Inflammatory bowel disease-specific autoantibodies in HLA-B27-associated spondyloarthropathies: Increased prevalence of ASCA and pANCA

Aims: An association between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and
spondyloarthropathies (SpA) has repeatedly been reported. The aim
of the present study was to investigate whether serologic markers
of IBD, e. g. antibodies against Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ASCA),
antibodies against exocrine pancreas (PAB) and perinuclear
antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (pANCA) are present in
HLA-B27-associated SpA. Methods: 87 patients with HLA-B27-positive
SpA and 145 controls were tested for ASCA, PAB and pANCA employing
ELISA or indirect immunofluorescence, respectively.
Antibody-positive patients were interviewed regarding IBD-related
symptoms using a standardized questionnaire. Results/Conclusion:
When compared to the controls, ASCA IgA but not ASCA IgG levels
were significantly increased in patients with SpA, in particular in
ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and undifferentiated SpA (uSpA). pANCA
were found in increased frequency in patients with SpA whereas PAB
were not detected. The existence of autoantibodies was not
associated with gastrointestinal symptoms but sustains the presence
of a pathophysiological link between bowel inflammation and SpA.
Copyright (C) 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel.