Correlation of serum ANA and direct immunofluorescence studies in elderly Thai patients with red and white oral lesions

Objectives This study investigated the presence of serum antinuclear antibodies ( ANA ) profile and direct immunofluorescence ( DIF ) evaluation in elderly Thai patients with red and white oral lesions. Materials and Methods Thirty‐two patients with red and white oral lesions were divided into two groups: group I consisted of 10 cases not taking medications, while group II consisted of 12 cases taking medications, and 30 healthy subjects as a control group. Blood samples were used to determine the ANA profile. DIF was investigated in the lesion containing groups. Results Serum ANA was found in six cases (60%) in group I, eight cases (66.7%) in group II , and 19 cases (63.3%) in the control group. There were no significant differences between group I and group II and the control group ( P > 0.05). Serum ANA was most commonly found in patients taking hypolipidemics (80%), followed by antihypertensives (71.4%), NSAID s (50%), hypoglycemics (50%), and others (66.7%). The anticytoplasmic staining frequency in group II was higher compared with group I and the control group. Anti‐ds DNA antibodies were not found in any group. Conclusions Elderly patients with red and white oral lesions who were taking medications had a higher serum ANA frequency than group I and the control group.