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Updated: Jun 8, 2026
Anti-Nuclear Antibody Screening Using HEp-2 Cells
Published on: June 23, 2014
Lack of antinuclear antibody in children with atopic dermatitis
S Dhar1, A J Kanwar, S D Deodhar
1Departments of Dermatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
Insights
Antinuclear antibody (ANA) testing in children with atopic dermatitis (AD) showed a low prevalence of positive ANA. This suggests ANA is not a significant biomarker for AD in pediatric cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin condition in children.
- The role of autoimmune markers like antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in AD is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in children diagnosed with atopic dermatitis (AD).
Main Methods:
- Assayed antinuclear antibody (ANA) in serum samples from 76 children with atopic dermatitis.
- Collected demographic and clinical data including age, age at onset, duration, lesion distribution, and severity.
- Assessed for LE cell, rheumatoid factor, C-reactive proteins, and serum complement levels.
Main Results:
- Antinuclear antibody (ANA) was detected at a low titer (1:20) in only 2 out of 6 patients with facial lesions.
- The majority of patients tested negative for LE cell, rheumatoid factor, and C-reactive proteins.
- Serum complement levels were within normal limits for all patients.
Conclusions:
- Antinuclear antibody (ANA) positivity is rare in children with atopic dermatitis (AD).
- The study suggests ANA is not a significant serological marker for atopic dermatitis in the pediatric population.
- Further research may be needed to explore other potential autoimmune associations in AD.
Abstract:
Antinuclear antibody (ANA) was assayed in 76 children with atopic dermatitis (AD) of which 46 were males and 30 females. Their ages ranged from 6 months to 12 years (mean 3.4 years). Age at onset of AD ranged from 2 months to 5.5 years (mean 1.9 years) and its duration ranged from 4 months to 4 years (mean 1.2 years). While facial lesions were present in 56 (73.3%) patients, 49 (64.5%) patients had predominant involvement of extensors. As per severity score designed by Rajka and Langerland, 31 (40.8%), 42 (55.3%) and 3 (3.9%) patients had mild, moderate and severe diseases respectively. History of photosensitivity was present in 6 (7.9%) patients. Serum samples were positive for ANA in a very low titre (1:20) in 2/6 patients with facial lesions. However LE cell, rheumatoid factor and C-reactive proteins were negative and serum complement levels were within normal limits.
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