Epidemiological Analysis of Antinuclear Antibodies Positivity and Pattern Distribution in a Taiwanese Hospital-Based...

Autoimmune diseases pose an increasing global health burden. The detection of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) via indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) is central to diagnosing systemic autoimmune conditions. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and distribution of ANA patterns in a Taiwanese population.

We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional study of 8,299 patients who underwent ANA testing at Asia University Hospital between January 2021 and December 2023. ANA patterns were classified based on fluorescence staining characteristics. Demographic variables, including age and gender, were analyzed.

ANA positivity was observed in 35.3% of patients. The most frequent pattern was homogeneous (33.0%), followed by speckled (24.1%). Female patients had a significantly higher positivity rate (female-to-male ratio 2.7:1), and the ≥66-year age group accounted for 34.6% of ANA-positive cases. Mixed ANA patterns were identified in 22.8% of ANA-positive patients, with homogeneous-speckled being the most common combination (27.4%).

This large-scale study provides valuable epidemiological data on ANA prevalence and pattern distribution in Taiwan. The predominance of homogeneous and speckled patterns, particularly among older female patients, aligns with established trends in autoimmune diseases. The high proportion of mixed ANA patterns suggests the need for further investigation into their clinical significance and diagnostic value.