The role of antinuclear reactions in the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus: A study of 53 cases

Abstract

Abstract Fifty‐three patients with symptoms suggestive of S.L.E. were studied clinically and serologically (antinuclear reactions included complement fixation against nucleoprotein, DNA, and histone, tests for rheumatoid arthritis). Clinically and serologically, the patients with (72 per cent) and without (18 per cent) L.E. cell phenomenon did not differ significantly and seem to represent one nosological entity. It is suggested that in the past too much emphasis has been placed on a positive L.E. cell test in establishing the diagnosis of S.L.E. The results clearly indicate that in addition to this test, antinuclear reactions are an indispensable tool in establishing the diagnosis of S.L.E.