The occurrence of antinuclear, anti-SSA/Ro and anti-SSB/La antibodies in patients with polymorphous light eruption.

Serological features were investigated in 22 patients with polymorphous light eruption. The diagnosis was made from the history and clinical patterns and confirmed by phototesting and histological examinations. In 4 patients with polymorphous light eruption, anti-RNP antibodies were detected in the serum despite the fact that the antinuclear antibody tests were negative in all cases. The serum levels of anti-SSA/Ro antibodies in the patients were mildly but significantly elevated (p less than 0.001) as compared with healthy controls. No difference was found between the patients and controls regarding the serum concentrations of anti-SSB/La antibodies. The conclusion is drawn that it is necessary to examine patients with polymorphous light eruption with regard to a 'late autoimmune course' and it is worthwhile to study the relationship between the photosensitivity and the occurrence of anti-SSA/Ro antibodies.