Prognostic value of lupus band test in unexposed normal skin of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Biopsy specimens of normal unexposed buttock skin were taken from 71 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) for lupus band test (LBT). Correlation of positive incidence, fluorescent intensity, protein classes and numbers of LBT with SLE activity including active nephropathy were studied. Positive LBT results are associated with SLE disease activity, decreased CH50 and C3, ANA peripheral pattern and positive AdsDNA antibodies, but not with active nephropathy per se. Although LBT results of unexposed normal skin can reflect SLE activity, its prognostic value should not be overestimated.