clinical significance of anti-Ro antibodies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosis

ABSTRACT

Systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE] is characterized by serum autoantibodies against protein components of small cytoplasmic ribo-nucleoproteins [scRNPs]. The origin and regulation of these anti-Ro/SS-A and anti-La/SS-B antibodies are not well understood. We attempted to define the association between the presence and absence of anti-Ro [SS-A] antibodies [Abs], and the criteria of SLE classification and non criteria manifestation of SLE, for better understanding of the disease course and prognosis. Ninety three SLE patients were included in the study. Retrospective analysis of their medical records was performed. 25% of SLE patients showed anti-Ro positive AB of which 91.3% were females. Anti Ro was significantly associated with lupus nephritis. While it showed a border line association with discoid rash and vasculitis. The presence of anti Ro antibodies with anti La antibodies increased the tendency of subcutaneous lupus to occur. Another interesting finding was the absence of antiphospholipid [APS] syndrome presentation [n=zero] in patients with anti Ro antibodies alone or in association with anti La positive antibodies versus seven patients detected with that syndrome in anti Ro and anti La negative group of patients [p=0.04]. Anti Ro is significantly associated with lupus nephritis. This may assist to predict renal involvement and to improve patient outcomes while simultaneously reducing disease costs. A paradox in disease severity may be suggested by a possible protective role against APL syndrome in these patients. The latter finding certainly warrants further investigations by studying larger population of patients