Antinuclear Antibody Positivity In Patients Research Articles

ABO and Rh blood group distribution in ANA positive patients

Aims: Antinuclear antibody (ANA) positivity is a common finding in various autoimmune diseases, particularly those of rheumatologic origin. While ANA positivity alone may not be diagnostic, it serves as a valuable marker when supported by clinical findings, aiding in the diagnosis and prediction of autoimmune diseases. The relationship between blood group systems and various diseases has been an area of interest in medical research. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential association between ABO blood group and ANA positivity, specifically examining whether the ABO blood group status poses a risk for autoimmune diseases in individuals with rheumatologic conditions. Methods: In this retrospective study, we analyzed the blood group data of 536 patients who tested positive for ANA and were receiving treatment for rheumatologic diseases. The blood group status of these individuals was determined using standard serologic techniques. The distribution of ABO and Rh factor blood groups among ANA-positive patients was compared with the blood group distribution in the general population. Statistical analysis was performed to assess any significant differences. Results: The analysis revealed that the distribution of ABO and Rh factor blood groups among ANA-positive individuals did not show a statistically significant difference compared to the general population. Specifically, there was no significant deviation in the prevalence of ABO blood groups (A, B, AB, O) or Rh factor (positive or negative) among ANA-positive patients compared to expected frequencies based on population data. Conclusion: Based on our findings, there appears to be no significant association between ABO blood group status and ANA positivity in patients with rheumatologic diseases. The distribution of ABO and Rh blood groups among ANA-positive individuals closely resembled that of the general population. Therefore, our study suggests that current blood group status may not serve as a predictive factor for autoimmune diseases in individuals who test positive for ANA. Further research is warranted to explore other potential factors contributing to autoimmune disease susceptibility.

Antinuclear Antibody Positivity in Patients With Hair Loss After COVID-19 Infection.

Hair loss is one of the most common disorders after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between COVID-19-related hair loss and antinuclear antibody (ANA) positivity and patterns. ANA positivity and patterns were analyzed in 30 female COVID-19 patients with hair loss complaints and compared in terms of the presence of autoimmunity between patients with and without COVID-19 exhibiting hair loss. ANA positivity and cytoplasmic patterns were detected in 40% of the patients with COVID-19 infection and hair loss. Trichodynia and diffuse hair loss were observed in 63.3% and 53.3%, respectively. In patients with COVID-19-related hair loss, diffuse hair loss and ANA positivity may be related to the high antibody levels triggered by COVID-19 infection.

Clinical significance of antinuclear antibody positivity in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019.

This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of fluorescent antinuclear antibody (FANA)-positive patients admitted for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and identify FANA as a prognostic factor of mortality. This retrospective study was conducted at a university-affiliated hospital with 1,048 beds from September 2020 to March 2022. The participants were consecutive patients who required oxygenation through a high-flow nasal cannula, non-invasive or mechanical ventilation, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and conducted the FANA test within 48 hours of admission. A total of 132 patients with severe COVID-19 were included in this study, of which 77 (58.3%) had FANA-positive findings (≥ 1:80). FANA-positive patients were older and had higher inflammatory markers and 28-day mortality than FANA- negative patients. In the multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, FANA-positive findings (hazard ratio [HR], 2.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-6.74), age (per 1-year; HR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01-1.10), underlying pulmonary disease (HR, 3.16; 95% CI, 0.97-10.26), underlying hypertension (HR, 2.97; 95% CI, 1.28-6.87), and blood urea nitrogen > 20 mg/dL (HR, 3.72; 95% CI, 1.09-12.64) were independent predictors of 28-day mortality. Remdesivir (HR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.15-0.74) was found to be an independent predictor that reduced mortality. Our findings revealed an autoimmune phenomenon in patients with severe COVID-19, which provides an ancillary rationale for strategies to optimize immunosuppressive therapy. In particular, this study suggests the potential of FANA to predict the outcomes of COVID-19.

Frequency of antinuclear antibody positivity in patients with pattern hair loss.

Frequency of antinuclear antibody positivity in patients with pattern hair loss.

Daily melatonin levels in women with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Dear Editor, Sir, in a recent issue of Balkan Medical Journal, we have read with a great interest the published article by Robeva et al. (1) entitled “Decreased daily melatonin levels in women with systemic lupus erythematosus - a short report”. The authors showed that daily melatonin levels were decreased in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, we think that some points should be discussed. Melatonin is a hormone that found in plants, animals and microorganisms. Melatonin is mainly produced and secreted by pineal gland in humans. Secretion occurs in dark, and peaks at 2 to 4 a.m. (2). Its production is suppressed by exposure of light to retina. It is especially blue light, at a wavelength of around 460 to 480 nm, which inhibits melatonin secretion in the morning. 90% of the hormone is cleared from circulation in one passage through the liver after secretion. Because of these causes, serum samples obtained at after dawn are not suitable for evaluating melatonin levels. 6-hydroxymelatonin sulphate (6-HMS) is the major hepatic metabolite of melatonin and is primarily excreted in the urine. It has been accepted that urine 6-HMS is a good biomarker of pineal gland activity for desired period (3). Several kinds of plants contain considerable amount of melatonin such as banana, orange and pineapple. Therefore, consuming such foods give rise to significant increment on serum melatonin levels (4). In this study, the authors did not define the eating habits of participants in terms of above plants. In addition, for the control group, psychiatric disorders, medication (e.g. β-blockers), and metabolic disorders should be expressed in detail. The authors have stated that the mean age was not significantly different between the two groups. However, they compared three groups: short photoperiod SLE, long photoperiod SLE and control groups. It is known that melatonin production clearly declines with age (2). In this regard, the mean ages of three groups should be defined clearly, to assess whether there were differences and to prevent misunderstanding. The diagnosis of SLE is based on a combination of clinical findings and laboratory evidence which have been defined by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR). The ACR recommends antinuclear antibody (ANA) testing in patients with two or more unexplained signs or symptoms of SLE. According to the Evidence-Based Guidelines for the use of ANA testing, the average sensitivity of the ANA was 93% and the specificity was 57% for the diagnosis of SLE (5). In this regard, the rate of ANA positivity in patients with SLE in this study, which was 71%, is questionable. In conclusion, as we believe that this study contributes valuable information to the literature, an explanation of above concerns will certainly present reliable data to the readers.

Demographical, laboratory and associated findings in patients with perniosis

Perniosis is a cold-induced inflammatory disorder of the acral areas. The objective of this study was to investigate the demographic characteristics, associated factors, clinical and laboratory findings in patients with perniosis and to compare those findings between patients who had recurrent and acute disease. Thirty-four patients with perniosis were investigated retrospectively for age, gender, occupation, smoking and diet histories, associated diseases, family history of perniosis, precipitating factors, the month of onset and the duration of perniosis, the distribution of the lesions and the results of laboratory investigations. Fifteen patients were male and 19 were female. The ages of the patients ranged from 15 to 57years. Thirteen patients were working as sales people, which was the most common occupation. Sixteen patients were smokers. While 25 of the patients had encountered perniosis for the first time, in 9 of the patients, there were recurrent lesions. Diseases other than perniosis were recorded in 6 of the patients. The laboratory tests revealed mild leukopenia in 2, antinuclear antibody (ANA) positivity in 3, mild rise in albumin level in serum protein electrophoresis in 1 patient. ANA positivity was significantly higher in patients with recurrent disease. Perniosis was more common in women and below 40years. We found no significant laboratory findings except ANA positivity in patients with recurrent perniosis.

Antinuclear antibody positivity in patients with chronic hepatitis C: clinically relevant or an epiphenomenon?

Serum autoantibodies such as antinuclear antibody (ANA) are frequently detected in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, but its relevance is a matter of discussion. To assess the association of ANA positivity with clinical and histological features, and with the outcome of antiviral therapy in patients with HCV infection. Baseline samples from patients with hepatitis C treated with interferon and ribavirin were tested for ANA positivity by indirect immunofluorescence. The mean age was 48.3+/-11.1 years and 56% were men. Among 234 included patients, 22 patients (9.4%) were positive for ANA. These patients showed significantly higher median alanine aminotransferase level (3.52 vs. 2.39 x upper limit of normal, P=0.009) when compared with ANA-negative patients. Fibrosis stage and necroinflammatory grading were not influenced by ANA positivity. Sustained virological response (SVR) rates were similar between ANA-positive and ANA-negative patients (27 vs. 29%, P=0.882). Alanine aminotransferase flares (> or = 1.5-fold the baseline) during treatment were observed in 28 patients (12%), irrespective of the presence of ANA and without any clinical significance. Among HCV patients, ANA positivity seems to represent an immunological epiphenomenon. It neither influences clinical, biochemical, and histological features of chronic hepatitis C nor predicts response to antiviral treatment.

Utility of immunologic parameters in the evaluation of Meniere's disease

Conclusion. Because of the lack of association between a positive test and response to corticosteroid treatment, at present, detection of anti-HSP 70 antibody, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), or antinuclear antibody (ANA), does not offer clinically useful information in the treatment of Meniere's disease (MD). Objectives. The study was designed to investigate the performance of various laboratory tests, including anti-HSP 70, TNF-α, ESR, ANA, and anti-phospholipid antibodies, in the diagnosis and treatment response of patients with MD. Patients and methods. Thirty patients who presented with MD and 30 healthy people were selected as study and control groups, respectively. The laboratory panel included the following tests: anti-HSP 70 antibody immunoassay, TNF-α, ESR, ANA, and anti-phospholipid antibodies. The study group was given corticosteroid therapy and separated into two groups: the corticosteroid responders and the corticosteroid non-responders. In the follow-up, repeat audiograms were evaluated to determine the response to treatment. Results. TNF-α was found at significantly lower titers in the study group when compared with the control group (p<0.05). Anti-HSP 70 was not found in high titers in the study group. ANA positivity in patients with MD was not statistically different from the control group. There was no significant difference in the treatment response for any of the parameters tested.

Positivity for antinuclear antibody in patients with advanced rheumatoid arthritis.

Some patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as well as those with other collagen diseases are positive for antinuclear antibody (ANA). We investigated the frequency of positivity for ANA in 104 patients with RA and evaluated the clinical features and laboratory data in the ANA-positive and -negative groups. The presence of ANA in sera was studied by indirect immunofluorescence using HEp-2 cells as the antigen substrate. Sera with a positive fluorescence at a dilution of 1:20 were considered to be positive for ANA. Of the 104 patients, 39 (37.5%) were positive for ANA. The staining pattern in the positive cases varied, but most were speckled (64.1%) and homogeneous (48.7%). A small number showed a nucleolar (20.5%) or a centromere (10.3%) pattern. None showed a shaggy pattern. The ANA titer was lower in RA patients compared with those with other collagen-related diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus or progressive systematic sclerosis. None of the patients positive for ANA with either a nucleolar or centromere staining pattern had progressive systemic sclerosis or the CREST syndrome. One patient each had Raynaud's phenomenon and pulmonary fibrosis. There was no correlation between ANA positivity and indicators of joint inflammation. The prevalence of ANA positivity in patients with advanced or prolonged disease was higher than those with early stages or short durations. There was no correlation with drug therapy.

HLADR5 and C4BQO high frequency and antinuclear antibodies positivity in patients with 21 hydroxylase deficiency from Campania region.

HLA haplotypes, complement C4 factor and factor B immunochemical concentrations and autoantibodies titer have been studied in six patients with mild congenital adrenal hyperplasia (MC-AH), in two patients with classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CCAH) and in their parents. A high frequency of DR5 and C4BQO alleles have been found in MCAH patients. Moreover, C4BQO allele is carried out in three out of four cases associated with DR5. In the two CCAH patients we found a B51 and a B14 allele, the last one usually described in the non classical form of the disease in population of different ethnic origin. Signs of autoimmunity in some patients and parents have been found. C4 null alleles were several-fold more frequent among our patients with respect to the same ethnic control group and the autoantibody positivity could be the result of an altered immune regulation. The presence of a positive correlation between cortisol basal levels and C4 and Bf concentrations in the six MC-AH patients suggests an interrelationship between hormonal factors and immunological findings in this disease. Our finding about HLA antigens not previously described in this syndrome may stimulate more profound studies by genomic and cDNA probes.