Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies in inflammatory bowel disease with special attention for IgA-class antibodies

Perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (P-ANCA) of the IgG class have been reported in inflammatory bowel disease, mainly in ulcerative colitis. Since this disease affects the gastrointestinal tract, we determined whether IgA class ANCA were present in inflammatory bowel disease. We used...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Digestive diseases and sciences 1997-10, Vol.42 (10), p.2171-2174
Main Authors: GIGASE, P, DE CLERCK, L. S, VAN COTTHEM, K. A, BRIDTS, C. H, STEVENS, W. J, VAN OUTRYVE, M, PELCKMANS, P. A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic - blood
Biological and medical sciences
C-Reactive Protein - analysis
Female
Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect
Gastroenterology. Liver. Pancreas. Abdomen
Humans
Immunoglobulin A - blood
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases - immunology
Male
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Other diseases. Semiology
Reference Values
Sensitivity and Specificity
Stomach. Duodenum. Small intestine. Colon. Rectum. Anus
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Summary:Perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (P-ANCA) of the IgG class have been reported in inflammatory bowel disease, mainly in ulcerative colitis. Since this disease affects the gastrointestinal tract, we determined whether IgA class ANCA were present in inflammatory bowel disease. We used an indirect immunofluorescence assay for IgG and IgA ANCA testing. Sera from 34 patients with Crohn's disease and 29 patients with ulcerative colitis were collected together with clinical and laboratory data. We found IgA class ANCA of a perinuclear type in 52% of patients with ulcerative colitis and in 9% of Crohn's disease patients. There was a significant association between the presence of IgA ANCA and the occurrence of blood in the feces in the ulcerative colitis group (P = 0.03). IgG ANCA was found in 56% of patients with ulcerative colitis and in 7% of patients with Crohn's disease. Because of partial overlap between IgG and IgA ANCA positivity, the sensitivity of ANCA testing in ulcerative colitis increased from 56% up to 78% by combining IgG and IgA assays. In conclusion, IgA ANCA occurs with a high prevalence in ulcerative colitis. Moreover there is a possible relationship between IgA ANCA and disease activity in ulcerative colitis.
ISSN:0163-2116
1573-2568
DOI:10.1023/A:1018803509150