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Anti-U1RNP antibody and aseptic meningitis in connective tissue diseases

J Okada1, T Hamana, H Kondo

  • 1Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kitasato University School of Medicine, 1-15-1, Kitasato, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 228-8555 Japan. joka@med.kitasato-u.ac.jp

Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology
|November 25, 2003
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Aseptic meningitis in patients with connective tissue diseases (CTDs) is often linked to the anti-U1RNP antibody. This antibody was present in most patients studied, particularly those with SLE or MCTD.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Neurology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Aseptic meningitis is a rare complication in patients with connective tissue diseases (CTDs).
  • The role of specific autoantibodies in CTD-associated aseptic meningitis requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between aseptic meningitis and anti-U1RNP antibodies in patients diagnosed with CTDs.
  • To clarify the clinical and immunological characteristics of aseptic meningitis in this patient cohort.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of medical records of 14 patients with CTDs and aseptic meningitis.
  • Evaluation of clinical features, immunological markers (anti-U1RNP antibody), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.

Main Results:

  • Anti-U1RNP antibody was detected in 13 out of 14 patients.
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) were the most common CTDs diagnosed.
  • Elevated CRP levels were observed, particularly in patients who had taken NSAIDs prior to meningitis onset.

Conclusions:

  • Aseptic meningitis in patients with CTDs, especially SLE or MCTD, is strongly associated with the presence of anti-U1RNP antibodies.
  • The findings suggest a potential role for anti-U1RNP antibodies in the pathogenesis of aseptic meningitis within this population.

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