The presentations and outcomes of patients with positive ANA test

Authors

  • Kanjana Lueangrangsiyakul Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Phramongkutklao Hospital, Bangkok
  • Kobkul Aunhachoke Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Phramongkutklao Hospital, Bangkok
  • Chutika Srisuttiyakorn Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Phramongkutklao Hospital, Bangkok

Keywords:

Anti-nuclear antibody, connective tissue disease

Abstract

Background: In general practice, antinuclear antibody (ANA) test is often used as an initial screening for connective tissue diseases (CTDs). Even though positive test can be detected in most of the autoimmune diseases, it can also be found in other inflammatory or infectious conditions, and even in healthy individuals. Objective: To evaluate the patients who had positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) test in relation to clinical presentation and presence of connective tissue diseases (CTDs). Methods: A retrospective collection of data was done in patients who underwent the ANA test at Phramongkutklao Hospital between May 1, 2013 and March 30, 2015. Patients older than 15 years old with ANA titer ≥1:160 were enrolled into the study. The demographic data, clinical presentations, relevant laboratory evaluations and final diagnosis were collected. Results: There were 320 patients, 59 were male and 261 were female with the mean age of 48.5 years. The final diagnoses of connective tissue diseases (CTD) and non-connective tissue diseases (non-CTD) were found in 154 (48.12%) and 166 (51.88%) of patients respectively. ANA patterns of “homogeneous”, “coarse speckled” and “nucleolar”, especially in high titer (≥1:1280) were significantly correlated with the diagnosis of CTD (P< 0.05). No correlation of ANA patterns and major organ involvement was found. Nevertheless, the presence of anti-centromere pattern was associated with less number of major organ involvements. Conclusion: Among patients with positive ANA test, the patients with high titers of “homogeneous”, “speckled” and “nucleolar” ANA patterns were more likely to have CTDs. The presence of anti-centromere pattern was less likely to have major organ involvement.

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Published

2017-09-01

How to Cite

Lueangrangsiyakul, K., Aunhachoke, K., & Srisuttiyakorn, C. (2017). The presentations and outcomes of patients with positive ANA test. Thai Journal of Dermatology, 33(3), 195–208. Retrieved from https://he02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/TJD/article/view/159069

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Original articles