Intended for healthcare professionals

Serum autoantibodies and connective tissue disorders

Andrew Sherley-Dale
Understanding the results of serum autoantibody tests for the diagnosis of connective tissue disorders (CTDs) can present challenges. This article highlights the utility and limitations of some of the commonly available tests. Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) were first reported in 1957 and extractable nuclear antigens (ENAs) in 1959. Despite decades of research, it is still not entirely clear why such antibodies arise, nor have the roles of their target antigens been fully elucidated.
Dermatology in practice 2008; 16(1): 14–18
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Dermatology in practice was previously supported by Wyeth from 2008 to 2010, by Wyeth and Serono in 2007, by Wyeth and Shire from 2005 to 2006, by Medlock Medical in 2004 and by SSL International from 2001 to 2003.

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