title: The delayed appearance of an antinuclear factor and the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus in glomerulonephritis.
abstract: In 11 patients who presented with apparently idiopathic glomerular disease the antinuclear factor (ANF) was absent initially but was eventually detected during observation extending over 6 years. In 4 patients a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has now been made and the disease treated. Of the remaining 7, 2 had conditions known to be associated with a positive ANF, and in 4, drug therapy induced the ANF. Clinical features, complement studies and measurement of anti-DNA antibody were of value in distinguishing those patients with SLE from the others.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear / Q000032:analysis*; D003165:Complement System Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D004247:DNA / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D005921:Glomerulonephritis / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear; D003165:Complement System Proteins; D004247:DNA