The diagnostic value of anti-nucleosome antibodies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic specificity and sensitivity of antinucleosome antibodies(AnuA) in systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE).Methods The ELISA was used to measure the AnuA in serum of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.50 patients with other rheumatic diseases and 30 healthy controls were recruited to the study.Results Seropositive for AnuA were 78.7% in SLE patients and 8.0% in controls(P0.01).The sensitivity and specificity of AnuA in SLE were 78.7%and 97.4% respectively.The specificity of AnuA in SLE was higher than anti-histone antibody(ANA)(P0.01).The incidences of AnuA in SLE with negative anti-dsDNA,Sm and anti-histone antibody(ANA) were 88.1%,91.4%and 81.8%.Conclusion The AnuA is specific antibody for diagnosis of SLE,and AnuA is valuable in diagnosis of SLE with negative anti-dsDNA,Sm and anti-histone antibodies.