[Clinical importance of determining DNA antibodies in myocardial infarct and stenocardia]

Blood antibodies to DNA were investigated in 65 patients with myocardial infarction, 54 patients with angina pectoris and 19 clinically normal subjects. Antibodies to formalinized DNA could be detected with similar frequencies in both myocardial infarction and angina pectoris, although their titres were different in terms of value and pattern. Antibodies to denatured and especially native DNA were a less common finding, mostly associated with a more aggravated course of the disease. No blood antibodies could be detected in fatal cases of myocardial infarction, and in cardiogenic shock, their titres were small. The measurement of antibodies to DNA can be used for clinical assessment of the disease's course and prognosis.