title: [Autoimmune diseases with the presence of anti-ku antibodies - analysis of three cases].
abstract: a-Ku are rare antibodies, which are reported in course of connective tissue diseases. Their prevalence ranges from 0 to 10% , 2%, on average. The main symptoms associated with the presence of a-Ku antibodies include: myositis, arthritis, Raynaud`s phenomenon and skin lesions. The above features are often defined as autoimmune clinical syndrome associated with a-Ku antibodies. In recent years, three cases with the presence of a-Ku antibodies were observed at the Department of Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases. Case 1, a 77-year-old man, with the diagnosis of mixed connective tissue disease according to Raynaud`s phenomenon, myositis, arthritis and presence of a-ribonucleoprotein antibodies. Moreover, secondary Sjögren syndrome (SS) and myasthenia gravis were diagnosed. Case 2, a 56-year-old woman with longstanding history of Raynaud`s phenomenon, sclerodactyly, myositis and arthritis. Based on clinical manifestations and additional tests, systemic sclerosis and myositis were diagnosed. Case 3, a 46-year-old woman with SS diagnosis, long-standing history of Raynaud`s phenomenon, arthralgia and polyneuropathy. Moreover, HCV infection with the presence of cryoglobulin was confirmed. The presence of a-Ku antibodies in high titers was found in all cases. The clinical conditions improved after steroid and immunosuppressive therapy. In conclusion, clinical syndromes with the presence of a-Ku antibodies are associated with a wide range of non-specific symptoms, regarding muscle, joint and skin involvement, in particular. The conditions are more often diagnosed in the elderly; in the majority of cases, they are characterized by mild courses, good response to steroid therapy and good prognosis.
authors.affiliation: Katedra i Klinika Reumatologii i Układowych Chorób Tkanki Łącznej, Uniwersytet Medyczny, Lublin.
authors.forename: Ewa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Wielosz
authors.affiliation: Katedra i Klinika Reumatologii i Układowych Chorób Tkanki Łącznej, Uniwersytet Medyczny, Lublin.
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Majdan
authors.affiliation: Katedra i Klinika Reumatologii i Układowych Chorób Tkanki Łącznej, Uniwersytet Medyczny, Lublin.
authors.forename: Radosław
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jeleniewicz
authors.affiliation: Katedra i Klinika Reumatologii i Układowych Chorób Tkanki Łącznej, Uniwersytet Medyczny, Lublin.
authors.forename: Marcin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mazurek
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology; D034961:Antigens, Nuclear / Q000276:immunology*; D018771:Arthralgia / Q000209:etiology; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology*; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000072200:Ku Autoantigen; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008947:Mixed Connective Tissue Disease / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology*; D011928:Raynaud Disease / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear; D034961:Antigens, Nuclear; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; C000606509:Xrcc6 protein, human; D000072200:Ku Autoantigen