Changes in anti-U1 RNA antibody levels correlate with disease activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus overlap syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate correlations between changes in anti-U1 RNA antibody levels and disease activity in 9 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) overlap syndrome who were prospectively followed up for at least 3 years.


METHODS
Anti-U1 RNA antibody levels were measured quantitatively, using a nitrocellulose filter binding assay. Disease activity was measured with a validated SLE activity index.


RESULTS
All 9 major disease exacerbations were associated with peaks in anti-U1 RNA antibody level.


CONCLUSIONS
These results seem to indicate that measuring anti-U1 RNA antibody levels can be useful for monitoring disease activity.
Hoet
R M
RM
Department of Biochemistry, University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Koornneef
I
I
de Rooij
D J
DJ
van de Putte
L B
LB
van Venrooij
W J
WJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000378:metabolism*; D000939:Epitopes / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008947:Mixed Connective Tissue Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012313:RNA / Q000276:immunology*; D017412:Ribonucleoprotein, U1 Small Nuclear / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D013577:Syndrome
D001323:Autoantibodies; D000939:Epitopes; D017412:Ribonucleoprotein, U1 Small Nuclear; D012313:RNA