Antinuclear antibodies in rosacea patients

Abstract

IntroductionRosacea is a common inflammatory disorder, characterized by a spectrum of facial manifestations. The clinical similarity to other dermatoses, like lupus erythematosus, might lead to misdiagnosis, particularly in patients with elevated antinuclear antibody titers.AimTo assess the frequency, titer and specificity of antinuclear antibodies in rosacea patients and correlate these findings with clinical features.Material and methodsThe study included 101 rosacea patients and 26 sex- and age-matched controls. Immunofluorescence antinuclear antibody testing was performed on HEp-2 substrates. Patients’ sera with ANA titers of 1 : 160 or higher were evaluated by Euroline analysis.ResultsOver a half (53.5%) of rosacea patients had an ANA titer greater than or equal to 1 : 160. Within this group 13.86% had a titer of 1 : 320, 8.91% had a titer of 1 : 640, and 6.93% had a titer of 1 : 1,280 or higher. The specificity of these antibodies could not be identified. Elevated ANA titers were present more often in women (55.8%) than in men (44.15%). Only two of 26 healthy volunteers had elevated ANA titers. One had a titer of 1 : 160 and the other of 1 : 320. During a two-year observation period, after the initial ANA testing, none of the patients with ANA titers above 1 : 640 developed an apparent autoimmune disorder.ConclusionsElevated ANA titers are commonly found in rosacea patients, what with simultaneously existing facial erythema and photosensitivity might lead to misdiagnosis of lupus erythematosus. Clinicians should beware of these findings to avoid misdiagnosing lupus erythematosus in rosacea patients with elevated ANA titers.

Rosacea: Molecular Mechanisms and Management of a Chronic Cutaneous Inflammatory Condition

“…Furthermore, plasma cells are also observed in rosacea skin biopsy specimens [ 40 ] and infiltration with plasma cells along with profound antibodies has also been observed in rosacea [ 14 ]. In particular, antinuclear antibody titer has been frequently found to be elevated in patients with rosacea [ 123 ]. These findings suggest that the functions of B cell-mediated responses in rosacea warrant further consideration.…”

Demodex positive discoid lupus erythematosus: Is it a separate entity or an overlap syndrome?

“…A subset of patients with rosacea can demonstrate positive ANA results 12 . In a clinical study, 101 rosacea patients and 26 control groups were tested to evaluate the frequency, titer, and specificity of ANA, and as a result, higher ANA titers were detected in rosacea patients (53.46%) than the control group (7.70%) 24 . This study has shown that ANA positivity is also highly seen in rosacea disease.…”

Severe rosacea: A case report

“…The clinical similarity to LE might lead to misdiagnosis, particularly in patients with elevated ANA titers. [ 16 ] Elevated ANA titers are not infrequently found in patients with rosacea. Thus, less credence should be given to an elevated ANA titer when trying to distinguish LE from rosacea.…”

“…Thus, less credence should be given to an elevated ANA titer when trying to distinguish LE from rosacea. [ 16 ] LE can be ruled out by clinical manifestations and laboratory tests. The patient in the present case was seronegative, and the histologic findings were not characteristic of LE.…”