Racial Differences in the Frequencies of Scleroderma‐Related Autoantibodies

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Abstract
Objective. To determine demographic differences in scleroderma-related autoantibodies. Methods. One hundred fifty-six patients with systemic sclerosis were prospectively examined for anticentromere antibodies (ACA), anti—topoisomerase I (anti—topo I, or Scl-70), antinucleolar, and anti—U1 RNP autoantibodies. Results. ACA was found in 36% of Caucasians and 4% of American blacks (P = 0.002, odds ratio [OR] 15). Anti—topo I was found in 37% of American blacks, compared with 17% of Caucasians (P = 0.04, OR 3). No significant differences in the frequencies of antinucleolar and anti—U1 RNP autoantibodies were found. Conclusion. These data suggest important demographic differences in scleroderma-associated autoantibodies.