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

• Published in: Digestive diseases and sciences Vol. 42; no. 10; pp. 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: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Heidelberg Springer 01.10.1997; Springer Nature B.V
• 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; Human; Immunopathology; Fruit stone; IgA; Proximity; Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody; IgG; Inflammatory disease; Incidence; Result; Crohn disease; Immunological investigation; Digestive diseases; Intestinal disease; Ulcerative colitis
• ISSN: 0163-2116; 1573-2568
• DOI: 10.1023/A:1018803509150

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.