Autoimmunity in lichen planopilaris patients

Abstract

Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a rare, scarring form of alopecia with lymphocytic pattern. Due to the destruction of epithelial hair follicle stem cells in the bulge, it represents an irreversible condition. Antinuclear antibodies have been used for decades as diagnostic biomarkers of several rheumatological diseases.

Aim: The aim of study was to determine the frequency of anti-nuclear antibodies positivity and subsequently analyze the presence of specific antibodies in LPP patients.

Materials and methods: 57 patients (aged 28-79, female 96%) were included in the study. Patients with LPP were treated in Department of Dermatology of University Hospital in Cracow, Poland and were identified on individual record review. Antinuclear antibodies were detected using indirect immunofluorescence on HEp-2 cells and immunoblot test.

Results: Antinuclear antibodies were detected in sera of 48 out of 57 LPP patients (84,2%). In 22 (46%) patients antinuclear antibodies specificity could be defined, anti-dsDNA and anti-Ro/anti-SSA being most common.

Conclusions: Antinuclear antibodies were detected in sera of 48 out of 57 LPP patients (84,2%). In 22 (46%) patients antinuclear antibodies specificity could be defined, anti-dsDNA and anti-Ro/anti-SSA being most common.

Keywords: antinuclear antibodies; autoimmunity; cicatrical alopecia; frontal fibrosing alopecia; lichen planopilaris; primary.