Longitudinal antinuclear antibody titers in systemic lupus erythematosus and other rheumatic diseases

Retrospective EHR analysis (1999-2020) of 6,983 patients with 2 or more ANA-IFA tests found SLE patients had higher odds of positive ANA and higher titer strength than other rheumatic-disease patients or ANA-positive controls, but titer strength decreased over time in all groups. Candidate notes: SLE vs other ANA-associated rheumatic diseases: OR 2.10 (95% CI 1.82-2.43) for positive ANA, adjusted for time and demographics Titer strength decreased 0.001-0.004 log titer units/month from first positive ANA in all groups (p<=0.001) 183/1516 (12.1%) of SLE patients had a subsequent negative ANA Limits noted in the record: Retrospective, exploratory EHR analysis; ANA tests were ordered for clinical care, introducing testing-indication bias Median only 2 ANA assessments per patient with average 27-month follow-up; validated SLE cohort was small (n=71) A positive ANA is not a diagnosis. Claims in this record are not verified.

A positive ANA is not a diagnosis. Claims in this record are not verified.

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