Objective: Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) have been found in up to 25% of adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and in 69% of affected children. We investigated ANCA and antibodies to myeloperoxidase (MPO) in 50 children with SLE.
Methods: ANCA in serum were measured by indirect immunofluorescence and antibodies to MPO by ELISA.
Results: ANCA were found in 8 (7 perinuclear ANCA, 1 cytoplasmic ANCA) of the 50 sera tested (16%). All the 8 ANCA positive patients were also positive for anti-MPO antibodies. No association with vasculitis or specific organ involvement was observed.
Conclusion: Our results in children are roughly similar to those reported for adults.