RT Journal
A1 Tervaert J, van der Woude FJ, Fauci AS, et al
T1 ASsociation between active wegener's granulomatosis and anticytoplasmic antibodies
JF Archives of Internal Medicine
JO Archives of Internal Medicine
YR 1989
FD November 1
VO 149
IS 11
SP 2461
OP 2465
DO 10.1001/archinte.1989.00390110055012
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archinte.1989.00390110055012
AB • Autoantibodies reacting with the cytoplasm of granulocytes and monocytes (anticytoplasmic antibodies [ACPAs]) were found in 42 of 45 patients with active Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) (sensitivity, 93%). Specificity was tested in selected groups of patients with closely related diseases. Of 58 patients without a diagnosis of WG, 2 had ACPAs (specificity, 97%). The significance of ACPA titration for assessing or predicting disease activity was evaluated in a 16-month prospective study of 35 patients with WG. Seventeen relapses were observed and all were preceded by a significant rise of the ACPA titer. Anticytoplasmic antibodies are a specific and sensitive marker for active WG; a rising titer is a sensitive marker for the development of a relapse.(Arch Intern Med. 1989;149:2461-2465)