Antinuclear antibodies using HEp-2 cells in normal children and in children with common infections.
Antinuclear antibody (ANA) immunofluorescence tests, using HEp-2 cells, were performed on 100 children without a history of connective tissue disease. Eighteen (18%) were positive at titres greater than or equal to 1:40, nine (9%) being greater than 1:160. Interlaboratory variability was demonstrated with some specimens. No association with possible intercurrent infection was found to account for positive results. Of 44 children with proven infections five (11%) were positive. Antinuclear antibody may be found in some normal children when using the sensitive HEp-2 cell substrate, and in the absence of clinical features should not necessarily suggest the presence of a connective tissue disease.
Allen
R C
RC
Department of Paediatrics, Children's Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.
Dewez
P
P
Stuart
L
L
Gatenby
P A
PA
Sturgess
A
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear / Q000032:analysis*; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D002460:Cell Line; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003240:Connective Tissue Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007239:Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male
D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear