| Abstract: | Antikeratin antibodies (AKA) were found in the sera of 59% (121/204) of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). There was a significantly higher incidence of AKA (73%) in male patients compared with females (53%) and a correlation between AKA positivity and IgM rheumatoid factor was found. Antibody reactivity was positively associated with the presence of nodules, antinuclear antibody, C-reactive protein and disease severity. AKA would appear to have possible prognostic significance in patients with RA. |
