Clinical Relevance of Autoantibodies and Inflammatory Parameters in Non-infectious Scleritis. (17th November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vergouwen, D.P.C.; Ten Berge, J.C.; Boukhrissi, S.; Rothova, A.; Schreurs, M.W.J.
• Is Part Of: Ocular immunology and inflammation. Volume 30:Number 7/8(2022)
• Page Start: 1859
• Page End: 1865
• Publication Date: 2022-11-17
• Subjects: Scleritis -- serum autoantibodies -- anti-nuclear antibodies -- anti-cytoplasmic neutrophil antibodies -- anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies -- inflammatory parameters -- prognostic value; Eye -- Diseases -- Immunological aspects -- Periodicals; Eye -- Inflammation -- Periodicals; 617.7
• DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2021.1966050
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0927-3948

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Purpose: Scleritis is a potentially blinding disorder, with highly unpredictable course and outcome. We analyzed the prevalence and clinical relevance of autoantibodies and inflammatory parameters in non-infectious scleritis. Methods: Retrospective analysis of laboratory findings in all consecutive patients at the department of Ophthalmology of the Erasmus MC with non-infectious scleritis. Results: We included 81 patients with non-infectious scleritis. A systemic autoimmune disease was present in 46%. Positive anti-nuclear antibodies were found in 30%, anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies were positive in 19%, and the presence of rheumatoid factor was shown in 17%. The aforementioned autoantibodies, as well as inflammatory parameters, failed to show prognostic clinical value. In contrast, anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies (ACPA), found in 9% of scleritis patients, were significantly associated with the development of scleral necrosis ( P = .01). Conclusions: The presence of ACPA in patients with non-infectious scleritis was associated with the development of scleral necrosis.