Detection of anti-dsDNA as a diagnostic tool: a prospective study in 441 non-systemic lupus erythematosus patients with anti-dsDNA antibody (anti-dsDNA). Issue 4 (April 1985)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Swaak, T; Smeenk, R
• Is Part Of: Annals of the rheumatic diseases. Volume 44:Issue 4(1985)
• Page Start: 245
• Page End: 251
• Publication Date: 1985-04
• Subjects: Rheumatism -- Periodicals; 616.723005
• DOI: 10.1136/ard.44.4.245
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-4967

Abstract

Abstract : The diagnostic significance of anti-double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (anti-dsDNA) determination was evaluated in a prospective manner from 1974 to 1982 in a group of 441 patients without systemic lupus erythematosus whose sera were found to contain antibodies to dsDNA on routine screening (Farr assay). Within one year 69% (304) of these patients fulfilled the preliminary American Rheumatism Association (ARA) criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Eighty-two of the remaining 137 patients were followed up for several years. At the end of the study 52% of these patients had also developed systemic lupus erythematosus. Patients who developed systemic lupus erythematosus were characterised by the occurrence of relatively high avidity anti-dsDNA in the circulation compared with patients who did not develop systemic lupus erythematosus. It can be concluded that about 85% of patients without systemic lupus erythematosus with anti-dsDNA in the circulation will develop SLE within a few years. Taking into account the relative avidity of anti-dsDNA, as determined by calculation of Farr/polyethylene glycol (PEG) ratios, we conclude that patients with relatively high avidity anti-dsDNA are more prone to develop systemic lupus erythematosus than patients with relatively low avidity anti-dsDNA.