[Autoimmune phenomena in the elderly]

We analyzed sera from 102 subjects older than 65 years of age with no clinical evidence of autoimmune disorders, inflammatory diseases or pharmacological interventions. Positive titers for antinuclear antibodies were found in 18.6%, anti-smooth muscle fibre in 16.6%, and rheumatoid factor in 11.8%. These values were significantly higher than those of a control group of healthy younger adults (p < 0.0001). Anti mitochondrial antibodies were present in 1% (NS). Thus, a greater proportion of autoimmune phenomena is demonstrated in the elderly.