Specific antinuclear antibodies are associated with clinical features in systemic lupus erythematosus.
OBJECTIVE
To study associations between antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and signs/symptoms in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).


METHODS
A consecutive cohort of 289 patients with SLE was included; 235 fulfilled ACR criteria for SLE and were further analysed. ANA profiles were determined by line immunoassay and by indirect immunofluorescence on Crithidia luciliae. An extensive list of signs/symptoms was evaluated.


RESULTS
Five clusters of antibodies were defined by cluster analysis: 1-antibodies to SmB, SmD, RNP-A, RNP-C, and RNP-70k; 2-antibodies to Ro52, Ro60, and SSB; 3, 4, and 5-antibodies to ribosomal P, histones and dsDNA, respectively. Significant associations (p< or =0.01) were found between anti-RNP-70k, anti-RNP-A, anti-RNP-C and Raynaud's phenomenon, between anti-RNP-A, anti-RNP-70k and leucopenia, and between anti-RNP-A, anti-RNP-C and a lower prevalence of urine cellular casts. Anti-SSA, anti-SSB were associated with xerostomia, and anti-SSB with pericarditis. Antibodies to ribosomal P were associated with haemolytic anaemia, leucopenia, and alopecia. Patients with anti-dsDNA antibodies had a higher risk for cellular casts and a lower risk for photosensitivity. Antihistone antibodies were associated with arthritis.


CONCLUSIONS
In a large and consecutive cohort of patients with SLE, clusters of antibodies were identified. Previously reported associations of antibodies with symptoms were confirmed and new associations found.
Hoffman
I E A
IE
Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium. Ilse.Hoffman@UGent.be
Peene
I
I
Meheus
L
L
Huizinga
T W J
TW
Cebecauer
L
L
Isenberg
D
D
De Bosschere
K
K
Hulstaert
F
F
Veys
E M
EM
De Keyser
F
F
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear / Q000097:blood*; D034961:Antigens, Nuclear / Q000276:immunology; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D005260:Female; D019084:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies
D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear; D034961:Antigens, Nuclear