Which antibodies are a marker for scleroderma?

Which antibodies are a marker for scleroderma?

• A. Anti-dsDNA antibodies
• B. Anti-centromere antibodies
• C. Anti-Smith antibodies
• D. Anti-Ro antibodies

Answer: (B)

Anti-centromere antibodies are recognized as a specific marker for scleroderma, particularly for the limited form of the disease known as limited scleroderma or CREST syndrome (Calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, Esophageal dysmotility, Sclerodactyly, and Telangiectasia). These antibodies are associated with distinct clinical features and can play a critical role in both the diagnosis and characterization of disease subtypes. In contrast, anti-dsDNA antibodies are primarily associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), while anti-Smith antibodies are also specific to SLE. Anti-Ro antibodies, also known as anti-SSA antibodies, are typically seen in Sjögren's syndrome and SLE rather than scleroderma. Therefore, the presence of anti-centromere antibodies is a distinctive hallmark that supports a diagnosis of scleroderma, making them the correct choice in this context.

Anti-centromere antibodies are recognized as a specific marker for scleroderma, particularly for the limited form of the disease known as limited scleroderma or CREST syndrome (Calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, Esophageal dysmotility, Sclerodactyly, and Telangiectasia). These antibodies are associated with distinct clinical features and can play a critical role in both the diagnosis and characterization of disease subtypes.

In contrast, anti-dsDNA antibodies are primarily associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), while anti-Smith antibodies are also specific to SLE. Anti-Ro antibodies, also known as anti-SSA antibodies, are typically seen in Sjögren's syndrome and SLE rather than scleroderma. Therefore, the presence of anti-centromere antibodies is a distinctive hallmark that supports a diagnosis of scleroderma, making them the correct choice in this context.