HLA-antigens in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Histocompatibility antigens were determined in 27 patients with SLE and 283 normal blood donors. HLA-B8 was significantly increased in patients with SLE (59.3%) as compared to the controls (20.5%, Pc less than 0.005). The relative risk for HLA-B8 was 5.64. No correlation could be demonstrated to specific organ involvement, immunopathological data, age of onset or prognosis.