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Anti-IgE autoantibodies in systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)
L D Kaufman1, B L Gruber, M J Marchese
1Department of Medicine, State University of New York, Stony Brook 11794-8161.
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
|March 1, 1989
Summary
This study found that 32% of systemic sclerosis patients have anti-IgE autoantibodies. The presence of these antibodies was not linked to disease severity, organ involvement, or mortality in scleroderma patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Autoimmunity
Background:
- Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) is a complex autoimmune disease.
- Autoantibodies play a role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders.
- The prevalence and significance of anti-IgE autoantibodies in systemic sclerosis are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of anti-IgE autoantibodies in patients with systemic sclerosis.
- To investigate the association between anti-IgE autoantibodies and clinical features of systemic sclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme immunoassay was used to detect serum IgG and IgM anti-IgE autoantibodies.
- Sixty-six patients with systemic sclerosis were stratified by disease extent and duration.
- Control groups included patients with undifferentiated connective tissue disease and eosinophilic fasciitis.
Main Results:
- Anti-IgE autoantibodies (IgG or IgM) were detected in 32% of systemic sclerosis patients.
- No anti-IgE autoantibodies were found in control groups.
- Multivariate analysis showed no association between anti-IgE antibodies and disease duration, extent, visceral involvement, or mortality.
Conclusions:
- Anti-IgE autoantibodies are prevalent in a subset of systemic sclerosis patients.
- The presence of anti-IgE autoantibodies does not appear to correlate with clinical manifestations or prognosis in systemic sclerosis.