Autoantibody analysis in chronic graft-versus-host disease.
Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) bears clinical similarities to connective tissue diseases which are characterized by a spectrum of autoantibody formation. A wide range of autoantibody analyses in 19 allogeneic and 16 autologous bone marrow transplant (BMT) patients has determined that the most commonly detected antibody is IgM anti-cytoplasmic factor (ACF) occurring in 37% and 20% of allogeneic and autologous group respectively and of a type not normally seen in connective tissue disease. The antigen is as yet unidentified. These results suggest that autoantibody formation post-BMT is unrelated to the graft-versus-host process. Ophthalmic examination revealed evidence of a Sjögren-like syndrome in 20% autologous and 47% allogeneic patients, suggesting that the development of dry eyes post-BMT is not uniquely a feature of cGVHD.
Holmes
J A
JA
Department of Haematology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK.
Livesey
S J
SJ
Bedwell
A E
AE
Amos
N
N
Whittaker
J A
JA
D000328:Adult; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006086:Graft vs Host Disease / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007638:Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012859:Sjogren's Syndrome / Q000209:etiology; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous
D001323:Autoantibodies