Racial Differences in the Frequencies of Scleroderma‐Related Autoantibodies

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.