Correlation between autoantibodies and internal organs involvement in Iranian systemic sclerosis patients

Abstract

Introduction: Scleroderma is a rare connective tissue disease that leads to fibrosis of the skin and different internal organ. Several autoantibodies can predict disease course and differences among various races. Objectives: The current study aimed to investigate the correlation between autoantibodies and scleroderma organ involvement among the population living in the central region of Iran. Patients and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study in which we reviewed the medical records of patients in the Al-Zahra hospital systemic sclerosis (SSc) clinic in Isfahan. We used the EUROLINE Systemic Sclerosis panel test kit to detect antibody profiles of patients in blood samples. The pertinent physical findings and laboratory data showing organ involvement were extracted from the hospital medical records. Results: Forty-six patients were enrolled in our study (40 patients were women). We found a significant correlation between Scl-70 and diffuse scleroderma, interstitial lung disease (ILD) and cardiac involvement. Anti-centromere antibodies CENP-A correlated with limited scleroderma and digital ulcers. PM/Scl75, PM/Scl100, Ku, and Ro52 autoantibodies correlated with the presence of tendon friction rub. Anti-Th/To is associated with a higher prevalence of myopathy. Cardiomyopathy was more common among patients with higher levels of NOR-90, anti-Th/To, PM/Scl100, Ku, and Ro52 autoantibodies. The remained autoantibodies showed no significant correlation with the clinical features of SSc. Conclusion: Some autoantibodies in this study predict organ damage in Iranian scleroderma patients.