Anti-U1RNP antibody and aseptic meningitis in connective tissue diseases

Objective: To investigate the relationship between aseptic meningitis and anti-U1RNP antibody in patients diagnosed with CTD. Methods: Fourteen patients with aseptic meningitis were selected from among patients with CTDs who had visited our hospital. We analyzed their medical records to clarify the clinical and immunological features of aseptic meningitis. Results: A total of 14 patients with aseptic meningitis were subsequently diagnosed as having either SLE (seven cases), MCTD (four), UCTD (one), overlap syndrome (one), or Sjogren's syndrome (one). Eight of the 14 patients had received NSAIDs, such as sulindac, naproxen, or loxoprofen, before the onset of aseptic meningitis. CRP levels were increased (mean+/-SD: 7.1 +/- 7.1mg/dL) and CRP levels (10.4 +/- 7.7) in the drug-induced group were significantly increased (p < 0.01). The anti-U1RNP antibody was found in 13 of the 14 patients. There were no significant differences in cerebrospinal fluid findings between the drug-induced group and the non-drug-induced group. Conclusions: SLE or MCTD patients with aseptic meningitis tend to have anti-U1RNP antibody.