Journal article

Prevalence, correlates and clinical usefulness of antibodies to RNA polymerase III in systemic sclerosis: A cross-sectional analysis of data from an Australian cohort

M Nikpour, P Hissaria, J Byron, J Sahhar, M Micallef, W Paspaliaris, J Roddy, P Nash, A Sturgess, S Proudman, W Stevens

Arthritis Research and Therapy | BMC | Published : 2011

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalence of antibodies to RNA polymerase III (anti-RNAP) differs among systemic sclerosis (SSc) cohorts worldwide. Previously reported associations of anti-RNAP include diffuse cutaneous disease, tendon friction rubs and renal crisis, with recent reports suggesting a close temporal association between malignancy and SSc disease onset among patients with anti-RNAP.Methods: Patients with SSc were tested for the presence of anti-RNAP at recruitment into the Australian Scleroderma Cohort Study. We used univariate and multivariable methods to identify and quantify clinical and laboratory correlates of anti-RNAP in SSc. Diagnostic testing procedures were used to determine the u..

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University of Melbourne Researchers

Grants

Funding Acknowledgements

Financial support for the present study was provided by a University of Melbourne Early Career Researcher Grant (to MN), Scleroderma Australia, Arthritis Australia, Actelion Australia, Bayer, CSL Biotherapies, GlaxoSmithKline Australia, and Pfizer. The authors also wish to thank St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne Information Technology Department for their expert advice and continued support of the Australian Scleroderma Cohort Study and Database.