“Anti-Ro/SS-A autoantibody detection in Lupus Erythematosus and Sjögren's Syndrome. Their relationship with cutaneous photosensitivity”

MARIELA PAZ; DANIEL GONZÁLEZ MAGLIO; MARÍA PINO; ALEJANDRA PELUZZONI; PATRICIA TROIELLI; GUSTAVO NASSWETTER; JULIANA LEONI

Córdoba, Argentina.

Congreso; VII Latin American Congress of Immunology; 2005

Asociación Latinoamericana de Inmunología

Objectives      To evaluate the prevalence of anti-Ro/SS-A antibodies in Lupus Erythematosus (LE) and Sjögren’s Syndrome (SS) patients using two ELISA methods, described as having different sensitivity.         To verify if there is any association between anti-Ro/SS-A antibodies and the cutaneous photosensitivity manifestation, since there are many discrepancies about it, although literature suggests there is a positive correlation. Methods       Sera from 84 patients were studied by an ELISA (#1), which uses recombinant proteins to detect anti-Ro/SS-A 52 and 60 kDa independently. These results were contrasted with the obtained by a commercial ELISA (#2 – INOVA Diagnostics) where total anti-Ro/SS-A antibodies are detected. Results       ELISA #1: 33% positive patients (21% LE and 4% SS). ELISA #2: 44% positive patients (26% LE and 7% SS).       63% of the patients had photosensitivity; 52% of photosensitive patients were anti-Ro/SS-A negative by ELISA #2 (64% LE – 43% without pathology). Conclusion       The contrast between the techniques mentioned indicates that the detection using Ro/SS-A 52 and 60 kDa proteins together is more sensitive than the method which uses them separately.       It was confirmed that there is not a direct association between anti-Ro/SS-A antibodies and photosensitivity, at least in the studied population.