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Antiperinuclear factor in psoriatic arthropathy
P G Calzavara-Pinton1, F Franceschini, C Manera
1Department of Dermatology, University of Brescia, Italy.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|June 12, 1999
Summary
Antiperinuclear factor (APF) autoantibodies may help diagnose psoriatic arthritis (PA). While APF is not highly prevalent in PA patients, its presence can differentiate PA from rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Antiperinuclear factor (APF) is an autoantibody targeting (pro)-filaggrin.
- APF's diagnostic utility in psoriatic arthritis (PA) requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the diagnostic value of APF determination in psoriatic arthritis (PA).
Main Methods:
- APF titers were measured in patients with PA, psoriasis vulgaris, noninflammatory rheumatic diseases (NIRDs), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (RF-positive and RF-negative).
- A cohort of healthy controls was included for comparison.
- Indirect immunofluorescence on human buccal epithelial cells served as the substrate.
Main Results:
- APF positivity was observed in 7.9% of PA patients.
- APF incidence in PA was significantly higher than in healthy controls (1.0%) but lower than in RA patients (52.7% RF-negative, 90.2% RF-positive).
- APF positivity was similar between PA, psoriasis vulgaris, and NIRDs.
Conclusions:
- The APF test shows potential for differentiating psoriatic arthritis (PA) from rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
- APF may be specific to certain subgroups within PA, such as those with symmetric joint involvement or pustulotic arthroosteitis.