Lupus pneumonitis and anti-SSA(Ro) antibodies.
Interstitial pneumonitis has previously been thought to be an uncommon feature in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A review of 63 patients with SLE from 1984 to 1987 at Tulane University revealed a frequency of 25.4% (N = 16) of lupus pneumonitis. Serologic testing for antibodies to SSA(Ro) revealed that 81% (13 of the 16) of the patients with lupus pneumonitis have anti-SSA(Ro) antibodies, compared to a frequency of 38% (24 of the 63) for the entire group with SLE (p less 0.001). The association of lupus pneumonitis and anti-SSA(Ro) antibodies is discussed in light of a speculative immunopathogenic role for the antibody to SSA(Ro) antigen.
Boulware
D W
DW
Dept. of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans 70112.
Hedgpeth
M T
MT
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear; C035356:SS-A antibodies; D003520:Cyclophosphamide; D001379:Azathioprine; D011241:Prednisone