Abstract
IT HAS BECOME APPARENT in the past few years that lupus erythematosus may be a disease in which hereditary factors are concerned. A review of the literature reveals reports of the occurrence in identical twins of well-documented systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by Davis and Gutridge,<sup>1</sup>in 1951, and again by Wagenhals and Burgeson,<sup>2</sup>in 1958. In addition, discoid lupus erythematosus in identical twins has been reported by Von Gruenhagen<sup>3</sup>and again by Steagall and associates.<sup>4</sup>The patients in the latter report had some clinical and laboratory features of the disseminated form. There have also been numerous reports of the increased incidence of SLE and the other diffuse connective tissue diseases in the relatives of affected patients.<sup>5-7</sup>The association of hypergammaglobulinemia, positive reactions for syphilis, abnormalities in liver function tests, and the presence of antinuclear factors have also been demonstrated in a significant number of asymptomatic
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
