Serologic Alterations in Scleroderma and Sclerodermatomyositis

The serologic alterations in a series of 419 patients with scleroderma and 27 patients with sclerodermatomyositis are reported. In 401 sclerodermatous patients tested, the sedimentation rate (Westergren) was normal in one third, as high as 40 mm in one third, and more than 40 mm in one third. The rheumatoid factor was present in the serum of 35% of 265 patients. Lupus erythematosus (LE) cells were found in 4 of 230 sclerodermatous females but were not found in any of the 58 males. Serologic test for syphilis was positive in 5% of 363 patients. In 313 patients, serum protein electrophoretic patterns generally were normal, although the γ-globulin fraction was increased (usually slightly) in 26%. Compared to those who had scleroderma, the 27 patients with sclerodermatomyositis had higher sedimentation rates, higher γ-globulin levels, and a greater incidence of positive tests for rheumatoid factor, seemingly reflecting a more serious illness. LE cells were detected in one case and false-positive reactions to serologic test for syphilis in two cases.