Study of direct immunofluorescence in various connective tissue disorders

Introduction: Connective tissue diseases (CTDs) have got significant cutaneous manifestations that may exhibit widespread systemic dysfunction. Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) test for tissue bound autoantibodies provides a useful investigative tool for the diagnosis of connective tissue diseases. Aim: The aim of the study was to see the clinical, histological and immunological correlation of various connective tissue diseases and to evaluate the sensitivity of DIF in specific diagnosis of various CTDs. Materials and Method: 21 patients of CTDs attending skin OPD and IPD of a tertiary care hospital in Ujjain were included in the study and were thoroughly examined. Results: Out of 21, 15 cases showed DIF patterns concordant with histologic diagnosis. The sensitivity of DIF was 88.9%(8/9) in the cases of DLE (Discoid lupus erythematosus), 66.6% (2/4) in SLE (Systemic lupus erythematosus) and 62.5% (5/8) in Scleroderma. Conclusion: DIF is essential for diagnosing connective tissue diseases with the clinical and the histopathological overlap as well as in monitoring the prognosis of the diseases.