Evaluation of anti-DFS70 antibodies and DFS pattern in ANA positive individuals and ANA Associated Rheumatic Diseases

Aim: In this study we aimed to find the frequency of anti-DFS70 antibodies and DFS pattern in ANA positive individuals and ANA associated rheumatic diseases (AARDs).Methods: In this study, 337 subjects who were evaluated in a rheumatology clinic with prediagnosis of rheumatic diseases with positive ANA test and had concurrent anti-extractable nuclear antigen (anti-ENA) antibodies results were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical diagnosis of patients and demographic characteristics were obtained from the patients' medical records.Results: A total of 337 subjects (305 women, 32 men) were included in this study. The mean age was 49.8 ± 14.2 years. Of the 337 participants, 111 (32.9%) had an IIF-DFS pattern and 226 (67.1%) had a non-DFS pattern. Anti-DFS70 antibodies were positive in 20.1% of individuals. Sixty eight individuals had AARDs. An IIF-DFS pattern was observed in 22.1% and a non-DFS pattern was observed in 77.9% of individuals with AARDs (p <0.05). Anti-DFS70 antibodies were positive in 13.2% of patients with AARDs. The frequency of AARDs was significantly lower in individuals with anti-DFS70 antibodies compared to individuals with other anti-ENAs antibodies (p <0.05).Conclusion: Anti-DFS70 antibodies may be present in patients with AARDs but AARDs are less prevalent in patients who had anti-DFS70 antibodies, compared with patients who had other anti-ENAs.