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Published on: May 6, 2016
Direct immunofluorescence study in Thai patients with scleroderma
Kanokvalai Kulthanan1, Sukhum Jiamton, Chanya Taiyaitiang
1Department of Dermatology, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Prannok Rd, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok 10700, Thailand. sikkt@mahidol.ac.th
Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet Thangphaet
|November 30, 2006
Summary
Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) studies show a higher positive yield in Thai scleroderma patients compared to Western reports. DIF findings, particularly IgM deposits, did not correlate with clinical features or antinuclear antibody status.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunopathology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) studies in scleroderma have yielded variable results.
- Previous reports show inconsistent positive rates and patterns of DIF in skin biopsies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the positive yield and patterns of DIF in Thai patients with scleroderma.
- To investigate potential clinical correlations of DIF findings.
Main Methods:
- Skin biopsies were analyzed using DIF in 22 Thai patients with localized or systemic sclerosis.
- Patients were categorized into systemic sclerosis (SS), morphea, and overlapping syndrome groups.
Main Results:
- A 68% positive DIF yield was observed overall (15/22 patients).
- Positive rates varied by subtype: 78% in SS, 55% in morphea, and 100% in overlapping syndrome.
- IgM was the most common immunoreactant, with deposits at the dermo-epidermal junction and epidermal nuclei.
Conclusions:
- The positive DIF yield in Thai patients was higher than previously reported in Western countries.
- DIF findings did not significantly correlate with disease duration, clinical presentation, or serum antinuclear antibody (ANA) status.
- Systemic sclerosis patients showed a trend towards more frequent epidermal nuclear and dermo-epidermal junction deposits.
