[Lymphocytotoxic antibodies and systemic lupus. Clinical correlations and prognostic significance]

The present prospective study was designed to examine the diagnostic and prognostic value of lymphocytotoxins in 20 patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus both in active stage and in remission. Lymphocytotoxic antibodies were present in 79% of all the sera examined, in 100% of the sera of patients with active disease and in 52% of those in remission. The different frequency in the two groups is significant as well as the correlation of these antibodies with anti-DNA antibodies, hypocomplementaemia and leukopenia. In spite of their diagnostic value, lymphocytotoxins do not appear as sensible parameter as complementaemia and anti-DNA antibodies in monitoring the disease, since they are still detectable in the sera for several months after the disappearance of clinical signs of activity.