Meheus, T W J Huizinga, L Cebecauer, D Isenberg, K De Bosschere, F Hulstaert, E M Veys, F De Keyser
• Journal: Annals of the rheumatic diseases (Ann Rheum Dis) Vol. 63 Issue 9 Pg. 1155-8 (Sep 2004) ISSN: 0003-4967 [Print] England
• PMID: 15308527 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Antinuclear
• Antigens, Nuclear

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Antibodies, Antinuclear (blood)
• Antigens, Nuclear (immunology)
• Cluster Analysis
• Female
• Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect
• Humans
• Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic (complications, immunology)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Prospective Studies