[The clinico-prognostic assessment of DNA antibodies and antinuclear factors in rheumatoid arthritis patients].

As many as 195 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were examined for the clinical characteristics of the disease course depending on the presence or lack of antibodies to DNA or of antinuclear factor (ANF). Provided the patients' blood serum contained antibodies to DNA and ANF, RA was noted to run a graver course associated with a high-active process, marked erosive and destructive lesions of the joints, and the development of systemic manifestations. Excess production of the antibodies in question was accompanied by an increase of circulating immune complexes and rheumatoid factor, and a decrease of serum IgG. Glucocorticoids were demonstrated to be effective in suppression of autoimmune disorders. The presence of antibodies to DNA and of ANF is a prognostically unfavourable sign, indicating the development of systemic manifestations.