To describe the occurrence of erosive arthropathy in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and its relationship to anti-CCP antibodies.
Retrospective medical record review of a case series of five female patients with SLE and erosive arthropathies.
The initial disease presentation in all patients was a polyarthritis. Anti-CCP antibodies were detected in 4 out of 5 (80%) patients, 2 of whom had a positive rheumatoid factor.
Erosive arthritis was strongly associated with the presence of anti-CCP antibodies in these patients with SLE, who presented with polyarthritis. Anti-CCP in patients with SLE may be a marker of a more severe joint disease.