Anti-agalactosyl immunoglobulin G antibodies in localized scleroderma

BACKGROUND: Anti-agalactosyl immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies (anti-AG IgG) have been reported to be detected and correlated with disease activity in some collagen diseases. METHOD: Forty-seven serum samples from patients with localized scleroderma were examined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Anti-AG IgG were positive in 19% of patients with localized scleroderma. The frequency of anti-AG IgG in generalized morphea was much higher than that in linear scleroderma or that in morphea. There was a significant correlation between anti-AG IgG levels and the number of the sclerotic lesions and between anti-AG IgG levels and the number of involved areas. The levels of anti-AG IgG were significantly higher in patients with antinuclear antibody, antisingle-stranded DNA antibody or rheumatoid factor than in those without. CONCLUSION: Anti-AG IgG can be an indicator of the severity of localized scleroderma.