Abstract

We have determined the frequency of the DR4-associated Dw subtypes, defined by homozygous typing cells, in a group of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients on second-line drug therapy. The frequency of DR4 in these patients was 86%. Among Caucasians, the frequency of Dw4 in the DR4-positive patients was significantly increased (68%) as compared to DR4-positive normal individuals (46%; p < 0.025). Dw4, as compared to the other DR4 subtypes tested, may also be associated with more severe disease as judged by indices of functional impairment and joint damage. In a small subgroup of non-Caucasion (black and Native American) patients, the Dw13 (DB3) subtype of DR4 was often seen, suggesting that RA may have different Dw associations in different ethnic groups.

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