ABSTRACT
In Systemic lupus erythematosus several correlations with anti-Ro antibodies have been noted. They are the increased incidence of photos nsitive skin disease, rheumatoid factor positivity, Sjogren's syndrorme, and a greatly increased incidence of the DR 3 hapIotype. In this study we examined the prevalence of anti-Ro anibodies(not concerned for anti-La, Sm, RNP) by double immunodiffusion method among thirty two Korean patients with systemic lupus erythematosus who had positive results on routine fluorescent antinuclear antibody test. We also have seen skin manifestations on these patients, and examined if there is any difference of the incidence for each skin sign between anti-Ro positive and negative subgroups. From the data obtained, the proportion of anti-Ro positives among these patients with systemic lupus erythematosus was 53% Regarding to the difference of the incidence of cutaneous rnanifestations between the two subgroups, the photosensitivity reaction was recongnized as a uniqu symptorn rnore prevalent (p<0. 05) in anti-Ro positive subgroup with the frequency of 65%.