title: Significance of antikeratin antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis.
abstract: Antikeratin antibodies (AKA) were found in the sera of 59% (121/204) of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). There was a significantly higher incidence of AKA (73%) in male patients compared with females (53%) and a correlation between AKA positivity and IgM rheumatoid factor was found. Antibody reactivity was positively associated with the presence of nodules, antinuclear antibody, C-reactive protein and disease severity. AKA would appear to have possible prognostic significance in patients with RA.
authors.forename: V J
authors.initials: VJ
authors.lastname: Hajiroussou
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Skingle
authors.forename: A P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Gillett
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Webley
mesh_terms: D000906:Antibodies / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology*; D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear / Q000032:analysis; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000032:analysis; D007633:Keratins / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D000906:Antibodies; D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear; D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D007633:Keratins; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor