Background/Purpose: Anti-SSA/Ro antibodies (Abs) can target Ro60 and Ro52 antigens. The presence of anti-Ro60 Abs has been widely described in patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs). However, the clinical implication of anti-Ro52 Abs for the diagnosis and management of SARDs remains unclear. We aimed to assess the clinical associations of anti-Ro52 antibodies in patients with high clinical suspicion of SARDs.

Methods: We retrieved the clinical records of all patients with positive anti-Ro52 Abs tested in our hospital between November 2017 and September 2020. Patients were divided into 3 groups: 1) anti-Ro52+Ro60+ 2) antiRo52+Ro60- 3) antiRo52+Ro60+ with other Abs. A comparative study between groups was performed.

Results: 57 patients (43 women/14 men; mean age 62.1±13.6 years) with antiRo52+ Abs were identified. Final diagnosis were: undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) (n=13), anti-synthetase/overlap myositis (n=12), Sjögren’s syndrome (n=7), interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF) (n=6), scleroderma (n=4), systemic lupus erythematosus (n=2), dermatomyositis (n=2), other systemic inflammatory diseases (n=3). In 8 (14%) patients the diagnosis of inflammatory diseases was finally ruled out. 27 patients were classified in the Ro52+Ro60+ group, 11 in the Ro52+Ro60- group and 19 Ro52+ with other Abs. Patients with Ro52+Ro60- were younger and more often women than patients with Ro52+Ro60+.Interstitial lung disease (ILD) was less frequent in patients with Ro52+Ro60-(Table). Isolated Ro52 Abs were more frequently associated with UCTD, while IPAF was more commonly found in patients with anti-Ro52+Ro60+ Abs (TABLE and FIGURE).

Conclusion: Anti Ro52 Abs determination has clinical implications in the diagnosis of SARDs

TABLE

FIGURE

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ACR Meeting Abstracts - https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/clinical-associations-of-anti-ro52-antibodies-in-patients-with-systemic-autoimmune-rheumatic-diseases/