Anti-annexin V antibodies and digital ischemia in patients with scleroderma.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the frequency and clinical significance of anti-annexin V antibodies in patients with scleroderma. METHODS: The study population consisted of 66 patients with scleroderma. Their sera were examined for IgG anti-annexin V antibodies by ELISA and immunoblotting. RESULTS: IgG anti-annexin V antibodies were detected by ELISA in 12 patients (18.2%) with scleroderma. Anti-annexin V antibodies were associated with digital ischemia in the patients with scleroderma. Only one patient of the 12 had anticardiolipin antibodies. Although 6 patients with anti-annexin V antibodies were also examined for activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), none showed prolonged APTT. No IgG anti-annexin V antibodies were detected by immunoblotting. CONCLUSION: Anti-annexin V antibodies in scleroderma are related to digital ischemia. These antibodies may be associated with the pathogenesis of vascular involvement in scleroderma.