Which antibody is more commonly associated with diffuse systemic sclerosis?

Which antibody is more commonly associated with diffuse systemic sclerosis?

• A. Anti-centromere antibodies
• B. Anti-dsDNA antibodies
• C. Anti-RNP antibodies
• D. Anti-SCL-70 antibodies

Answer: (D)

In diffuse systemic sclerosis, anti-topoisomerase I antibodies (anti-Scl-70) are most strongly associated with the disease. This form tends to have widespread skin involvement and a higher risk of interstitial lung disease, and the presence of anti-Scl-70 correlates with that more extensive organ fibrosis. By contrast, anti-centromere antibodies are more typical of the limited form (CREST) and generally indicate a better prognosis, while anti-dsDNA is characteristic of systemic lupus erythematosus, and anti-RNP is linked to mixed connective tissue disease. So the antibody most commonly tied to the diffuse subtype is anti-Scl-70.

In diffuse systemic sclerosis, anti-topoisomerase I antibodies (anti-Scl-70) are most strongly associated with the disease. This form tends to have widespread skin involvement and a higher risk of interstitial lung disease, and the presence of anti-Scl-70 correlates with that more extensive organ fibrosis. By contrast, anti-centromere antibodies are more typical of the limited form (CREST) and generally indicate a better prognosis, while anti-dsDNA is characteristic of systemic lupus erythematosus, and anti-RNP is linked to mixed connective tissue disease. So the antibody most commonly tied to the diffuse subtype is anti-Scl-70.