Anticardiolipin antibody: a marker of immune reactivity
Hoppmann, R.A.; Loeser, R.; Saluta, G.; Rothberger, H.
Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology 7(3): 283-286
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0392-856X PMID: 2788057 Document Number: 332259
An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for anticardiolipin (ACL) antibody was performed on 250 consecutive antinuclear antibody (ANA) or anticytoplasmic antibody (ACA) positive sera and 50 consecutive ANA/ACA negative sera submitted to a rheumatology reference laboratory for ANA testing. Of the 250 ANA/ACA positive sera, 33 (13%) were found to be ACL antibody positive. This compared with only 2 (4%) ACL antibody positive samples among the 50 ANA/ACA negative controls. Chart review revealed only one documented case of thrombosis in ACL antibody positive patients. We conclude that among ANA/ACA positive patients, ACL antibody is a frequent finding. ACL antibody in the population studied is not associated with thrombosis. ACL antibody in this group appears to more accurately reflect immune reactivity than a thrombotic state.