Open AccessU1—70‐kd autoantibody–positive mixed connective tissue disease in children. A longitudinal clinical and serologic analysis
Author(s) -
Hoffman Robert W.,
Cassidy James T.,
Takeda Yoshihiko,
SmithJones Elaine I.,
Wang Grace S.,
Sharp Gordon C.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
arthritis & rheumatism
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1529-0131
pISSN - 0004-3591
DOI - 10.1002/art.1780361115
Subject(s) - autoantibody , mixed connective tissue disease , serology , ribonucleoprotein , human leukocyte antigen , medicine , immunology , antibody , connective tissue , tissue typing , connective tissue disease , typing , pathology , autoimmune disease , antigen , biology , genetics , rna , gene
Objective. To obtain longitudinal data on the clinical, serologic, and immunogenetic features of children with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD). Methods. Eleven children with MCTD were followed up for a mean of 9.8 years. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and immunoblotting were used to analyze sera for autoantibodies to small nuclear ribonucleoprotein polypeptides. HLA types were determined in 9 patients, by microcytotoxicity and DNA typing. Results. All 11 children had anti–U1–70‐kd autoantibodies. Six of 9 were positive for HLA–DR2, 4 of 9 for HLA–DR4, and 9 of 9 for either HLA–DR2 or DR4. Outcomes were favorable with no functional impairment in 8 of the 11 children and were poor in 3. Conclusion. The frequency of HLA–DR2/DR4 is increased among children with anti–U1–70‐kd autoantibody positive MCTD.