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RNA polymerase III autoantibodies may indicate renal and more severe skin involvement in systemic sclerosis
Author(s) -
Terras Sarah,
Hartenstein Hans,
Höxtermann Stefan,
Gambichler Thilo,
Kreuter Alexander
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
international journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.677
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1365-4632
pISSN - 0011-9059
DOI - 10.1111/ijd.13032
Subject(s) - medicine , autoantibody , rna , immunology , pathology , antibody , gene , genetics , biology
Abstract Background Systemic sclerosis ( SS c) is a multiorgan autoimmune disorder characterized by sclerosis of the skin and organs as well as the presence of antinuclear autoantibodies. Several types of antinuclear autoantibodies have been described in SS c, associated with distinct disease entities and differences in prognosis. Methods The aim of this study was to screen for the presence of antibodies reacting with RNA polymerase III (anti‐ RNAP 3) in a large cohort of patients with SS c treated at a tertiary referral center and to evaluate correlations with disease severity. Results Anti‐ RNAP 3 antibodies were detected in 11 of 158 patients (7.0%). Eight of the 11 (72.7%) anti‐ RNAP 3‐positive patients had diffuse cutaneous SS c ( P < 0.01). A higher modified Rodnan skin score, associated with diffuse SS c, correlated with the presence of anti‐ RNAP 3 ( P < 0.0001). The detection of anti‐ RNAP 3 antibodies strongly correlated with the presence of renal involvement ( P < 0.0001). The odds ratio of RNAP 3‐positive patients to develop renal involvement was 80.1 (95% CI 9.3–690.1). Conclusions This study demonstrates that the detection of anti‐ RNAP 3 antibodies in patients with SS c correlates with renal crisis and severe cutaneous involvement. The possibility to detect specific antibodies with a prognostic value can lead to a better risk management of patients with SS c.