Anti-native DNA Antibodies in Discoid Lupus Erythematosus

Elevated anti-native DNA antibodies were found in certain patients who had discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE). Two of these patients developed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The finding of anti-native DNA antibodies, generally thought to be specific for SLE, is further evidence that DLE might be part of the spectrum of SLE. Patients with DLE whose sera bind more than 15% of iodine 125-labelled native DNA (after correction for normal controls) by the ammonium sulfate precipitation technique, may eventually have systemic manifestations and, therefore, may have a guarded prognosis. In contradistinction to other widely used serologic tests, the presence of elevated anti-native DNA antibodies may be of prognostic value in patients with DLE.