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Rheumatologic disorders frequently have prominent dermatologic features, and biomarkers may help to detect early disease, aid diagnosis and prognostication, or measure response to therapy. These authors reviewed use of biomarkers in rheumatic disorders, including lupus erythematosus (LE) and myopathies.
Criteria for diagnosing systemic LE (SLE) include serologic markers. The antinuclear antibody (ANA) is almost always positive although nonspecific; anti-nDNA antibodies are specific and levels may predict lupus nephritis activity. Anti-Sm antibodies are also specific for SLE, but levels do not predict activity. The authors note one study that showed a progressive development of autoantibodies from ANA to anti-phospholipid, anti-Ro/SS-A, anti-…