Antinuclear Antibodies in Families of Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract

IN the last decade systemic lupus erythematosus has been reported in 2 or more members of over 20 families.^{1 , 2} Systematic studies of families of patients have demonstrated an increased incidence of biologic false-positive reactions for syphilis,^{3 4 5 6} of rheumatoid factor^{3 , 5 , 7} and of positive Coombs tests⁵ in healthy relatives. These observations suggest that hereditary factors are important in the pathogenesis.Of the many immunologic abnormalities that occur in the disease L.E. cells and antinuclear antibodies are the most characteristic. In a preliminary communication antinuclear antibodies were reported in the serum of 24 of 50 relatives of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.⁸ Other . . .