[Antibodies against soluble nuclear antigens of the SS-A or SS-B type. Significance in systemic lupus erythematosis (author's transl)].

Thirty-five patients with systemic lupus were investigated for serum antibodies specifically directed against soluble proteic nuclear antigens similar to the SS-A and SS-B antigens. The presence of these antibodies did not make much difference in the clinical and biological symptoms of the disease, except for a higher incidence of Gougerot-Sjögren's syndrome with clinical manifestations. Their prevalence in systemic lupus erythematosus was 35%, anti-SS-A antibodies being more frequent than anti-SS-B antibodies (27% and 4,5% respectively). A third different antibody was found in 3% of the patients. These precipitating anti-SS-A or SS-B antibodies have no prognostic significance. They may be present in the absence of antinuclear antibodies detectable by immunofluorescence.