HLA-DR2 predicts susceptibility and disease chronicity in Irish sarcoidosis patients.

Abstract

This study supports the role of HLA-DR2 (15) as both a susceptibility and poor prognostic marker in sarcoidosis and DR2 positive patients may particularly benefit from close follow-up and early treatment. In contrast, DR3 positive patients are at a much lesser risk of chronic disease. Studies for long-term treatment effects require stratification for HLA-DR2 and DR3 status.