Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Autoantibodies against neutrophil cytoplasmic antigens (ANCA) are found in patients with different kinds of systemic vasculitis and glomerulonephritis, both characteristic manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The present study was designed to clarify the nature of ANCA seen in SLE patients and their correlation with the clinical findings.