Anti-Ro(SSA) positive rheumatoid arthritis (RA): a clinicoserological group of patients with high incidence of D-penicillamine side effects.

The clinical, laboratory, histological, and radiological manifestations of 90 Greek patients with anti-Ro(SSA) negative rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were compared with those of 15 Greek patients with anti-Ro(SSA) positive RA. Anti-Ro(SSA) positive RA patients had the same articular and extra-articular manifestations as anti-Ro(SSA) negative patients. However, they were predominantly females with lower rheumatoid factor titres and a high incidence of positive minor salivary gland biopsy specimens for Sjögren's syndrome. Finally, anti-Ro(SSA) positive RA patients frequently experienced penicillamine side effects.