ANTIHISTONE ANTIBODIES IN SYSTEMIC-SCLEROSIS - ASSOCIATION WITH PULMONARY FIBROSIS

Objective. To determine the prevalence and clinical significance of an tihistone antibodies (AHA) in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Methods. Serum samples from patients with limited cutaneous SSc (n = 44), diffuse cu taneous SSc (dcSSc; n = 48), and other SSc-related disorders (n = 22) were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoblotting for AHA. Results. AHA were demonstrated in 29% of the 92 SSc patients and in 44% of those with dcSSc. The presence of AHA correlated with se vere pulmonary fibrosis in those with dcSSc. Immunoblotting revealed t hat the predominant antigen was histone H1. Conclusion. AHA might be a serologic indicator of the severity of pulmonary fibrosis in SSc.